Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – Tony’s Pre-Market Playbook

Rangebound — But Pressure Is Building
by Tony Rago

Bulls are struggling to gain traction here. We’re still operating inside this larger range, but every push higher has stalled before momentum can really build. First order of business for buyers is clear: reclaim and hold above the weekly pivot, then take out 6,900 on ES and 25,000 on NQ. Those are psychological and structural levels — and it’s not enough to just trade above them intraday. Bulls need a daily close above those zones to confirm acceptance and shift the tone. Until that happens, we’re still rotating inside balance.

Today I’ll be watching those levels closely for a potential breakout — but it has to be real, not just a quick squeeze. On the flip side, if bears step in and show clear leadership, I’ll look to lean short targeting yesterday’s lows. Simple structure, disciplined execution. And one more thing — I’ve been getting a lot of emails from traders pressing in this high-volatility, elevated ATR environment. When ranges expand like this, risk expands with it. Size down, respect your levels, and if ATR is extreme, sometimes the best trade is no trade at all. 💪

👉 Full breakdown is inside today’s Pre-Market Playbook. Check it out here and trade it smart.


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