Nasdaq futures have shifted to a lower control structure after failing to stay above the resistance level of 26,036. This change is evident as the prices moved back toward the daily central pivot, confirming that the market fell below it into a lower trading range. The volume profile supports this shift, showing a change in value through previous Points of Control rather than just rotating between them. This indicates a stabilization in trading within a consistent framework that has been in place since December.

Structure First Strategy

This analysis applies a structure-first strategy. It looks at daily structure, intraday pivots, and volume to explain the current trading environment before the Asia, London, and New York sessions begin. The approach involves identifying key levels before assessing price reactions. In other news, the EUR/USD has dropped below 1.1650 due to strong US economic data. Gold is trading around $4,600 per ounce after pulling back from record highs. In the cryptocurrency market, Dash, Internet Computer, and Pump.fun are seeing significant gains over the last 24 hours. Hyperliquid is also performing well, trading above $26.00, driven by better on-chain metrics and increased market activity. Nasdaq futures have shown weakness after not being able to stay above the 26,036 resistance level. The dip below the daily pivot indicates that sellers are in control, pointing to a move towards the lower end of the trading range. This bearish trend has been forming since the market turned down from those highs earlier this month.

Economic Reports And Market Trends

Recent strong economic reports back up this shift. The December 2025 jobs report shows unemployment dropped to 3.6%, while inflation came in higher than expected. This data suggests that the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates steady through the first quarter, removing a key support for growth stocks. With this downward pressure, we should look for chances to short Nasdaq futures or buy put options, targeting levels established back in December 2025. The volume profile indicates that this is not a minor pullback; it’s a significant move of value to lower prices. Thus, any rallies back toward the broken pivot could be seen as opportunities to sell. Jerome Powell’s approaching end as Fed Chair adds uncertainty to the market, which may lead to increased volatility in the upcoming weeks. Traders should think about buying protection or speculating on greater price swings using options on the VIX, which historically rise during market stress. This situation is also boosting the US Dollar, pushing the EUR/USD below 1.1650 and causing Gold to pull back from its recent highs around $4,643 per ounce. These trends are set to continue as long as the market expects the Fed to hold steady. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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