Sometimes markets behave without any rhyme or reason. Today’s action in the S&P 500 is a prime example of this phenomenon. The strong Import/Export and Retail Sales statistics from earlier should have been fueled yet another intraday bull market. Coupled with the FED acting as expected, the S&P 500 was primed to break new ground.

Of course, that has not been the case. Although the fundamentals are strong, the U.S. indices are slightly in the red. The March E-mini S&P 500 futures contract is taking it on the chin, running towards a key support level.

E-mini S&P 500 Technicals

The primary challenge that faces active traders is timing. Knowing when to act on signals, indicators or fundamentals may be the most important aspect of making money in the markets. As of now, those holding intraday longs in the E-mini S&Ps are getting hit.

In such a long-term bull market, being on the lookout for premium buy entries is a good idea. As long as this week’s swing high of 2675.25 holds, buying in from the 38% Fibonacci retracement of 2655.25 is a premium entry.

Bottom Line: For the remainder of today and Friday’s session, longs from 2655.50 in the March E-mini S&P 500 provide an opportunity to get in on the long-term trend in U.S. equities. With an initial stop at 2649.75, a 1:1 R/R trade management plan produces a 27 tick return.

As always, trade smart and watch your leverage!