Initial Balance Strategy for ES and NQ Futures

The Initial Balance is the high and low of the first hour of the regular session. On ES and NQ that range often frames the day’s early bias, liquidity, and the balance between buyers and sellers.

Traders read balance inside the Initial Balance, and directional intent when price breaks and extends. Combine it with support and resistance, prior-day levels, and POC/value area. This is a framework for a plan, not a promise of results.