Daily Analysis Study Guide

Pull last 10 days of ES/NQ OHLC data

Circle the lowest low of the 10-day period — that's your Buy Day anchor. Count forward and back in groups of 3.

Label today: Buy Day / Sell Day / Short Sale Day

The cycle never breaks continuity. No gaps for weekends or holidays — treat as one continuous series of sessions.

Record yesterday's OHLC and underline the key objective

Buy Day → underline the low. Sell Day / Short Sale Day → underline the high. These are your reference levels today.

Note yesterday's First/Last signal (X or check mark)

Was the key objective hit early (X = First) or late (check = Last)? This is your primary trend tell for today's setup strength.

Calculate the D column (decline unit)

Short Sale Day high minus Buying Day low. Compare to your recent rolling average. Wide D = expect smaller R ahead.

Calculate the R column (rally unit)

Buying Day low to Short Sale Day high. Small D → expect large R. Use averages to calibrate today's risk/reward.

Set today's key objective price level

Buy Day: Short Sale Day low. Sell Day: Buy Day high. Short Sale Day: Sell Day high. Write the exact level.

Check for Violation setup (Buy Day only)

Was yesterday's close weak or flat? BU column running wide? If yes, expect price to undercut the Short Sale Day low before finding support.

Identify the current Trading Area: Uptrend or Downtrend

Uptrend: higher swing lows, R > D, Selling Objectives consistently penetrated. Downtrend: lower highs, BV common, failures to penetrate.

Note recent failures to penetrate vs. clean penetrations

Consistent failure to reach Sell Day objectives = developing downtrend. Log this — it changes which setups you take.

Flag any recent Buy Day Low Violations in your log

Multiple BVs = downtrend. Single BV made FIRST = potential high-conviction long setup. Know the difference.

Pull SpotGamma — identify positive or negative GEX regime

Positive GEX: ranges compress, mean reversion. Negative GEX: ranges expand, trending — widen your D/R expectations.

Mark GEX walls, gamma flip level, and put/call walls

These are your structural support and resistance. When they align with Taylor objectives, conviction goes up sharply.

Check unusual options flow near today's Taylor objective

Heavy put/call activity at the same level as a Buy Day low or Short Sale Day high = high-confluence setup.

Mark prior day value area (VAH, VAL, POC)

Buy Day low near VAL = strong confluence long. Short Sale Day high near VAH = strong confluence short. Note alignment.

Assess prior day structure: normal, trend, or failed auction

Trend days break the cycle rhythm — expect a corrective day to follow. b or P shapes signal responsive opportunity ahead.

Note overnight inventory: long, short, or balanced

Imbalanced overnight inventory often resolves early — watch for false First signals at the open that revert quickly.

Write your lean in one sentence before the open

Cycle day + trend area + GEX regime + TPO structure = your lean. Long bias, short bias, or two-sided. Commit to it.

Define your invalidation level

If price acts opposite your lean in the first 30 min, what level proves you wrong? Write the exact price.

Identify primary setup — do not force early if unclear

Taylor: "Never make a trade unless it favors your play. It is better to pass the entire session than to guess."