As we approach the opening bell on September 22, 2026, systematic traders should take a moment to assess the overnight session and key levels for both the Nasdaq-100 E-mini (NQ) and the S&P 500 E-mini (ES). With automated trading setups becoming increasingly popular, understanding how to leverage these tools effectively can enhance your trading strategy.

Overnight Session Tone

The tone of the overnight session has been notably bullish, evidenced by significant upward movements in both index futures. The NQ settled at 30,759.00, reflecting a robust increase of +1,312.25 points or +4.46% from its prior settle of 29,446.75. This positive momentum may signal continued strength as traders look to the open.

Similarly, the ES also demonstrated a strong performance, closing at 7,836.50, up +196.50 points or +2.57% from its previous settlement of 7,640.00. This bullish sentiment in the market suggests a favorable environment for systematic trading strategies.

Key Levels to Watch

For traders utilizing automated systems, identifying key levels can be crucial for executing trades effectively. For the NQ, the previous session's high was 30,916.50, and the low was 30,670.00. The current price is situated within a 5-day range of 28,957.75 to 30,916.50.

In the case of the ES, traders should pay attention to the high of 7,843.75 and the low of 7,810.50 from the prior session, with a 5-day range spanning from 7,551.50 to 7,847.25. These levels can act as potential support and resistance points, which are essential for automated trading systems to consider.

Economic Calendar Events

While specific economic events are not listed, it’s essential to keep an eye on the day’s economic calendar. Traders should be prepared for potential market-moving news that could impact index futures. Automated systems should be programmed to react to economic releases and adjust strategies accordingly to capitalize on volatility.

Automated Trading Considerations

Systematic traders using tools like NinjaView can benefit from efficiently executing alerts generated from TradingView into NinjaTrader 8. As we look at the session ahead, it is advisable to set alerts based on the aforementioned key levels. For instance, if the NQ approaches the previous high of 30,916.50, this could trigger a buy signal, while a dip near the 30,670.00 level may prompt a sell signal.

For the ES, traders should consider similar setups. Monitoring the price action around 7,843.75 could provide an opportunity for entry, whereas a fallback towards 7,810.50 may signify a chance to exit or short the market. Integrating these levels into your automated setup will help align your trading strategy with market movements.

In conclusion, as the market prepares to open, traders should remain vigilant and utilize their automated systems to navigate the day's trading environment effectively. By being mindful of overnight trends, key levels, and the economic calendar, systematic traders can position themselves for a successful trading day.