As we enter the pre-market session on September 24, 2026, automated traders should prepare for potential volatility in US index futures, specifically the Nasdaq-100 E-mini (NQ) and S&P 500 E-mini (ES). The overnight trading session has set a tone that traders should closely monitor.

Overnight Session Tone

The overnight session showed a bearish tone for both NQ and ES. The NQ has settled at 30,497.75, down 287.00 points or -0.93% from the prior settle of 30,784.75. Meanwhile, the ES has dipped to 7,736.50, reflecting a decrease of 97.00 points or -1.24% from its previous close of 7,833.50.

Key Levels to Watch

For traders leveraging automation, key price levels are crucial for setting alerts and managing trades. Here are the levels to keep an eye on:

• NQ: Prior-session high at 30,813.00 and low at 30,370.00. The current trading range over the past five days has been from 29,904.00 to 31,094.75.
• ES: Prior-session high at 7,779.25 and low at 7,707.25. The five-day trading range stands between 7,707.25 and 7,848.50.

Monitoring these levels can help you set your alerts effectively and position your automated strategies accordingly.

Economic Calendar and Market Catalysts

While specific economic events are not detailed, today’s economic calendar will likely contain several catalysts that could influence market sentiment. Automated traders should ensure their setups are responsive to any significant economic news that may arise during the session.

Automation Notes for Traders

For those utilizing a TradingView to NinjaTrader 8 setup, it’s vital to configure your alerts and trading strategies to account for the current market tone and key levels identified earlier. Here are some tips:

• Alert Configuration: Set alerts at the critical support and resistance levels mentioned. This will allow your strategy to react promptly to price movements.
• Risk Management: Have automated stop-loss and take-profit orders in place to manage risk effectively, particularly in a volatile environment.
• Market Sentiment: Consider incorporating market sentiment indicators into your automated strategies to gauge trader psychology, especially as economic news develops.

By preparing your automated trading system with these considerations, you can enhance your chances of navigating today’s market effectively.

In summary, the pre-market session reveals a bearish tone in both NQ and ES, with critical levels to monitor as the day unfolds. Stay alert to economic catalysts that may influence trading, and ensure your automated setups are primed for action.