NQ read: Oct 23, 2026 pre-market (bias down)

Updated 9:10 AM ET (6:10 AM Arizona): levels corrected to the Topstep levels. An earlier version of this post used different value area and point-of-control numbers. The table below is the correct set.

NQ has bounced from the morning low and is trading around 29,283, back above last week's low (29,268) and settlement (29,142), and just under yesterday's volume point of control (29,313).

The levels (Topstep)

What it means

Price is back inside yesterday's value area (29,088 to 29,370) after holding above yesterday's low in the overnight session.

Still leaning down while price stays under the value area high at 29,370. A rejection at 29,313 to 29,370 keeps the down read; the levels below are 29,268, 29,142, 29,088 and 29,033.

Acceptance above 29,370 (30-minute closes) would shift the picture toward yesterday's high at 29,993.

Below yesterday's low at 29,033, the weekly kickoff low at 28,350 is the bigger level.

A read, not a trade: no entries, no stops, nothing to buy or sell. Most people who day trade lose money. Education only, not investment advice.