The hardest part isn't acting... it's knowing why you do it
Friday, June 20, 5:50 am — An unusual day begins on the financial markets. The apparent calm of the previous day hides a reality well-known to traders: sessions following a US holiday can be explosive.
June 19, Juneteenth, has been a US federal holiday since 2021. This day commemorates the official end of slavery and has been added to the non-trading calendar. The result: partially closed markets, lower volumes, and potential volatility the following day.
Why does Juneteenth affect the markets?
Even though not all assets are affected equally, a US holiday slows down:
- Trading volumes on stocks and indices (notably the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq),
- US macroeconomic and statistical releases,
- Activity of market makers and central banks (including the Fed).
As a trader, it’s essential to understand the effects of this kind of pause on market dynamics. Fewer participants = less readable moves. And the very next day, things can get hectic: news catch-up, delayed reactions, or simply market noise.
Technical analysis: where do indices stand?
Just before Juneteenth, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) delivered a more measured message than expected. Jerome Powell tempered expectations of a rate cut, advocating monetary patience. The result? Markets were caught between hopes for monetary support and fears of prolonged tightening.
Watch out for:
- 42,260 pts on the Dow Jones as a polarity zone,
- The 5,550 pts pivot on the Nasdaq,
- Fibonacci retracement levels on H1 and Daily timeframes.
In short: volatility could pick up again today, with institutions adjusting positions in the absence of major releases.
The trap of "quiet" days: beware of over-interpreting
The main danger today? Reading market moves too quickly.
Because the previous day was "quiet," some signals may seem stronger than they really are. So it’s important to proceed with caution:
- Stick to existing plans,
- Reduce position size if needed,
- Avoid launching new strategies without clear technical validation.
At InteractivTrading.com, our coaches stay engaged to break down these atypical days in our daily live sessions and technical briefs.
Conclusion: a Friday full of surprises?
Even with no major news scheduled today, post-holiday sessions like June 20 often generate more movement than expected. These are perfect times to watch how large players react... and adjust your trading plan accordingly.
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