Stoploss,
I used to look at the prem that way. Who knows maybe I've lost something by not continuing to watch it in that level of detail. You certainly seem to be picking it up and spotting the significance of certain patterns.
These day's I just keep an eye on the level in relation to fair value mostly.
Everybody repeatedly goes through the stage when they try and watch everything in an attempt to catch that "leading" signal and nail turns. I sometimes think it's boredom that makes us do it.
However, whenever I start cramming too much info into my workspace I inevitably lose sight of the one thing that has proved the most consistent, i.e. watching patterns develop against S/R in the ES, NQ and YM.
I find I can just about "monitor" the three futures, TICK and prem level at the same time and maintain the level of attentiveness required to spot the patterns that I like.
If I start watching prem in detail, it all goes pear shaped I'm afraid.
I've seen the 12centuryfutures stuff before. It used to be fully available freely through daytradersaction.com but that site seems to have disappeared. MER is an interesting one isn't it? I watched it for a while and undoubtedly it can be useful. Personally I doubt whether it's more useful than doing what some of the off-floor based guys do and watch the likes of GE, SUN, ORCL, etc.
However, as we discussed before, VIX, TRIN even MER merely act as indicators of "market tone". As such, they are as good a tool as anything for making sure you are not fighting against the market. They do have severe limitations though.
Take yesterday where after the rumours were largely quashed in NY, the market turned in a sixpence. TRIN or VIX or even MER (although I haven't looked at it, isn't going to prepare you for a move like that.
You also have to remember that the guys who promote the use of these tools are prepared to stand aside in the market for days, if necessary, waiting for the right set up of TRIN, TICK, VIX, etc. If that style of trading suits your personality then good luck to you. I sometimes wish I developed a longer term trading style myself
Since you are on a day off
you might see what you can find on TIKI (DJIA TICK) as well.
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