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Trading the Levels › CPU › Levels › Initial balance

CPU Initial Balance (First-Hour High and Low)

Updated Nov 6, 2026, 2:10 AM ET · Initial balance = 9:30–10:30 AM ET
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On Nov 5 CPU's initial balance (first hour) was $17.48 – $17.48, a range of $0.00.
Best for: intradayHold: same dayPrice $17.48 · 15-min delayed
IB high17.48
IB low17.48
IB range$0.00
Price (15-min delayed)17.48

CPU 5-minute chart, Nov 5: initial balance

FIRST HOUR 9:30–10:3016.516.616.716.816.91717.117.217.317.417.517.617.717.817.91818.118.218.318.410a17.48IB high 17.4817.48IB low 17.4817.48
- - - IB high- - - IB lowShaded = first hour

Where CPU sits in its zone

The delayed price $17.48 is below its daily zone ($19.48 – $20.52), 3.13 ATR under the bottom.

19.48 · bottom 25%middletop 25% · 20.52
  • Setups to watch: the zone broke. Watch for a reclaim back into the zone (false breakdown) or a continuation lower.
  • Prior move: CPU moved down from $21.66 (Oct 29) to $17.48, about 6.5 ATR, so the move is extended. Traders often watch the reversal first here.
  • Reversal check: a hammer or bullish engulfing candle near $19.48.
  • Breakout check: RVOL above normal on the break (last day's RVOL: 0.1× on Nov 5).
  • Zone tests: price pushed above the zone top 0 times and fell back, and dipped below the bottom and recovered 0 times. Each test can weaken a zone.

Why initial balance matters

The initial balance is the range set in the first hour, when the most orders hit the market. How the rest of the day treats it tells traders whether it is a range day (price stays inside) or a trend day (price extends far outside).

How traders use it

  • A break and hold above the IB high is read as a trend day up; below the IB low, down.
  • A narrow initial balance often leads to a bigger move later in the day.
  • A break that fails and returns inside often rotates to the other side of the range.

What happened over the last 10 sessions

  • CPU traded above its initial balance on 2 of 10 days and below it on 1; both sides on 0.
  • The average IB range was $0.17.
  • Round numbers nearby: $16.00, $17.00, $18.00.

Combined conditions

  • The 30-minute opening range ($17.48–$17.48) sits inside the first hour. VWAP $17.48.
  • The delayed price is below the daily zone: watch for a reclaim or a continuation lower.
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How to trade around CPU's initial balance levels

1. IB breakoutA 5-minute close above $17.48 after 10:30 AM with RVOL above normal is read as a trend day up; back inside cancels it.
2. IB breakdownA close under $17.48 with volume is the breakdown signal; a quick reclaim is a failed break that often rotates to the IB high.

For more setups and trading strategies, click here →

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CPU initial balance: last 10 sessions

DateIB highIB lowRangeDay went above?Day went below?
Nov 517.4817.48$0.00NoNo
Nov 417.4817.48$0.00NoNo
Nov 318.4818.48$0.00NoYes
Nov 219.0618.33$0.73NoNo
Oct 3020.0019.06$0.94NoNo
Oct 2921.6621.66$0.00NoNo
Oct 2821.6621.66$0.00NoNo
Oct 2720.2020.20$0.00YesNo
Oct 2619.4819.48$0.00YesNo
Oct 2319.4819.48$0.00NoNo

FAQ

What is CPU's initial balance today?

On Nov 5: high $17.48, low $17.48 (9:30–10:30 AM ET).

On SEPT: the initial balance draws on your chart at 10:30 AM automatically. Try it free →
What is the initial balance in trading?

The high and low of the first hour of regular trading, 9:30 to 10:30 AM ET.

On SEPT: combine the IB with VWAP and zones in one setup alert. Try it free →
How often does CPU break its initial balance?

In the last 10 sessions it went above the IB on 2 days and below it on 1 days.

On SEPT: test IB breakout odds on years of real data. Try it free →
What is the difference between the opening range and the initial balance?

The opening range is the first 5, 15 or 30 minutes; the initial balance is the full first hour.

On SEPT: both draw on the chart, so you can compare them live. Try it free →
What does a narrow initial balance mean?

Often a quiet first hour that leads to a bigger move later, as orders build up.

On SEPT: screen for stocks with a narrow IB and rising RVOL. Try it free →
What are the odds CPU trends beyond its IB?

Odds depend on the IB width, the gap, the trend and RVOL.

On SEPT: test the odds and find the conditions that improve them. Try it free →
Where is CPU in its zone now?

Below its daily zone ($19.48 – $20.52), based on the delayed price.

On SEPT: see CPU's zone position live and let GOAX alert you at the zone edge. Try it free →

Data: SEPT market data engine. Delayed data; real-time levels are on the SEPT platform. Times in Eastern Time. Educational information only, not investment advice. No odds or win rates are shown on this page.