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Trading the Levels › ECG › Levels › Initial balance

ECG Initial Balance (First-Hour High and Low)

Updated Nov 6, 2026, 1:58 AM ET · Initial balance = 9:30–10:30 AM ET
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On Nov 5 ECG's initial balance (first hour) was $72.59 – $76.91, a range of $4.32. The first 5-minute close outside it came at 10:40 AM ET, below the range.
Best for: intradayHold: same dayPrice $73.10 · 15-min delayed
IB high76.91
IB low72.59
IB range$4.32
Price (15-min delayed)73.10

ECG 5-minute chart, Nov 5: initial balance

FIRST HOUR 9:30–10:3072747610a12p2p76.91IB high 76.9172.59IB low 72.5972.43
- - - IB high- - - IB lowShaded = first hour

Where ECG sits in its zone

The delayed price $73.10 is below its daily zone ($77.55 – $100.39), 0.52 ATR under the bottom.

77.55 · bottom 25%middletop 25% · 100.39
  • Setups to watch: the zone broke. Watch for a reclaim back into the zone (false breakdown) or a continuation lower.
  • Prior move: ECG moved down from $113.49 (the last daily swing) to $73.10, about 4.7 ATR, so the move is extended. Traders often watch the reversal first here.
  • Reversal check: a hammer or bullish engulfing candle near $77.55.
  • Breakout check: RVOL above normal on the break (last day's RVOL: 2.3× on Nov 5).
  • Zone tests: price pushed above the zone top 1 time 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

  • ECG traded above its initial balance on 5 of 10 days and below it on 4; both sides on 0.
  • The average IB range was $4.81.
  • Gap: ECG opened Nov 5 at $76.01, a gap down of 4.6% from $79.71; the gap was not filled.
  • Round numbers nearby: $70.00, $75.00, $80.00.

Combined conditions

  • The 30-minute opening range ($72.68–$76.91) sits inside the first hour. VWAP $73.46.
  • The delayed price is below the daily zone: watch for a reclaim or a continuation lower.
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How to trade around ECG's initial balance levels

1. IB breakoutA 5-minute close above $76.91 after 10:30 AM with RVOL above normal is read as a trend day up; back inside cancels it.
2. IB breakdownA close under $72.59 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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ECG initial balance: last 10 sessions

DateIB highIB lowRangeDay went above?Day went below?
Nov 576.9172.59$4.32NoYes
Nov 4100.3989.36$11.03NoYes
Nov 3110.23105.08$5.15YesNo
Nov 2107.98102.74$5.24NoYes
Oct 30105.17101.95$3.22NoYes
Oct 29109.30104.64$4.65YesNo
Oct 28105.61102.06$3.55YesNo
Oct 27101.5398.71$2.83YesNo
Oct 2698.3094.46$3.84YesNo
Oct 2395.6891.39$4.29NoNo

FAQ

What is ECG's initial balance today?

On Nov 5: high $76.91, low $72.59 (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 ECG break its initial balance?

In the last 10 sessions it went above the IB on 5 days and below it on 4 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 ECG 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 ECG in its zone now?

Below its daily zone ($77.55 – $100.39), based on the delayed price.

On SEPT: see ECG'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.