A new Nasdaq 100 market internal filter is now being used in NQ Open Range 2026, a NinjaTrader 8 trading system designed to reduce volatility and improve the risk profile of the original Open Range strategy.
Most traders are familiar with price, volume, moving averages, and basic market internals such as TICK, ADV/DECL, or TRIN. But there are other internal indicators that can provide a more specific view of what is happening underneath the surface of the Nasdaq market.
In this video, I cover one of those indicators: TRINND, the Nasdaq 100 Trend indicator available through Kinetick.
This indicator is now being used in one of our NinjaTrader 8 trading systems, NQ Open Range 2026, which is part of a broader three-system Nasdaq futures portfolio.
While the full portfolio combines three independent trading systems into one Nasdaq model portfolio, this discussion focuses specifically on the NQ Open Range 2026 strategy, the reason for the 2026 update, and how one additional filter changed the risk profile of the system.
What Is NQ Open Range 2026?
NQ Open Range 2026 is a Nasdaq futures trading system designed for NinjaTrader 8.
The strategy is based on open-range behavior in NQ futures, but the 2026 version includes an additional market internal filter using TRINND, which represents the Nasdaq 100 TRIN.
Why TRINND Matters
TRINND is different from broader market trend indicators because it is specifically tied to the Nasdaq 100. That makes it a useful internal data point when building a strategy focused on Nasdaq futures exposure.
Why Update the Original Open Range Strategy?
The original NQ Open Range strategy had a strong recent run, especially since February. The equity curve showed solid gains, and the system continued to capture profitable Nasdaq futures opportunities.
However, as index values rise over time, the dollar volatility of Nasdaq futures can also increase. Higher index levels can lead to larger swings, both to the upside and downside.
The Development Question
Can we reduce volatility without eliminating the core edge of the system?
For the 2026 version, we added one simple filter. The purpose was not to curve-fit the system or completely rebuild it. The goal was to make the strategy more selective and improve the overall risk profile.
Original Version vs. NQ Open Range 2026
The original strategy remained more active and produced more total profit during the recent run-up. It also had a much larger drawdown profile.
The 2026 version made fewer trades, gave up some upside during the strongest period, but reduced volatility meaningfully.
| Metric | Original Open Range | NQ Open Range 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Trades | 1,603 | 842 |
| Drawdown | Approx. $45,000 | Approx. $17,000 |
| Avg. Trade Net Profit | Approx. $170 | Approx. $340 |
Strategy results are based on hypothetical performance analysis and are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They do not represent live account performance and are not a guarantee of future results.
Original Open Range
More aggressive, more active, higher total opportunity during strong periods, but with a larger drawdown profile.
NQ Open Range 2026
More selective, fewer trades, higher average trade net profit, and a materially reduced drawdown profile.
Why the Filter Matters
The filter helps the system become more selective.
Instead of taking every qualifying open-range setup, the updated strategy requires additional confirmation from a simple filter.
The Filter Does Three Things
- Reduces the number of trades.
- Filters out lower-quality setups.
- Improves the risk-adjusted profile of the strategy.
The result is a smoother equity curve with lower drawdown, even though the strategy may not capture every opportunity that the original version takes.
That tradeoff is important. In system development, the goal is not always to maximize total profit. Often, the better goal is to improve the relationship between return, drawdown, trade quality, and portfolio fit.
Why This Strategy Is Part of a Portfolio
Although this video focuses on NQ Open Range 2026, the larger objective is the three-system Nasdaq portfolio.
A single trading system can go flat. It can underperform. It can experience a rough market period.
That is why I prefer to evaluate Nasdaq futures exposure through a portfolio of independent models instead of relying on one strategy alone.
Portfolio Construction Objective
The three-system portfolio combines multiple trading systems into one broader Nasdaq futures model portfolio. Each system has its own logic, behavior, and market response.
The goal is to create a more balanced approach than depending on a single strategy.
NQ Open Range 2026 is one piece of that portfolio.
Available for NinjaTrader 8
NQ Open Range 2026 is now available in NinjaTrader 8.
In the video, I also show the NinjaTrader 8 setup and how the TRINND data series is used with the strategy.
For traders using NinjaTrader 8, this makes it possible to access the updated version of the Open Range model as part of the broader three-system Nasdaq futures portfolio.
Review the Three-System Nasdaq Portfolio
NQ Open Range 2026 is part of the broader three-system Nasdaq futures portfolio. Review the current model portfolio details, strategy structure, and setup options.
Final Thoughts
The main takeaway from this update is simple: one well-designed filter can materially change the risk profile of a trading system.
The original Open Range strategy remains more aggressive and has captured strong recent gains. The 2026 version is more selective, reduces drawdown, cuts the number of trades, and increases average trade net profit.
Both versions may have a place depending on the trader’s risk tolerance, but for portfolio construction, the 2026 version provides a cleaner fit inside a multi-system Nasdaq futures portfolio.
Compare Current Capstone Model Portfolios
Compare the current Capstone model portfolios or subscribe to receive future strategy updates, portfolio research, and NinjaTrader 8 system announcements.
Risk Disclosure: Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Actual results may differ materially from hypothetical results. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance, whether actual or hypothetical, is not necessarily indicative of future results. Strategy results, drawdown levels, trade counts, average trade profit, and portfolio comparisons are based on hypothetical research unless specifically stated otherwise. Only risk capital should be used for futures trading.