What is a technical barrier in asset movement?

A technical barrier occurs when the structure of an asset's order book restricts or slows down price movement in the expected direction.

For example, take today's order book for gold. We've broken down the data into these charts, showing that with gold currently around $2,682 per ounce, the order book indicates that downward moves would be more profitable for market makers and trigger more pending orders, such as stop losses.

So, either the price needs to move lower, or the market structure must shift before any upward movement.

Major option levels for $SPX. consider that we have failed to go through 5900. Pre-market levels for $SPX. Watch price reaction to these levels during the New York session.