After the huge run in the Russell I am using the index futures to hedge against long equity exposure in the portfolio. I am not bearish on the market on an intermediate term (weekly) basis but in the short term I think its a prudent time to protect against any potential volatility spike or profit taking in the market especially going into a long weekend. My stop will be above yesterdays high and if the hedge works, price should be heading back into the range (rectangle) from last week