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SPY|QQQ Friday 1PM 10/17/2025

October 17, 2025 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis:

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Recent trading activity in SPY shows a strong intraday recovery. Over the past 13 bars (approximately 6.5 trading hours), SPY has moved from a low around 658 to close above 661. This suggests a positive shift in sentiment, supported by increasing volume during upward price movements. The use of moving averages for intraday analysis indicates that short-term trends are bullish, with prices predominantly trading above the 50-period moving average during this recent timeframe.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
Similar bullish behavior is observed in QQQ. The past 13 bars reveal QQQ recovering from below 598 to close near 601. The volume pattern suggests heightened interest during upward price movements, again indicating a positive sentiment. The price consistently trading above short-term moving averages supports this short-term bullish narrative.

VXX (Volatility Index):
VXX indicates decreasing volatility with a recent drop from 39.60 to around 38.87, despite an intraday high of 40. This decrease reflects diminishing fear in the market, as lower volatility typically aligns with rising equity prices. This downtrend suggests a stable market environment, reducing negative sentiment pressure on both SPY and QQQ.

Sector Analysis:

Upon examining sector ETFs, certain rotations are apparent. Notably, XLK (Technology) and XLY (Consumer Discretionary) exhibit strength, aligning with the positive movements in QQQ. These sectors have benefited from investor optimism, leading to sector leadership within the market. Conversely, defensive sectors such as XLU (Utilities) and XLP (Consumer Staples) demonstrate relative stagnation. This behavior typically occurs as investors rotate out of defensively positioned sectors in anticipation of or responsive to bullish market cycles.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
Support: Around 658, based on previous low-price reversals.
Resistance: Near 663, a recent intraday high which, if broken, could signal further upside.

QQQ:
Support: Around 598, where buying interest previously emerged.
Resistance: Near 603, marking recent highs; crossing this level would likely attract further buying.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
In a scenario where economic indicators turn positive, coupled with strong corporate earnings surpassing expectations, SPY and QQQ could break above near-term resistance levels. Such a breakout, supported by rising volume, could initiate a new uptrend as risk-on sentiment dominates.

Bearish Scenario:
Adverse economic news or increased geopolitical tensions could trigger a sell-off. In such a scenario, SPY breaking below 658 and QQQ below 598 could lead to intensified selling pressure, especially if accompanied by increasing volume, suggesting a momentum swing lower.

Overall Commentary:

The current market landscape displays a cautiously optimistic sentiment, largely driven by improving short-term technicals and sector rotation into growth areas like technology. Although volatility is subdued, vigilant monitoring of key levels and economic indicators remains vital. Traders should prepare for potential market-moving events, staying ready to adapt to emerging bullish or bearish setups.

Charts:

  • finviz dynamic chart for  SPY
  • finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ
  • finviz dynamic chart for  VXX
  • finviz dynamic chart for  XLK
  • finviz dynamic chart for  XLY
  • finviz dynamic chart for  XLU
  • finviz dynamic chart for  XLP

This comprehensive assessment, applying key technical analysis tools and sector insights, provides a structured overview for immediate trading actions and strategic planning.

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