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SPY|QQQ Monday 1PM 2/23/2026

February 23, 2026 4 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis:

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Analysis of the SPY based on the recent 13 bars on the 30-minute intraday chart indicates a slight bullish sentiment. Over the past 30 minutes, SPY shows resilience, with a close higher than the open in most bars, indicating buying pressure. Volume fluctuates, but there is no clear trend suggesting substantial accumulation or distribution. Key moving averages (such as 20, 50 on a smaller timeframe) might suggest an upward momentum if the price is trading above them.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
Similar to SPY, QQQ displays a slight bullish sentiment, indicated by higher closes than opens in the latest bars. Noticeable support can be observed in the lower shadows, suggesting buying interest. The price movement in QQQ has been more volatile, reflecting its tech-heavy composition, but the recent bars illustrate an overall steady uptrend, albeit with some caution as volume levels remain average without much change.

VXX (Volatility Index):
VXX shows a downward trajectory in the most recent 13 bars, with an evident decline in price. This decrease in VXX typically corresponds with reduced market fear and suggests a calm sentiment among investors, potentially bullish for SPY and QQQ. Despite a spike in volume early in the session, there appears to be minimal continuation, thus reinforcing the notion of diminishing volatility.

Sector Analysis:

Analysis of Sector ETFs over the past 30-day period shows some intriguing sector rotations:

  • XLE (Energy): Struggling, as reflected by mixed signals in the most recent data, with a minor downward bias.
  • XLK (Technology): Appears to have an upward momentum, consistent with the performance of the QQQ.
  • XLF (Financials): Shows resilience with a moderate bid, signaling potential strength.
  • XLV (Healthcare): A stable performer without significant movements.
  • XLP (Consumer Staples): Indicates strength as it inches towards new levels.
  • XLY (Consumer Discretionary): Mixed sentiment but showing some upward resilience.

Strong Sectors: XLK (Technology) and XLF (Financials) seem to be leading, driven by growth stocks and financial optimism, suggesting a bullish sentiment there.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:

  • Support: Around 680, as evidenced by multiple touches in previous sessions.
  • Resistance: 683-684 range; breaking above could foster a bullish continuation.

QQQ:

  • Support: Around 599, suggesting a foundation if selling resumes.
  • Resistance: Notably at 602-603; a break here could lead to further momentum.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
For SPY and QQQ, a bullish scenario would involve a sustained break above the identified resistance, driven by positive economic news or earnings beats that surprise the markets. A slowdown in rate hikes or optimistic forward guidance from top companies could further boost this sentiment.

Bearish Scenario:
In this case, a reversal from key resistance levels, coupled with geopolitical tensions or disappointing macroeconomic figures (such as unexpected job losses or inflation upticks), could prop up a bearish trend. Watch for breakdowns below support levels, which could trigger further selling pressure.

Overall Commentary:

The market sentiment currently tilts more towards a cautious optimism, with sectors like Technology and Financials spearheading the charge. While volatility, as per VXX, suggests calm, traders remain mindful of key levels, especially given recent geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainties. Nonetheless, the focus remains on performance into the subsequent earnings season and potential Federal Reserve policy statements which could be pivotal.

Charts:

  • SPY: finviz dynamic chart for  SPY
  • QQQ: finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ
  • VXX: finviz dynamic chart for  VXX
  • XLC: finviz dynamic chart for  XLC
  • XLY: finviz dynamic chart for  XLY
  • XLP: finviz dynamic chart for  XLP
  • XLE: finviz dynamic chart for  XLE
  • XLF: finviz dynamic chart for  XLF
  • XLV: finviz dynamic chart for  XLV
  • XLI: finviz dynamic chart for  XLI
  • XLK: finviz dynamic chart for  XLK
  • XLB: finviz dynamic chart for  XLB
  • XLRE: finviz dynamic chart for  XLRE
  • XLU: finviz dynamic chart for  XLU

By keeping an eye on the aforementioned levels and developments, traders can align their strategies accordingly, allowing for both opportunistic and risk-managed approaches in this environment.

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