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SPY|QQQ Monday 4PM 1/26/2026

January 26, 2026 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Based on the 30-minute intraday chart for the past 30 days, SPY recently witnessed a downtrend in the last 13 bars, with noticeable drops in both price and volume. The SPY closed slightly lower after hitting its intra-session high, potentially indicating a bearish sentiment or consolidation phase. The declining volume accompanying the price movement suggests a lack of strong buying interest, which may imply cautious optimism or awaiting an external catalyst.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
Similarly, QQQ’s 30-minute chart reveals a short-term downtrend in the last 13 bars, with significant selling pressure as evidenced by increased volume during downward price movements, especially in the 15:30-16:00 time frame. The technology sector, a major component of QQQ, appears to be experiencing volatility, which could suggest cautious sentiment or sector-specific selling pressure.

VXX (Volatility Index):
The VXX indicates increased volatility with recent spikes, particularly in the last session’s bars, suggesting heightened market anxiety or uncertainty. Such behavior often correlates with potential downward pressure in broader indices like SPY and QQQ, reflecting investors’ defensive positioning and risk aversion.

Sector Analysis:

Examining sector ETFs over the past 30 days:

  • Strong Performers: XLF (Financials) and XLK (Technology), which had seen stability but recent pressure in the last session could imply resistance at higher levels.
  • Weak Performers: XLU (Utilities) and XLP (Consumer Staples) show retreat, often indicative of shifts from defensive to risk-on sectors.
  • Rotation Observations: A slight rotation into cyclicals like XLF suggests potential longer-term optimism on economic cycles, but immediate sentiment appears mixed.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
Support: Near-term support at around $691, reinforced by recent buying interest.
Resistance: Immediate resistance appears around $695-$696, where selling has resumed previously.

QQQ:
Support: Critical support near $625; a breach could trigger further downside.
Resistance: Around $628-$629, previously tested and crucial for renewed bullish momentum.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
SPY & QQQ: A bullish breakout for both indices could be triggered by positive economic reports, such as GDP growth or consumer spending data, or major companies exceeding earnings expectations. Technical breakouts above current resistance levels could catalyze further buying.

Bearish Scenario:
SPY & QQQ: Negative economic news such as weak employment data, coupled with geopolitical tensions, could lead to a breakdown of current support levels. A sustained rise in VXX could enhance bearish sentiment, tipping the indices towards a corrective phase.

Overall Commentary:

Overall, the market sentiment remains cautious with a bearish tilt, highlighted by recent declines across SPY and QQQ. VXX’s uptick signifies underlying market jitters. Sector analysis reveals selective sector strength, with financials showing relative resilience. Traders should monitor key support levels closely, given the heightened volatility, while watching for any catalytic news that could influence broader market directions. In this environment, short-term strategies focusing on hedging and selective long positions in outperforming sectors may offer the most prudent approach.

Charts:

To visually support the analysis, please refer to charts using:
– 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

These charts will help in visualizing the price actions and confirm assumptions based on the market sentiment and sector performances discussed.

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