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SPY|QQQ Thursday 1PM 1/01/2026

January 1, 2026 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Analysis of the SPY’s intraday 30-minute chart over the past 30 days, focusing on the last thirteen bars, shows a slightly declining trend. Despite a rising trend earlier, a gradual decline is observed in both price and volume. The short-term moving average shows the price tapering off below the moving average, indicating potential bearish sentiment. On the volume front, a consistent drop reveals diminishing buying interest or increased selling pressure. This trend could hint towards caution as the market digests economic conditions or upcoming news events.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
The QQQ presents a stable yet slightly bearish scenario. Volume levels have been volatile, with some periods of heightened trading activity, likely due to earnings announcements or tech-related news. The price action remains flat to downward, evidenced by resistance at recent highs and lower highs forming consistently. This pattern indicates reduced momentum that needs fundamental catalysts to reinvigorate a bullish surge.

VXX (Volatility Index):
VXX has seen moderate spikes, suggesting disruptions or market jitters, potentially related to broader economic concerns. A noticeable spike in volume and price drop at close underscores heightened fear or uncertainty, potentially translating to caution in SPY and QQQ trades. This movement signifies defensive posturing amid potential volatility-inducing events.

Sector Analysis:

Evaluating sector ETFs, there appears to be rotation towards safer or defensive sectors such as XLP (Consumer Staples), XLV (Health Care), and XLU (Utilities), indicated by modest volume increases and relative price stability. Conversely, cyclical sectors like XLY (Consumer Discretionary) and XLI (Industrials) show relative weakness, aligning with economic caution or risk-off sentiment.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
Key support lies around the psychological 680 level, while resistance is evident around 683-685, marking areas for potential breakout or breakdown. The market may experience increased activity or volatility upon testing these levels.

QQQ:
A crucial support level is positioned near 610, with resistance leveled at 615-617. Monitoring these levels helps identify potential intraday trading opportunities or longer-term trends.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
For SPY and QQQ, positive economic data such as improved GDP figures or employment stats could rejuvenate market confidence, driving prices higher. Strong earnings reports, particularly from tech giants, might also catalyze a rally. Breaking above significant resistance levels with volume confirmation would indicate further upside potential.

Bearish Scenario:
Conversely, disappointing economic data or escalation in geopolitical tensions could fuel downside movement. For instance, increased inflationary pressures or abrupt interest rate hikes can trigger sell-offs. A break below support levels accompanied by high volume reinforces bearish sentiment, pushing prices further down.

Overall Commentary:

The current market environment is characterized by cautious sentiment, with signs of both selling pressure and defensive positioning. Sector rotation into defensive areas reflects underlying risk aversion. Traders should vigilantly watch key support and resistance levels, use volume as a confirmation tool, and stay alert to upcoming economic releases. The prevailing narrative suggests limited near-term upside without significant positive catalysts.

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
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