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SPY|QQQ Thursday 1PM 10/16/2025

October 16, 2025 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
In the past 30 days, SPY has exhibited a generally upward trend, although recent 13-bar price volume developments show some volatility. SPY’s latest movement shows a dip in price with 662.47 as a recent lower intraday close. The volume noticeably increased during the bearish price movement times, indicative of stronger participation when prices fell. Moving averages suggest caution as price shifts were close to or below significant averages, signaling potential uncertainty or a short-term bearish sentiment.

finviz dynamic chart for  SPY


QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
QQQ’s past 30 days show a pattern of gradual increase but with recent similar volatility. Price retreated mildly in the last few bars to close at 601.12, which also coincided with higher volume, suggesting a shift towards a cautionary stance among investors. The alignment of the price behavior with moving averages will be an indicator of the strength of this sentiment in the following sessions.

finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ


VXX (Volatility Index):
The VXX has shown significant volatility spikes in recent sessions, moving from 37.42 to 38.815, suggesting that investor concerns about sudden market swings are growing. These increases typically signify heightened fear or expectation of market turbulence, impacting both SPY and QQQ negatively.

finviz dynamic chart for  VXX


Sector Analysis:

Strong Sectors:
The tech sector represented by XLK shows relative strength, holding its ground amid market fluctuations. Industrial XLI and Financial XLF show some resiliency. Consumer sectors (XLY and XLP) generally managed to stay stable, suggesting them as constants rather than actively outperforming sectors.

Sector Rotation:
The sector rotation indicates a shift from defensive sectors like XLRE and XLU, with these exhibiting lackluster performance recently. XLC and XLE appear to be stabilizing but show the potential for minor capitulations, especially if the broader indices weaken further.


Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
Support: 660 level is critical to maintain a bullish bias.
Resistance: 670 is the immediate resistance; a breakout beyond this would point towards renewed bullish momentum.

QQQ:
Support: 595 is a crucial support level, with potential increased bearish sentiment if broken.
Resistance: 610 needs to be overcome for a sustained upward move.


Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
Positive economic data, coupled with strong earnings reports, could drive SPY above 670 resistance, further aided by sector resilience in technology and financials. QQQ moving past 610 would confirm technical breakouts, strengthening investor confidence amidst growing economic optimism.

Bearish Scenario:
A breakdown below 595 for QQQ or 660 for SPY, prompted by adverse geopolitical developments or disappointing earnings reports, could lead to a pullback, pushing indices towards lower supports. Rising VXX would amplify bearish behavior.


Overall Commentary:

The market is currently experiencing a phase of heightened uncertainty, as indicated by VXX volatility spikes, with critical supports being tested. The tech sector shows resilience even in market unrest, but sector rotation indicates caution with defensive sectors beginning to soften. Short-term momentum traders should keep a close eye on key support levels for potential breakdowns that could trigger more significant market corrections. The end-of-year sentiment could be significantly influenced by incoming quarterly earnings and macroeconomic signals, as holiday seasons often bring liquidity shifts.

Support for the analysis:

  • SPY Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  SPY
  • QQQ Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ
  • VXX Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  VXX
  • Key Sector Charts:
    • XLC: finviz dynamic chart for  XLC
    • XLY: finviz dynamic chart for  XLY
    • XLK: finviz dynamic chart for  XLK
    • XLF: finviz dynamic chart for  XLF
    • XLI: finviz dynamic chart for  XLI

These charts reinforce the observation of a market at a critical juncture with several pivotal support levels being tested, set against a backdrop of increased volatility and sector-specific shifts.

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