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SPY|QQQ Thursday 4PM 8/21/2025

August 21, 2025 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment

SPY (S&P 500 ETF)

Intraday Analysis: Over the recent 13 bars on the 30-minute chart, SPY has demonstrated a relatively stable price pattern, fluctuating slightly around the 635 level. A significant point to note is the unusually high volume spike during the 15:30 bar, indicating potential institutional activity or rebalancing. Moving averages over these bars are flat, suggesting neutral or consolidation sentiment. The price holding above 635 suggests a potential support level.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF)

Intraday Analysis: For QQQ, the recent 13 bars also show a pattern of low volatility with minor upward price movements. Between 562.90 and 563.50, the price levels seem well distributed, with the volume peaking during the 15:30 period as well. Moving averages are aligning closely to the price, signaling a lack of strong momentum in either direction. The consolidation indicates indecision or a breather in a larger trend.

VXX (Volatility Index)

Analyzing the recent VXX data indicates relatively low volatility, as reflected in the stable and low prices around 39.00. The absence of high spikes suggests a complacency or low anxiety among investors, pointing to a stable or bullish market environment for SPY and QQQ. However, the volumes are relatively significant, which might suggest hedging activity.

Sector Analysis

  • Strong Sectors: Reviewing sector ETFs over 30 days, Technology (XLK) and Consumer Discretionary (XLY) have shown above-average resilience, suggesting investors are favorable towards growth-oriented sectors.
  • Sector Rotation: Energy (XLE) and Utilities (XLU) appear weaker comparatively, which might indicate a rotation away from defensive sectors as investors anticipate stability or are aligning towards interest rate-sensitive stocks.

Key Levels to Watch

SPY

  • Support Levels: 635.00 has shown robust support due to repeated bounces.
  • Resistance Levels: 636.50 poses as the next significant resistance.

QQQ

  • Support Levels: Look for support around 562.50 based on the recent low.
  • Resistance Levels: 563.80 presents a cap to price action as observed in multiple tests.

Scenarios

Bullish Scenario

  • SPY and QQQ: Continuation of stability in VXX along with positive earnings reports could augment the resilience in SPY and QQQ, driving SPY above 636.50 and QQQ past 564.20, confirming upward breakouts.

Bearish Scenario

  • SPY and QQQ: Any unexpected negative economic data or geopolitical tensions could increase volatility (raising VXX), dumping SPY below 635 and QQQ under 562, confirming bearish breakdowns.

Overall Commentary

The current market environment seems poised for a tentative upward momentum, reflected in stable to positive movements within SPY and QQQ. Sectors such as technology showing strength indicate growth orientation among traders. However, the low volatility index serves as a reminder of underlying complacency or stability among market participants. Watch for economic triggers or earnings surprises to provide the next direction in momentum.

Charts (Support Analysis)

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

These charts should provide further visual context to the analysis provided. As the market digests upcoming data or earnings, these levels and scenarios should guide short-term positioning.

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