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SPY|QQQ Thursday 4PM 9/18/2025

September 18, 2025 4 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

1. Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Examining the recent intraday 30-minute bars for SPY, there has been relatively stable trading with a slight upward momentum as seen in the last few bars. The recent 13-bar period shows consistent high trading volumes at the start but with a mix of lower volumes towards the end, potentially indicating a pause or consolidation phase. The price is hovering close to its recent highs, suggesting a cautiously optimistic sentiment. Technical indicators such as moving averages would likely be showing this flattening out, pointing to potential near-term resistance around current high levels. Traders will be looking for either a breakout above these levels or confirmation of a retracement.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
Similar to SPY, the QQQ shows stabilization after a recent upward movement. The consolidation in price, coupled with decreasing volume, hints at a cautious waiting period from traders. The price levels seem to be testing resistance, with moving averages potentially converging at current price points. There is a likelihood of a breakout, but this could be dependent on tech-sector performance and broader market cues.

VXX (Volatility Index):
The VXX shows a subtle increase over the recent bars, suggesting a minor increase in market caution or defensiveness. The lack of significant spikes suggests that while there is some expectation of volatility, it is not at crisis levels. This could imply a neutral to positive sentiment on SPY and QQQ, unless further spikes in VXX change the dynamics.

2. Sector Analysis:

Among sector ETFs, XLE (Energy), XLV (Health Care), and XLK (Technology) show relatively healthy volumes and slight upward trends, indicating possible strength or interest in these sectors. XLE has seen notable volatility but maintains higher levels than others, while XLK could directly influence QQQ if tech stocks drive it. Meanwhile, XLU (Utilities) has seen a slight decline, indicating a rotation away from defensives. This sector rotation might suggest investors favoring growth or cyclical stocks in the near term.

3. Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
Resistance: Near recent highs at 663.14.
Support: Around 661.95 to 662.00, where there’s a slight consolidation.

QQQ:
Resistance: Near current highs at 596.12.
Support: Around 595.29 to 595.62, where recent minor dips found buyers.

4. Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
For both SPY and QQQ, a continuation of positive economic data or stabilized interest rate outlooks, alongside potential strong tech earnings, might propel these indices higher. If the sectors like technology and health care can sustain their momentum, we could see a breakout above the key resistance levels.

Bearish Scenario:
SPY and QQQ could face downturns if geopolitical tensions rise or if economic data disappoints, particularly inflation concerns or struggles in tech or financial sectors. Breakdown below mentioned support levels could lead to further selling pressure.

5. Overall Commentary:

The market is in a cautiously optimistic phase, with signs of bullish sentiment tempered by consolidation patterns in SPY and QQQ. However, the potential for sector-specific performance, especially tech, energy, and health care, could drive near-term market direction. Traders should keep an eye on key technical levels and sector rotations for clues on market breadth and strength. Investors might want to assess the sustainability of current trends and prepare for scenarios where volatility, as indicated by VXX, becomes a more significant factor.

6. Include Charts:

Charts supporting this analysis can be found below for visual aid:

  • 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 capture the market movements and can help in analyzing the trends and predicting potential future actions.

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