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SPY|QQQ Thursday 8AM 8/28/2025

August 28, 2025 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):
Analyzing the SPY intraday 30-minute chart for the past 30 days with emphasis on the recent 13 bars, the market demonstrates a neutral to mildly bearish sentiment. The last 13 bars reveal mixed price movement hovering around the $647 level, with slight downward pressure indicated by decreasing highs. The volume trend shows intermittent spikes, suggesting uncertain market participation. Key moving averages could be flattening, implying consolidation and potential indecision among traders.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):
The QQQ shows a similar pattern to SPY, with the last 13 bars reflecting consolidation around the $573-$574 range. Volume lacks conviction, exhibiting no clear trend, which indicates a cautious sentiment among market participants. If recent bars show a tight formation around specific levels with subdued volume, it often suggests a potential brewing for a breakout or breakdown.

VXX (Volatility Index):
VXX trading data indicates decreased volatility recently, with a drop to the $35.75-$35.86 range. Although some spikes occurred, reflecting temporary increases in market anxiety, the overall sentiment appears complacent. This level of low VIX suggests low short-term fear, which could be a precursor to either stability or vulnerability in equities like SPY and QQQ.

Sector Analysis:

Among sectors, a notable gain in the XLK (Technology) ETF implies a relatively strong sector over the past 30 days. Other sectors like XLC (Communication Services) and XLY (Consumer Discretionary) demonstrate moderate stability. However, the energy sector (XLE) appears weaker, possibly due to declining energy prices or other macroeconomic challenges. Sector rotation into technology suggests a search for growth potentials amid stabilizing inflation or interest rate conditions.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:
On the daily chart, key levels are $648 as a resistance and $644 as a support. A breach of either level could set the tone for short-term direction. Traders should watch for breaks at these levels with increased volume for confirmation.

[bullish] On the QQQ chart at [$573-levels], consistent breakouts above with heightened volume would signal an upward trend continuation. Equally, support at [$570] offers a crucial area for rebounds if tested.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:
Positive sentiment could drive SPY towards $650+ if economic data supports growth optimism, possibly driven by favorable employment numbers or GDP data. Similarly, QQQ could surge on strong earnings reports, particularly from tech giants indicating robust demand.

Bearish Scenario:
Both SPY and QQQ face downside risks if reflected by geopolitical uncertainties or hawkish monetary policy signals from central banks, triggering sell-offs. SPY dropping under the $644 mark could trigger further slides, while QQQ threatens firm downside momentum if $570 is breached with conviction.

Overall Commentary:

The current market environment is characterized by indecisiveness amid low volatility but with certain sectors, like technology, showing signs of re-assuring strength. A notable threat lies in global uncertainties and policy changes, which may affect risk appetite abruptly. Traders and investors should closely monitor economic indicators while being prepared for quick shifts in sentiment if broader market conditions change.

Charts:
– SPY Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  SPY
– QQQ Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ
– VXX Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  VXX
– Technology Sector Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  XLK
– Communication Services Sector Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  XLC
– Consumer Discretionary Sector Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  XLY
– Energy Sector Chart: finviz dynamic chart for  XLE

These finviz charts shall visually represent price actions and help enforce the analysis provided above.

Traders should remain vigilant for quick pivots due to changing economic narratives, leveraging these insights to capitalize on swings in momentum across sectors and indices.

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