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SPY|QQQ Wednesday 1PM 8/14/2024

August 14, 2024 4 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis

Overall Market Sentiment

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):

The recent 13 bars on the 30-minute intraday chart for SPY show a mixed sentiment. The volatility has moderately increased in recent sessions, implying market participants are realigning their positions possibly due to upcoming catalysts or news. However, the recent volumes aren’t significantly above average, indicating that this movement might not be backed by strong institutional interest yet. Moving averages suggest neutral to slightly bullish sentiment, as price action remains above the short-term moving averages (e.g., 20-period MA). Notable price movements include intermittent pullbacks with rapid recoveries, indicating buyers stepping in on dips.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):

QQQ has depicted a relatively stronger performance compared to SPY over the same period, with fairly stable price movements and higher volume during up moves. The moving averages align upward, suggesting the underlying sentiment remains bullish. Recent trading bars indicate consolidation around the highs, which might precede another upward breakout if volumes pick up further.

VXX (Volatility Index):

VXX has shown some elevated activity with spikes during trading hours, which often correlates with market uncertainty. Despite these spikes, VXX has not shown sustained upward movement, suggesting that traders do not currently anticipate prolonged volatility. This bodes well for continued bullish sentiment in SPY and QQQ, as a stable or declining VXX often accompanies risk-on behaviors.

Sector Analysis

Several sectors have shown notable performances:

  • Strong Sectors:
    • XLY (Consumer Discretionary): Continues to show strength, potentially driven by consumer confidence and spending.
    • XLF (Financials): Financials have shown resilience recently, bouncing back from mid-period lows.
    • XLK (Technology): Strong momentum, which is consistent with the overall bullish sentiment in QQQ.
  • Weak Sectors:
    • XLU (Utilities): Utilities lagged, possibly due to a rotation out of safety-oriented sectors into growth.
    • XLRE (Real Estate): Has had sluggish movement, possibly from rising interest rate concerns.

Key Levels to Watch

SPY:
Support: 540, 538
Resistance: 546, 548

A break above 546 with significant volume could confirm bullish momentum, while a fall below 540 could indicate a short-term bearish trend.

QQQ:
Support: 460, 458
Resistance: 466, 468

A sustained break above 466 would be a bullish confirmation, whereas a drop below 460 might suggest a need for caution.

Scenarios

Bullish Scenario:
– For SPY and QQQ, if economic data, such as employment reports or consumer sentiment index, point towards economic expansion, and earnings reports from significant market-moving stocks come in strong, this could drive prices higher. Technically, if SPY bursts through 546 and QQQ through 466 with strong volumes, a retest of highs is likely.

Bearish Scenario:
– A deteriorating macroeconomic environment, such as poor inflation data or geopolitical tensions (e.g., trade wars or military conflicts), could trigger major sell-offs. Technically, if SPY falls below 540 and QQQ dips under 460, traders should brace for potential corrective moves.

Overall Commentary

The overall market sentiment appears cautiously bullish. SPY and QQQ are both indicating resilience with stable volumes on recent upward moves. Sector rotation shows strength in consumer discretionary, financials, and technology, signaling confidence in growth stocks. However, utilities and real estate lag, suggesting a lesser appetite for defensives.

Traders should keep an eye on VXX, as any significant sustained spikes could signal broader market volatility. The key support and resistance levels mentioned will be critical in determining short-term momentum. Volume and reaction to economic data will be the primary drivers in the next few sessions, providing cues on whether the market will rally or pullback.

Charts

For detailed visuals, please refer to the below Finviz 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

This comprehensive review indicates a cautiously optimistic outlook but advises vigilance around the critical support and resistance levels due to potential market-moving events.

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