Back to Insights

SPY|QQQ Wednesday 8AM 2/18/2026

February 18, 2026 3 min read

Market Sentiment Analysis:

Overall Market Sentiment:

SPY (S&P 500 ETF):

  • Over the past 13 bars on the 30-minute chart, SPY has shown mixed movement, struggling to hold a consistent upward momentum. Volume spiked significantly at the 3rd bar but has since come down, indicating a lack of strong momentum buyers or sellers as prices stabilize around the previous close levels. Notably, SPY’s price continues to hover around the moving averages with no decisive breakout, reflecting uncertainty among investors.

QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF):

  • Similar to SPY, QQQ has displayed choppy trading in the recent 13 bars, with a crucial spike in volume at the 2nd and 3rd bars, coinciding with price fluctuations, indicating possible short-term institutional actions. The price has struggled to maintain above key moving averages, suggesting cautious sentiment, emphasizing neither strong bullish nor bearish momentum.

VXX (Volatility Index):

  • VXX experienced a minor spike, hinting at increasing caution, although not enough to signal a significant market panic. The slight uptick could impact SPY and QQQ, introducing higher volatility in the short term as investors might be anticipating potential market volatility.

Sector Analysis:

Strong Sectors:

  • XLE (Energy): Continues to show positive movement with consistent volume and upward price movement, hinting at a strong energy sector performance.
  • XLB (Materials): Recent price activity and volume suggest resilience, potentially benefiting from broader economic recovery or supply chain stability.

Weak Sectors:

  • XLRE (Real Estate): Struggles with minimal price movement and low volume, indicating weak investor interest or external pressures affecting the sector.
  • XLC (Communication Services): Lackluster performance on reduced volume, possible sector rotation out or profit-taking.

Key Levels to Watch:

SPY:

  • Resistance: Near 687.50, where previous rallies have faltered.
  • Support: Around 684.00, a recent low that could attract buyers or see a bearish breach under high volume.

QQQ:

  • Resistance: Set at 606.00, which aligns with recent high price rejections.
  • Support: Positioned at 603.00, a level that could see renewed buying interest.

Scenarios:

Bullish Scenario:

  • For SPY and QQQ, a bullish breakout could occur if upcoming economic data surpasses expectations, particularly if earnings from high-cap companies exceed forecasts, strengthening investor confidence. Technical patterns such as a moving average crossover could also support bullish sentiment.

Bearish Scenario:

  • Downside risks include negative macroeconomic reports or geopolitical issues elevating investor fear. If SPY and QQQ break below key support levels amid significant volume, it could lead to a continued sell-off driven by increased volatility in VXX.

Overall Commentary:

The current market environment is characterized by indecision and sector-specific interest, with energy and materials leading gains while real estate and communication services lag. Key market indices SKIPJJLOXIEK are oscillating around pivotal levels, influenced by external economic conditions and pending corporate earnings data. Traders should closely monitor key resistance and support levels while staying alert for any changes in VXX as a proxy for market sentiment shifts.

Charts:

  • SPY: finviz dynamic chart for  SPY
  • QQQ: finviz dynamic chart for  QQQ
  • VXX: finviz dynamic chart for  VXX
  • Sectors: 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
Share: