Last weeks outlook for a trading range for SPX from 7625 to to 7725 worked
out well thru Wed with a move up to 7750, but a strong negative reaction Thur &
Fri to the AI hyperscalers GOOG and AMZN earnings results that showed negative
cash flows from capex spending sent the NDX down 6% and the SPX down 3% to 7520.
Surprisingly, the cumulative 10% decline in the NDX for Oct in 3 weeks was
almost identical to the 10% decline into the July EPS season which took about 6
weeks. In addition to earnings, short term uncertainty due to the mid-term
election next week with a possible Dem sweep and Trumps increased threats
against Iran likely accelerated the correction. It's possible a resolution to
the Iran conflict could be the key for a final rally.
Overall sentiment remains neutral ST and on/near a weak Sell INT/LT.
COT remains negative for gold and NQ.
I. Sentiment Indicators
The INT/LT Composite indicator (outlook 3 to 6+ months) has three separate
components. Starting Aug 26, 2023 SPX options are removed due to extreme 0DTE volume
distortions. New weights are ETF put-call indicator (30%), SPX 2X ETF INT
ratio (40%), and 3rd a volatility indicator (30%) which combines the options
volatility spread of the ST SPX (VIX) to the ST VIX (VVIX) with the UVXY $ volume.
Update Alt, INT view. Bearish sentiment moved up to a weak Sell.
Update Alt EMA. Bearish sentiment moved up to a weak Sell.
The ST Composite as a ST (1-4 week) indicator includes the NYSE volume ratio
indicator (NYDNV/NYUPV & NYDNV/NYDEC) and the UVXY $ Vol/[SPX Trend, SMA only]. Weights
are 80%/20%.
Update. Bearish sentiment moved up slightly between neutral and a weak Buy.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment moved up slightly between neutral and a weak
Buy.
The ST VIX calls and SPXADP indicator bearish sentiment moved midway between neutral
and a weak Sell.
The ST/INT Composite indicator (outlook 1 to 3 months) is based on the Hedge Spread (52%)
and includes ST Composite (12%) and three options FOMO indicators using SPX (12%),
ETF (12%), and Equity (12%) calls compared to the NY ADV/DEC issues (inverted). FOMO
is shown when strong call volume is combined with strong NY ADV/DEC. See
Investment Diary
addition for full discussion.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment increased slightly above a weak Sell.
Update FOMO calls. Bearish sentiment remains at a weak Sell.
Bonds (TNX). Bearish sentiment remains at low extremes.
For the INT outlook, the gold miners (HUI) bearish
sentiment is presented in a new format using the data mining software to add
the inverse TNX rate to the ETF ratio.
Update. Bearish sentiment fell back to a weak Sell even as prices dropped
sharply to 650 as gold fell below $4000/oz. After posting the strong
correlation between Chinas SSEC index
and gold in the Dec 2025 Tech/Other section, the correlation has been even
stronger in 2026 and indicates a $3200-3500 likely target for gold.
II. Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicators
This is a new hybrid option/ETF Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicator as a INT/LT
term (outlook 2-6 mns) bearish sentiment indicator. The use of ETFs
increases the duration (term).
Update. Bearish sentiment remains near a weak Sell.
With the sister options Hedge Spread as a ST/INT indicator
(outlook 1-3 mns), bearish sentiment remains midway between neutral and a
weak Sell.
A new composite SPX options indicator uses both the volume adj (1/B-A) and P/C
equivalent spread (A-B) to compensate for the discrepancy between the two.
This replaces the old SPX options indicator for the SPX ETFs + options below and the
INT/LT composite. No chart.
For the SPX, I am switching to hybrid 2X ETFs plus SPX options. Taking a look at the
INT term composite (outlook 2 to 4 mns), bearish sentiment bounced after
reaching a strong Sell midweek.
For the NDX combining the hybrid ETF options plus NDX 3X ETF sentiment with the interest rate effect,
(outlook 2 to 4 mns) bearish sentiment shows similar extremes between ETF and
options as in late 2020 which resulted in a choppy market until options
sentiment rose. Note QQQ options are optimal, but are N/A and are included
in ETF options.
Bearish sentiment moved up sharply from a weak Sell based on ETF P/Cs.
For the SPX combining the hybrid ETF options plus SPX 2X ETF (outlook 2 to 4 mns)
produces an indicator where, in this case, ETF options are a proxy for the SPY options.
Bearish sentiment for SPX remains near a weak Sell.
III. Options Open Interest
Using Thur closing OI, remember that further out time frames are more likely
to change over time, and that closing prices are more likely to be effected.
Delta hedging may occur as reinforcement, negative when put support is broken
or positive when call resistance is exceeded. This week I will look
out thru Nov 6. A text overlay is used for extreme OI to improve readability,
P/C is not changed. A new addition is added for OI $ amounts with breakeven pts (BE) where
call & put $ amounts cross. Note multiply OI$ by 100 for shares/contract.
With Fri close at SPX 7580, options OI for Mon is small/moderate with a high %
of ITM puts and should see a move over 7600, but gains will likely be limited
before the election unless positive Iran news breaks.
Wed SPX OI is small with most of the put support at 7510 and 7520 that should
limit loses.
For Fri SPX OI is moderate with strong put support at 7600 and 7650. A
move to put support is likely with positive developments with Iran, but not with
increased conflict.
IV. Technical / Other
The following uses barcharts.com as a source and discusses S&P futures (ES) as a third
venue of stock sentiment in addition to options and ETFs. The non-commercial/commercial
spread represents a LT bearish sentiment (dumb money/smart money) indicator. As explained in investopedia,
commercial investors (red) are institutions and are smart money, while non-commercials (green) are speculators such as
hedge funds and are dumb money. Here is the current barchart graph
for the S&P 500 (top) and trader positions (1st bot) with positives as net longs and negatives
as net shorts.
Bearish sentiment is represented by the spread and is positive if red > green
(Buy) and negative if green > red (Sell). ES (SPX) sentiment remains
near a weak Buy at +1.0 SD, NQ (NDX) remains close to a strong Sell at -1.75 SD, YM (DJIA)
is between neutral and a weak Sell at -0.5 SD.
A quick look at gold (GC), bearish sentiment is in-between a weak and strong Sell at -1.6 SD.
Click dropdown list to select from the following options:
Tech / Other History
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Other Indicators
Conclusions. The SPX broke down from its month long range of
7600-7800+ to the low 7500s which coincidently tested the lows from the mid-Sept
FOMC rate hike. What happens from here will depend on the markets reaction
to the mid-term election results and potential changes in the standoff with
Iran. Dems are expected to win the House and possibly the Senate, but
results could be delayed or challenged by Trump's allegations of election fraud.
Weekly Trade Alert. SPX options OI are indicating an upward bias,
but 7650 is unlikely to breached unless the two major news items from above show
a positive surprise. Updates @mrktsignals.
Last weeks target of SPX 7750 was met on Wed but a combination of bad news
(Meta's 2 for 1 stock split for AI financing and higher oil prices) led to a
drop back to the 7620 area by Fri. One
EW analyst
(no J/S) believes that a seasonal
bottom is near that could take the SPX to ATHs, but I prefer to focus on the
DJIA with the recent pullback in int rates (TNX) that will likely benefit banks.
For the ST/INT the DJIA shows the potential for an IHS back to about 54.7k
thru about mid-Dec, while the LT DJIA
shows double tops in 2020, 2022 and 2025.The top is likely in for the NDX which
will limit the SPX gains that could be a minimal move over 7800.
Overall sentiment has improved slightly with the biggest change in sentiment
a move in the SPX options and ETF indicator dropping toward a strong Sell due to
a sharp increase in options volume as ST traders chase moves in either
direction.
I. Sentiment Indicators
The INT/LT Composite indicator (outlook 3 to 6+ months) has three separate
components. Starting Aug 26, 2023 SPX options are removed due to extreme 0DTE volume
distortions. New weights are ETF put-call indicator (30%), SPX 2X ETF INT
ratio (40%), and 3rd a volatility indicator (30%) which combines the options
volatility spread of the ST SPX (VIX) to the ST VIX (VVIX) with the UVXY $ volume.
Update Alt, INT view. Bearish sentiment remains at a weak Sell.
Update Alt EMA. Bearish sentiment fell slightly below a weak
Sell.
The ST Composite as a ST (1-4 week) indicator includes the NYSE volume ratio
indicator (NYDNV/NYUPV & NYDNV/NYDEC) and the UVXY $ Vol/[SPX Trend, SMA only]. Weights
are 80%/20%.
Update. Bearish sentiment remains between neutral and a weak Buy.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment dropped sharply midweek then bounced above
neutral Fri.
The ST VIX calls and SPXADP indicator bearish sentiment remains near a weak
Sell.
The ST/INT Composite indicator (outlook 1 to 3 months) is based on the Hedge Spread (52%)
and includes ST Composite (12%) and three options FOMO indicators using SPX (12%),
ETF (12%), and Equity (12%) calls compared to the NY ADV/DEC issues (inverted). FOMO
is shown when strong call volume is combined with strong NY ADV/DEC. See
Investment Diary
addition for full discussion.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment increased to a weak Sell.
Update FOMO-calls. Bearish sentiment increased to a weak Sell.
Bonds (TNX). Bearish sentiment remains at low extremes as rates
dropped back to 5% on a safety bid.
For the INT outlook, the gold miners (HUI) bearish
sentiment is presented in a new format using the data mining software to add
the inverse TNX rate to the ETF ratio.
Update. Bearish sentiment remains near a weak Sell as prices dropped below
700.
II. Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicators
This is a new hybrid option/ETF Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicator as a INT/LT
term (outlook 2-6 mns) bearish sentiment indicator. The use of ETFs
increases the duration (term).
Update. Bearish sentiment rose sharply from near a strong Sell to a weak
Sell.
With the sister options Hedge Spread as a ST/INT indicator
(outlook 1-3 mns), bearish sentiment rose further above a weak Sell.
A new composite SPX options indicator uses both the volume adj (1/B-A) and P/C
equivalent spread (A-B) to compensate for the discrepancy between the two.
This replaces the old SPX options indicator for the SPX ETFs + options below and the
INT/LT composite. No chart.
For the SPX, I am switching to hybrid 2X ETFs plus SPX options. Taking a look at the
INT term composite (outlook 2 to 4 mns), bearish sentiment fell sharply
toward a strong Sell as the SPX P&C volume soared.
For the NDX combining the hybrid ETF options plus NDX 3X ETF sentiment with the interest rate effect,
(outlook 2 to 4 mns) bearish sentiment shows similar extremes between ETF and
options as in late 2020 which resulted in a choppy market until options
sentiment rose. Note QQQ options are optimal, but are N/A and are included
in ETF options.
Bearish sentiment rose slightly above a weak Sell.
For the SPX combining the hybrid ETF options plus SPX 2X ETF (outlook 2 to 4 mns)
produces an indicator where, in this case, ETF options are a proxy for the SPY options.
Bearish sentiment for SPX remains near a weak Sell.
III. Options Open Interest
Using Thur closing OI, remember that further out time frames are more likely
to change over time, and that closing prices are more likely to be effected.
Delta hedging may occur as reinforcement, negative when put support is broken
or positive when call resistance is exceeded. This week I will look
out thru Oct 30. A text overlay is used for extreme OI to improve readability,
P/C is not changed. A new addition is added for OI $ amounts with breakeven pts (BE) where
call & put $ amounts cross. Note multiply OI$ by 100 for shares/contract.
With Fri close at SPX 7624, options OI for Mon is small with a BE at 7730 that
may add upward momentum, but weak put support may lead to volatility.
Wed has similar SPX OI with a BE also at 7730 and stronger put support up to
7650, but some call resistance at 7675.
For Fri EOM strong SPX shows a BE at 7746 with strong put support up to 7700 and
call resistance at 7800.
IV. Technical / Other
The following uses barcharts.com as a source and discusses S&P futures (ES) as a third
venue of stock sentiment in addition to options and ETFs. The non-commercial/commercial
spread represents a LT bearish sentiment (dumb money/smart money) indicator. As explained in investopedia,
commercial investors (red) are institutions and are smart money, while non-commercials (green) are speculators such as
hedge funds and are dumb money. Here is the current barchart graph
for the S&P 500 (top) and trader positions (1st bot) with positives as net longs and negatives
as net shorts.
Bearish sentiment is represented by the spread and is positive if red > green
(Buy) and negative if green > red (Sell). ES (SPX) sentiment remains
near a weak Buy at +1.0 SD, NQ (NDX) remains close to a strong Sell at -1.75 SD, YM (DJIA)
is between neutral and a weak Sell at -0.5 SD.
A quick look at gold (GC), bearish sentiment is in-between a weak and strong Sell at -1.6 SD.
Conclusions. There seems to be little impetus for chasing the AI
sector given the increasing negative outlook for AI data centers. You have
to wonder if AI is "super intelligent" why can't it solve its own power problem
by finding a solution to creating cheap "fusion power". Stocks continue to
follow the 2000-2001 topping pattern which was noted by a sharp drop in the DJIA
as rates and techs rose into Mar 2000, followed by a recovery in the DJIA as
techs faltered and rates fell.
Weekly Trade Alert. Likely to be rangebound for SPX 7625-7725. Updates @mrktsignals.
As it turned out last weeks warning of lower revenue from OpenAI was only a
prelude as this weeks credit problems from CoreWeave, a neocloud AI service
provider, sent its stock down 20%+ and resulted in an almost 6% drop in the NDX.
As a result the SPX also fell about 2%, missing the upside potential to the
upper 7800s. I had been warning about the AI tech bubble due to falling
token-based revenue for several months, and the timing seems to have been
earlier than expected.
Sentiment remains inconclusive with the ST Composite declining toward neutral
while the VIX Call indicator and FOMO call indicators are both at a weak Sell.
Although not mentioned, the NDX futures (NQ) are also near a strong Sell.
Most INT/LT indicators remain near weak Sells.
Anthropic was expected to announce a record IPO in mid Nov between $1.5-2B
and a delay could add to downside pressure, but otherwise WS would be expected
to support a positive environment.
I. Sentiment Indicators
The INT/LT Composite indicator (outlook 3 to 6+ months) has three separate
components. Starting Aug 26, 2023 SPX options are removed due to extreme 0DTE volume
distortions. New weights are ETF put-call indicator (30%), SPX 2X ETF INT
ratio (40%), and 3rd a volatility indicator (30%) which combines the options
volatility spread of the ST SPX (VIX) to the ST VIX (VVIX) with the UVXY $ volume.
Update Alt, INT view. Bearish sentiment remains at a weak Sell.
Update Alt EMA. Bearish sentiment rose closer to a weak Sell.
The ST Composite as a ST (1-4 week) indicator includes the NYSE volume ratio
indicator (NYDNV/NYUPV & NYDNV/NYDEC) and the UVXY $ Vol/[SPX Trend, SMA only]. Weights
are 80%/20%.
Update. Bearish sentiment continued to drop closer to neutral.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment rose mid-way to a weak Buy.
The ST VIX calls and SPXADP indicator bearish sentiment dropped from neutral
to a weak Sell on a high SPXADP (selling in only a few stocks).
The ST/INT Composite indicator (outlook 1 to 3 months) is based on the Hedge Spread (52%)
and includes ST Composite (12%) and three options FOMO indicators using SPX (12%),
ETF (12%), and Equity (12%) calls compared to the NY ADV/DEC issues (inverted). FOMO
is shown when strong call volume is combined with strong NY ADV/DEC. See
Investment Diary
addition for full discussion.
Update EMA. Bearish sentiment rose slightly.
Update FOMO calls. Bearish sentiment dropped to midway between weak and
strong Sells.
Bonds (TNX). Bearish sentiment rose slightly with a pickup in
TBT volume as rates fell from 5.3% to 5.1% on safe haven demand.
For the INT outlook, the gold miners (HUI) bearish
sentiment is presented in a new format using the data mining software to add
the inverse TNX rate to the ETF ratio.
Update. Bearish sentiment rose slightly as the HUI bounced back from 700.
II. Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicators
This is a new hybrid option/ETF Dumb Money/Smart Money Indicator as a INT/LT
term (outlook 2-6 mns) bearish sentiment indicator. The use of ETFs
increases the duration (term).
Update. Bearish sentiment fell slightly.
With the sister options Hedge Spread as a ST/INT indicator
(outlook 1-3 mns), bearish sentiment rose slightly.
A new composite SPX options indicator uses both the volume adj (1/B-A) and P/C
equivalent spread (A-B) to compensate for the discrepancy between the two.
This replaces the old SPX options indicator for the SPX ETFs + options below and the
INT/LT composite. No chart.
For the SPX, I am switching to hybrid 2X ETFs plus SPX options. Taking a look at the
INT term composite (outlook 2 to 4 mns), bearish sentiment fell below a weak
Sell on the increase of call (and put) volume.
For the NDX combining the hybrid ETF options plus NDX 3X ETF sentiment with the interest rate effect,
(outlook 2 to 4 mns) bearish sentiment shows similar extremes between ETF and
options as in late 2020 which resulted in a choppy market until options
sentiment rose. Note QQQ options are optimal, but are N/A and are included
in ETF options.
Bearish sentiment remains near a weak Sell.
For the SPX combining the hybrid ETF options plus SPX 2X ETF (outlook 2 to 4 mns)
produces an indicator where, in this case, ETF options are a proxy for the SPY options.
Bearish sentiment for SPX remains near a weak Sell.
III. Options Open Interest
Using Thur closing OI, remember that further out time frames are more likely
to change over time, and that closing prices are more likely to be effected.
Delta hedging may occur as reinforcement, negative when put support is broken
or positive when call resistance is exceeded. This week I will look
out thru Oct 23 & EOM. A text overlay is used for extreme OI to improve readability,
P/C is not changed. A new addition is added for OI $ amounts with breakeven pts (BE) where
call & put $ amounts cross. Note multiply OI$ by 100 for shares/contract.
With Fri close at SPX 7659, options OI for Mon is small/moderate with good put
support frpm 7625-35 that should limit downside, while upside is possible to
7700. BE is 7755.
Wed has small/moderate SPX OI where stronger support is at 7700, but less
support below 7650. Again BE is 7755 and positive if over 7675.
For Fri SPX has small/moderate OI with stronger put support up to 7700 and no
call resistance until 7775. BE is 7770, could see 7750-7800.
For Fri EOM SPX has strong OI with major put support at 7650 and again at 7750.
BE is 7755 and $OI is 4x so 7750 looks likely.
IV. Technical / Other
The following uses barcharts.com as a source and discusses S&P futures (ES) as a third
venue of stock sentiment in addition to options and ETFs. The non-commercial/commercial
spread represents a LT bearish sentiment (dumb money/smart money) indicator. As explained in investopedia,
commercial investors (red) are institutions and are smart money, while non-commercials (green) are speculators such as
hedge funds and are dumb money. Here is the current barchart graph
for the S&P 500 (top) and trader positions (1st bot) with positives as net longs and negatives
as net shorts.
Bearish sentiment is represented by the spread and is positive if red > green
(Buy) and negative if green > red (Sell). ES (SPX) sentiment is
close to a weak Buy at +1.0 SD, NQ (NDX) remains close to a strong Sell at -1.85 SD, YM (DJIA)
is between neutral and a weak Sell at -0.65 SD.
A quick look at gold (GC), bearish sentiment is in-between a weak and strong Sell at -1.65 SD.
Click dropdown list to select from the following options:
Tech / Other History
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Other Indicators
Conclusions. Last weeks stronger than inflation may have been the
last straw for voters with odds soaring for Dems taking over the House and
possibly the Senate in the midterms. Dems are likely to support stronger
regulations for AI development and add to tech woes. Problems in the ME
seem to be spreading with the Houthis attacking Saudi Arabia and Irans continued
attacking of shipping in the Strait which sent oil (WTIC) up $10/bbl.
Weekly Trade Alert. SPX options are again pointing to put support
up to the mid-7700s, but may fall short if negative news continues. Updates @mrktsignals.
