S&P 500: Key Levels to Watch as Election Nears
With the U.S. election right around the corner, the markets are primed for a week of intense action. As traders settle in for what could be a wild ride, we're zeroing in on the S&P 500’s most important support and resistance zones.
Anticipated Surge in Volatility and Volume
As election day arrives, expect a surge in both volatility and volume, especially in bonds and currency markets. Last Thursday’s market sell-off set the tone, with heightened swings likely to spill over from futures into the open markets by mid-week.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Federal Reserve’s decision on Thursday could be another volatility catalyst, particularly if the central bank makes a surprise move on rates. Right now, option data on the S&P 500 suggests that the market is bracing for a potential swing of over 2%, indicating expectations of a lively week.
Whilst volatility is the life blood of short-term trading, only the prepared are likely to benefit as wild swings tend to spark panic among those without a plan. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the key levels to watch on the S&P 500…
Key Levels to Watch on the S&P 500
On the technical front, the S&P 500’s long-term uptrend has taken a breather, and last Thursday’s drop brought the index back to a critical area: the 50-day moving average (MA). This level, which aligns with the July swing highs, has held up well so far, and it’s a key line of support that many traders are eyeing as we move into the election. If this support gives way, the next stop is the September lows near the 200-day moving average—a level that often serves as a guardrail for the broader trend.
For resistance, we’re watching the top of Thursday’s gap as the first challenge for any bounce attempt. Above that, the trend highs present another barrier, where the bulls will need solid momentum to push through. These levels provide a solid framework to navigate the week ahead, where a breakout or breakdown will likely signal a directional shift in the broader market sentiment.
S&P 500 Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Using Anchored VWAP to Gauge Market Control
When it comes to analysing who’s in control of the market—bulls or bears—anchored VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) is one of our go-to tools. Here’s how we use it: by anchoring a VWAP to the recent highs, we get a read on where sellers are likely to assert pressure. This essentially serves as a ceiling, marking where bearish momentum could reassert itself. On the flip side, anchoring VWAP to recent lows shows us where the buyers are holding their ground, creating a critical support point.
These anchored VWAP levels act as dynamic markers of control, giving us a pulse on the ongoing battle between bulls and bears. In a week like this, with election headlines swirling and technical levels tested, VWAP is an invaluable tool to track whether buyers or sellers have the upper hand at any given moment.
S&P 500 Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82.67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Anticipated Surge in Volatility and Volume
As election day arrives, expect a surge in both volatility and volume, especially in bonds and currency markets. Last Thursday’s market sell-off set the tone, with heightened swings likely to spill over from futures into the open markets by mid-week.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Federal Reserve’s decision on Thursday could be another volatility catalyst, particularly if the central bank makes a surprise move on rates. Right now, option data on the S&P 500 suggests that the market is bracing for a potential swing of over 2%, indicating expectations of a lively week.
Whilst volatility is the life blood of short-term trading, only the prepared are likely to benefit as wild swings tend to spark panic among those without a plan. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the key levels to watch on the S&P 500…
Key Levels to Watch on the S&P 500
On the technical front, the S&P 500’s long-term uptrend has taken a breather, and last Thursday’s drop brought the index back to a critical area: the 50-day moving average (MA). This level, which aligns with the July swing highs, has held up well so far, and it’s a key line of support that many traders are eyeing as we move into the election. If this support gives way, the next stop is the September lows near the 200-day moving average—a level that often serves as a guardrail for the broader trend.
For resistance, we’re watching the top of Thursday’s gap as the first challenge for any bounce attempt. Above that, the trend highs present another barrier, where the bulls will need solid momentum to push through. These levels provide a solid framework to navigate the week ahead, where a breakout or breakdown will likely signal a directional shift in the broader market sentiment.
S&P 500 Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Using Anchored VWAP to Gauge Market Control
When it comes to analysing who’s in control of the market—bulls or bears—anchored VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) is one of our go-to tools. Here’s how we use it: by anchoring a VWAP to the recent highs, we get a read on where sellers are likely to assert pressure. This essentially serves as a ceiling, marking where bearish momentum could reassert itself. On the flip side, anchoring VWAP to recent lows shows us where the buyers are holding their ground, creating a critical support point.
These anchored VWAP levels act as dynamic markers of control, giving us a pulse on the ongoing battle between bulls and bears. In a week like this, with election headlines swirling and technical levels tested, VWAP is an invaluable tool to track whether buyers or sellers have the upper hand at any given moment.
S&P 500 Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82.67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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