π Markets at ATH: How I'm Positioning in $SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(SPY)$
With $SPY, $QQQ, and $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ hovering at or near all-time highs, July is kicking off with bullish momentum β but also growing caution. The question every trader is asking:
Do we lean into strength, or start trimming exposure?
Here's how I'm approaching the month based on historical patterns, macro signals, and tactical setups.
π Historical Seasonality: July = Strong Bias for Gains
According to Dow Jones Market Data, the S&P 500 has finished July in the green 45 out of 73 years since 1950 β that's ~62% of the time β with an average return of +1.3%.
This makes July one of the more historically bullish months
Seasonality is especially relevant post-June pullbacks or soft landings, which we saw signs of in May-June 2025
With earnings season approaching, July often becomes a "positioning month" β as traders rotate ahead of Q2 reports.
π Macro Signals in July 2025
Here's what I'm watching this month from a macro lens:
Fed Policy: Still no cut, but rate pause likely holding through September
CPI + Jobs: Inflation is trending sideways; June jobs print showed modest softness β good news for a Fed pause
Earnings Season: Q2 results kick off mid-July β with tech and semis leading expectations
Geopolitics: No major shocks yet, but Taiwan trade tensions are a potential July wildcard
> In short: Macro is neutral to slightly bullish β supporting the case for continuing the trend through July.
π― My July Strategy: Tactical and Rotational
I'm leaning cautiously long, but not all-in β and I'm managing exposure based on sector rotation and short-term overbought conditions.
My Key Moves:
β Staying long $QQQ: Riding semis + AI tailwind, but keeping stops tight
π‘ Lightened $SPY around 550**: Took partial profits after ATH breakout
π» Short $IWM (Russell 2000)**: Betting on small-cap underperformance vs large-cap tech
π‘οΈ Hedging with Aug puts on $SPY: Volatility is cheap, so protection is inexpensive
Timeframe:
Mostly short-term swing trades (1β3 weeks)
Still DCA-ing into long-term tech ETF holdings monthly
π Technical Levels I'm Watching
Here are my key chart levels as we trade July's breakout momentum:
$QQQ:
Resistance: 550
Support: 540 (breakout retest zone)
$SPY:
ATH near 552
Watching for pullbacks to 540β542 zone
Momentum:
RSI on $SPY near 68 β approaching overbought
MACD still rising = trend confirmation
50-day MA still upward sloping on both $SPY and $QQQ
> π Consider embedding a TradingView/Koyfin snapshot showing the RSI and breakout zones
π Risk Management: Respect the Reversal Risk
At ATHs, euphoria becomes a risk factor. Here's how I'm mitigating it:
β Tightened stops on short-term trades
π Using put options for tail-risk protection
βοΈ Avoiding leverage into resistance
π§ Rotating some capital into defensives like $XLV and $XLP if momentum stalls
I'm bullish for July, but August-September volatility could bite, especially if inflation ticks back up or earnings disappoint.
β Final Thoughts
July seasonality is historically bullish, and macro conditions are currently supportive β but valuation and positioning are stretched.
So I'm staying tactically long but prepared to de-risk fast.
@Daily_Discussion @TigerStars @Tiger_comments @TigerEvents @TigerWire
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.
- EdwardHughesΒ·07-02Love this analysis! Very insightful! [Heart]LikeReport
- MichaelPerezΒ·07-02Your analysis is spot onLikeReport
