Felix Notes — 2026-08-15

Felix Notes

Saturday, August 15, 2026 · Market Research Summary
Market Regime: BULLISH

Executive Summary

Broad market strength, majority of industries advancing or basing with strong breadth

Market Snapshot

Exhibit 1 : Key Breadth Metrics

MetricValueOf Total%Δ (1d)
Industries Climbing9214364.0%▲4
Above 50-Day MA10714375.0%
Positive Relative Strength4614332.0%▼1
Rising SMA Slope10314372.0%▲3

Pattern Distribution

Exhibit 2 : Industry Pattern Breakdown (143 industries)

PatternCount% of MarketΔ (1d)
CLIMBING9264.3%▲4
BASE2416.8%
TIRED32.1%▼2
DOWNHILL2416.8%▼2

Sector Health

36 Favorable · 17 Unfavorable · 90 Neutral (of 143)

Favorable Industries (+RS & Climbing/Base)

General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential BldgsEngineering & ConstructionMedical/Nursing ServicesPrecious MetalsSemiconductorsSavings InstitutionsOther Metals and MineralsComputer Communications EquipmentSteel/Iron OreComputer peripheral equipmentRetail: Computer Software & Peripheral EquipmentCommercial BanksOil and Gas Field MachineryMetal FabricationsMilitary/Government/TechnicalMining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels)Multi-Sector CompaniesInvestment Bankers/Brokers/ServiceServices-Misc. Amusement & RecreationBuilding ProductsAir Freight/Delivery ServicesHealthcare Information ServicesRetail-Auto Dealers and Gas StationsRetail-Drug Stores and Proprietary StoresMajor BanksMarine TransportationOther PharmaceuticalsMetal MiningBiotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances)Coal MiningPollution Control EquipmentOrdnance And AccessoriesDiversified Financial ServicesTransportation ServicesMedicinal Chemicals and Botanical ProductsAerospace

Unfavorable Industries (–RS & Tired/Downhill)

Shoe ManufacturingDurable GoodsFood ChainsTrucking Freight/Courier ServicesConsumer Discretionary — OtherMajor ChemicalsWater SupplyBuilding MaterialsOther / DiversifiedBuilding operatorsRental/Leasing CompaniesComputer ManufacturingAuto Parts:O.E.M.Department/Specialty Retail StoresHotels/ResortsIntegrated Freight & LogisticsAuto Manufacturing

Rotation Flow (2026-08-13 → 2026-08-14)

Summary: 4 TIRED → CLIMBING · 3 BASE → CLIMBING · 2 DOWNHILL → BASE · 2 CLIMBING → BASE · 1 CLIMBING → TIRED · 1 BASE → TIRED

IndustryFromTo
Engineering & ConstructionTIREDCLIMBING
Precious MetalsBASECLIMBING
Steel/Iron OreTIREDCLIMBING
Military/Government/TechnicalTIREDCLIMBING
Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels)DOWNHILLBASE
Natural Gas DistributionBASECLIMBING
Department/Specialty Retail StoresCLIMBINGTIRED
Building operatorsBASETIRED
Biotechnology: In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic SubstancesCLIMBINGBASE
Trusts Except Educational Religious and CharitableBASECLIMBING
Package Goods/CosmeticsCLIMBINGBASE
Meat/Poultry/FishDOWNHILLBASE
Information Technology ServicesTIREDCLIMBING

Market Commentary

Generated 2026-08-15

Long-Term Trend

The long-term trend of the market is FAVORABLE. The S&P 500 (SPX) closed this week at 7,785.76, comfortably above its 200-day moving average (MA) of 7,074.9 by more than 10%. Major indices like the Dow Jones and NASDAQ also remain well above their 200-day MAs, reinforcing broad market strength at the secular level. This positioning indicates that the market is still in a sustained uptrend with solid underlying momentum.

Intermediate-Term Trend

The intermediate-term trend remains constructive with the SPX trading above both its 50-day MA at 7,512.39 and its 200-day MA at 7,074.9. The current price is 3.64% above the 50-day and 10.05% above the 200-day, signaling clear bullish momentum without signs of fatigue. Holding above the 50-day MA is critical; if the SPX dips below 7,512.39, investors should watch the 200-day MA at 7,074.9 closely as a key support zone. A break below that level would mark a shift to an unfavorable long-term trend.

Breadth confirms this optimism. The advance/decline (A/D) line sits at 102,382, well above its 50-day MA of 72,575, reflecting healthy participation across the market. Although the daily advance/decline ratio is slightly below 1 at 0.93 (9,597 advances to 10,346 declines), the cumulative strength remains intact. The percentage of industries climbing has increased week-over-week by 4 points to 64%, with 75% of industries above their 50-day MAs. This breadth stability suggests the market’s rally is broad-based, not narrow or speculative.

Pattern distribution supports this view: 64% of the 143 industries are climbing, while only 17% remain downhill. The number of climbing industries rose by 4, and downhill industries decreased by 2 week-over-week. Favorable industries outnumber unfavorable ones 36 to 17, showing a strong market internals backdrop. Key sector rotations from tired or base phases into climbing—such as Engineering & Construction, Precious Metals, and Steel/Iron Ore—signal renewed institutional buying and confidence in economically sensitive groups.

If SPX can maintain above the 50-day MA at 7,512.39 and breadth continues to improve, the intermediate trend should stay firmly favorable. Conversely, a weekly close below this level would raise caution. If the SPX then tests and fails to hold the 200-day MA at 7,074.9, the trend outlook would shift negative, increasing risk for a deeper correction.

Short-Term Outlook

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of expected near-term market volatility, is low at 14.25, well below its 200-day MA of 18.52 and 50-day MA of 17.18. This low VIX signals a calm, trend-following environment with contained volatility, which favors continued upside in equities. The 1-day decline of 0.38 reinforces the subdued risk sentiment.

AAII sentiment readings show a slight tilt toward caution but no extreme bearishness. Bulls stand at 34.7% (below their 36.9% average), bears at 37.9% (near their 38.5% average), and neutrals at 27.4%. This balanced but slightly cautious mood provides no contrarian red flags. Immediate support for the SPX is the 50-day MA at 7,512.39, with resistance near the recent high at 7,785.76. A break above that level would confirm accelerating momentum.

Sector & Group Analysis

The industry landscape remains predominantly favorable, with 36 industries classified as favorable versus 17 unfavorable. Key rotations from tired and base phases into climbing indicate rotation into economically sensitive and industrial sectors. Engineering & Construction, Steel/Iron Ore, and Military/Government/Technical all moved into climbing status, suggesting institutional money is rotating toward sectors leveraged to ongoing economic activity and infrastructure spending.

Precious Metals also improved from base to climbing, supported by rising gold miners (GDX at $89.97, above both 50-day and 200-day MAs), signaling some risk-off hedging alongside the broader bullish market. The weakest groups continue to be niche or speculative areas such as Blank Checks and Shoe Manufacturing, which remain downhill or climbing with poor relative strength, underscoring a clear preference for quality and cyclical exposure.

Bonds, Gold & Commodities

Long-term Treasury bonds (TLT) are under pressure, trading at $82.04, below both their 50-day MA of $84.46 and 200-day MA of $86.81, confirming a falling trend in bond prices and likely reflecting higher yields. Gold is rising with a price of $4,437.3 above its 50-day MA of $4,167.54 but still below the 200-day MA of $4,589.42, indicating a tentative uptrend in precious metals. Silver at $65.11 is above its 50-day MA of $61.44 but below its 200-day MA, showing mixed signals in metals. The gold miners ETF (GDX) confirms strength, trading above both key moving averages, signaling some safe-haven demand or inflation hedging amid a bullish equity backdrop. This mix suggests moderate risk appetite with pockets of caution.

Bottom Line

The market remains in a broadly OFFENSIVE stance. The SPX’s clear position above both the 50-day MA at 7,512.39 and the 200-day MA at 7,074.9, combined with healthy breadth and low volatility, supports an aggressive posture toward equities. Favorable rotations into cyclical and industrial sectors reinforce confidence in ongoing economic strength.

Remain vigilant on the key technical levels: a break below the 50-day MA at 7,512.39 would warrant caution, with the 200-day MA at 7,074.9 as the critical line in the sand. A violation of that would force a defensive repositioning. Conversely, a sustained rally above recent highs near 7,785.76 would justify increased aggression and potential tactical additions to growth-oriented sectors.

FTC Compliance Disclaimer
This document is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice. The content presented reflects general market observations and analysis. Felix is not a financial advisor. You should not make any financial decisions based solely on the information contained herein. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Data derived from 143 industries tracked by the Breakout Scanner as of 2026-08-14.