The Market Ear
February 16, 2026
Nasdaq on Edge: CTAs Lurking Below and Fear Still Elevated
Market ReportEquitiesRates Govt BondsVolatilityCommunication ServicesConsumer Discretionary
The NASDAQ remains range-bound and is testing major support at its 200-day MA, while CTAs are projected to sell up to $2bn in US equities. Market volatility remains high as fear indicators like VVIX stay elevated despite the market being close to all-time highs.
Key Takeaways
- 1.NASDAQ is testing critical support at the 200-day moving average and the 24,400 level.
- 2.Systematic selling pressure is expected from CTAs, with estimates of $1.5-2bn in US equity sales over the coming week.
- 3.Market fear remains elevated with the VVIX at 113 and a wide gap between VVIX and VIX.
Table of Contents
- NASDAQ
- Must hold in MAG
- CTAs
- Not a typo
- Fearful
- The SPX connection
- Can AI replace AI software?
- Fast market
- Still no bid
- Wild volatile market
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Authors
Author(s)
Securities
SPXNasdaqIGVINFOTCS
Themes
AI vs. Incumbent Software ParadoxSystematic Positioning and CTA FlowsVolatility and Market Fear
Regions
North AmericaAsia PacificUnited StatesIndia
