The S & P 500 index shows a significant loss of long-term upside momentum from a technical perspective on its monthly chart. The monthly MACD histogram has ticked lower, and the monthly stochastics are poised for an overbought downturn at the end of the month. The set-up supports a digestion phase for much of 2025, characterized by increased volatility and a sideways-to-lower bias overall. The so-called Magnificent 7 stocks have collectively seen a significant loss of long-term upside momentum in both absolute terms and relative to the S & P 500 (referred to often as ‘SPX’), suggesting they will continue to be a source of underperformance this year. The ratio of the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) has broken its 200-day moving average. At the same time, there is notable deterioration in market breadth relative to last year, noting only 53% of S & P 500 stocks are above their 200-day moving averages. Zooming in on the weekly bar chart, the S & P 500 is undergoing a correction that we think will deepen in early Q2. This is supported by our weekly indicators, which point decisively lower. We will be watching the weekly stochastics for an upturn from oversold territory to indicate an intermediate-term low, which seems more likely later in Q2. In the near term, the S & P 500 is at a proving ground as it tests support in the 5733-5783 zone, based in part on the 200-day MA. Market sentiment is at bearish extremes per the Fear & Greed Index, which is a potential near-term contrarian positive indication, although price action is more important. If the SPX closes decisively below support this week, it would mark a confirmed breakdown suggesting sentiment can get even more fearful before a meaningful low is established. Secondary support for the SPX is in the 5365-5385 area, based on the cloud model and a Fibonacci retracement level. In a year that is likely to be characterized by heightened volatility, defensive positions and conservative strategies that are characterized by a low beta and low correlation to the SPX hold appeal. Click here to view our latest monthly update for our own Fairlead Tactical Sector ETF (TACK). —Katie Stockton with Will Tamplin Access research from Fairlead Strategies for free here . DISCLOSURES: All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Fairlead Strategies Disclaimer: This communication has been prepared by Fairlead Strategies LLC (“Fairlead Strategies”) for informational purposes only. This material is for illustration and discussion purposes and not intended to be, nor construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice. You should consult appropriate advisors concerning such matters. This material presents information through the date indicated, reflecting the author’s current expectations, and is subject to revision by the author, though the author is under no obligation to do so. This material may contain commentary on broad-based indices, market conditions, different types of securities, and cryptocurrencies, using the discipline of technical analysis, which evaluates the demand and supply based on market pricing. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author. This material should not be construed as a recommendation, or advice or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any investment. The information is not intended to provide a basis on which you could make an investment decision on any particular security or its issuer. This document is intended for CNBC Pro subscribers only and is not for distribution to the general public. Certain information has been provided by and/or is based on third party sources and, although such information is believed to be reliable, no representation is made with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. This information may be subject to change without notice. Fairlead Strategies undertakes no obligation to maintain or update this material based on subsequent information and events or to provide you with any additional or supplemental information or any update to or correction of the information contained herein. Fairlead Strategies, its officers, employees, affiliates and partners shall not be liable to any person in any way whatsoever for any losses, costs, or claims for your reliance on this material. Nothing herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to future performance. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. Opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed, or actions taken, by Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, or employees. In addition, any opinions and assumptions expressed herein are made as of the date of this communication and are subject to change and/or withdrawal without notice. Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein. Any investments made are made under the same terms as nonaffiliated investors and do not constitute a controlling interest. No liability is accepted by Fairlead Strategies, its officers, employees, affiliates, or partners for any losses that may arise from any use of the information contained herein. Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest. Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative. This material does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial circumstances, objectives or needs of any specific investor, and are not intended as recommendations of particular securities, investment products, or other financial products or strategies to particular clients. Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. The recipient of this information must make its own independent decisions regarding any securities, investment products or other financial products mentioned herein. The material should not be provided to any person in a jurisdiction where its provision or use would be contrary to local laws, rules, or regulations. This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.