---
title: "Nasdaq Climbs as SPY Stays Flat (+0.04%), IWM Drops 1.85%"
canonical_url: https://www.stockexpertai.com/journal/2026-01-25/nasdaq-climbs-as-spy-stays-flat-004-iwm-drops-185-3
last_updated: 2026-01-25T12:10:43.549Z
section: "Trending Shorts"
author: "Alex Sterling"
publisher: Stock Expert AI
content_type: journal-article
---

# Nasdaq Climbs as SPY Stays Flat (+0.04%), IWM Drops 1.85%

## The Take
- Monitor small-cap performance as a potential leading indicator for broader market sentiment; consider sector diversification.

_Small caps feel the pressure as broader market indices show mixed performance in today's session._

Markets are signaling something important today. The SPY is showing minimal movement, up just +0.04%, while the tech-heavy QQQ gains +0.32%. Small-cap stocks are underperforming, with the IWM declining -1.85%. Meanwhile, the DIA is down -0.56%.

* **QQQ Edges Higher (+0.32%):** Tech stocks continue to show relative strength, supporting the Nasdaq's upward trajectory.
* **SPY Flat at +0.04%:** The broad market index is essentially unchanged, indicating a lack of clear direction.
* **IWM Dips -1.85%:** Small-cap weakness suggests concerns about economic growth or risk appetite.
* **DIA Declines -0.56%:** The Dow Jones Industrial Average is also in negative territory, driven by weakness in some of its key components.

The cryptocurrency market shows bearish signals, with Solana and Shiba Inu facing downward pressure. XRP trading volumes have plunged 52% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum price has remained in a range-bound spell, putting in no significant movement outside of the $3,000 and $2,880 price boundaries.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why is the IWM declining today?
The IWM, representing small-cap stocks, is declining, potentially signaling concerns about economic growth or a shift in investor risk appetite. This can be influenced by various factors, including economic data releases, interest rate expectations, and overall market sentiment. Investors often view small-cap performance as a barometer of future economic activity.

### How is the Nasdaq performing today?
The Nasdaq is showing gains, supported by the strength of tech stocks. This indicates that investors are currently favoring technology companies. The Nasdaq's performance is often contrasted with the broader market's performance, as seen with the SPY's flat movement, highlighting sector-specific trends.

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_AI-generated under human editorial supervision. Educational research, not financial advice._