In technical analysis there is a term referred to as a consolidation phase. A phase in which price action begins moving sideways. A consolidation phase is essentially a correction in time.
The thing about consolidation phases is that: they can expand and contract, therefore the current phase that the spy is in, is a consolidation phase, which can expand and contract.
When this consolidated range expands, I refer to this as an EXPANSION ZONE. An expansion zone entails: Higher highs and Lower lows, the over all market is not assuming a true bias until an uptrend (higher high & higher low) or downtrend (lower high & lower low) is established.
However, fortunately as traders, we can see this expansion zone as a tremendous trading opportunity. If the range I trade within continues to expand drastically, it can help me execute wider swings when trading. There is more volatility!
That being said, we should also be cautious about Contraction zones. A contraction zone is a type of consolidation phase however the overall range for the zone decreases and tightens. The actual range in which price action moves is isolated, making it very dangerous for traders to trade. Traders will have to trade within a tighter range, allowing for the high frequency traders to capitalize on the lack of immediate volatility.
I don't know how long this pandemic is going to last. I don't know how the stimulus plans are going to impact the stock market. The only thing I know for sure is that you should not trade within contraction zones. They represent diminishing opportunities as a result of decreasing volatility.
Consolidation isn't always uniform! Consolidation phases can expand and contract! An expansion zone can become a contraction zone. A contraction zone can become an expansion zone as well!
The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent! - John Maynard Keynes.
I hope this helped! Take care!