Stocks End Mixed As Retail Stocks Sink

Stocks ended mixed to mostly lower last week as investors digested the latest round of economic, political, and earnings data. The big take-away last week for the market was a slew of retail stocks gapped down after reporting earnings. On a positive note, the Nasdaq and Nasdaq 100 continue to outperform while the small-cap Russell 2000 continues to lag. The Dow & S&P 500 are acting relatively well as they continue tracing out bullish 3-week “handle” patterns just below record highs. The next important near term level of support to watch is the 50 day moving average line for the major indices. After the 50 DMA line, the next important levels of support to watch are: Russel 2000: 1335, then 1308, Dow Industrials: 20,379, then 20.1k, S&P 500: 2322.25, then 2300, Nasdaq Composite: 5769.39, then 5669. Until those levels are breached on a closing basis, the bulls remain in control. We are often asked about why the market is holding up so well with everything that is happening in the political arena. The answer is simple: investors only care about what policies come out of D.C. that directly impact Main Street or Wall Street. So far, the policies have been bullish for the economy and, as investors look forward there appears to be more economic-friendly policies in the pipeline. The other, more important, reason is that we are in a very strong bull market, and we pay much more attention to how the market reacts to the news. So far, the market action is bullish.

Mon-Wed Action:

Thur & Fri Action:

Stocks fell on Thursday after Macy’s ($M) gapped down 17% after reporting earnings. The new over hyped IPO, Snap, was also clobbered after reporting earnings. In economic news, the producer price index grew by +0.5% in April, beating estimates of +0.2%. Initial jobless claims, came in at 236,000, just below the Street’s estimate for 245,000. Stocks were quiet to mostly lower on Friday after JC Penney plunged 10% after reporting earnings. JC Penney reported mixed quarterly results, with earnings beating expectations but same-stores sales missed estimates. The environment for retail stocks has been lousy in recent years and investors have very little to be bullish about in this beaten up sector.

Market Outlook: Stocks Are Strong

The market is very strong. As always, keep your losses small and never argue with the tape. Want Adam To Be Your Personal Portfolio Consultant? You Don’t Have To Feel Alone In The Market, There Is A Better Way: Learn More