50 DMA Line Is Resistance

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Stock Market Commentary:
Stocks and a host of commodities bounced on Tuesday after Monday’s strong sell off. So far, the old adage, “Sell in May and Go Away,” appears to be working brilliantly.  From our vantage point, the market rally remains under pressure due to the lackluster action in the major averages and several leading stocks.

German Economic Data Tops Estimates; New Home Sales Rise, Stocks & Commodities Bounce:

Before Tuesday’s open, business confidence in Germany was unchanged in May which topped expectations for a negative reading. Germany is Europe’s largest and strongest economy and is largely the binding force for the entire Euro. Therefore, any stronger than expected economic data is typically well received as investors across the globe are keeping a close eye on the entire continent. In other news, investment giants Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) both raised their 2011 price targets for a slew of commodities. This came a few short weeks after lowering their expectations for the same basket of commodities. This flippant behavior is typical for many large investment banks and is why we isolate the “noise” and focus our client’s collective attention on what matters most: market action. In other news, the Commerce Department said new home sales rose +7.3% to a seasonally adjusted 323,000 annual rate. This was the highest reading since December 2010 and the second straight increase. However, compared to the same period last year, sales tanked –23.1%.

Market Outlook- Market In A Correction

From our point of view, the market is in a correction as a new downtrend has formed and the 50 DMA line is broken for many of the major averages.  Since the beginning of May, we have urged caution as the major averages and a host of commodities began selling off. Looking forward, the next level of support is the 9-month upward trendline and the next level of resistance is the 50 DMA line and then the 2011 highs. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.

Want Better Results?

You Need Better Ideas!

We Know Markets!

Learn How Our Consulting Services Can Help You!

 

Similar Posts

  • Day 9: Investors Digest A Slew of Economic & Earnings News

    Looking at the market, the major averages continue to trade near their respective 50 DMA lines as they consolidate their recent move. Remember that as long as February 5th lows are not breached the window remains open for a new follow-through day (FTD) to emerge. A new follow-through day will confirm the current rally attempt and will be produced when one of the major averages rallies at least +1.7% on higher volume than the prior session as a new batch of leaders breakout of sound bases. However, if the February 5, 2010 lows are breached then the day count will be reset and a steeper correction may unfold.

  • U.S. Stocks; Forming A New Base

    Mortgage Apps Fall & Produce Price Index Jumps!
    Before Wednesday’s open, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said mortgage applications slid by a disturbingly large -9.1%. The report blamed tepid economic conditions and a volatile stock market for the two primary reasons behind the large decline. Separately, the Labor Department said its produce price index (PPI) rose +0.2% despite lower energy prices. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, rose +0.4% which was the largest increase since January and rose +0.3% in June. Since the March 2009 bottom, inflation has remained largely at bay which has helped alleviate pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise rates. However, if inflation swells over the next few quarters than the Fed may be put in a precarious situation; raise rates to curb inflation or leave rates low to stimulate the stale economy?

  • Stocks End Near Highs; Economic Data Weak

    Some might say that Thursday marked day 1 of a new rally attempt due to the fact that the major averages closed in the upper half of their intraday ranges, recovering from steep losses in the first half of the session. That still does not change the fact that the market is in a correction which emphasizes the importance of raising cash and adopting a strong defensive stance until a new follow-through day emerges. For the past several weeks, this column has steadily noted the importance of remaining very selective and disciplined because all of the major averages are still trading below their downward sloping 50-day moving average (DMA) lines. Their 50 DMA line may continue to act as stubborn resistance. It was also recently noted that the NYSE Composite Index’s 50 DMA line already sliced below the 200 DMA line, an event known by market technicians as a “death cross” which usually has bearish implications. Trade accordingly.