All Eyes On: ECB, BOE, Brazil's Central Bank, & Greek Deal

Russell 2000 Finds Support Near Its 50 DMA line
Russell 2000 Finds Support Near Its 50 DMA line

Thursday, March 08, 2012
Stock Market Commentary:

Stocks opened higher on Thursday after the ECB and BOE held rates steady and investors were waiting for a deal on the latest Greek debt restructuring. From our point of view, the major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday 1.3.12 which was Day 9 of their current rally attempt. Since then, stocks have been enjoying a very strong uptrend. However, the benchmark S&P 500 encountered resistance above its 2011 high (~1370) and is currently pulling back to consolidate its recent move. It would be perfectly normal and healthy to see a 5-9% pullback before a new leg higher begins. That would bring the S&P 500 down to 1310-1240. Until then, the bulls remain in control of this market as long as the benchmark S&P 500 stays above its 50 DMA line.

ECB, BOE, Brazil’s Central Bank Cuts Rates & Greek Deal:

Before Thursday’s open, the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England (BOE) held rates steady and largely reiterated their recent, and cautious, stance regarding the ongoing economic recovery. Elsewhere the vast majority of Greece’s private debt holders agreed to the latest deal to restructure the country’s debt. Meanwhile, Brazil’s central bank slashed rates by 75 basis points to 9.75%, down from 10.50% to help stimulate their slowing economy. Investors were concerned after Brazil said that its economy grew by only +2.7% in 2011 which was way lower than 2010’s +7.5% rate.
In the U.S., jobless claims unexpectedly rose by 8,000 to 362,000 last week. A separate report released by Challenger, Gray & Christmas said that the number of job cuts fell by -3.3% in February which bodes well for the jobs market and the ongoing economic recovery. The Street expects Friday’s jobs report to show that U.S. employers added 210,000 new jobs last month.

Market Outlook- Confirmed Rally

Risk assets (stocks, FX, and commodities) have finally began to pullback which is considered normal as long as this pullback is mild and stops at logical levels of support (i.e. prior chart highs, 50 DMA line, etc). However, if the selling intensifes and support is breached then the bears will have regained control of this market. As always, keep your losses small and never argue with the tape. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, feel free to contact us for more information. That’s what we are here for!
 

Similar Posts

  • Support Now Becomes Resistance

    Market Outlook- Market In A Correction:
    From our point of view, the market is back in a correction now that all the major averages closed below their respective 50 DMA lines and important upward trendlines. Since the beginning of May, we have urged our clients and readers to be extremely cautious as the major averages and a host of commodities began selling off.
    For those of you that are interested, the S&P 500 hit a new 2011 high on May 2, 2011. Two days later, on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, we turned cautious and said “The Rally Was Under Pressure” (read here). Then on Monday, 5.23.11, we changed our outlook to “Market In A Correction” (read here). On Monday June 6, 2011 we pointed out that the S&P 500 violated its 9-month upward trendline (read here) and reiterated our cautious stance. We have received a lot of “thank you” emails for being “spot on” and our cautious approach. We are humbled by your presence and very thankful for your continued support. Looking forward, the next level of resistance for the major averages is their respective 50 DMA lines then their 2011 highs. The next level of support is their longer term 200 DMA lines. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.
    Stock Market Research?
    Global Macro Research?
    Want To Follow Trends?
    Learn How We Can Help You!

  • Japan's Credit Cut & Durable Goods Top Estimates

    Market Outlook- New Rally Confirmed!
    The major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 which was the 11th day of their latest rally attempt. This action suggests a subtle and bullish shift may be on the horizon. It is important to note that all major rallies in history began with a FTD however not every FTD leads to a new rally (i.e. several FTDs fail). In addition, it is important to note that the major averages still are under pressure as they are all trading below their longer and shorter term moving averages (50 and 200 DMA lines) and are all still negative year-to-date. Our longstanding clients/readers know, we like to filter out the noise and focus on what matters most: market action. This rally will fail if/when August’s lows are breached. Until then, the bulls deserve the benefit of the doubt. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.

  • Stocks Rally On E.U. Optimism

    Market Outlook- Rally Under Pressure:
    The major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 which was the 11th day of their latest rally attempt. It is important to note that all major rallies in history began with a FTD however not every FTD leads to a new rally (i.e. several FTDs fail). In addition, it is important to note that the major averages still are under pressure as they are all trading below their longer and shorter term moving averages (50 and 200 DMA lines) and are all still negative year-to-date. Our longstanding clients/readers know, we like to filter out the noise and focus on what matters most: market action. This rally will fail if/when several distribution days emerge or August’s lows are breached. Until then, the bulls deserve the benefit of the doubt. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.

  • Stocks Plunge As Contagion Fears Spread

    The market is currently in a correction which, according to historical precedent, suggests 3 out of 4 stocks will follow the market lower until a new follow-through day emerges. That said, taking the appropriate action on a case-by-case basis with your stocks prompts investors to raise cash when any holdings start getting in trouble. It is also important to note that the major averages have experienced multiple “corrections” since the March 2009 lows and each one has been mild at best (less than a -10% decline from the recent high). Therefore, it will be very interesting to see how low this correction goes before the bulls show up and defend support (if that happens).
    Additionally, it is important to note that the market can go much lower (or higher) than anyone thinks; so it is of the utmost importance to filter out the “noise” and carefully analyze price and volume for the best read on the health of the market.