Market Not Following Through, But Falling Through

Market Not Following Through, But Falling Through

Byinfo@50park.com

As we know, the major averages topped out in October 2007 and then proceeded to precipitously plunge until they put in a near-term bottom in early March 2009. Since then, the market snapped back and enjoyed hefty gains which helped send the major averages to one of their strongest 15-month rallies in history. The small cap Russell 2000 Index was the standout winner, surging a whopping +117%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is a close second, having vaulted +100%, before reaching its interim high of 2,535 on April 26, 2010. The benchmark S&P 500 Index raced +83% higher before hitting its near term high of 1,219 on April 26, 2010, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared +74% before printing its near-term high of 11,258 on April 26, 2010. This data indicates that Monday, April 26, 2010 appeared to be a very important day for the market because that is the day that most of the popular averages printed their near-term highs and negatively reversed by closing lower from new high territory.
In addition, after such hefty moves, a 10-15% pullback, if the indices can prove resilient enough to hold their ground near current levels, would be quite normal before the bulls return and send this market higher. However, if the 2010 lows are further breached, then odds will favor that even lower prices will follow. Furthermore, the downward sloping 50 DMA line is on track to undercut the longer term 200 DMA line which is not a healthy sign. Recall we are now waiting for a new follow-through day (FTD) to emerge before the window opens to proactively begin buying high quality breakouts meeting the investment system guidelines again. Trade accordingly. Never argue with the tape, and always keep your losses small.

Tough Week On Wall Street

Tough Week On Wall Street

Byinfo@50park.com

Some might say that Thursday was Day 1 of a new rally attempt due to the fact that the major averages closed in the upper half of their intra-day 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 a series of capital markets (Crude oil, Copper, NYSE Composite Index, among others) 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. On Friday, the benchmark S&P 500 Index’s 50 DMA line offically undercut its longer term 200 DMA line which means the benchmark index can be added to the list. Trade accordingly.