Stocks and a slew of other risk assets were flat to relatively lower on Wednesday after the enthusiasm wore off regarding the second bailout for Greece and China’s manufacturing sector contracted for the fourth consecutive month. The primary catalysts for the risk on trade was the ECB relief long term loan package in December 2011 and the continued strength in the U.S. (and by extension the global) economy in recent weeks. 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. It was also encouraging to see the S&P 500 break above its downward trendline and its longer term 200 DMA line. Looking forward, the S&P 500 has done a great job staying above its Q4 2011 high (~1292) and is now doing its best to stay above 1356 which corresponds with July’s high. The next level of resistance is 2011’s high just above 1370. The bulls remain in control as long as the benchmark S&P 500 trades above 1292 and then its 200 DMA line.

China’s Manufacturing Sector Improved But Still Contracting & Greece Woes Flare Up Again:

Stocks opened lower on Wednesday after China said its manufacturing sector slid for the fourth consecutive month. The HSBC purchasing managers index (PMI) rose to a four month high at 49.7 but still remained below the critical boom/bust line of 50. The PMI is used as an early indicator for China’s industrial activity and was hurt due to sagging exports to Europe. The European Central Bank said that it wants local governments to begin taking responsibility for shoring up their country’s finances.

U.S. Housing Market Remains In Flux: Housing Stocks Pulling Back To Consolidate Recent Move

In the U.S. the Mortgage Bankers Association said mortgage applications slid by a seasonally adjusted -4.5% in the week ending February 17, 2012. The report factors in both new purchases and refinances. Existing home sales swelled by +4.3% last month to a 4.570 million annual rate. The median home price tanked by -4.6% to $154,700. This decline suggests the housing market has yet to bottom and the decline is confirmed by a 4.0% decline for the average price to $201,200. Year-on-year rates also show a small single digit contraction.