Major Averages Back Above 50 DMA Lines!

SPX- Closes Above its Downward Trendline and 50 DMA Line
SPX- Closes Above its Downward Trendline and 50 DMA Line

Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Stock Market Commentary:

Stocks and other risk assets were mostly higher on Tuesday, snapping the recent sell-off. So far the reaction to Q1 earnings has been less than stellar. As earnings continue to be released in droves, it is paramount that we not only pay attention to the actual numbers but how the stocks (and major averages) react to the numbers.  This allows us to see how the market participants are “voting” and helps us filter out the noise and focus on what matters most: price action. The the Nasdaq composite, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the benchmark S&P 500 index are back above their respective 50 DMA lines which bodes well for the bulls. The small-cap Russell 2000 index is still below that closely followed level.

Stronger than Expected Earnings Help Stocks:

Stocks opened higher on Tuesday as investors digested the latest round of earnings and economic data. A slew of large profile companies released their Q1 earnings before Tuesday’s open ranging from Goldman Sachs (GS, to Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Meanwhile, the economic data was not ideal. The Commerce Department said housing starts fell an expected -5.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 654,000 units in March. This missed the Street’s estimate for 705,000 and it was also disconcerting to see February’s reading be revised down to 694,000. Meanwhile, industrial production was unchanged for a second straight month in March which missed a gain of +0.3%.

Market Outlook- In A Correction

From our point of view, the market is getting stronger now that several of the major averages are fighting to get back above their respective 50 DMA lines. Therefore, probing the long side with close protective stops (below the 50 DMA line) might be prudent if you are looking for a low risk entry point. 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!
 

Please Note:
After nearly 10 years of writing daily market reports we are Due to time constraints, this commentary will become a weekly note starting May 1, 2012.  
We would like to thank you for your continued support and patronage!

Similar Posts

  • 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.

  • A Clear Downtrend Has Formed

    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. Distribution remains elevated (heavy selling from the institutional community) and leading stocks continue to lag. 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!

  • Cautious Follow-Through Day Confirms New Rally

    Cautious Follow-Through Day Confirms New Rally.Looking at the market, Monday, Day 16 of the latest rally attempt, confirmed the latest rally attempt when a “cautious follow-through day” was produced by the Nasdaq composite. This means that we will now be looking for any distribution days (high volume declines) to emerge to gauge the strength of this nascent rally. So far, it is a much welcomed sign to see the market continue to improve as investors digest the latest round of stronger than expected economic and earnings data. Remember that now that a new rally has been confirmed the window is now open to start buying high quality breakouts. Trade accordingly.

  • Week-In-Review: Stocks End Week Mixed After Fed Raised Rates

    Stocks End Week Mixed After Fed Raised Rates Stocks ended mixed last week after the Fed raised rates for the second time in a decade and geo-political tensions flared up between the U.S. and China. Overall, stocks remain very strong and it is perfectly normal to see the market pullback and digest the recent and…