Stocks Digest Last Week's Rally

SPX- Strong Rally Continues
SPX- Strong Rally Continues

Monday, March 17, 2012
Stock Market Commentary:

Stocks extended their winning streak as the bulls remained in clear control of this market. 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. The benchmark S&P 500 paused near its 2011 high (~1370) before moving higher. At this point, it would be perfectly normal and healthy to see a 5-9% pullback at any point to give the bulls a chance to consolidate the recent gain. That would bring the S&P 500 down to 1320-1260. It is important to note that the bulls remain in control of this market as long as the benchmark S&P 500 stays above its 50 DMA line.

Housing Sentiment Holds Steady, Apple Initiates Dividend and Share-buy Back

Before Monday’s open, stocks were mixed overseas as investors digested last week’s strong rally. In the U.S., stocks were relatively quiet on Monday as investors digested last week’s strong move and the latest round of housing data was released. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index held steady at 28 in March. The index is still below the boom/bust level of 50 which separates positive and negative sentiment but is now holding at its highest level since June 2007. In other news, AAPL said it will offer a $2.65 dividend and offer a share buy back to help utilize its massive pile of cash.

Market Outlook- Confirmed Rally

After a very shallow pullback the majority of risk assets (Stocks, FX, and commodities) have began to rally. So far this action is considered healthy for the risk on trade. However, if sellers show up and support is breached then the bears will have regained control of this market (still a long ways off). 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

  • Selling Resumes!

    Market Outlook- Market In A Correction
    The latest action in the major averages suggests the market is back in a correction as all the major averages remain below key technical levels. Our longstanding clients/readers know, we like to filter out the noise and focus on what matters most: market action. That said, the recent action suggests caution is paramount at this stage until all the major averages rally back towards their respective 200 DMA lines. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.

  • Earnings & M&A News Lifts Stocks

    It is important to note that the major averages have been steadily rallying since early February and a pullback of some sort should be expected. Tuesday marked the latest distribution day since the rally was confirmed on the March 1, 2010 follow-through day (FTD). According to the paper, there are 6 distribution days for the NYSE, 5 for the S&P 500, 4 for the Dow, and 3 for the Nasdaq in recent weeks. This puts some pressure on this 9-week rally, but has yet to cause any technical damage. The fact that the market continues to shrug off any and all negative data bodes very well for this 13-month bull market.

  • S&P 500 Up 100% From March 2009 Low!

    Market Action- Confirmed Rally; Week 25 Begins
    It was encouraging to see the bulls show up and defend the major averages’ respective 50 DMA lines in November as this market proves resilient and simply refuses to go down. From our point of view, the market remains in a confirmed rally until those levels are breached. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite and small-cap Russell 2000 indexes continue to lead evidenced by their shallow correction and strong recovery. However, it is important to note that stocks are a bit extended here and a pullback of some sort (back to the 50 DMA lines) would do wonders to restore the health of this bull market. If you are looking for specific high ranked ideas, please contact us for more information.
    Are You Looking For Someone To Manage Your Money?
    Our Private Wealth Management Services Can Help You!

  • Stocks Dive On Tepid Housing Data

    The technical action in the major averages continues to weaken alongside the latest round of tepid economic data. Currently, resistance for the the major averages are their 50 DMA lines, then their longer term 200 DMA lines. It is also disconcerting to see the action in several leading stocks remain questionable as evidenced by the dearth of high-ranked leaders breaking out of sound bases.
    From our perspective, Monday’s negatively reversal coupled with Tuesday’s ugly distribution day effectively ended the latest rally attempt which emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious until the rally is back in a confirmed uptrend. Put simply, we can expect this sideways/choppy action to continue until the market breaks out above resistance or below support (recent chart lows). The first scenario will have bullish ramifications while the second will be clearly bearish. Trade accordingly.

  • New Rally Confirmed; Stocks Close Above 200 DMA Line

    Friday, June 18, 2010 Stock Market Commentary: Stocks ended higher this week, confirmed their latest rally attempt, and the benchmark S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average both closed above their respective 200 DMA lines which is an encouraging sign. Volume totals were reported higher on both major exchanges due to Friday’s quadruple witching day. Advancers led decliners by…