Stocks and a slew of other “riskon” assets bounced from deeply oversold levels as hope spread that another round of global monetary easing will curb the economic slowdown across the globe. In early May, all the major averages sliced below their respective 50 DMA lines which prompted us to label this market “in a correction.” For the past few weeks, we have written about the importance of being defensive especially because the action in the major averages and a slew of leading stocks deteriorated. After the sharp fall, the bulls showed up and are doing their best to defend the longer term 200 DMA lines for the major averages. If that level is “broken” on a closing basis- then we have to expect another leg lower to begin.
Stocks rallied on Monday erasing earlier losses and marked Day 1 of a new rally attempt. Stocks looked passed a lackluster non-manufacturing PMI reading from China and were hopeful that the EU crisis was not deteriorating further. The CRB Commodity Index managed to snap a four day losing streak which also helped stocks rally. The euro, which is a great barometer for “riskon” assets, also rallied from deeply oversold levels which paved the way for a “riskon” day.
Stocks rallied on Tuesday after the latest round of economic data was mixed. European retail sales slid but non-manufacturing PMI improved marginally. Finance ministers from the G7 held an emergency teleconference but failed to come up with any ground breaking solutions. The latest ISM Services Index rose to 53.7 in May from 53.5 in April. Moody’s one of the popular rating agencies, slashed the ratings on several European banks.
Stocks extended their gains on Wednesday after the ECB held rates steady at 1% and optimism spread. The ECB held its key interest rate unchanged at 1% which matched expectations. ECB President Mario Draghi said the central bank will do its best to curb inflation but added that inflation pressures remain subdued. Draghi also said the ECB expects inflation should remain above 2% for the rest of 2012 and then fall to 1-2% in 2013.
Thursday & Friday’s Action- Stocks Slide As Enthusiasm Wanes:
Before Thursday’s open, China lowered their interest rates by 25 basis points to 6.31% to help boost their “sagging economy.” The PBC move was not expected and helped send a slew of risk assets higher. Janet Yellen, the vice chair of the Fed, gave a speech in Boston where she made a case for another round of monetary easing to protect and stimulate the US economy from the impact of the euro zone debt crisis. After the open, Bernanke testified before the Congressional Joint Economic Committee and reiterated his recent stance regarding continued “downside” risks to the economy and capital markets. In European news, Spain has not yet requested assistance from the ECB and has resisted being placed under international supervision. However, Reuters reported that both German and European Union officials are urgently searching for solutions to their onerous debt problems. Stocks sold off in the final hour after the U.S. Fed boosted capital requirements for several of the country’s largest banks. Stocks rallied on Friday as enthusiasm regarding the global economy improved.
Looking forward, the window is now open for disciplined investors to begin carefully buying high-ranked stocks again. Looking forward, the 200 DMA line should now act as near term support as this market continues advancing, while any reversal would be a worrisome sign. It is important to note that the NYSE composite, benchmark S&P 500 index, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average have now all seen their 50 DMA lines undercut their respective 200 DMA lines which is is known as a “death cross” and has bearish ramifications. In addition, remember to remain very selective because all of the major averages are still trading below their downward sloping 50 and 200 DMA lines and a fresh downward trendline (shown above). It was somewhat disconcerting to see volume remain light (below average) behind the confirming gains. It is important to note that approximately 75% of FTDs lead to new sustained rallies, while 25% fail. In addition, every major rally in market history has begun with a FTD, but not every FTD leads to a new rally. Trade accordingly.
Market Action- Market In Confirmed Rally Week 18
It is encouraging to see the bulls show up in November and defend the 50 DMA lines for the major averages. 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. Put simply, stocks are strong. Trade accordingly. If you are looking for specific high ranked ideas, please contact us for more information.
Looking at the market, Wednesday marked Day 3 of a new rally attempt which means that as long as Monday’s lows are not breached, the earliest a possible follow-through day could emerge will be Thursday. However, if Monday’s lows are taken out, then the day count will be reset and the chances for a steeper correction increase markedly. It is also important to see how the major averages react to their respective 50-day moving average (DMA) lines. Until they all close above that important level the technical damage remaining on the charts is a concern. So far, the market’s reaction has been tepid at best to the latest round of economic and earnings data. Remember that the recent series of distribution days coupled with the deleterious action in the major averages suggests large institutions are aggressively selling stocks. Disciplined investors will now wait for a new follow-through day to be produced before resuming any buying efforts. Until then, patience is key.
Stocks Fall As Oil Surges 14% Over Past Two Weeks Stocks fell hard last week as the major averages paused to digest their recent and robust rally. A slew of “leading stocks” (mainly biotech, small-cap and tech stocks) fell hard last week which dragged the major averages lower. In other news, Crude Oil surged over +20%…
Market Action- Rally Under Pressure; Week 26
It was encouraging to see the bulls show up and defend the major averages’ respective 50 DMA lines recently which is a healthy sign. From our point of view, the market remains in rally-mode 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 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!
Thursday, December 23, 2010 Stock Market Commentary: The major US averages edged higher on this shortened holiday week capping a fourth consecutive weekly gain for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and benchmark S&P 500, fifth weekly gain for the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite, and sixth consecutive weekly advance for the small-cap Russell 2000 index. It is…
