Stocks Quiet Ahead of GDP & House Vote!

Thursday, July 28, 2011
Stock Market Commentary:

Stocks were relatively quiet on Thursday after jobless claims topped estimates, the latest round of corporate earnings were announced, and the debt stalemate continued in D.C.. It is a bit worrisome to see the Nasdaq 100 negate its latest breakout and pull back along side the other major averages. Technically, the current rally is under pressure as all the major averages are pulling back towards their respective 50 DMA lines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average & benchmark S&P 500 index sliced and closed below their respective 50 DMA line which is not a healthy sign. Looking forward, the next level of support are the 2011 lows/the 200 DMA lines and the next level of resistance are the 2011 highs.

Debt Deadline Approaches, Economic Data & Earnings Help Stocks:

Before Thursday’s open, the Labor Department said jobless claims fell by a seasonally adjusted -24,000 to 398,000 last week.  It was somewhat encouraging to see claims fall below –400,000 for the first time since April 2. In case you do not know, most economists view 400,000 as the dividing line between job growth and job contraction. So it will be interesting to see if this is a one off or the beginning of a new trend (stronger job growth). Earnings news was mixed, Crocs Inc. (CROX), Skechers USA (SKX), and Green Mountain Coffee (GMCR) all rallied while Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Akamai Technologies (AKAM) fell after releasing their numbers. After Thursday’s close, the House is scheduled to vote on a Boehner’s latest plan, a slew of earnings are slated to be released, and Q2 GDP will be released before Friday’s open. It goes without saying, it will be a very ‘busy’ 24 hours.
Market Outlook- Rally Under Pressure
The latest action in the major averages suggests the current rally is under pressure. 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 2011 highs. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.
 

Stock Market Research?

Global Macro Research?

Learn How To Follow Trends?

See How We Can Help You!

Similar Posts

  • Stocks Tank As Correction Take Hold

    The market is currently in a correction which, according to historical precedent, suggests 3 out of 4 stocks will follow the market lower until a new follow-through day emerges. That said, taking the appropriate action on a case-by-case basis with your stocks prompts investors to raise cash when any holdings start getting in trouble. It is also important to note that the major averages have experienced multiple “corrections” since the March 2009 lows and each one has been mild at best (less than a -10% decline from the recent high). Therefore, it will be very interesting to see how low this correction goes before the bulls show up and defend support. Additionally, it is important to note that the market can go much lower (or higher) than anyone thinks; so it is of the utmost importance to filter out the “noise” and carefully analyze price and volume action of the major average for the best read on the health of the market.

  • 20 Week Rally Continues!

    Market Action- Market In Confirmed Rally Week 20
    It was encouraging to see the bulls show up in November and defend the major averages’ respective 50 DMA lines. 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.
    Are You Looking For Someone To Manage Your Money?
    Our Private Wealth Management Services Can Help You!

  • Stocks Edge Higher As Dollar Falls

    Overall, the action since this rally was confirmed on the September 1, 2010 follow-through day (FTD) remains healthy. Looking forward, the window is now open for disciplined investors to begin carefully buying high-ranked stocks again. It was encouraging to see a flurry of high-ranked leaders trigger fresh technical buy signals and break out of sound bases in recent weeks. All the major averages rallied above their respective 200-day moving average (DMA) lines this week, which is another encouraging sign. The next important resistance level the major averages are facing is their respective summer highs.