Stocks Erase 2011 Gains; Day Count Reset

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Stock Market Commentary:

Stocks and a slew of commodities were smacked on Wednesday, effectively giving back all of Monday & Tuesday’s gains and turned lower for the year after inflation jumped in the U.S. and the latest round of economic data was tepid. Remember, it is quite normal to see markets “bounce” after a steep decline. Going forward, the key is to study the “bounce” and wait for a powerful up day (follow-through day) to confirm a new rally attempt. Now that Monday’s lows (Day 1) are breached, the day count is reset and the possibility of a proper FTD is off the table until we get a new “up” day and restart the day count. Until a new FTD emerges, the bears remain in control of this market. So far, the old adage, “Sell in May and Go Away,” appears to be working brilliantly as all the major averages and a slew of key commodities are down significantly from their May 2011 highs.

Inflation Jumps; Economic Data Disappoints:

Before Wednesday’s open, the Labor Department reported a mixed to higher reading in their closely followed consumer price index (CPI). Headline CPI rose a seasonally adjusted +0.2%, down from +0.4% in April but topped estimates for an unchanged reading. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, experienced their largest gain in nearly three years, rising +0.3%. May’s reading topped the median forecast and April’s reading of +0.2%. The data shows inflation is accelerating in other areas of the economy, not just food & energy, which is not ideal.
Other economic data reaffirmed the notion of a massive slow-down in the U.S. economy. The empire state manufacturing survey fell for the first time since November 2010 and came in way below estimates. General business conditions in the NY area tumbled -20 points to -7.79 in June. The Street was expecting a positive reading of 12. Not only was the “miss” large, it was also below the all important boom/bust level of zero.   A separate report showed industrial production modestly increased in May but did little to impress the Street. Overall industrial production edged up +0.1%, following an unchanged reading in April. The report also “missed” estimates for a +0.2% gain. It was also disconcerting to see that the National Association of Home Builder’s sentiment survey plunged three points in June to 13, which is the lowest level since September 2010!

Market Outlook- Market In A Correction:

From our point of view, the market is back in a correction now that all the major averages closed below their respective 50 DMA lines and important upward trendlines. Since the beginning of May, we have urged our clients and readers to be extremely cautious as the major averages and a host of commodities began selling off. Looking forward, the next level of resistance for the major averages is their recent lows (i.e. 1294 in the S&P 500) and then their respective 50 DMA lines. The next level of support is their longer term 200 DMA lines and then their March 2011 lows.
For those of you that are interested, the S&P 500 hit a new 2011 high on May 2, 2011. Two days later, on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, we turned cautious and said “The Rally Was Under Pressure” (read here). Then on Monday, 5.23.11, we changed our outlook to “Market In A Correction” (read here). On Monday June 6, 2011 we pointed out that the S&P 500 violated its 9-month upward trendline (read here) and reiterated our cautious stance. We have received a lot of “thank you” emails for being “spot on” in our cautious approach. We are humbled by your presence and very thankful for your continued support. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.

Stock Market Research?

Global Macro Research?

Want To Follow Trends?

Learn How We Can Help You!

 

 

Similar Posts

  • 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!

  • Stocks Fall On Central Bank, EU Debt, & Recession Woes

    Wednesday, April 04, 2012 Stock Market Commentary: Stocks and other risk assets fell on Wednesday after fresh EU debt/recession fears re-emerged. In Q1, the Nasdaq composite surged nearly 19% which was its strongest quarter since 1991! The benchmark S&P 500 jumped nearly 12% or its best quarter sine 1998! Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average…

  • 4th Consecutive Weekly Decline!

    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.

  • Week In Review- 4th Consecutive Weekly Decline! 2.5.10

    Looking at the market, Thursday’s ominous action took out Monday’s lows and effectively ended the brief rally attempt which suggests a steeper correction may unfold and resets the day count for a proper follow-through day to emerge. It is also important to see how the major averages react to their respective 50-day moving average (DMA) lines which were support and are now resistance. 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 paramount. Our readers know that our defensive stance is not new- we have been defensive since January 23, 2010!

  • Stocks Edge Lower As EU Debt Woes Spread

    Monday, May 24, 2010 Stock Market Commentary: The major averages ended lower as the dollar rallied after European debt woes continued to spread. As expected volume was lighter compared to Friday’s heavy options expiration levels. Decliners led advancers by more than a 23-to-15 ratio on the NYSE and by nearly a 2-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq exchange. New 52-week lows outnumbered new 52-week highs…