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.” Then in early June the bulls showed up and defend the 200 DMA lines for the major averages. On Friday, the bulls managed send the benchmark S&P 500 index above the neckline of its bullish inverse head and shoulders pattern (shown above). The next level of resistance is the 50 DMA line and then 2012’s highs.
Monday-Wednesday’s Action- Bad News is “Good” News:
Stocks opened higher but closed lower on Monday as enthusiasm waned regarding Spain’s $125 billion bailout. The best headline I came across was one saying, “Spain Got Tarped.” The details of the plan were not ideal and showed EU leaders just throwing more debt at a debt crisis. After the initial and expected at the open on Monday, stocks fell hard and closed near their lows of the day as investors focused on the upcoming elections in Greece and Italy’s onerous debt burden.
Stocks ended with modest gains on Tuesday but volume, a critical component of institutional activity, was lighter than Monday, as investors looked passed Spain’s woes and focused on hopes that the recent spate of “bad” news will force the Fed’s hand into another round of QE when they meet next week. Cyprus, the third smallest country in the eurozone, sports a tiny population of under 1 million, and its economy only accounts for +0.2% of eurozone GDP asked for a bailout. Yields on Spanish and Italian debt jumped on the news.
The major averages ended lower on Wednesday as sellers showed up and sent stocks lower before the close. The economic data in the U.S. was less than stellar. Retail sales fell -0.2% in May which exceeded the Street’s estimate for a decline of -0.1%. Elsewhere, producer prices missed estimates, falling -1% in May while core prices met estimates, rising +0.2%.
Thursday & Friday’s Action- Fed, ECB, Someone Save Us:
Stocks enjoyed nice gains on Thursday after global Central Banks stepped up and said they are willing to act if the Greek elections spook markets. The Labor Department said weekly jobless claims to rose to 386,000 from 380,000 which topped the Street’s estimate for 375,000. Overall consumer prices slid by -0.3%in May which topped the Street’s estimate for a decline of –0.2%. Core prices rose by +0.2% which topped the Street’s estimate for a gain of +0.1%. The government said, for the first quarter the current deficit data totaled $137.3billion, which is greater than the $130.9 billion deficit that had been anticipated. Again, stocks rallied on hopes that “bad” data will force the Fed’s (and other central bank’s) hand. Stocks rallied on Friday after the latest round of economic data was released. The data suggested that the US economy is “slowing” which investors are hoping will force the Fed’s hand at their next meeting later this month.
Market Outlook- In A Correction
From our point of view, the market is back in a correction now that all the major averages are back below their respective 50 DMA lines. Looking forward, we want to see a powerful accumulation day to confirm the latest rally attempt. Technically, the 200 DMA line and June’s lows are the next level of support while the 50 DMA line is the next level of resistance for the major averages. 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!
Market Outlook- In A Correction:
The major U.S. averages are back in a “correction” as they continue to flirt and in some cases hit fresh 2011 lows. Allow us to be clear: If all the major averages break below their 2011 lows, then we will likely see another leg down. Please, trade accordingly! Several high ranked leaders violated their respective 50 DMA lines in late September which bodes poorly for the bulls and suggests the bears are getting stronger. The latest follow-through day (FTD) which began on August 23, 2011 has officially ended which means we will begin “counting” days before a new rally can be confirmed. In addition, it is important to note that the bears remain in control of this market until the major averages trade above their longer and shorter term moving averages (50 & 200 DMA lines). Our longstanding clients/readers know, we like to filter out the noise and focus on what matters most: market action. . If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, please contact us for more information.
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All the major averages traded above their respective two month downward trendlines and their 50 DMA lines on Thursday. However, it is a bit disconcerting to see volume recede as the market moves higher. This is the exact opposite of what one would like to see when the major averages rally. It is also important to note that the major averages are rallying up to an area where they encountered resistance several times in recent weeks and they are still below their longer term 200 DMA lines. That said, we can not argue with the tape and the bulls deserve the bullish benefit of the doubt until this “breakout” is negated. Trade accordingly.
All the major averages sliced below Friday’s lows which effectively ended the current rally attempt and reset the base count. However, the S&P 500 managed to close higher for the day which marked Day 1 of a new rally attempt for that index. In addition, the earliest a proper follow-through day (FTD) could occur would be Friday, providing Tuesday’s lows are not breached. However, if at anytime, Tuesday’s lows are breached, then the day count will be reset. What does all of this mean for investors? Simple, the market remains in a correction which reiterates the importance of adopting a strong defense stance until a new rally is confirmed. Trade accordingly.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 STOCK MARKET COMMENTARY: The major averages paused last week to consolidate their recent (and robust) gains. From its summer low of 1266 the benchmark S&P 500 index has jumped a nearly 15%! After such a strong move, it is normal, and healthy, to see the market pullback, or move sideways, to…
STOCK MARKET COMMENTARY: FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 Stocks were under pressure for most of August as a slew of external “fears” plagued Wall Street. Here are some of the “fears” that hurt stocks: Fed Taper, Lackluster earnings growth, Potential War Brewing in the Middle East, & higher energy prices, to name a few. We are…
Thursday, January 20, 2011 Stock Market Commentary: The major averages ended mixed after a slew of earnings and economic data was released. It was a bit worrisome to see the major averages negatively reverse from a new recovery high and close lower on Wednesday. This ominous action, especially after a big move and from a…
