Stocks Edge Higher After Retesting 200 DMA Line

Stocks Edge Higher After Retesting 200 DMA Line

The major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 when they produced a sound follow-through day. Looking forward, the window is now open for disciplined investors to begin carefully buying high-ranked stocks again. Technically, it was encouraging to also see the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the benchmark S&P 500 Index rally above their respective 200-day moving average (DMA) lines. Looking forward, the 200 DMA line should now act as support as this market continues advancing, while any reversal would be a worrisome sign. Remember to remain very selective because all of the major averages are still trading below their downward sloping 50 DMA lines. 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.

Stocks Jump As China Eases Debt Woes

Stocks Jump As China Eases Debt Woes

Thursday marked Day 3 of a new rally attempt for the benchmark S&P 500 Index and Day 1 for the other major averages. That said, as long Tuesday’s lows are not breached in the S&P 500, the earliest a proper follow-through day (FTD) could occur would be Friday. However, if at anytime Tuesday’s S&P 500 Index 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.

Investors Digest A Slew Of Economic Data

Investors Digest A Slew Of Economic Data

The fact that we have not seen any serious distribution days since the FTD bodes well for this nascent rally. It is also a welcome sign to see the market continue to improve as investors digest the latest round of stronger than expected economic and earnings data. Remember that now that a new rally has been confirmed, the window is open to start buying high quality breakouts. Trade accordingly.

Day 9: Investors Digest A Slew of Economic & Earnings News

Day 9: Investors Digest A Slew of Economic & Earnings News

Looking at the market, the major averages continue to trade near their respective 50 DMA lines as they consolidate their recent move. Remember that as long as February 5th lows are not breached the window remains open for a new follow-through day (FTD) to emerge. A new follow-through day will confirm the current rally attempt and will be produced when one of the major averages rallies at least +1.7% on higher volume than the prior session as a new batch of leaders breakout of sound bases. However, if the February 5, 2010 lows are breached then the day count will be reset and a steeper correction may unfold.

Stocks Rally On Disconcerting Economic Data

Stocks Rally On Disconcerting Economic Data

Thursday, January, 14, 2010 Market Commentary: Stocks edged higher after weaker than expected economic data was released. Volume was reported slightly higher than the prior session’s totals on the NYSE and about even on the Nasdaq exchange, which suggested large institutions were buying stocks. Advancers led decliners by nearly a 11-to-8 ratio on the NYSE and by a 16-to-11 ratio on the…

Nasdaq Retreats; Other Major Averages Advance

Nasdaq Retreats; Other Major Averages Advance

Stocks remain strong as investors digested the latest round of economic data. The benchmark S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, NYSE composite, mid-cap S&P 400, small-cap Russell 2000 and small-cap S&P 600 indices all enjoyed fresh recovery closing highs! The current rally is in its 44th week (since the March 12, 2009 follow-through day) and on all accounts still looks very strong. In addition, most bull markets last for approximately 36 months, so the fact that we are beginning our 10th month suggests we have more room to go. December’s jobs report will likely set the stage for the next near term move for the major averages but until support is broken (50 DMA lines for the major averages), this rally deserves the bullish benefit of the doubt.