Week-In-Review: Big Shift On Wall Street; Investors Sell Leaders, Buy Laggards

Big Shift On Wall Street; Investors Sell Leaders, Buy Laggards

The market is pulling back from over-bought conditions. Something important happened on Friday, when big investors dumped tech stocks (leaders) and bought laggards (small-caps and other under-performing sectors such as biotechs, retail, and financials, just to name a few). In the short term, last month’s lows are the next level of support to watch, then the 50 DMA line for the S&P 500, Dow Industrials, Nasdaq Composite, and Nasdaq 100. After that, the next important levels of support to watch are: Russel 2000: 1351, then 1335, then 1308. The Dow Industrials: 20.6K, then 20.4k, S&P 500: 2352, then 2322.25, Nasdaq Composite: 5995, then 5805, then 5769.39. Until those levels are breached on a closing basis, the bulls remain in control on a short, intermediate, and long term time-frame. The Russel 2000 tried to break out of range after moving sideways all year which bodes well for this ongoing and aging bull market. Keep in mind, if the selling gets worse, a defensive stance is warranted.

Mon-Wed Action:

Stocks were quiet on Monday as investors waited for a big week of data. The PMI service index came in at 53.6, missing estimates for 54.0. Factory orders fell to negative -0.2%, which matched estimates. The ISM non-manufacturing index came in at 56.9, missing the Street’s estimate for 57.0. Stocks slid on Tuesday as investors waited for the ECB and Mr. Comey’s testimony on Thursday. In the afternoon, after ABC News reported, citing a source, that former FBI director James Comey will not say that President Donald Trump obstructed justice. But that did little to excite investors. MBA mortgage applications came in at +7.1%, beating last week’s -3.4% reading.

Thur & Fri Action:

Stocks were quiet on Thursday even after the ECB meeting and Mr. Comey spent most of the day testifying on Capitol Hill. Friday was a big day on Wall Street as investors finally dumped some of the high-flying tech stocks and bought some of the lagging sectors. At one point, the Nasdaq was down 2% after several big cap tech stocks fell in heavy volume. Overnight, Theresa May lost a big election which changed the balance of power post-brexit.

Market Outlook: A More Cautious Tone Sets In

A slew of leading stocks fell hard on Friday which is rarely a good sign. The key now is to ascertain the health of this pullback. Will it be another short pullback in both size (small percent decline) and scope (short in duration) or something more severe? As always, keep your losses small and never argue with the tape. Want Adam To Be Your Personal Portfolio Consultant? You Don’t Have To Feel Alone In The Market, There Is A Better Way: Learn More

Similar Posts

  • 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.

  • Stocks End Lower on Weaker Economic Data

    At this point, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NYSE Composite Index have traded above resistance at their long term 200-day moving average (DMA) lines and recent chart highs. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, benchmark S&P 500, and small-cap Russell 2000 index remain slightly below their recent chart highs. However, the fact that all of the major averages are trading above their respective 2-month downward trendlines bodes well for this five week rally. In order for a new leg higher to begin, all the major averages must close and remain above their respective resistance levels. Remember that the window remains open for for high-ranked stocks to be accumulated when they trigger fresh technical buy signals. Trade accordingly.

  • Stocks Digest Tuesday's Strong Move

    Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Stock Market Commentary: Stocks opened higher on Wednesday, led by the explosive post Stress-test results from the country’s largest banks. From our point of view, the major averages confirmed their latest rally attempt on Tuesday 1.3.12 which was Day 9 of their current rally attempt. Since then, stocks have been enjoying…

  • Global Markets Are Smacked!

    Market Outlook- Rally Under Pressure
    From our point of view, the market rally is under pressure which suggests caution is paramount at this stage. We would be remiss not to note that a slew of leading stocks suffered heavy distribution earlier this week which is not ideal. 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 We Can Help You!

  • 15-Week Rally Continues!

    Market Action- Market In Confirmed Rally Week 15
    It is encouraging to see the bulls show up 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. Put simply, stocks are strong. Trade accordingly. If you are looking for specific high ranked ideas, please contact us for more information.

  • The "Bounce" Continues

    Market Outlook- Market In A Correction:
    The market is back in a correction after another failed follow-through day on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Now that we are back in a correction, defense remains the best offense. The next level of support for the major averages is their respective 200 DMA lines and then their March lows. The next level of resistance for the major averages is their respective 50 DMA lines. Trade accordingly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *