ASX 200 support but bank decline continues

The ASX 200 continues to find support, with the latest large red candle and subsequent doji, testing primary support at 5650, accompanied by strong volume (indicated by red on the volume chart). Similar buying pressure (accumulation) is evident on 11th and 12th October.

ASX 200 with Volume

This is sometimes lost on the weekly chart but we can see Twiggs Money Flow troughs below have leveled out above the zero line, reflecting a mild bullish divergence (not as strong as rising Money Flow troughs but still a reflection of support). What is also evident on the daily chart (above) is how this week’s rally petered out, with shorter candles, awaiting further direction.

ASX 200

The ASX 300 Banks Index is testing primary support at 7000, the same level as its October 2009 peak. Declining peaks on the Trend Index warn of further weakness and breach of 7000 would offer a long-term target of 5000.

ASX 300 Banks Index

I have been cautious on Australian stocks, especially banks, for a while, and hold over 30% cash in the Australian Growth portfolio.