Tag: S&P 500

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US job growth rebounds

  • US job growth rebounds, halting the correction
  • Gold and crude oil are falling
  • European stocks remain bearish
  • Asian stocks are bearish
  • US stocks continue to indicate a bull market

We are at the September quarter-end and stock weakness is likely to continue into October.

From the Wall Street Journal:

U.S. job growth rebounded in September and the jobless rate fell below 6% for the first time since mid-2008, suggesting the labor market is improving faster than previously thought. Nonfarm payrolls grew a seasonally adjusted 248,000 last month, the fastest pace since June, the Labor Department said Friday.

The S&P 500 broke downwards from its broadening wedge formation this week, warning of a correction to 1900. But Thursday’s long tail and Friday’s rally indicate buying support below 1950. Another test of 2000 is likely. Respect of resistance would warn of further weakness in October, while breakout would suggest a fresh advance; follow-through above 2020 would confirm.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains below 20, typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 found support at 3100, but this is unlikely to hold. Expect another test of primary support at 3000. Breach would signal a down-trend. Fall of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the bear signal.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3300 – 3000 ) = 2700

Dow Jones Asia Index is headed for a test of 2800 on the weekly chart despite continued bullishness on the Shanghai Composite, reflecting strength in the US Dollar. Penetration of the rising trendline would strengthen the bear signal. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero also signals a primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Asia Index

The ASX 200 found support at 5250. Recovery above 5350 and the descending trendline would suggest that the correction is over. But respect of resistance remains as likely and breach of 5250 would warn of a test of 5000/5050. Recovery of 21-day Twiggs Money Flow above zero would indicate short-term buying pressure.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

Posted on

US job growth rebounds

  • US job growth rebounds, halting the correction
  • Gold and crude oil are falling
  • European stocks remain bearish
  • Asian stocks are bearish
  • US stocks continue to indicate a bull market

We are at the September quarter-end and stock weakness is likely to continue into October.

From the Wall Street Journal:

U.S. job growth rebounded in September and the jobless rate fell below 6% for the first time since mid-2008, suggesting the labor market is improving faster than previously thought. Nonfarm payrolls grew a seasonally adjusted 248,000 last month, the fastest pace since June, the Labor Department said Friday.

The S&P 500 broke downwards from its broadening wedge formation this week, warning of a correction to 1900. But Thursday’s long tail and Friday’s rally indicate buying support below 1950. Another test of 2000 is likely. Respect of resistance would warn of further weakness in October, while breakout would suggest a fresh advance; follow-through above 2020 would confirm.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains below 20, typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 found support at 3100, but this is unlikely to hold. Expect another test of primary support at 3000. Breach would signal a down-trend. Fall of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the bear signal.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3300 – 3000 ) = 2700

Dow Jones Asia Index is headed for a test of 2800 on the weekly chart despite continued bullishness on the Shanghai Composite, reflecting strength in the US Dollar. Penetration of the rising trendline would strengthen the bear signal. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero also signals a primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Asia Index

The ASX 200 found support at 5250. Recovery above 5350 and the descending trendline would suggest that the correction is over. But respect of resistance remains as likely and breach of 5250 would warn of a test of 5000/5050. Recovery of 21-day Twiggs Money Flow above zero would indicate short-term buying pressure.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

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S&P 500 breaks support

The S&P 500 broke through the lower border of the broadening wedge and the secondary trendline at 1965, indicating a correction. Expect support at 1900. Decline of 21-day Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the signal, while recovery above 25% (September high) would suggest that buyers are back in control.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is close to 17%, but the low level continues to suggest a bull market.

VIX Index

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Rising interest rates: Good or bad for stocks?

We are now at the September quarter-end, normally a volatile time for stocks. Expect selling pressure to increase over the next few weeks as investment managers sell off poor-performing stocks. Increased cash balances then enable them to take advantage of new opportunities as they present themselves. If the fundamental under-pinning of the market is sound, the market is likely to undergo a minor dip before resuming its advance. If not, and there are serious flaws, the sell-off could turn into a rout — as in 1987 and 2007.

At present the market appears sound, with none of our market indicators flagging elevated risk, and the bull market is likely to continue.

Bears cite the potential for an increase in US interest rates as a major threat to the US economy. The track record for the last 15 years suggests otherwise. The graph below compares percentage change in 10-year Treasury yields to the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index (divided by 20 for purposes of comparison). The two tend to rise and fall in sync, with a 20% to 40% rise in the index accompanying a 1% increase in yields.

10-year Treasury yields v. Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index

The Fed tends to be conservative about raising interest rates (“doves” outnumber “hawks”) and is unlikely to raise rates until there is solid evidence of a recovery. So a rise in interest rates is more likely to be followed by a surge in stocks than a fall.

US stocks

The S&P 500 found significant support at 1965, the lower border of the broadening wedge. Monday’s long tail flags (short-term) buying pressure. Follow-through above 1990 would suggest a rally to test the upper border. Breach of 1965, however would indicate another correction. Decline of 21-day Twiggs Money Flow below zero would confirm, while recovery above its September high would suggest that buyers are back in control.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is rising, but the low level continues to suggest a bull market.

VIX Index

Dow Jones Industrial Average found support at 16950 on the weekly chart. Long tails again flag buying pressure. Recovery above 17150 would suggest another advance, while follow-through above 17350 would confirm. Breach of support at 16950 is unlikely, but would warn of a correction. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow reflects some hesitancy, but the long-term picture is bullish.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

* Target calculation: 16500 + ( 16500 – 15500 ) = 17500

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S&P 500 broadening wedge

  • We are at the September quarter-end and can expect stock weakness to continue into October
  • The Dollar is rising
  • Gold and crude oil are falling
  • European stocks are bearish
  • Asian stocks are bearish despite China showing strength
  • US stocks reflect a bull market

Dow Jones Europe Index is testing primary support at 320. Breach would signal a down-trend. Follow-through below 315 would confirm. Penetration of the rising trendline and 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero both strengthen the bear signal.

Dow Jones Europe Index

* Target calculation: 320 – ( 340 – 320 ) = 300

Dow Jones Asia Index broke primary support at 3200 despite bullishness on the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite. Expect a test of support at 3000 (at the rising trendline). Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero would further strengthen the bear signal. Follow-through below 3000 would confirm a primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Asia Index

* Target calculation: 3100 + ( 3100 – 2800 ) = 3400

Shanghai Composite Index, however, continues to test resistance at 2350. Breakout would confirm a primary up-trend. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

Bear in mind that Dow Asia and Dow Europe are priced in USD and reflect strength in the US Dollar as well as weakness in local markets — though the two are closely connected.

The S&P 500 is consolidating around the 2000 level in a broadening wedge formation. Do not be surprised if the index rallies early next week, to test medium-term resistance at 2020. Fund managers are normally willing to support the market at quarter-end and lock in quarterly performance bonuses. But this is likely to be followed by weakness in October as they sell off non-performing stocks and increase cash holdings until new opportunities present themselves. Breakout below the broadening wedge — and penetration of both support at 1950 and the (secondary) rising trendline — would warn of a correction. A large volume spike from triple-witching hour on September 19th, however, has exaggerated weakness on Twiggs Money Flow. Breakout above 2020 would signal a fresh advance.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains in the low range (below 20) typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 is testing support at 5300/5350. Penetration of the rising trendline warns of a correction to 5000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow, below zero, after a long-term bearish divergence, also signals weakness. Breach of 5300 would confirm a test of 5000. Recovery above 5550 is unlikely, but would suggest another test of 5650.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

Posted on

S&P 500 broadening wedge

  • We are at the September quarter-end and can expect stock weakness to continue into October
  • The Dollar is rising
  • Gold and crude oil are falling
  • European stocks are bearish
  • Asian stocks are bearish despite China showing strength
  • US stocks reflect a bull market

Dow Jones Europe Index is testing primary support at 320. Breach would signal a down-trend. Follow-through below 315 would confirm. Penetration of the rising trendline and 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero both strengthen the bear signal.

Dow Jones Europe Index

* Target calculation: 320 – ( 340 – 320 ) = 300

Dow Jones Asia Index broke primary support at 3200 despite bullishness on the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite. Expect a test of support at 3000 (at the rising trendline). Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero would further strengthen the bear signal. Follow-through below 3000 would confirm a primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Asia Index

* Target calculation: 3100 + ( 3100 – 2800 ) = 3400

Shanghai Composite Index, however, continues to test resistance at 2350. Breakout would confirm a primary up-trend. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

Bear in mind that Dow Asia and Dow Europe are priced in USD and reflect strength in the US Dollar as well as weakness in local markets — though the two are closely connected.

The S&P 500 is consolidating around the 2000 level in a broadening wedge formation. Do not be surprised if the index rallies early next week, to test medium-term resistance at 2020. Fund managers are normally willing to support the market at quarter-end and lock in quarterly performance bonuses. But this is likely to be followed by weakness in October as they sell off non-performing stocks and increase cash holdings until new opportunities present themselves. Breakout below the broadening wedge — and penetration of both support at 1950 and the (secondary) rising trendline — would warn of a correction. A large volume spike from triple-witching hour on September 19th, however, has exaggerated weakness on Twiggs Money Flow. Breakout above 2020 would signal a fresh advance.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains in the low range (below 20) typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 is testing support at 5300/5350. Penetration of the rising trendline warns of a correction to 5000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow, below zero, after a long-term bearish divergence, also signals weakness. Breach of 5300 would confirm a test of 5000. Recovery above 5550 is unlikely, but would suggest another test of 5650.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

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Quarter-end turbulence

We are now approaching the September quarter-end, normally a volatile time for stocks. Investment managers tend to re-balance their portfolios after month-end, selling off poor performers and increasing cash balances to later take advantage of new opportunities. The result is that stocks tend to dip in October. If the fundamental under-pinning of the market is strong, they soon recover and continue on its merry way. But if there are serious flaws, the sell-off can turn into a rout — as in 1987 and 2007.

At present the market outlook appears sound and the bull market is likely to continue. I often use transport stock Fedex as a bellwether for the US economy. If the economy is robust, you can expect Fedex to display a solid up-trend. If weak, Fedex tends to lead the market lower. In November 2007 for example, on the monthly chart below, Fedex signaled a bear market several months ahead of the major indices. The present situation is quite the opposite, with the Fedex in a strong bull-trend, having recently respected support at $145. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero also suggests buying pressure. Economic activity is clearly improving.

Fedex

* Target calculation: 145 + ( 145 – 130 ) = 160

The S&P 500 break above 2010 proved to be a false break, with the market headed for a re-test of support at 1980. Breach would indicate another correction. Declining 21-day Twiggs Money Flow now indicates medium-term selling pressure; a fall below zero would warn of a primary down-trend.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains low, however, suggesting continuation of the bull market.

VIX Index

Dow Jones Industrial Average also retreated, testing its new support level at 17150. Reversal below 16950 would indicate a correction, while respect would suggest another advance. Declining 21-day Twiggs Money Flow also suggests medium-term selling pressure.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

* Target calculation: 16500 + ( 16500 – 15500 ) = 17500

My conclusion is that the bull market is sound, but likely to encounter some turbulence over the quarter-end. There may be a secondary correction, but respect of recent support levels would indicate a fresh advance.

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S&P bullish but Asia, Europe weak

Weekly highlights:

  • Scotland votes “No” and the Pound rallies
  • Treasury yields (long-term) are rising and the Dollar strengthens
  • Gold and crude oil fall
  • European stocks remain bearish
  • Asian stocks also remain bearish despite Hong Kong/Shanghai breakout
  • US stocks still reflect a bull market

Stock markets

Dow Jones Europe Index is retracing after a weak rally that reached 335. Failure of support at 320 would signal a primary down-trend. Follow-through below 315 would confirm. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero strengthens the bear signal.

* Target calculation: 320 – ( 340 – 320 ) = 300

Dow Jones Asia Index is testing primary support at 3200 despite bullishness on the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Momentum warns of a test of 3100. Breach of 3200 would signal a primary down-trend, while follow-through below 3100 would confirm.

* Target calculation: 3100 + ( 3100 – 2800 ) = 3400

The S&P 500 recovered above 2000 to signal a fresh advance. Follow-through above 2010 confirms a target of 2100*. Reversal below 1980 is unlikely. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains low, typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 correction found support at 5300/5350. But 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero, after a long-term bearish divergence, warns of further weakness. Breach of 5300 would indicate a test of 5000. Recovery above 5550 is unlikely, but would suggest a fresh advance.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

Posted on

S&P bullish but Asia, Europe weak

Weekly highlights:

  • Scotland votes “No” and the Pound rallies
  • Treasury yields (long-term) are rising and the Dollar strengthens
  • Gold and crude oil fall
  • European stocks remain bearish
  • Asian stocks also remain bearish despite Hong Kong/Shanghai breakout
  • US stocks still reflect a bull market

Stock markets

Dow Jones Europe Index is retracing after a weak rally that reached 335. Failure of support at 320 would signal a primary down-trend. Follow-through below 315 would confirm. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero strengthens the bear signal.

* Target calculation: 320 – ( 340 – 320 ) = 300

Dow Jones Asia Index is testing primary support at 3200 despite bullishness on the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Momentum warns of a test of 3100. Breach of 3200 would signal a primary down-trend, while follow-through below 3100 would confirm.

* Target calculation: 3100 + ( 3100 – 2800 ) = 3400

The S&P 500 recovered above 2000 to signal a fresh advance. Follow-through above 2010 confirms a target of 2100*. Reversal below 1980 is unlikely. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 2100

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains low, typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 correction found support at 5300/5350. But 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero, after a long-term bearish divergence, warns of further weakness. Breach of 5300 would indicate a test of 5000. Recovery above 5550 is unlikely, but would suggest a fresh advance.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5950

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Dow, S&P 500 make new highs

Dow Jones Industrial Average followed through above 17150, confirming a primary advance to 18000*. Rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow suggests buying pressure. Reversal below support at 16950 is most unlikely, but would warn of a correction.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

* Target calculation: 17150 + ( 17150 – 16350 ) = 17950

The S&P 500 similarly followed through above 2010, confirming a primary advance with a target of 2070*. Reversal below support at 1980 is most unlikely, but would warn of a correction.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1990 + ( 1990 – 1910 ) = 2070

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is now back at 12, continuing to indicate low risk typical of a bull market.

VIX Index

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