S&P 500 and Nasdaq bouyant

The S&P 500 is advancing strongly but expect some resistance at the target of 1800*. Penetration of the descending trendline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests that selling pressure is easing. Reversal below 1750 is unlikely at present, but would warn of a correction to at least the secondary trendline at 1700. Short corrections are indicative of long-term buying pressure.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1725 + ( 1725 – 1650 ) = 1800

Bellwether transport stock Fedex exceeded its target of $130*, with rising Twiggs Money Flow indicating strong buying pressure. A bullish sign for the US economy.

Fedex

* Target calculation: 100 + ( 100 – 70 ) = 130

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) below 15 continues to indicate low market risk.

VIX Index

The Nasdaq 100 continues its accelerating up-trend, breaking resistance at 3400 after a brief consolidation. Rising Twiggs Money Flow, with troughs above the zero line, indicates strong buying pressure. Target for the advance is 3550*. Accelerating trends, or blow-offs, enjoy rapid gains but inevitably end with a sharp fall.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 3400 + ( 3400 – 3250 ) = 3550

November 16, 2013

The coach who never punts [video]

Coach Kevin Kelley would make a great share trader/momentum investor. He questions the accepted norms, analyzes the data and plays the percentages, instead of following the herd.
http://youtu.be/AGDaOJAYHfo

Coach Kevin Kelley of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, instructs his players to never punt, never field punts, and only do onside kicks, and he claims that math backs up his innovative philosophy. Grantland spent some time with Kelley and his players to learn more about the coach behind the team that once scored 29 points before its opponent touched the ball.

Hat tip to Barry Ritholz

November 16, 2013

What’s New: Twiggs Momentum research results

Further to my recent part-acquisition of Porter Capital Management, I would like to share with you our progress in developing new investment strategies.

Quarterly Performance

Firstly, Porter Capital’s ASX200 Prime Momentum strategy achieved a 38.43% gain for the 12 months ended 31st October 2013, out-stripping the total-return index by 12.95% (performance is measured after brokerage costs but before fees and taxes which vary according to portfolio size and commencement date).

Twiggs Momentum

We have also completed testing of strategies using Twiggs Momentum to identify top-performing stocks. Twiggs Momentum is a specialized momentum indicator developed by me and used extensively in my Trading Diary. Test results way exceeded our expectations.

Market Filters

Just as important, we have expanded our use of macroeconomic and volatility filters to help preserve capital during sustained bear markets.

I have long been opposed to mechanical trading/investment systems on the grounds that no one system is suited to all market conditions. To overcome this, Dr Bruce Vanstone and I developed a new approach employing filters to identify when market risk is elevated, so the portfolio can be moved to cash and/or government bonds.

S&P 500

Historical simulation of $100,000 invested in S&P 500 stocks since January 1996 using our Twiggs Momentum strategy returned an average of 24.89% p.a. Dark green areas represent the move to cash when market risk is elevated. The blue line represents the benchmark S&P 500 index.

Click on images to enlarge.

ASX 200

Historical simulation of $100,000 invested in ASX 200 stocks since January 2000 using Twiggs Momentum strategy returned an average of 23.77% p.a. Dark green areas represent the move to cash when market risk is elevated. The blue line represents the benchmark ASX 200 Accumulation Index.

Click on images to enlarge.

The Momentum Effect

Since its initial discovery by DeBondt & Thaler in 1985, the momentum effect has been documented and researched in many markets worldwide: stocks which have outperformed in the recent past tend to continue to perform strongly.

Investment Research & Systems

All strategies are developed and rigorously tested by Dr Bruce Vanstone, head of investment research, and myself to ensure their suitability for local market conditions. And all systems are rule-based to ensure decision-making is disciplined, unemotional and objective.

Porter Capital

Porter Capital manage funds for high net worth investors and independent financial advisers. We currently manage funds in individual accounts across two adviser platforms, Hub 24 and Mason Stevens, offering investors five key benefits:

Beneficial ownership of your underlying investments;
Online access (24×7) to your portfolio;
Comprehensive tax reporting;
Brokerage at wholesale rates; and
Portfolio and risk management by a team of market specialists.

Momentum is an active strategy suitable for lower tax vehicles such as self-managed or self-directed superannuation, pension or retirement funds. The strategy complements and diversifies other equity strategies, smoothing overall portfolio returns. Within this context, the ASX200 Prime Momentum strategy enhances Core and Satellite equity exposure where the objective is diversification of style and strategy.

A Word of Caution

Results that look too good to be true, normally are. No market filter can provide 100% protection against market down-turns, and simulations carried out on data history are no guarantee of future performance. Diversification, across markets and strategies, is important to spread risk, but you must consider your overall risk profile. Please consult your financial adviser for advice tailored to your specific needs.

We will be visiting major cities in Australia in the next few months and look forward to updating readers on our latest research and performance. For more details, visit our website at Porter Capital Management.

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.

~ Tony Robbins

Disclaimer

Porter Capital Management Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorized Representative (AR Number 300245) of Andika Pty Ltd which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 297069).

Porter Capital Management (PCM) has made every effort to ensure the reliability of the views and recommendations expressed in the reports published in this newsletter and on its websites. Our research is based upon information known to us or which was obtained from sources which we believe to be reliable and accurate.

No guarantee as to the capital value of investments, nor future returns are made by PCM. Neither PCM nor its employees make any representation, warranty or guarantee that the information provided is complete, accurate, current or reliable.

You are under no obligation to use these services and should always compare financial services/products to find one which best meets your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

The information in this newsletter and on this web site is general in nature and does not consider your personal circumstances. Please contact us or your professional financial adviser for advice tailored to your needs.

To the extent permitted by law, PCM and its employees, agents and authorised representatives exclude all liability for any loss or damage (including indirect, special or consequential loss or damage) arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information. If the law prohibits the exclusion of such liability, such liability shall be limited, to the extent permitted by law, to the resupply of the said information or the cost of the said resupply.

Important Warning About Simulated Results

Porter Capital Management (PCM) specialise in developing, testing and researching investment strategies and systems. Within this newsletter and the PCM Web site, you will find information about investment strategies and their performance. It is important that you understand that results from PCM research are simulated and not actual results.

No representation is made that any investor will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown.

Simulated performance results are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight and do not involve financial risk. No modelling can completely account for the impact of financial risk in actual investment. Account size, brokerage and slippage may also diverge from simulated results. Numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific investment system cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of simulated performance results and may adversely affect actual investment results.

To the extent permitted by law, PCM and its employees, agents and authorised representatives exclude all liability for any loss or damage (including indirect, special or consequential loss or damage) arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information offered by PCM whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission.

November 13, 2013

Dow follows through

Dow Jones Industrial Average followed through above 15800 after breaking resistance at 15700 to signal a fresh advance. Expect retracement to again test 15700 in the next few weeks, but respect of the new support level strengthens the breakout signal. Long-term target for the advance is 16600*. Rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 15500 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 14800.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

* Target calculation: 15700 + ( 15700 – 14800 ) = 16600

November 13, 2013

Aussie Dollar tests support

The Euro is testing support at $1.3350 against the greenback after a false break above the February high of $1.37. Penetration of the secondary trendline warns of a correction. Rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum, however, continues to indicate a primary up-trend. Breach of $1.3350 would test primary support and the long-term rising trendline at $1.31. Recovery above $1.37 is less likely, but would signal a fresh advance.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.38 + ( 1.38 – 1.34 ) = 1.42

The greenback completed a higher trough against the Yen, offering a target of ¥101. Breakout above ¥101 would signal a fresh advance to ¥105. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above 5% would complete a trough above zero, continuing the primary up-trend. Reversal below support at ¥96 is unlikely, but would test primary support at ¥94.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 1.01 + ( 1.01 – 0.97 ) = 1.05

The Aussie Dollar also weakened against the greenback, retracing to medium-term support at $0.93*. Respect would signal continuation of the up-trend; follow-through above $0.97 would confirm, offering a target of parity*. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal. Breach of support at $0.93 and a Twiggs Momentum peak below zero, on the other hand, would test primary support at $0.89. The RBA needs a weaker Aussie Dollar and will do all it can to assist the decline.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculation: 0.975 + ( 0.975 – 0.95 ) = 1.00

November 13, 2013

Gold tests key support as the dollar rises

The yield on ten-year Treasury Notes rallied off support at 2.50 percent. Follow-through above 2.75 would indicate a fresh primary advance, with a target of 3.50 percent*. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum trough above zero would strengthen the signal. Respect of resistance is unlikely, but would warn of another test of 2.50.

10-Year Treasury Yields

* Target calculation: 3.00 + ( 3.00 – 2.50 ) = 3.50

Dollar Index

Rising interest rates would strengthen the dollar. The Dollar Index respected support at 79, suggesting a rally to resistance at 84. Breach of the rising trendline, however, still warns of trend weakness, and 13-week Twiggs Momentum respect of the zero line (from below) would strengthen the warning.

Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 79 – ( 84 – 79 ) = 74

Gold

Rising interest rates and a stronger dollar would weaken gold. Spot gold is testing primary support at $1250/ounce. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero warns of a primary down-trend; breach of $1250 would strengthen the signal, while follow-through below the June low of $1200 would confirm. Respect of support at $1250 is less likely, but would indicate another test of $1350.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1250 – ( 1350 – 1250 ) = 1150

Silver is similarly testing support at $20.50/ounce. Breach would signal a decline to $18/ounce. Completion of a 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero would warn of a primary down-trend.

Spot Silver

Crude Oil

Nymex crude is undergoing a strong correction. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum crossing to below zero warns of reversal to a primary down-trend. Breach of primary support at $86/barrel would confirm. Until then, however, Nymex remains in a primary up-trend. Diverging Brent crude reflects both a strengthening European recovery and continued supply threats in the Middle East.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

Commodity Prices

China is a primary driver of commodity prices and a weakening Shanghai Composite Index is driving commodity prices lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index broke primary support at 124, offering a target of 114*. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero also suggests a continuing down-trend.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 124 – ( 134 – 124 ) = 114

November 12, 2013

ASX at resistance as Asia consolidates

India’s Sensex retreated from its 2007 and 2010 highs at 21000 and is testing support at 20500. Respect would signal a primary advance with a target of 24000*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 20500 is less likely, but would warn of a correction to 19500 and possibly primary support at 18000.

Sensex

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 18000 ) = 24000

Dow Jones Japan index is proving resilient, headed for another test of resistance at 82. Breakout would signal an advance to 90*. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum is declining, but has so far respected the zero line, suggesting the primary up-trend is intact. Completion of a trough above zero would strengthen the signal. Reversal below the rising trendline is unlikely but would warn of another test of primary support at 74.

Dow Jones Japan index

* Target calculation: 82 + ( 82 – 74 ) = 90

Dow Jones Shanghai Index is rallying to test resistance at 282 after finding support at 270. Respect of resistance is likely and breach of 270 would signal a test of primary support at 245/250. Twiggs Momentum oscillating around the zero line indicates uncertainty.

DJ Shanghai Index

The ASX 200 is consolidating in a narrow range below resistance at 5450 — a bullish sign. Upward breakout would signal an advance to 5600*. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow, however, continues to warn of selling pressure. Reversal below 5300, penetrating the rising trendline, would signal a correction.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5450 + ( 5450 – 5300 ) = 5600

November 12, 2013

European stocks advance

The FTSE 100 is testing its new support level at 6700. Follow-through above 6800 would indicate respect — and an advance to the December 1999 high of 6950/7000*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests buying pressure. Reversal below 6600 is unlikely, but would warn of a correction to primary support at 6400.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6700 + ( 6700 – 6400 ) = 7000

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 is testing support at its 2009/2011 high of 3000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum suggests a primary up-trend. Respect of support at 3000 is likely and follow-through above 3100 would confirm an advance to 3500*.

Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 3000 + ( 3000 – 2500 ) = 3500

November 12, 2013

TSX bullish consolidation

Canada’s TSX 60 is consolidating in a narrow range at its medium-term target of 770 after a strong spurt. This is a bullish sign and follow-through above 775 would signal a further advance to 800*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests buying pressure. Reversal below 740 is most unlikely.

TSX 60

* Target calculation: 740 + ( 740 – 680 ) = 800

TSX 60 VIX is above 15 but still in the low risk range.

TSX 60 VIX

November 12, 2013

Dow signals fresh advance

Dow Jones Industrial Average broke resistance at 15700, ending the consolidation of recent months and signaling an advance to 16600*. Expect retracement to test the new support level in the next few weeks. Respect would confirm the advance. Penetration of the descending trendline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 15500 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 14800.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

* Target calculation: 15700 + ( 15700 – 14800 ) = 16600

The S&P 500 is testing short-term resistance at 1775. Breakout would offer a short-term target of 1800*. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow appears to have ended. Reversal below 1750 is unlikely at present, but would indicate a correction to at least 1710.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1775 + ( 1775 – 1750 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) below 15 continues to indicate low market risk.

VIX Index

The Nasdaq 100 continues its accelerating up-trend, with Twiggs Money Flow indicating strong buying pressure. Short retracement is likely and breakout above 3400 would suggest another advance. Accelerating trends, or blow-offs, enjoy rapid gains but inevitably end with a sharp fall.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 2900 + ( 2900 – 2500 ) = 3400