Europe tests key resistance levels

The monthly chart of the FTSE 100 is testing resistance at the 2007 high of 6750. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow signals buying pressure. Breakout above 6750 would test the 1999/2000 high at 7000*. Respect of resistance (reversal below 6650) is unlikely, but would warn of a correction to primary support.

FTSE 100

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

Germany’s DAX found short-term resistance at 9000, but rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow again signals buying pressure. Target for the current advance is 9300*. Reversal below 8500 is most unlikely, but would warn of a correction to the primary trendline around 8000.

DAX

* Target calculation: 8500 + ( 8500 – 7700 ) = 9300

Dax Volatility remains low, indicating bullish sentiment.

DAX

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 is retracing to test support at its 2009/2011 high of 3050. Rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum continues to suggest a healthy up-trend. Respect of support at 3000 would signal another advance — a bullish sign for the European economy.

Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 2850 + ( 2850 – 2500 ) = 3200

Transport: Fedex improving outlook

Bellwether transport stock Fedex has risen dramatically in recent weeks, reflecting the improving outlook for economic activity.
Fedex

UPS has enjoyed a similar surge, as has Deutsche Post AG (which owns DHL).

Deutsche Post AG

Nasdaq accelerates while Dow and S&P500 hesitate

The Nasdaq 100 continues its accelerating up-trend — as indicated by successively steeper trendlines and a rising trendline on 13-week Twiggs Momentum. Accelerating trends, or blow-offs, are well-known for rapid gains but inevitably end with a sharp fall.

Nasdaq 100

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

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains below 15, indicating low market risk.

VIX Index

The S&P 500 is edging higher on the weekly chart, but bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of rising selling pressure. Reversal below the secondary trendline at 1700 would indicate a correction to the primary trendline and primary support at 1630.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1730 + ( 1730 – 1650 ) = 1810

Dow Jones Industrial Average is testing resistance at 15700. Breakout would offer a target of 16600*. Respect of the descending trendline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow, however, would confirm the earlier bearish divergence and warn of a correction to primary support at 14800. Breach of 14800 remains unlikely, but would signal a reversal.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

Canada’s TSX 60 is retracing after a strong spurt. Duration of retracements reflect trend strength. Another trough above zero on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow would suggest strong buying pressure. Reversal below 740 is most unlikely, but would warn of trend weakness.

TSX 60

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

TSX 60 VIX below 15 also reflects low market risk.

TSX 60 VIX

Forex: Euro & Aussie test support

The Euro is retracing to test the new support level at its February high of $1.37. Respect of the rising trendline would confirm a long-term advance to $1.46*. Troughs above zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicate a healthy up-trend. Reversal below the trendline is unlikely, but would warn of a correction to the primary trendline and support at $1.31.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.37 + ( 1.37 – 1.28 ) = 1.46

Sterling broke medium-term support at €1.175, signaling a correction to test primary support at €1.14. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero strengthens the warning. Recovery above resistance at €1.19 is unlikely, but would suggest an advance to €1.24*.

Sterling/Euro

* Target calculation: 1.19 + ( 1.19 – 1.14 ) = 1.24

A higher trough on the Greenback against the Yen suggests buying pressure. Breakout above ¥99 would strengthen the signal, offering a target of ¥101. 21-Day Twiggs Momentum appears to have leveled out and a trough above zero would indicate a primary up-trend. Reversal below support at ¥97 is unlikely, but would test primary support at ¥96.

USD/JPY

Canada’s Loonie retreated below support at $0.96 against its US neighbor. Breach of primary support at $0.9450 would signal continuation of the primary down-trend, as would another 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero. Recovery above $0.96 is unlikely, but would warn of a trend reversal.

Canadian Loonie

The Aussie Dollar retraced to test medium-term support at $0.95* against the Greenback. Recovery above $0.9550 is likely and would indicate a test of parity*. Two doji candles suggest support and follow-through below $0.9450 is unlikely, indicating a fall to $0.93.

Aussie Dollar

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

The Aussie encountered resistance at $1.16 against its Kiwi neighbour, suggesting a test of medium-term support at $1.14. Respect of $1.14 would be bullish and breakout above $1.16 would complete a double-bottom reversal with a target of $1.20*. Failure of $1.14 is now unlikely, but would threaten primary support at $1.12.

Kiwi Dollar

* Target calculations: 1.16 + ( 1.16 – 1.12 ) = 1.20

Will dollar support stem gold & silver rise?

The Dollar Index found support at the 2012 low of 79 and is likely to test resistance at 80.50. Respect would confirm the primary down-trend, with a medium-term target of 77.50*. Breakout above 80.50 is unlikely, but would indicate strong support. The falling dollar is expected to boost gold and commodity prices.

Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 79 – ( 80.5 – 79 ) = 77.5

The yield on ten-year Treasury Notes found support at 2.50 percent and is expected to rally to test the descending trendline at 2.60 percent. Respect would signal a decline to 2.40 percent. Falling yields depress the dollar while lowering the opportunity cost of holding precious metals; both increasing upward pressure on gold. Respect of primary support at 2.40, however, would warn of an advance to 3.60 percent.

10-Year Treasury Yields

* Target calculation: 3.00 + ( 3.00 – 2.40 ) = 3.60

Gold

Spot gold is testing resistance at $1350/ounce. Breakout would indicate a primary advance to $1600*, while follow-through above $1425 would confirm. Respect of resistance is less likely, but would warn of another test of primary support at $1250.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1425 + ( 1425 – 1250 ) = 1600

Silver is similarly testing resistance at $22.50/ounce. Follow-through above $23 would indicate a primary advance — confirmed if resistance at $25 is broken — while a fall below $22 would re-test primary support.

Spot Silver

Crude Oil

Nymex crude below medium-term support at $98/barrel and 13-week Twiggs Momentum crossing to below zero both warn of reversal to a primary down-trend. But recovery above resistance at $103 would negate this. Divergence of Brent crude reflects both a strengthening European recovery and continued supply threats in the Middle East.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

Commodity Prices

China, a primary driver of commodity prices, continues to offer mixed signals. The Shanghai Composite Index recovered above medium-term support at 2150, suggesting another test of the upper trend channel. A failed swing, or downward breakout from the trend channel, would warn of correction to test primary support at $1950; a bearish sign for commodity prices.

Shanghai Composite Index

Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index continues to test medium-term support at 126. Breach would indicate a test of the primary level at 124. Recovery above 130 still seems more likely — and would signal a primary up-trend. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero, however, would warn of a continuing down-trend.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 130 + ( 130 – 125 ) = 135

Copper prices, bellwether for the global economy, tested 2011 lows at $6800/tonne over the last few months. Prices are now rallying to test resistance — and the descending trendline — at $7500/tonne. Breakout would signal a primary up-trend, as would recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero; a bullish sign for the global economy.

Copper

Shanghai weakens, ASX unaffected

China’s Shanghai Composite index broke support at 2150, signaling a correction to test primary support at 1950. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates selling pressure. Follow-through below 2100 would confirm. Recovery above 2150 is less likely, but would suggest a bear trap.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 respected resistance at 15000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests medium-term selling pressure. Monday has so far posted gains and breakout above 15000 would signal an advance to 17500*, but reversal below the October low is as likely and would test primary support at 13200. Penetration of the rising trendline would warn of trend weakness.

Nikkei 225

* Target calculation: 15000 + ( 15000 – 12500 ) = 17500

India’s Sensex respected its 2007 and 2010 highs at 21000, retracing to test support at 20500. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure and breakout above 21000 would offer a long-term target of 24000*. Reversal below 20500 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 18000.

Sensex

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

The ASX 200 posted a strong blue candle on Monday, but mild bearish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow warns the index is nearing its target and is due for retracement to test support at 5250/5300. In the longer term, however, troughs above zero reflect a healthy primary up-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5300 + ( 5300 – 5150 ) = 5450

Footsie breakout while Europe hesitates

The FTSE 100 broke resistance at 6700, indicating an advance to 7000*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow signals buying pressure. Reversal below 6600 is unlikely, but would test primary support at 6400.

FTSE 100

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

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 hesitated with a doji star above long-term resistance at 3000. Expect a test of the new support level, but rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum continues to suggest a healthy up-trend. Penetration of the secondary trendline would warn of a correction to the primary trendline — around 2750.

Euro Stoxx 50

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

Spain’s Madrid General Index warns of a correction, with an evening star accompanied by strong volume. The sharp fall on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates short-term selling pressure. Respect of the rising trendline would confirm the primary up-trend, offering a target of 1050*. Reversal below 900 is unlikely, but would indicate the up-trend is weakening.

Madrid General Index

* Target calculation: 900 + ( 900 – 750 ) = 1050

Germany’s DAX, however, is a lot more bullish. Respect of the new support level at 8500 offers a medium-term target of 9300*. Reversal below 8500 is now unlikely, but would warn of a correction to the primary trendline at 8000.

DAX

* Target calculation: 8500 + ( 8500 – 7700 ) = 9300

US & Canada: Rising buying pressure

The S&P 500 short retracement at 1750 is a bullish sign, confirming the advance to 1800*. Rising 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure. Reversal below 1730 is most unlikely at present, but would warn of a test of primary support at 1650.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1730 + ( 1730 – 1650 ) = 1810

VIX below 15 flags low market risk.

VIX Index

Dow Jones Industrial Average is headed for a test of resistance at 15700; breakout would offer a target of 16600*. Recovery above the descending trendline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow would negate the earlier bearish divergence. Breach of 14800 is unlikely, but would warn of a reversal.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The Nasdaq 100, with 13-week Twiggs Money Flow troughs well above zero, indicates strong buying pressure.

Nasdaq 100

Canada’s TSX 60 is advancing toward its target of 800*, the trough above zero on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicating strong buying pressure. Reversal below 740 is now most unlikely.

TSX 60

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

Forex: Euro breakout, Aussie strengthens

The Euro broke through its February high of $1.37, signaling a long-term advance to $1.46*. Troughs above zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicate a healthy up-trend, but expect retracement to test the new support level. Reversal below support at $1.34 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.37 + ( 1.37 – 1.28 ) = 1.46

Sterling is testing medium-term support at €1.175. Penetration of the rising trendline warns the trend is weakening and failure of support would signal a correction to primary support at €1.14. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero strengthens the warning. Recovery above resistance at €1.20 is unlikely, but would signal an advance to €1.225*.

Sterling/Euro

* Target calculation: 1.20 + ( 1.20 – 1.175 ) = 1.225

The greenback is pretty directionless against the Japanese Yen, reflecting indecision. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum warns of trend weakness. Breakout above ¥101 would signal another advance, while breach of support at ¥96 would indicate a reversal.

USD/JPY

Canada’s Loonie is back at parity against the Aussie Dollar. Expect some support at this level. A breach of the descending trendline would alert us to a potential rally, as would reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero.

Canadian Loonie

The Aussie Dollar encountered resistance at its target of $0.97* against the greenback. Short retracement would indicate strong momentum, while respect of the new support level at $0.95 would suggest a healthy up-trend. Failure of support is unlikely, but would warn the up-trend is weakening.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculation: 0.95 + ( 0.95 – 0.93 ) = 0.97

The Aussie Dollar is strengthening against its Kiwi neighbour, breaking resistance at $1.14 to signal another test of $1.16. Bullish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Momentum favors a primary up-trend. Breakout above $1.16 would complete a double-bottom reversal with a target of $1.20*. Reversal below $1.14 is now unlikely, but would warn of another decline; confirmed if primary support at $1.12 is broken.

Kiwi Dollar

* Target calculations: 1.16 + ( 1.16 – 1.12 ) = 1.20

Druckenmiller Sees Storm Worse Than ’08 | Bloomberg

Stan Druckenmiller, George Soros’ former partner and one of the best-performing hedge fund managers of the past three decades, warns of the real long-term threat to the US economy:

Druckenmiller, 59, said the mushrooming costs of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, with unfunded liabilities as high as $211 trillion, will bankrupt the nation’s youth and pose a much greater danger than the country’s $16 trillion of debt currently being debated in Congress…… unsustainable spending will eventually result in a crisis worse than the financial meltdown of 2008…

Read more at Druckenmiller Sees Storm Worse Than ’08 as Seniors Steal – Bloomberg.