October correction nearing end

  • DAX and FTSE in a down-trend
  • China and Hong Kong retreat
  • US stocks remain in a bull market
  • ASX ends correction

The new reporting season is under way and fund managers are now looking for opportunities rather than selling off under-performers.

The S&P 500 broke resistance at 1900 and 1925. Penetration of the descending trendline suggests that the October correction is over. Recovery of 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow above zero indicates medium-term buying pressure. Expect a test of resistance at 2000 followed by consolidation or retracement to confirm support at 1925. Narrow consolidation below 2000 would be a bullish sign.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1850 ) = 2150

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) at 16 again indicates low risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The Nasdaq 100 recovered above resistance at 4000, indicating a fresh advance. Penetration of the descending trendline signals that the correction is over. Completion of a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough high above zero would indicate long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 4000 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of support.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 4100 + ( 4100 – 3800 ) = 4400

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 recovered above its former primary support level at 3000, suggesting a bear trap. The primary trend remains downward, but recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above zero would suggest another test of 3300.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 9000 – ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 8000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index retreated below support at 2340/2350 and the rising trendline, warning of a correction. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero would confirm the primary up-trend, while reversal below zero would warn of a bear market.

Shanghai Composite Index

The ASX 200 recovered above resistance at 5250 and 5350 and the descending trendline, indicating that the correction is over. Breach of resistance at 5450 would signal another test of 5650. Bullish divergence and rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow (above zero) indicate medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 5350 is unlikely, but would indicate another test of 5120.

ASX 200

Another bear trap?

Bellwether transport stock Fedex found support at $154, the long tail and rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicating buying pressure. Expect a test of $165. Reversal below $150 is unlikely, but would warn of a test of primary support at $130. Continuation of the primary up-trend signals improvement for the broad economy.

Fedex

* Target calculation: 165 + ( 165 – 150 ) = 180

The S&P 500 is testing its new resistance level at 1900/1910. Last week’s long tail indicates short-term buying pressure but declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of long-term selling pressure. Recovery above 1910 would suggest that the correction is over, while penetration of the descending trendline would strengthen the signal.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

Someone asked why I felt the correction was over, when there are so many bearish signs on the charts. My answer in brief was:

  • Strong support on the Dow and S&P 500;
  • Breach of descending trendline on the ASX 200;
  • October sell-off nearing an end;
  • US reporting season has started and fund managers will revert to accumulation of stronger performing stocks.

I could have added that our market filters continue to indicate low to moderate risk.

I am also suspicious of breaks of support after the bear traps of 2010 and 2011.

S&P 500

Breaches are indicated by red arrows, recoveries by green.

S&P 500

Investors remain extremely skittish after the 2009 crash and likely to jump at shadows.

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has retreated below 20%, suggesting low risk typical of a bull market. Recovery above 20% is not likely, but a (significantly) higher trough would warn of rising risk.

VIX Index

The Nasdaq 100 rallied off support at 3700. Follow-through above 3900 would suggest another test of 4100. Recovery above 4000 and the descending trendline would strengthen the signal. Divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates mild selling pressure. Reversal below 3700 and the rising (secondary) trendline would warn of a test of primary support at 3400.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 3750 – ( 4100 – 3750 ) = 3400

October sell-off: Drawing to a close?

  • DAX and FTSE find support, but remain in a down-trend
  • China is bullish, but Japan bearish
  • US stocks find support and continue to indicate a bull market
  • ASX respects primary support

The S&P 500 found support at 1820 and is testing resistance at 1900. Breach of resistance would suggest that the correction is over. 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow below zero, however, continues to warn of medium-term selling pressure. Respect of resistance is more likely, indicating another test of support at 1800*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) retreated to 22, indicating moderate risk, but nowhere near the 30+ levels typical of a bear market.

S&P 500 VIX

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above resistance (the former support level) at 16300, the long tail indicating short-term buying pressure. Follow-through above the descending trendline would signal that the correction is over. Recovery above the recent highs at 25% on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow would suggest that buyers have regained control.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Germany’s DAX is retracing to test resistance at 9000. Respect would confirm a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum below zero strengthens the bear signal. Target for the decline is 8000*. Recovery above 9000 remains unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 9000 – ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 8000

The Footsie displays a similar long tail, indicating buying pressure. Recovery above 6500 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap. Respect of resistance would offer a target of 6000*.

FTSE 100 Index

* Target calculation: 6400 – ( 6800 – 6400 ) = 6000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is testing support at 2340/2350. Breach would warn of a correction. But the primary up-trend remains and rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow signals medium-term buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index plunged through support at 14800, warning of a test of primary support at 13900/14000. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates (long-term) selling pressure.

Nikkei 225 Index

The ASX 200 recovered above resistance at 5250 and the descending trendline, suggesting that the correction is over. Bullish divergence and a rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow (above zero) indicates medium-term buying pressure. Recovery above 5350 would confirm that buyers are back in control, while reversal below 5250 would indicate another test of 5000/5050.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5350 – ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5050

ASX 200 VIX remains below 20, indicating low risk typical of a bull market.

ASX 200 VIX

October sell-off: Drawing to a close?

  • DAX and FTSE find support, but remain in a down-trend
  • China is bullish, but Japan bearish
  • US stocks find support and continue to indicate a bull market
  • ASX respects primary support

The S&P 500 found support at 1820 and is testing resistance at 1900. Breach of resistance would suggest that the correction is over. 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow below zero, however, continues to warn of medium-term selling pressure. Respect of resistance is more likely, indicating another test of support at 1800*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) retreated to 22, indicating moderate risk, but nowhere near the 30+ levels typical of a bear market.

S&P 500 VIX

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above resistance (the former support level) at 16300, the long tail indicating short-term buying pressure. Follow-through above the descending trendline would signal that the correction is over. Recovery above the recent highs at 25% on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow would suggest that buyers have regained control.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Germany’s DAX is retracing to test resistance at 9000. Respect would confirm a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum below zero strengthens the bear signal. Target for the decline is 8000*. Recovery above 9000 remains unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 9000 – ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 8000

The Footsie displays a similar long tail, indicating buying pressure. Recovery above 6500 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap. Respect of resistance would offer a target of 6000*.

FTSE 100 Index

* Target calculation: 6400 – ( 6800 – 6400 ) = 6000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is testing support at 2340/2350. Breach would warn of a correction. But the primary up-trend remains and rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow signals medium-term buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index plunged through support at 14800, warning of a test of primary support at 13900/14000. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates (long-term) selling pressure.

Nikkei 225 Index

The ASX 200 recovered above resistance at 5250 and the descending trendline, suggesting that the correction is over. Bullish divergence and a rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow (above zero) indicates medium-term buying pressure. Recovery above 5350 would confirm that buyers are back in control, while reversal below 5250 would indicate another test of 5000/5050.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5350 – ( 5650 – 5350 ) = 5050

ASX 200 VIX remains below 20, indicating low risk typical of a bull market.

ASX 200 VIX

US stocks: Broad selling pressure

The S&P 500 broke through support at 1900, offering a target of 1800*. Decline of 21-day Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of medium-term selling pressure. Recovery above 1910 is unlikely at present, but would suggest a bear trap.

S&P 500

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) broke above 20%, but still indicates moderate risk. A break above 30% would suggest elevated risk.

VIX Index

Dow Jones Industrial Average is testing support at 16300. Breach would indicate a test of the (primary) rising trendline. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of selling pressure. Recovery above 16500 is less likely, but would suggest another rally.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

The Nasdaq 100 broke support at 3850. Follow-through below 3750 would confirm a target of primary support at 3400*. Divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates selling pressure. Respect of support at 3750 is unlikely, but recovery above 3850 would suggest another rally.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 3750 – ( 4100 – 3750 ) = 3400

October sell-off continues

  • DAX and FTSE break support, signaling a down-trend
  • China is bullish, but rest of Asia is bearish
  • US stocks are correcting, but continue to indicate a bull market
  • ASX testing primary support

The quarter-end sell-off has been exacerbated by weakness in Europe.

Germany’s DAX broke primary support at 8900/9000, signaling a (primary) down-trend. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero strengthens the bear signal. Target for the decline is 8000*. Recovery above 9000 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 9000 – ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 8000

The Footsie displays similar weakness, breaching primary support at 6400/6500. Target for the decline is 6000*. Recovery above 6500 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

FTSE 100 Index

* Target calculation: 6400 – ( 6800 – 6400 ) = 6000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is holding above its new support at 2340/2350, but expect retracement to at least 2250 in response to US/European weakness.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index broke medium-term support at 15500 and the rising trendline to warn of a correction. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the signal. Breach of 14800 would indicate a test of primary support at 14000.

Nikkei 225 Index

The S&P 500 is testing primary support at 1900. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of selling pressure. Reversal below zero would indicate a down-trend, offering a target of 1800*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) rose to above 20, indicating moderate risk, but nowhere near the levels typical of a bear market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 broke support at 5250/5300, suggesting a test of long-term support at 5000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates strong selling pressure. Recovery above 5350 is unlikely, but would suggest that the correction is over.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5350 – ( 5700 – 5350 ) = 5000

October sell-off continues

  • DAX and FTSE break support, signaling a down-trend
  • China is bullish, but rest of Asia is bearish
  • US stocks are correcting, but continue to indicate a bull market
  • ASX testing primary support

The quarter-end sell-off has been exacerbated by weakness in Europe.

Germany’s DAX broke primary support at 8900/9000, signaling a (primary) down-trend. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero strengthens the bear signal. Target for the decline is 8000*. Recovery above 9000 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 9000 – ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 8000

The Footsie displays similar weakness, breaching primary support at 6400/6500. Target for the decline is 6000*. Recovery above 6500 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.

FTSE 100 Index

* Target calculation: 6400 – ( 6800 – 6400 ) = 6000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is holding above its new support at 2340/2350, but expect retracement to at least 2250 in response to US/European weakness.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index broke medium-term support at 15500 and the rising trendline to warn of a correction. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the signal. Breach of 14800 would indicate a test of primary support at 14000.

Nikkei 225 Index

The S&P 500 is testing primary support at 1900. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of selling pressure. Reversal below zero would indicate a down-trend, offering a target of 1800*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2000 – 1900 ) = 1800

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) rose to above 20, indicating moderate risk, but nowhere near the levels typical of a bear market.

S&P 500 VIX

The ASX 200 broke support at 5250/5300, suggesting a test of long-term support at 5000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates strong selling pressure. Recovery above 5350 is unlikely, but would suggest that the correction is over.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5350 – ( 5700 – 5350 ) = 5000

Market lifts despite weak global economy

Minutes of the September FOMC meeting highlight growing unease with the strong US Dollar and a weak global economy. The market read this as “low interest rates” and commenced a buying spree. Last year the quarter-end sell-off ended on October 9th after a 4.2% fall. This year’s correction fell 4.7%, lasting 13 days (so far) compared to 15 days in 2013.

Roberto Dominguez at NY Daily News reports:

“The start of earnings season, with companies including Costco and Alcoa reporting quarterly profits that beat forecasts, also helped push the S&P 500 to its biggest rally in a year.”

While Cullen Roche writes that the US fiscal deficit is shrinking:

“…tax receipts have surged by 7.7% year over year and are up 48% over the last 5 years. And while some of this is due to tax increases the vast majority is due to a healing private sector.”

Bellwether transport stock Fedex continues its primary up-trend, signaling improved economic activity.

Fedex

No doubt boosted by a falling outlook for crude oil.

Nymex and Brent Crude

With positive news about, we should be careful not to forget the Fed’s concern with a weak global economy. While this may drive oil prices even lower, the impact on international sales of major exporters will be closely watched.

S&P 500 recovery above 2000 would indicate the correction is over, while follow-through above 2020 would signal another advance. A 21-day Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero would signal a healthy up-trend. Reversal below 1925 is unlikely, but would test primary support at 1900/1910.

S&P 500

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

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) retreated to 15%, indicating low volatility typical of a bull market.

VIX Index

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

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