Signs of improvement

Earnings results for the second quarter of 2015 remain on track. Of the 354 stocks in the S&P 500 that have reported, 252 (71%) beat, 26 met and 76 (21%) missed their estimates.

The S&P 500 has lost momentum since March 2015, consolidating below resistance at 2130. Gradual decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests buyers remain interested and this is a secondary formation. Breakout above 2130 would signal an advance to 2200*, but there is no indication that this is imminent. Reversal below support at 2040/2050 is unlikely, but penetration of the rising trendline would warn of a reversal — confirmed if support at 1980/2000 is breached.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 2050 ) = 2210

Dow Jones Industrial Average is weaker than the S&P 500. Breach of support at 17500 would test primary support at 17000. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would warn of selling pressure.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 broke through the upper trend channel, suggesting the correction is over. Follow-through above 875 would indicate another test of 900. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal.

TSX 60 Index

Europe improving

Germany’s DAX respected support at 11000. Follow-through above 11800 would indicate another test of 12400. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure.

DAX

* Target calculation: 12500 + ( 12500 – 11000 ) = 14000

The Footsie similarly respected support at 6500. Follow-through above 6800 would complete a double bottom reversal, indicating a test of 7100. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero flags buying pressure.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 6500 ) = 7500

Asia

The Shanghai Composite continues to reflect selling pressure with declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow. Withdrawal of government support is unlikely, but would cause a breach of 3400/3500.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 4000 – ( 5000 – 4000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 is respected support at 20000, indicating another test of 21000. Breakout above 21000 would offer a target of 23000*. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow has leveled off. Reversal below support at 20000 is unlikely but would warn of another test of 19000.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 19000 ) = 23000

A higher trough on India’s Sensex suggests buying pressure. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow confirms. Breakout above 28500 would signal another test of 30000. Decline below 27000 is unlikely.

SENSEX

Australia

The ASX 200 encountered stubborn resistance at 5700. Rising troughs on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow continue to indicate buying pressure. Respect of support at 5550 would be bullish, while breakout above 5700 would indicate another test of 6000. Failure of 5550 is less likely, but would test medium-term support at 5400.

ASX 200

I find the idea that you can introduce democracy by military force a very quaint idea. Moreover, if I wanted to choose a testing ground for doing it, Iraq would be the last nation I would choose.

~ George Soros (2004)

Fedex bounces back

Next Portfolio Update

The next update for S&P 500 and ASX200 Prime Momentum strategies will be on the weekend, so that investors can place trades on Monday, 3rd August 2015, the first trading day of the month.

North America

Bellwether transport stock Fedex respected primary support at $164, rallying strongly to form a bullish engulfing candle on the weekly chart. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above zero would confirm the bull signal, suggesting a target of $184. Breach of $164 is now unlikely, but a primary down-trend would warn that broad economic activity is contracting.

Fedex

The reporting season got off to a shaky start with Apple and Microsoft disappointing but the ship has steadied. Of the 187 stocks in the S&P 500 that have reported so far, 138 (74%) beat, 14 met and 35 (19%) missed their estimates.

The S&P 500 found support above 2050, the higher trough on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicating increased interest from buyers. Breakout above 2130 would signal an advance to 2200*, but further consolidation below the resistance level is likely. Reversal below support at 2040/2050 is unlikely.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 2050 ) = 2210

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) indicates low volatility typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 rallied off the lower trend channel but is likely to encounter resistance at the upper trend channel and 855. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero warns of a primary down-trend. Breach of support at 800 would confirm.

TSX 60 Index

Europe

Germany’s DAX is testing support at 11000. A fall-off in export sales to China may be weighing on the market. The decline in 13-week Twiggs Money Flow has leveled off and a trough above zero would signal long-term buyers are driving the market. Recovery above the (second) descending trendline would suggest another advance; confirmed if resistance at 12400 is broken. Reversal below 10700 is unlikely.

DAX

* Target calculation: 12500 + ( 12500 – 11000 ) = 14000

The Footsie found support at 6500. Recovery above 6800 would complete a double bottom reversal, indicating a test of 7100. Completion of a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero would also flag buying pressure.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 6500 ) = 7500

Asia

The Shanghai Composite experienced strong buying at Wednesday’s close. Support resumed at 3800 on Thursday but efforts to restore stability are likely to undermine credibility of stock prices. The large divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of selling pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 4000 – ( 5000 – 4000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 is testing support at 20000. Respect would indicate another test of 21000. Breakout above 21000 would offer a target of 23000*. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow has leveled off, but failure of support at 20000 would signal further selling pressure and another test of 19000.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 19000 ) = 23000

India’s Sensex retreated below 28000, suggesting another test of primary support. Respect of the rising trendline and support at 27000 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact, while breach of 26500 would signal a reversal. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough at zero would confirm buying pressure, while decline below zero would warn of a primary down-trend.

SENSEX

Australia

The ASX 200 is testing resistance at 5650/5700. Breakout would indicate another test of 6000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow leveled off, suggesting that selling pressure has eased and the primary up-trend is intact. Reversal below 5400 is unlikely, but would warn of a test of primary support at 5150/5200.

ASX 200

It’s not whether you’re right or wrong, but how much money you make when you’re right and how much you lose when you’re wrong.

~ George Soros

Greece and Iran party but China lurks in the shadows

From the Wall Street Journal:

Greece’s Parliament passed early Thursday a crucial set of austerity measures required for a eurozone bailout package….The measures were supported by 229 lawmakers in the nation’s 300-seat Parliament.

A Grexit has been avoided for the present, but unless the Greeks are successful in implementing structural reform, reversing many years of cronyism and corruption, we are likely to witness further re-runs in the future.

The nuclear deal with Iran has outraged the Right in Israel and the US. There are many pitfalls along the way but I believe this is a bold step forward. The outcome will be uncertain for many years but presents both sides with a chance to build a new relationship where they can peacefully co-exist. The alternative is another war in the Middle East — with no winners.

Iran

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

I was surprised to see the Russians playing a constructive role in the dialogue. I am sure that Vladimir Putin would take personal delight in poking a stick through Obama’s bicycle spokes, but the interests of the state come first. “Follow the green” as one US diplomat described it. The New York Times offers a clue:

Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, lost no time in talking about the accord on Iran’s nuclear program. He was on television minutes after the deal was clinched, and even before the formal news conference had begun, announcing the landmark agreement to the audience back home and emphasizing the many potential benefits, strategic and economic, that it holds for Russia…..Russia possesses some of the world’s foremost expertise in atomic energy, and has helped build and operate atomic reactors in Iran for many years. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy company, helped build and expand the Bushehr nuclear plant and already has contracts to build two more reactors there.

China, on the other hand still lurks in the background. The state managed to stem the flood, suspending trading on more than 50% of stocks and forbidding large stockholders from selling. This is a public acknowledgment that Chinese stock prices are artificial and in no way to be trusted (“What’s new” some cynics would ask). They have destroyed any credibility that their stock markets had. Japan had zombie banks after their 1990 stock market crash, solvent in name only. China seems to be following a similar path with zombie stocks. Banks who have lent money against those stocks are likely to follow.

For a deeper understanding of the situation, read China’s stock market falling off a cliff: Why, and why care? by Alicia Garcia-Herrero at Bruegel.org

Europe

Germany’s DAX recovered above its descending trendline, indicating the end of the correction. Follow-through above 11600 would strengthen the signal, suggesting a fresh advance. Breakout above 12400 would confirm. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above its descending trendline shows that selling pressure has eased.

DAX

* Target calculation: 12500 + ( 12500 – 11000 ) = 14000

The Footsie also recovered above its descending trendline. Follow-through above 6750 would indicate another attempt at 7100. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough at zero flags buying pressure.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 6500 ) = 7500

Asia

The Shanghai Composite is testing resistance at 4000. Government efforts to stem the crash are unlikely to restore credibility to stock prices. The large divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of selling pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 4000 – ( 5000 – 4000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 recovered above 20000, suggesting a fresh advance. Breakout above 21000 would confirm. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above its descending trendline suggests the correction is over.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 19000 ) = 23000

India’s Sensex recovered above 28000, suggesting a fresh advance. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow recovery above zero indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breach of primary support at 26500 is now unlikely.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 30000 + ( 30000 – 27000 ) = 33000

North America

The S&P 500 respected medium-term support at 2040. Another 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero would confirm long-term buying pressure. Breakout above 2120 would offer a target of 2200*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2100 + ( 2100 – 2000 ) = 2200

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) retreated to low levels typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

The Nasdaq 100 is approaching its Dotcom-era high of 4800. Breakout above 4550 would signal a test of long-term resistance. 6-Month Twiggs Momentum oscillating above zero reflects a healthy long-term up-trend.

Nasdaq 100

Canada’s TSX 60 recovered above support at 850/855. Breakout above the upper trend channel would indicate the correction is over, suggesting another test of 900. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal. Respect of the upper trend channel is unlikely, but would warn of continuation of the down-trend.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 900 + ( 900 – 850 ) = 950

Australia

The ASX 200 broke out above its descending trend channel, flagging end of the correction. A 21-day Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero indicates medium-term buying pressure. Follow through above 5700 would signal another test of 6000.

ASX 200


More….

Could a new property tax save the Australian economy?

Will Iran deal nuke crude?

Hint of Greek bailout revives rates (and the Dollar)

Bank share prices tipped to decline

Gold: Is Barrick next?

APRA considers two per cent capital adequacy increase

Greece: the musical (with thanks to Grease)

Markets are constantly in a state of uncertainty and flux and money is made by discounting the obvious and betting on the unexpected.

~ George Soros

Another week another crisis

The crisis in Greece continues, dragging down stocks across Europe.

Germany’s DAX broke support at 11000, warning of a decline to 10000. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would warn of a primary down-trend. Recovery above 11500 is unlikely, but would signal a fresh advance.

DAX

The Footsie found short-term support at 6500. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of a primary down-trend. A peak below zero or breach of support at 6100 would confirm.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6700 – ( 7100 – 6700 ) = 6300

Asia

Events have been overtaken by collapse of Chinese stocks. The Shanghai Composite found support at 3500, but government efforts are unlikely to stem the rout. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would warn of further selling pressure. Expect support at the primary trendline, around the 3000 level.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 4000 – ( 5000 – 4000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 was unsettled by events in Shanghai, breaking support at 20000 to warn of a correction. The decline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow is gradual, suggesting a secondary correction.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 20000 + ( 20000 – 18000 ) = 22000

India’s Sensex retreated below 28000 warning of another test of primary support at 26500. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero, however, would indicate medium-term buying pressure. Breach of support at 26500 is also unlikely, but would signal a primary down-trend with support at 23000*.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 26500 – ( 30000 – 26500 ) = 23000

North America

The S&P 500 is testing medium-term support at 2040. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow suggests a test of primary support (1980/2000) but today’s rally in China may alleviate this. The index is likely to range below 2120 until the situations in both China and Greece reach a conclusion.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2120 + ( 2120 – 2040 ) = 2200

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is fairly subdued but likely to break 20, indicating moderate risk.

S&P 500 VIX

Dow Jones Industrial Average broke support at 17600. Follow-through below 17500 would warn of a test of primary support at 17000. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates strong selling pressure but this was aggravated by yesterday’s technical trading halt on the NYSE and recovery above zero is likely.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Canada’s TSX 60 broke support at 850, warning of a test of primary support at 800. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero suggests a primary down-trend. Recovery above the descending trendline is unlikely, but would indicate the correction is over.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 850 – ( 900 – 850 ) = 800

Australia

The ASX 200 found support at 5400, highlighted by the long tail on today’s candle. Breakout above the trend channel is still unlikely, but would indicate the correction is over. It would be prudent, in the current climate, to wait for a higher trough or some other confirmation. Rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates moderate buying pressure.

ASX 200


More….

Gold Bugs warn of a bear market

Dollar calm while prospect of rate rises fades

Silver tests primary support at $15

Australia: Rising foreign debt

RBA strategy: Fight fire with gasoline

Crude breaks $54

Australian stocks: Buy in July?

Never let a serious crisis go to waste.

~ Rahm Emanuel

India threatens reversal

India’s Sensex is testing primary support at 26500. Breach would signal a primary down-trend, confirming the signals from 13-week Twiggs Momentum & Money Flow, both of which have crossed below zero. Twiggs Momentum has been warning of a reversal with a bearish divergence since late 2014, while Twiggs Money Flow chimed in from March 2015. Breach of support would offer a target of 23000. Recovery above the descending trendline is unlikely, but would suggest another rally.

Sensex

Sensex

* Target calculation: 26500 – ( 30000 – 26500 ) = 23000

The S&P/NSE Nifty index tells a similar story, testing primary support at 8000. Breach would offer a target of 7000*.

Nifty

* Target calculation: 8000 – ( 9000 – 8000 ) = 7000

US Recovery on Track

The Leading Index calculated by the Philadelphia Fed has, in the past proved a reliable indicator of economic conditions. The latest value of 1.74% (December 2014) reflects a healthy recovery.

Philadelphia Fed Leading Index

Light vehicle sales also indicate consumer confidence. Annual sales to December 2014 of 16.8 million units are in the same realm as the buoyant conditions of 2004 to 2007.

Light vehicle sales

The Freight Transportation Services Index suggests that broader economic activity is also soaring.

Freight Transport Index

The S&P 500 successfully tested support at 2000, recovery above the declining trendline suggesting that the recent correction is over. Penetration of the descending trendline on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow would strengthen the signal. Breach of 1980/2000 is unlikely. Breakout above 2080 would indicate a fresh advance; follow-through above 2100 would confirm.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2100 + ( 2100 – 2000 ) = 2200

CBOE Volatility Index is declining. Breakout below the recent triangle would indicate that risk has reverted to ‘Low’ from ‘Moderate’.

S&P 500 VIX

Europe

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 index is consolidating above support at 3300 despite tensions between Greece and its Northern EMU partners. Respect of 3300 would indicate a fresh primary advance, with a long-term target of 3600*. Follow-through above 3425 would confirm.

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

* Target calculation: 3300 + ( 3300 – 3000 ) = 3600

Asia

China’s Shanghai Composite Index found support at 3050, but declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of medium-term selling pressure. Failure to break resistance at 3400 is increasingly likely, and reversal below 3050 would warn of a test of the primary trendline at 2700. The stimulus effect of lower energy prices may cushion the fall but economic activity is declining and the PBOC faces a number of challenges.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index has benefited from aggressive monetary expansion by the BOJ and is testing resistance at its 2007 high of 18000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum reflects a healthy up-trend. Breakout above 18000 would signal another primary advance, with a target of 20000*.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 18000 + ( 18000 – 16000 ) = 20000

Long-term momentum of India’s SENSEX has been slowing since mid-2014. A fall below zero is unlikely, but would warn of a trend reversal. Respect of the secondary rising trendline would suggest another test of 30000, while breach would test primary support at 26500.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 29000 + ( 29000 – 27000 ) = 31000

Australia

Australia’s ASX 200 is retracing to test its new support level at 5660. Respect would confirm a fresh primary advance. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow holding above the zero line indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above the descending flag would signal another advance, with a target of 6150*. Failure of support is unlikely.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5150 ) = 6150

India: Sensex advance

India will also benefit from lower oil prices. The BSE Sensex broke resistance at 29000, signaling a primary advance to 31000*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow troughs above zero signal strong, long-term buying pressure. Retracement to test the new support level at 29000 is a possibility, but breach of support is unlikely.

Sensex

* Target calculation: 29000 + ( 29000 – 27000 ) = 31000

Asian stocks cautious

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index is retracing to test support at 24000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates sustained buying pressure. Respect of 24000 would suggest another primary advance, while failure would warn of a correction. Breakout above 25000 would offer a target of 27000*.

Hang Seng Index

* Long-term target calculation: 24000 + ( 24000 – 21000 ) = 27000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is consolidating at its 2013 high. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow reflects medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 2340 would strengthen the primary up-trend, but retracement to test the new support level at 2250 remains as likely.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2250 + ( 2250 – 2000 ) = 2500

India’s Sensex retreated below short-term support at 27000. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of long-term selling pressure, but another trough above zero would negate this. Breach of the secondary rising trendline would warn of a correction, while respect would suggest further gains.

Sensex

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 15000 ) = 27000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index is testing resistance at 16000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 16300 would signal another advance. Reversal below 15500 is unlikely, but would warn of a correction.

Nikkei 225

* Target calculation: 16000 + ( 16000 – 14000 ) = 18000

China leads Asian recovery

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index is testing its 2010 high at 25000. Breakout would confirm a primary advance, with a target of 27000*. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough at zero indicates long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 24000 is unlikely, but would warn of a correction to the rising trendline.

Hang Seng Index

* Long-term target calculation: 24000 + ( 24000 – 21000 ) = 27000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is testing resistance at 2250. Breakout would confirm a primary up-trend. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 2150 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 1990/2000.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2250 + ( 2250 – 2000 ) = 2500

India’s Sensex recovered above 26000, offering a target of 27000*. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of selling pressure, but respect of the zero line and recovery above 10% would indicate that buyers have taken control. Reversal below the secondary trendline is unlikely, but would indicate a correction to the primary trendline.

Sensex

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 15000 ) = 27000

Dow Jones Japan Index is testing resistance at 86/87 on the weekly chart. Breakout would suggest a primary advance. Reversal below 82 is unlikely, but would warn of a test of primary support at 74.

Dow Jones Japan Index

Asia: Sleeping tigers awaken

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index broke long-term resistance at 24000, signaling a primary advance with an intermediate target of 27000*. The recent 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough at zero indicates long-term buying pressure. Expect retracement to test the new support level. Reversal below 24000 is unlikely, however, and would warn of a correction to the rising trendline.

Hang Seng Index

* Long-term target calculation: 24000 + ( 24000 – 21000 ) = 27000

Singapore’s Straits Times Index likewise broke resistance at 3300, signaling a primary advance to 3600*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Again, expect retracement to test the new support level, but reversal below 3200 is unlikely and would warn of another test of primary support at 3000.

Straits Times Index

* Target calculation: 3300 + ( 3300 – 3000 ) = 3600

China’s Shanghai Composite Index broke resistance at 2150 as the PBOC aggressively injects bank credit to revive a flagging economy. This may lift the medium-term outlook, but is not sustainable in the long-term and could well aggravate the eventual contraction. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 2250 would confirm a primary up-trend. Reversal below 2100 is unlikely at present, but would warn of another test of primary support at 1990/2000.

Shanghai Composite Index

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

India’s Sensex is retracing to test the new support level at 26000. Breach would indicate a test of 25000. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of selling pressure. Failure of support at 25000 would warn of a correction to the primary trendline at 23000. Respect of (or recovery above) 26000, however, would offer a target of 27000*.

Sensex

* Target calculation: 21000 + ( 21000 – 15000 ) = 27000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 is testing 15500. Breakout from the consolidation of recent weeks would indicate a rally to 16000*. Oscillation of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above zero indicates healthy long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 15000 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 14000.

Nikkei 225

* Target calculation: 15000 + ( 15000 – 14000 ) = 16000