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

ASX breakout on RBA rate cut

Australia’s ASX 200 broke through resistance at 5660, signaling a fresh primary advance after several months in the doldrums. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Retracement to test new support at 5550/5650 is likely, but the target for the advance is 6150*.

ASX 200

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

The surge was driven by an RBA rate cut to a new low of 2.25%.

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The cut was largely unexpected. My view was (and is) that a cut is unnecessary, given that falling commodity prices (especially crude oil and LNG) are weakening the Aussie Dollar. Now that we have one, further cuts are likely.

US Markets

The S&P 500 continues to test support at 2000, but rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates long-term buying pressure. Breach of 1980/2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction. Recovery above the descending trendline would suggest the start of a fresh advance.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1800 ) = 2200

CBOE Volatility Index retreated below 20%, but only breakout below the triangle would reassure that the recent up-surge has passed — and risk has reverted to ‘low’ from ‘moderate’.

S&P 500 VIX

Europe

Germany’s DAX is heading for 11000* after breaking resistance at 10000. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum trough above zero confirms the primary up-trend.

DAX

* Target calculation: 10000 + ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 11000

The Footsie continues to test long-term resistance at 6900/7000. Breakout would signal a fresh primary advance, with a long-term target of 8000*. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow is rising, but it will take considerable buying pressure to break through the 1999/2000 high.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 8000

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is retreating from resistance at its 2009 high of 3400. A small decline in 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure is weakening. Reversal below 3100 would warn of a correction. Breakout above 3400 remains as likely, however, and would signal a fresh primary advance. The stimulus effect of lower energy prices may allow the PBOC scope to rein in monetary expansion, which would have a dampening effect on the current stock boom.

Shanghai Composite Index

The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.

~ Thomas Jefferson

ASX rebounds

A low inflation outlook is likely to ease pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates. The S&P 500 is testing support at 2000. Breach would warn of another correction, but the primary trend is intact. Respect of the secondary trendline would suggest this is likely to continue. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates long-term buying pressure; decline below the rising trendline would again warn of a secondary correction.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1800 ) = 2200

CBOE Volatility Index is making more frequent penetrations of 20%, suggesting moderate risk. VIX ranging between 20% and 30% would warn of increased market stress.

S&P 500 VIX

The Nasdaq 100 is also testing support, at 4100, and breach of this level would warn of a correction. But the primary trend is strong and further 13-week Twiggs Money Flow troughs above zero would reinforce this.

Nasdaq 100 Index

* Target calculation: 4100 + ( 4100 – 3700 ) = 4500

Europe is buoyant after the ECB signaled further monetary easing (QE). Germany’s DAX is heading for 11000* after breaking resistance at 10000. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicates continuation of the up-trend.

DAX

* Target calculation: 10000 + ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 11000

The Footsie has also recovered, testing long-term resistance at 6900/7000. Expect strong resistance at this level. Breakout would signal a fresh primary advance, with a long-term target of 8000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 8000

China is benefiting from falling oil prices, with the Shanghai Composite Index again testing resistance at 3400. Breakout would signal a fresh primary advance. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong (medium-term) buying pressure. The stimulus effect of lower energy prices may allow the PBOC scope to rein in monetary expansion, which would have a dampening effect on the current stock boom.

Shanghai Composite Index

Discussion of monetary expansion would not be complete without mention of Japan where the BOJ has gone “all in” to curb long-term deflationary pressures. The Nikkei 225 Index is testing resistance at its 2007 high of 18000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow respecting the zero line suggests long-term buying pressure. Breakout above 18000 would signal another primary advance, with a target of 20000*.

Nikkei 225 Index

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

Australia’s ASX 200 has suffered from falling commodity prices over the past 12 months, with falling crude adding to the energy sector’s woes in the last quarter. But an up-tick of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow hints at brighter days ahead. Breakout above 5650 would offer a target of 6000*.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5600 + ( 5600 – 5200 ) = 6000

The Daily chart shows the index completed a double bottom, breaking resistance at 5550, after twice testing primary support at 5120/5150. A 21-day Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero signals medium-term buying pressure. Follow-through above 5660 would confirm a fresh primary advance.

ASX 200

S&P 500 up-trend continues

The S&P 500 encountered solid support at 2000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure. Recovery above the descending trendline is likely and would indicate the end of the correction. Breakout above 2080 would confirm another advance with a target of 2200*. Failure of support is unlikely, but would test the primary trendline at 1900.

S&P 500

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

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) retreated below 20, reassuring that risk remains low to moderate.

VIX Index

Bellwether transport stock Fedex continues in a primary up-trend, signaling that economic activity levels are improving.

Fedex

Small caps also remain in an up-trend, with the Russell 2000 consolidating between 10.50 and 12.0. Retreat of 13-week Twiggs Momentum close to the zero line is typical of a ranging market. Breakout above 12.00 would signal a primary advance with a target of 13.0*; follow-through above 12.10 would confirm. Reversal below 10.50 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear market.

Russell 2000

* Target calculation: 12 + ( 12 – 11 ) = 13

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.
~ Mahatma Gandhi

Markets back on track

Threat of a Russian collapse roiled markets in early December, but the immediate crisis now seems to have passed.

Recovery of the S&P 500 above resistance at 2080 would indicate another advance , with a target of 2150*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow troughs indicate long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 2000 is most unlikely.

S&P 500 Index

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

A 10-year view of CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) suggests low to moderate risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

My favorite bellwether, transport stock Fedex, also underwent a correction. The long tail suggests buying pressure and breakout above the recent high would confirm a strong bull trend, indicating rising economic activity.

Fedex

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 found support at 3000 and is likely to test 3300. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure, but the index is likely to continue ranging between these two levels until tensions between Russia and Eastern Europe are resolved.

DJ Euro Stoxx 50

China’s Shanghai Composite Index is in a strong bull trend, having broken resistance at 2500, and is likely to test the 2009 high at 3500. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong (medium-term) buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

I continue to question China’s ability to sustain this performance, given their poor economic foundation.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index breakout above its 2007 high of 18000 would signal an advance to 19000*. Rising 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong buying pressure. Index gains are largely attributable to rising inflation and a weaker yen.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 18000 + ( 18000 – 17000 ) = 19000

India’s Sensex found support at 27000. Recovery above 28000 would suggest another advance. Breakout above 29000 would confirm a target of 31000*.

Sensex

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

ASX 200 performance remains weak. Breach of the recent descending trendline suggests that the correction is over, but only breakout above 5550 would complete a double-bottom formation, suggesting a fresh advance. Rising troughs on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicate medium-term buying pressure. Reversal of TMF below zero, or breach of support at 5000/5150, is now less likely, but would warn of a down-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5500 + ( 5500 – 5000 ) = 6000

A long-term view

Better than expected US jobs data and strong German factory orders helped to rally markets Friday. Also, ECB chief Mario Draghi’s Thursday announcement is seen as supporting broad-based asset purchases (QE) early in 2015. A long-term view of major markets may help to place current activity in perspective.

The S&P 500 continues a strong advance, with rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicating medium-term buying pressure. Long-term and medium targets coincide at 2250* and we should expect further resistance at this level.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1500 + ( 1500 – 750 ) = 2250; 2050 + ( 2050 – 1850 ) = 2250

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) continues to indicate low risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX broke resistance at its earlier high of 10000, suggesting a further advance. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero indicates continuation of the up-trend. The long-term target is 12500*, though I cannot see this being reached until tensions in Eastern Europe are resolved.

DAX

* Target calculation: 7500 + ( 7500 – 2500 ) = 12500

The Footsie is testing long-term resistance at 6900/7000. Respect of the zero line by 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates long-term buying pressure. Breakout above 7000 would signal a fresh primary advance, with a long-term target of 10500*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 7000 + ( 7000 – 3500 ) = 10500

China’s Shanghai Composite Index broke resistance at 2500 and is likely to test the 2009 high at 3500. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong (medium-term) buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is testing resistance at its 2007 high of 18000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respecting the zero line indicates long-term buying pressure. Breakout would signal another primary advance. A long-term target of 28000* seems unachievable unless one factors in rising inflation and continued devaluation of the yen.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 18000 + ( 18000 – 8000 ) = 28000

Weak ASX 200 performance is highlighted by the distance below its 2007 high of 6850. Falling commodity prices have retarded the recovery and are likely to continue for some time ahead.

The 2005-2008 Australian commodities boom was squandered, damaging local industry and hampering the current recovery. Norway successfully weathered a similar commodities boom in the 1990s, protecting local industry while establishing a sovereign wealth fund that is the envy of its peers. Their fiscal discipline set a precedent which should be followed by any resource-rich country looking to navigate a sustainable path through a commodities boom and avoid the dreaded “Dutch Disease”.

Respect of support at 5000 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — but declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates selling pressure. Reversal of TMF below zero or breach of support at 5000/5150 would warn of a down-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5000 + ( 5000 – 4000 ) = 6000

The daily chart shows a slightly improved perspective. 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow oscillating around zero signals indecision. Recovery above 5400 would suggest the correction is over. But reversal below 5200 is as likely and would warn of a test of primary support at 5120/5150.

ASX 200 daily

A tale of two economies

Stock markets in Western Europe and Asia are rallying on the strength of falling oil prices, joining the US in a bull trend. But primary producers, largely dependent on commodity exports, are likely to suffer as a result of falling prices. Australia is no exception.

The S&P 500 continues a primary advance. A conservative target would be 2200*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying support. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1800 ) = 2200

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

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX is testing resistance at its earlier high of 10000. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above the declining trendline suggests medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above resistance would offer a conservative target of 11000*. Reversal below 9000 is unlikely, but would warn of a primary down-trend.

DAX

* Target calculation: 10000 + ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 11000

The Footsie is also testing long-term resistance on the monthly chart — at 6900/7000. The sharp rise on 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong medium-term buying pressure, but resistance at the December 1999 high is likely to be solid. Reversal below 6500 remains unlikely.

FTSE 100

China’s Shanghai Composite Index cleared resistance at 2440/2500, signaling a primary up-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of its rising trendline confirms (medium-term) buying pressure. I remain wary of China. The recent rate-cut by the PBOC is cause for concern, not jubilation.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2500 + ( 2500 – 2000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is headed for long-term resistance at 18000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow oscillating above the zero line indicates long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 16500 is unlikely.

Nikkei 225 Index

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

The ASX 200 is undergoing another correction. Respect of support at 5250/5300 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — but 13-week Twiggs Money Flow reversal below zero warns of strong selling pressure. Breach of support is likely and would warn of a test of 5000.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5300 ) = 6000

A tale of two economies

Stock markets in Western Europe and Asia are rallying on the strength of falling oil prices, joining the US in a bull trend. But primary producers, largely dependent on commodity exports, are likely to suffer as a result of falling prices. Australia is no exception.

The S&P 500 continues a primary advance. A conservative target would be 2200*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying support. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2000 + ( 2000 – 1800 ) = 2200

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

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX is testing resistance at its earlier high of 10000. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow above the declining trendline suggests medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above resistance would offer a conservative target of 11000*. Reversal below 9000 is unlikely, but would warn of a primary down-trend.

DAX

* Target calculation: 10000 + ( 10000 – 9000 ) = 11000

The Footsie is also testing long-term resistance on the monthly chart — at 6900/7000. The sharp rise on 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong medium-term buying pressure, but resistance at the December 1999 high is likely to be solid. Reversal below 6500 remains unlikely.

FTSE 100

China’s Shanghai Composite Index cleared resistance at 2440/2500, signaling a primary up-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of its rising trendline confirms (medium-term) buying pressure. I remain wary of China. The recent rate-cut by the PBOC is cause for concern, not jubilation.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2500 + ( 2500 – 2000 ) = 3000

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is headed for long-term resistance at 18000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow oscillating above the zero line indicates long-term buying pressure. Reversal below 16500 is unlikely.

Nikkei 225 Index

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

The ASX 200 is undergoing another correction. Respect of support at 5250/5300 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — but 13-week Twiggs Money Flow reversal below zero warns of strong selling pressure. Breach of support is likely and would warn of a test of 5000.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5300 ) = 6000

Markets rebound except for ASX

  • US stocks continue their bull-trend
  • European stocks strengthen
  • China likewise
  • ASX Energy and Materials sectors under pressure

The S&P 500 broke through the upper border of its broadening wedge formation, signaling a fresh advance with a target of 2300*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying support. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

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  • US stocks continue their bull-trend
  • European stocks strengthen
  • China likewise
  • ASX Energy and Materials sectors under pressure

The S&P 500 broke through the upper border of its broadening wedge formation, signaling a fresh advance with a target of 2300*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying support. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2050 + ( 2050 – 1800 ) = 2300

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) at 13 continues to reflect low risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX broke through resistance at 9400/9500, signaling another test of 10000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow refllects medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 9400 is unlikely at present, but would warn of another test of primary support at 9000.

DAX

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

The Footsie is also headed for a test of its long-term high at 6900/6950. The sharp rise on 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 6500 is unlikely.

FTSE 100

China’s Shanghai Composite Index respected support at its 2013 high of 2440, signaling a fresh advance. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of its rising trendline confirms (medium-term) buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2400 + ( 2400 – 2300 ) = 2500

The ASX 200 is weaker, undergoing another correction. Respect of support at 5250/5300 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — as would a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero. Penetration of primary support at 5120/5150, however, would signal a primary down-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5300 ) = 6000

ASX 200 Materials (15.7%) and Energy (6.0%) sectors have commenced a down-trend. This is in sharp contrast to the Financial (46.2% including REITs) and Health Care (5.2%) sectors which continue in a healthy up-trend. It is possible for the first two sectors, with a combined weighting of 21.7%, to reverse the broad index, but is not likely unless the contagion spreads to the Industrial and Financial sectors. Increased risk-weightings for home mortgages and stronger capital ratios for major banks are likely recommendations of the Murray inquiry. These will improve the long-term strength and growth prospects for Financials, but a negative reaction in the short-term could tip the sector into a down-trend.

ASX 200 sectorstitle=”S&P 500 Index” alt=”S&P 500 Index” src=”https://www.incrediblecharts.com/images/2014/2014-11-24-spx.png” />

* Target calculation: 2050 + ( 2050 – 1800 ) = 2300

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) at 13 continues to reflect low risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX broke through resistance at 9400/9500, signaling another test of 10000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow refllects medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 9400 is unlikely at present, but would warn of another test of primary support at 9000.

DAX

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

The Footsie is also headed for a test of its long-term high at 6900/6950. The sharp rise on 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 6500 is unlikely.

FTSE 100

China’s Shanghai Composite Index respected support at its 2013 high of 2440, signaling a fresh advance. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of its rising trendline confirms (medium-term) buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2400 + ( 2400 – 2300 ) = 2500

The ASX 200 is weaker, undergoing another correction. Respect of support at 5250/5300 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — as would a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero. Penetration of primary support at 5120/5150, however, would signal a primary down-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5300 ) = 6000

ASX 200 Materials (15.7%) and Energy (6.0%) sectors have commenced a down-trend. This is in sharp contrast to the Financial (46.2% including REITs) and Health Care (5.2%) sectors which continue in a healthy up-trend. It is possible for the first two sectors, with a combined weighting of 21.7%, to reverse the broad index, but is not likely unless the contagion spreads to the Industrial and Financial sectors. Increased risk-weightings for home mortgages and stronger capital ratios for major banks are likely recommendations of the Murray inquiry. These will improve the long-term strength and growth prospects for Financials, but a negative reaction in the short-term could tip the sector into a down-trend.

ASX 200 sectors

Markets rebound except for ASX

  • US stocks continue their bull-trend
  • European stocks strengthen
  • China likewise
  • ASX Energy and Materials sectors under pressure

The S&P 500 broke through the upper border of its broadening wedge formation, signaling a fresh advance with a target of 2300*. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying support. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another correction.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2050 + ( 2050 – 1800 ) = 2300

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) at 13 continues to reflect low risk typical of a bull market.

S&P 500 VIX

Germany’s DAX broke through resistance at 9400/9500, signaling another test of 10000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow refllects medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 9400 is unlikely at present, but would warn of another test of primary support at 9000.

DAX

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

The Footsie is also headed for a test of its long-term high at 6900/6950. The sharp rise on 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow indicates strong medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 6500 is unlikely.

FTSE 100

China’s Shanghai Composite Index respected support at its 2013 high of 2440, signaling a fresh advance. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow respect of its rising trendline confirms (medium-term) buying pressure.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 2400 + ( 2400 – 2300 ) = 2500

The ASX 200 is weaker, undergoing another correction. Respect of support at 5250/5300 would indicate the primary up-trend is intact — as would a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero. Penetration of primary support at 5120/5150, however, would signal a primary down-trend.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 5650 + ( 5650 – 5300 ) = 6000

ASX 200 Materials (15.7%) and Energy (6.0%) sectors have commenced a down-trend. This is in sharp contrast to the Financial (46.2% including REITs) and Health Care (5.2%) sectors which continue in a healthy up-trend. It is possible for the first two sectors, with a combined weighting of 21.7%, to reverse the broad index, but is not likely unless the contagion spreads to the Industrial and Financial sectors. Increased risk-weightings for home mortgages and stronger capital ratios for major banks are likely recommendations of the Murray inquiry. These will improve the long-term strength and growth prospects for Financials, but a negative reaction in the short-term could tip the sector into a down-trend.

ASX 200 sectors