One swallow does not a summer make

“One swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.”

~ Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)

Similarly, one brief rally does not make a bull market.

Dow Jones Global Index found support at 270 and is rallying to test resistance at the former primary support level of 290. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero flag a strong primary down-trend. Breach of 270 would confirm another decline. Recovery above 290, on the other hand, would indicate a more gradual down-trend rather than a reversal; respect of the descending trendline at 300 would confirm.

Dow Jones Global Index

* Target calculation: 290 – ( 320 – 290 ) = 260

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above primary support at 16000, long tails on weekly candles reflected committed buying. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 16500 would signal a test of 17000. But respect of 17000 is likely and would warn of continuation of the primary down-trend. Breach of 16000 would confirm the signal, offering a target of 14000*.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The S&P 500 is similarly headed for a test of 1950. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow again reflects medium-term buying pressure. Reversal of the primary trend is unlikely and breach of support at 1850 would confirm a decline to 1700*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2100 – 1900 ) = 1700

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is headed for another test of support at 20. Respect is likely and would confirm that risk remains elevated.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 broke resistance at 750. Rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum suggests that a bottom may be forming, but only another test of 700 would confirm this.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 700 – ( 750 – 700 ) = 650

Transport

Bellwether transport stock Fedex (FDX) found support at $120. Recovery above $140 would signal a test of $150 and the descending trendline. But the primary down-trend remains intact.

Fedex

Europe

Germany’s DAX is testing resistance at 9500. The rally may well follow-through to 10000 but buying pressure on 13-week Twiggs Momentum appears secondary and the primary down-trend is intact.

DAX

* Target calculation: 9500 – ( 11500 – 9500 ) = 7500

Deutsche Post AG (DPW.DE), Europe’s bellwether equivalent of Fedex, found support at € 20. A rally that respects resistance at € 23 would confirm a strong primary down-trend, while respect of € 25 and the descending trendline would indicate a more gradual decline. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow declining below zero signals long-term selling pressure.

Deutsche Post AG

The Footsie recovered to 6000, but expect strong resistance at this level (and the declining trendline). 13-Week Twiggs Momentum oscillating below zero flags a primary down-trend. Long-term target for a decline remains 5000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6000 – ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 5000

Asia

The Shanghai Composite Index found support at 2700. Expect a test of resistance at 3000, but the primary trend is clearly down and likely to remain so for some time.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3600 – 3000 ) = 2400

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is retracing to test the new resistance level after breaking primary support at 17000. Respect is likely and would confirm the primary down-trend. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero strengthens the bear signal.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 17 – ( 20 – 17 ) = 14

India’s Sensex broke the bottom border of its trend channel, testing support at 23000. The primary down-trend is accelerating. Respect of resistance at 24000 is likely and would warn of a test of 22000. Respect of resistance at 25000, on the other hand, would suggest a more gradual descent.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 27500 – 25000 ) = 22500

Australia

The ASX 200 retraced to test resistance at 5000 and the descending trendline. Respect of the latter is likely and would confirm the primary down-trend. Bullish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term (secondary) buying pressure. The weight of the market remains on the sell (bear) side. Respect would indicate a test of support at 4600, but the long-term target remains 4000*.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 4850 – ( 5050 – 4850 ) = 4650; 5000 – ( 6000 – 5000 ) = 4000

Banks are taking a hammering, with the Finance sector ($XFJ) in a clear down-trend. Retracement to test resistance at 5700 is secondary. A rally that respects the descending trendline would suggest a decline to 5100*. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow reflects long-term selling pressure.

ASX 200 Financials

* Target calculation: 5400 – ( 5700 – 5400 ) = 5100


More….

I’m always thinking about losing money as opposed to making money. Don’t focus on making money, focus on protecting what you have.

~ Paul Tudor Jones

Batten down the hatches

Batten down the hatches, the storm is here.

Nymex WTI Light Crude futures (March 2016) are testing support at $30 per barrel. There is no indication that this is the bottom and breach of $30 would be likely to test $20 per barrel.

Nymex WTI Light Crude March 2016 Futures

* Target calculation: 30 – ( 40 – 30 ) = 20

Long-term interest rates are falling, with 10-year Treasury yields headed for another test of primary support at 1.5 percent. Breach of 1.7 percent would confirm. The flight from stocks is driving up Treasuries (and yields lower).

10-year Treasury Yields

Flight to safety is (normally) synonymous with a strong Dollar, so the weakening Dollar Index is a surprise.

Dollar Index

China must be selling off Dollar reserves to support the Yuan and restore confidence.

USDCNY

Too late, I’m afraid. That horse has bolted. Loss of confidence in the Yuan is driving demand for gold, with the spot metal rallying to $1200 per ounce. Resistance at the former support level makes retracement likely, but a trough that respects $1100 or narrow consolidation below $1200 would suggest reversal (to an up-trend). Breach of $1200 would offer a target of $1300*.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 + ( 1200 – 1100 ) = 1300

After forming a lower peak at 18000, Dow Jones Industrial Average is testing primary support at 16000. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peak at zero warns of a primary down-trend. Breach of support would offer a target of 14000*.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The S&P 500 displays a similar pattern, testing primary support at 1850, with a 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak at zero. Breach of support would offer a target of 1500*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1850 – ( 2150 – 1850 ) = 1550

A monthly chart shows VIX rising for another test of 30. Oscillation between 20 and 30 flags elevated market risk.

CBOE Volatility Index

Australia’s ASX 200 retreated below primary support at 5000, signaling a primary down-trend. A 13-week Twiggs peak below zero already warns of a decline. Close below 4900 would confirm, offering a short-term target of 4600* and a long-term target of 4000*.

ASX 200 Index

* Target calculation: 4850 – ( 5050 – 4850 ) = 4650; 5000 – ( 6000 – 5000 ) = 4000

Investors who plan to hold stocks through a possible down-turn should stop watching daily prices and listening to news reports. It will only weaken your resolve. I am comfortable with holding stocks with strong dividend streams, but wary of holding growth stocks as they normally suffer the biggest losses.

For traders this is a time of dangerous opportunity. Either shorting sectors likely to be worst hit or waiting for opportunities to buy gold stocks.

Northern Star (NST)

Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.

~ Warren Buffett

Bears threaten US rally

Rallies on the Dow and S&P 500 reflect a more positive outlook for the US economy. But the FTSE 100 has followed China’s Shanghai Composite and India’s SENSEX into bear territory, while Germany’s DAX, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Australia’s ASX 200 threaten key support levels. There is very little to cheer about at present.

Dow Jones Global Index is testing resistance at the former primary support level of 290. Respect is likely and breach of 270 would confirm another decline. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero flag a strong primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Global Index

* Target calculation: 290 – ( 320 – 290 ) = 260

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above primary support at 16000 but respect of 17000 is likely and would warn of another decline. Breach of 16000 offers a target of 14000*. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow oscillating around zero indicates uncertainty.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The S&P 500 recovered above 1900, while rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates short-/medium-term buying pressure. Expect a test of 2000 but breakout is unlikely. Breach of support at 1900 would signal another decline, with a (medium-term) target of 1700*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2100 – 1900 ) = 1700

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) continues to range between 20 and 30 reflecting hesitancy — and the potential to react quickly to bad news.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 also retraced to test resistance at 750. Respect is likely and breach of 700 would offer a target of 650*. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero indicate a strong primary down-trend.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 700 – ( 750 – 700 ) = 650

Europe

Germany’s DAX is testing primary support at 9500. Peaks below zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum warn of a primary down-trend. Follow-through below 9300 would confirm.

DAX

* Target calculation: 9500 – ( 11500 – 9500 ) = 7500

The Footsie retreated below 6000, signaling a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero further strengthen the signal. Long-term target for a decline is 5000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6000 – ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 5000

Asia

Support has given way on the Shanghai Composite Index, strengthening the primary down-trend signaled last August when 13-week Twiggs Momentum crossed below zero. Target for the decline is 2400*.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3600 – 3000 ) = 2400

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is testing primary support at 17000. Breach is likely and would confirm the primary down-trend signaled by 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 94 – ( 106 – 94 ) = 82

Two failed swings on India’s Sensex (failing to reach the upper trend channel) warn of increasing selling pressure. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero confirm this. Follow-through below 24000 would offer a target of 22500*.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 27500 – 25000 ) = 22500

Australia

The ASX 200 staged a short rally today but sentiment remains bearish and respect of the recent high at 5050 would warn of another decline. Bullish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure but the weight of global bear markets is likely to sap any enthusiasm. Reversal below 4850 would offer a medium-term target of 4650*, or 4000* in the long-term.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 4850 – ( 5050 – 4850 ) = 4650; 5000 – ( 6000 – 5000 ) = 4000

The largest sector, Banks, is already in a primary down-trend, having been singled out for particular attention by the bears. Breach of support at 7500/7600 would warn of a decline to 6600*.

ASX 300 Banks

* Target calculation: 7600 – ( 8600 – 7600 ) = 6600

Markets are fundamentally volatile. No way around it. Your problem is not in the math. There is no math to get you out of having to experience uncertainty.

~ Ed Seykota

Bears threaten US rally

Rallies on the Dow and S&P 500 reflect a more positive outlook for the US economy. But the FTSE 100 has followed China’s Shanghai Composite and India’s SENSEX into bear territory, while Germany’s DAX, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Australia’s ASX 200 threaten key support levels. There is very little to cheer about at present.

Dow Jones Global Index is testing resistance at the former primary support level of 290. Respect is likely and breach of 270 would confirm another decline. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero flag a strong primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Global Index

* Target calculation: 290 – ( 320 – 290 ) = 260

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above primary support at 16000 but respect of 17000 is likely and would warn of another decline. Breach of 16000 ofers a target of 14000*. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow oscillating around zero indicates uncertainty.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The S&P 500 recovered above 1900, while rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates short-/medium-term buying pressure. Expect a test of 2000 but breakout is unlikely. Breach of support at 1900 would signal another decline, with a (medium-term) target of 1700*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2100 – 1900 ) = 1700

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) continues to range between 20 and 30 reflecting hesitancy — and the potential to react quickly to bad news.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 also retraced to test resistance at 750. Respect is likely and breach of 700 would offer a target of 650*. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero indicate a strong primary down-trend.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 700 – ( 750 – 700 ) = 650

Europe

Germany’s DAX is testing primary support at 9500. Peaks below zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum warn of a primary down-trend. Follow-through below 9300 would confirm.

DAX

* Target calculation: 9500 – ( 11500 – 9500 ) = 7500

The Footsie retreated below 6000, signaling a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero further strengthen the signal. Long-term target for a decline is 5000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6000 – ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 5000

Asia

Support has given way on the Shanghai Composite Index, strengthening the primary down-trend signaled last August when 13-week Twiggs Momentum crossed below zero. Target for the decline is 2400*.

Shanghai Composite Index

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3600 – 3000 ) = 2400

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index is testing primary support at 17000. Breach is likely and would confirm the primary down-trend signaled by 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 94 – ( 106 – 94 ) = 82

Two failed swings on India’s Sensex (failing to reach the upper trend channel) warn of increasing selling pressure. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero confirm this. Follow-through below 24000 would offer a target of 22500*.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 27500 – 25000 ) = 22500

Australia

The ASX 200 staged a short rally today but sentiment remains bearish and respect of the recent high at 5050 would warn of another decline. Bullish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure but the weight of global bear markets is likely to sap any enthusiasm. Reversal below 4850 would offer a medium-term target of 4650*, or 4000* in the long-term.

ASX 200

* Target calculation: 4850 – ( 5050 – 4850 ) = 4650; 5000 – ( 6000 – 5000 ) = 4000

The largest sector, Banks, is already in a primary down-trend, having been singled out for particular attention by the bears. Breach of support at 7500/7600 would warn of a decline to 6600*.

ASX 300 Banks

* Target calculation: 7600 – ( 8600 – 7600 ) = 6600

Markets are fundamentally volatile. No way around it. Your problem is not in the math. There is no math to get you out of having to experience uncertainty.

~ Ed Seykota

Brief retracement

My newsletters on December 10th and January 14th warned of the approaching storm across global markets. Last week the Dow Jones Industrial Average broke support at 16000, signaling a primary down-trend. Buyers remain present in numbers, however, and this week we have observed a test of new resistance levels. But the weight of the market has shifted to the sell side and a successful breakout is unlikely.

Dow Jones Global Index retraced to test resistance at 290. Respect is likely and would suggest another decline. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum below zero continues to indicate a primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Global Index

* Target calculation: 290 – ( 320 – 290 ) = 260

Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered above 16000 but follow-through above the previous week’s high at 16600 is unlikely. Reversal below 16000 would signal another decline, with a target of 14000*. A 13-week Twiggs Money Flow peak below zero would warn of long-term selling pressure.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

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

The S&P 500 is consolidating around 1900. Rising 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates short-term buying pressure. Upward breakout is unlikely and reversal below 1860 would signal another decline, with a (medium-term) target of 1700*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2100 – 1900 ) = 1700

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) oscillating between 20 and 30 reflects a “vigilant” market that would react quickly to bad news. A prolonged period of stability would be needed to restore calm.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 is retracing to test resistance at 750. The primary down-trend, which commenced with breach of 800, is well under way and respect of resistance is likely. Breach of 700 would indicate another decline, with a target of 600*.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 700 – ( 800 – 700 ) = 600

Europe

Dow Jones Germany Index is retracing to test resistance at 350. Respect is likely and reversal below 325 would confirm the primary down-trend signaled by 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero.

Dow Jones Germany Index

* Target calculation: 330 – ( 390 – 330 ) = 270

The Footsie is retracing to test resistance at 6000. Respect would further strengthen the primary down-trend signaled by 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero. Target for another decline is 5000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6000 – ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 5000

Asia

Support has given way on the Dow Jones Shanghai Index, strengthening the primary down-trend signaled last August when 13-week Twiggs Momentum crossed below zero. Target for the decline is 300*.

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

* Target calculation: 400 – ( 500 – 400 ) = 300

Dow Jones Japan Index continues to test primary support at 90. Breach would confirm the primary down-trend signaled by 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero.

Dow Jones Japan Index

* Target calculation: 94 – ( 106 – 94 ) = 82

India’s Sensex is testing the bottom of the trend channel at 24000. Expect retracement to test long-term resistance at 26000. Respect is likely and would suggest another test of the lower channel border.

SENSEX

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

Australia

Having breached primary support at 5000, the ASX 200 has shown surprising resilience, retracing to test the new resistance level. Bullish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. But the weight of the global bear market is likely to ensure that any attempted rally fails and reversal below 4900 would confirm another decline. Target for the decline is 4600 (medium-term), or 4000* in the long-term.

ASX 200

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

Of course there is always a reason for fluctuations, but the tape does not concern itself with the why and wherefore. It doesn’t go into explanations. The reason for what a certain stock does today may not be known for two or three days, or weeks, or months. But what the dickens does that matter? Your business with the tape is now – not tomorrow. The reason can wait. But you must act instantly or be left.

~ Jesse Livermore

China storm

My newsletter on December 10th, warned of The Gathering Storm across global markets. A month later, concern over China is sapping investor confidence. Several exchanges signal a primary down-trend and more are approaching the tipping point.

The Dow Jones Global Index broke primary support at 300, warning of a decline to 260*. Follow-through below 290 confirms the signal — and a primary down-trend. A 6-month Twiggs Momentum peak below zero strengthens the signal.

DJ Global Index

* Target calculation: 300 – ( 340 – 300 ) = 260

North America

Declining profit margins proved a reliable indicator of recent recessions. The 10% year-on-year decline in Q3 is an early warning. Data for Q4 2015 is not yet available. A year-on-year fall of 20% would suggest that recession is imminent.

Profit Margins

The S&P 500 is headed for a test of primary support at 1870. Declining 21-day Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of selling pressure. Breach of 1870 would confirm a primary down-trend. Respect of support is unlikely but would suggest another bear rally.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1900 – ( 2100 – 1900 ) = 1700

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is rising. Breakout above 30 would warn of elevated risk.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 broke support at 750, confirming a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero strengthen the bear signal. Target for the decline is 700*.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 800 – ( 900 – 800 ) = 700

Europe

Germany’s DAX is headed for a test of primary support at 9400. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of selling pressure. Breach of support would signal a decline to 7500*.

DAX

* Target calculation: 9500 – ( 11500 – 9500 ) = 7500

The Footsie again breached 6000, warning of a primary down-trend. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero strengthens the signal. Follow-through below 5800 would confirm. Target for the decline is 5000*.

FTSE 100

* Target calculation: 6000 – ( 7000 – 6000 ) = 5000

Asia

The Shanghai Composite Index crossed below 3000 for the first time since August. Declining 21-day Twiggs Money Flow warns of medium-term selling pressure. Follow-through below 2900 would confirm another (primary) decline, with a target of 2400*.

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

* Target calculation: 3000 – ( 3600 – 3000 ) = 2400

Japan’s Nikkei 225 is back testing primary support at 17000. The peak at zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum warns of a primary down-trend. Breach of support would confirm.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 17500 – ( 20000 – 17500 ) = 15000

India’s Sensex breached primary support at 25000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow peaks below zero indicate a primary down-trend. Expect retracement to test the new resistance level at 25000 but respect is likely. Target for the decline is 23000*.

SENSEX

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

Australia

The ASX 200 breached primary support at 5000, signaling another decline. Follow-through below 4900 would confirm. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates selling pressure. Target for a decline is 4600 (medium-term), or 4000* in the long-term.

ASX 200

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

The gathering storm

Last week I touched on the bearish divergence on the Nasdaq 100, warning of a reversal. This week we look at bearish signs on the Dow Jones Global Index, transport bellwether Fedex and a number of major indices outside the US and Japan.

First, the Dow Jones Global Index. After a failed breakout in May, the index broke through primary support at 300, warning of a down-trend. The subsequent rally allayed fears but ran into resistance at 320. Reversal below 300 would strengthen the bear signal, while a 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero (and or breach of 290) would confirm the (primary) down-trend.

DJ Global Index

* Target calculation: 300 – ( 335 – 300 ) = 265

North America

The S&P 500 is headed for a test of medium-term support at 2000. Peaks on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow are healthy, but reversal (of the index) below support would put us back in bear territory. Breach of primary support at 1870 is unlikely but would confirm a primary down-trend.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 1870 ) = 2390

CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) below 20 indicates market risk is subdued, but some macro indicators remain elevated. Breakout above 20 would warn that risk is again climbing.

S&P 500 VIX

Transport bellwether Fedex is falling. Breach of $140 would signal a decline to $115*. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of strong selling pressure.

Fedex

* Target calculation: 140 – ( 165 – 140 ) = 115

Canada’s TSX 60 broke support at 765, confirming a primary down-trend. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero strengthen the bear signal. Target for the decline is 700*.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 800 – ( 900 – 800 ) = 700

Europe

Germany’s DAX retreated below 11000, warning of a correction to test 10000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow peaks warn of selling pressure, but breach of primary support at 9300 remains unlikely.

DAX

The Footsie broke medium-term support at 6250, while 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of strong selling pressure. Breach of 6000 is now likely and would signal a primary down-trend.

FTSE 100

Asia

The Shanghai Composite Index is again testing support at 3500. Reversal below 3300 would confirm another assault on primary support at 3000. I remain wary of China because of the high Debt to GDP ratio, the need to wean itself off investment stimulus, and impending rate rises in the US which could encourage further capital outflows. The PBOC has massive foreign currency reserves which act as a buffer, but these have already been depleted by half a trillion Dollars.

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 is retracing for another test of medium-term support at 19000. Respect would confirm an advance to 21000. Breach of 19000 is less likely, but Japan is not impervious to an emerging markets crisis. Collapse of Asian markets would damage exports.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 19000 + ( 19000 – 17000 ) = 21000

India’s Sensex is testing 25000. Decline of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero warns of selling pressure. Breach of support is likely and would confirm a primary down-trend with an initial target of 23000*.

SENSEX

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

Australia

The ASX 200 is testing primary support at 5000. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates strong selling pressure. Breach is likely and would signal a primary down-trend.

ASX 200

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

Nasdaq bearish divergence

The S&P 500 found resistance at 2100, indicating a continued lack of enthusiasm. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow flags medium-term selling pressure. Reversal below 2000 would warn of another test of primary support at 1870. Upward breakout now appears less likely, but would signal a fresh advance to 2400*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 1870 ) = 2390

Declining CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) below 20 indicates market risk is returning to normal. Some macro indicators remain elevated, however, which is why we maintain reduced exposure.

S&P 500 VIX

The Nasdaq 100 is testing the previous (2000) high of 4800. Breakout would be a bullish sign for the broader market but bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to warn of stubborn resistance.

Nasdaq 100

Canada’s TSX 60 is struggling to break resistance at 800. 13-Week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero continue to warn of a strong primary down-trend. Recovery above 825 is unlikely, while failure of support at 765 would confirm another decline.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 775 – ( 825 – 775 ) = 725

Europe

Germany’s DAX is retracing to test its new support level at 11000. Respect is likely and would confirm another test of 12400. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below 11000 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of 10000.

DAX

The Footsie is strengthening, with rising 13-week Twiggs Momentum. Breakout above 6500 would indicate another test of 7000/7100. Reversal below 6000 is unlikely but would signal a primary down-trend.

FTSE 100

Asia

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

The Shanghai Composite Index recovered above support at 3500. I remain wary of China because of the high Debt to GDP ratio, the need to wean itself off investment stimulus, and impending rate rises in the US which could encourage further capital outflows.

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Japan’s Nikkei 225 is testing short-term resistance at 20000. This is unlikely to impede an advance to 21000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 19000 + ( 19000 – 17000 ) = 21000

India’s Sensex is retracing to test the former band of primary support at 26000/26500. Respect would confirm a primary down-trend. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the signal. Follow-through below 25000 would offer a target of 22500*. Recovery above the upper trend channel at 27000 is unlikely, but would suggest a rally to 30000.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 27500 – 25000 ) = 22500

Australia

The ASX 200 encountered short-term resistance at 5300. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates (medium-term) selling pressure; reversal below zero would strengthen the signal. Breach of 5150 would warn of another test of primary support at 5000. Failure of support would signal a primary down-trend.

ASX 200

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

Markets lack enthusiasm

The S&P 500 hesitated at 2100, short candle ranges indicating a lack of interest ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Lower 21-day Twiggs Money Flow likewise indicates a lack of enthusiasm. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely but would warn of another test of primary support at 1870. Expect strong resistance at 2130 but an upward breakout remains more likely — and would signal a fresh advance to 2400*.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 1870 ) = 2390

Declining CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) below 20 indicates market risk is returning to normal.

S&P 500 VIX

Canada’s TSX 60 hesitated at 800, but the (bear) rally to 825 seems on track. The 13-week Twiggs Momentum peaks below zero continue to warn of a strong primary down-trend. Recovery above 825 is unlikely, while failure of support at 765 would confirm another decline.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 775 – ( 825 – 775 ) = 725

Europe

Germany’s DAX broke resistance at 11000, signaling another test of 12400. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates medium-term buying pressure. Reversal below medium-term support at 10600 is unlikely, but would warn of a decline to primary support at 9400/9500.

DAX

The Footsie is strengthening, with a 13-week Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero indicating medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 6500 and the descending trendline would signal another test of 7000/7100. Reversal below 6100 is unlikely but would threaten primary support at 6000.

FTSE 100

Asia

The Shanghai Composite Index respected its new support level at 3500, indicating a test of resistance at 4000. 13-Week Twiggs Money Flow suggests modest buying pressure. Government intervention has created artificial support and I would adopt a cautious approach.

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 found short-term resistance at 20000 but this is unlikely to impede the advance to 21000 for long. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 19000 + ( 19000 – 17000 ) = 21000

India’s Sensex remains weak, having retreated below the former band of primary support at 26000/26500. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would warn of another down-swing, with a target of 23500*. Recovery above the upper trend channel at 27000 is unlikely, but would suggest a rally to 30000.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 26500 – 25000 ) = 23500

Australia

The ASX 200 is testing short-term support at 5200. Sharp decline on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow warns of selling pressure. Breach of 5200 would warn of another test of primary support at 5000. Respect of support is as likely, however, and would indicate a test of 5400. I suspect the index will range between 5000 and 5400 until the new year, possibly longer.

ASX 200

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

Cement and electricity – not there yet

Buying looks a lot more robust than last week and more US-led gains are likely.

Electricity & Cement Production

An examination of electricity and cement production shows the US recovery has plenty of scope for further improvement. Cement production recovered from its dramatic fall in 2008 but remains at the bottom end of the normal range of 120 to 160.

Cement Production

Construction activity is recovering but is a long way below the over-heated levels of 2006. Figures on the graph below are adjusted for CPI.

Construction Spending

Electricity production remains stalled at 2008 levels. Severity of the Great Recession should ensure that low growth endures for longer than the last period of stagnation in the early 1980s.

Electricity Production Index

GDP may have resumed its long-term up-trend but it would be reassuring to see this supported by growing electricity output. Only when growth is restored can we say the economy is fully mended.

Electricity Production compared to Real GDP

North America

The S&P 500 posted two strong blue candles suggesting that the correction is now over. Expect resistance at the previous high of 2130. A 21-day Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero would indicate healthy buying pressure. Breakout above 2130 would signal a fresh advance, with a target of 2400*. Reversal below 2000 is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 1870.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 2130 + ( 2130 – 1870 ) = 2390

A CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) peak at 20 indicates market risk is returning to normal.

S&P 500 VIX

NYSE short sales remain subdued.

The Nasdaq 100 is testing its March 2000 high at 4800. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow continues to indicate selling pressure but the pattern appears secondary in nature and recovery above the declining trendline would suggest a breakout, offering a target of 5800*.

Nasdaq 100

* Target calculation: 4800 + ( 4800 – 3800 ) = 5800

Canada’s TSX 60 respected support at 765, suggesting another attempt at 825. The 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero (-5%) remains a strong bear signal. Failure of support at 765 would confirm the primary down-trend.

TSX 60 Index

* Target calculation: 775 – ( 825 – 775 ) = 725

Europe

Germany’s DAX continues to test resistance at 11000. Troughs on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow above zero indicate medium-term buying pressure. Breakout above 11000 and the descending trendline would suggest another test of the previous high at 12400. Respect is unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 9400/9500.

DAX

The Footsie is a lot weaker, only finding support at 6100. 21-Day Twiggs Money Flow oscillating below zero indicates persistent selling pressure. Reversal below 6250 would warn of another test of primary support at 6000. Breakout above 6500 is unlikely, but would suggest another test of 7000.

FTSE 100

Asia

The Shanghai Composite Index is testing its new support level at 3500. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates moderate selling pressure. Breach of 3500 would signal another test of 3000.

Dow Jones Shanghai Index

Japan’s Nikkei 225 respected support at 19000, confirming another test of resistance at 21000. Rising 13-week Twiggs Money Flow indicates buying pressure.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 19000 + ( 19000 – 17000 ) = 21000

India’s Sensex broke the band of primary support at 26000/26500 but is edging lower in a trend channel, rather than a dramatic fall. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would warn of rising selling pressure; a trough at zero would suggest buying pressure. Recovery above the upper channel at 27500 is unlikely at present, but would warn of a bear trap.

SENSEX

* Target calculation: 25000 – ( 27500 – 25000 ) = 22500

Australia

The ASX 200 respected primary support at 5000, suggesting another test of 5400. A 21-day Twiggs Money Flow trough above zero indicates medium-term buying pressure. Breach of 5000 is unlikely at present, but would warn of a (long-term) decline to 4000*.

ASX 200

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