The stock market often closes a week in the middle of a "perceived primary-trend range." SPX closed at about 1,234 Fri, which is between a multi-year Fibonacci level at 1,253 (i.e. 38.2% retracement level from the peak in 2000 to the trough in 2002) and the 20 day MA at 1,212 (which was general support over a recent rally).
It's possible, SPX can rally to 1,253 short-term. However, longer-term (perhaps in Aug and Sep), SPX seems destined to fall sharply. A Goldilocks economy (of neither too hot nor too cold) is priced-into the stock market, and if any future economic data show either output growth has slowed more than expected or inflation has risen more than expected, then massive selling may take place.
There are several intermediate-term technical indicators that make me cautious. VIX (S&P 500 Volatility Index) shows an extreme level of complacency. VIX fell below 10 last week, to a 12-year low. Consequently, the SPX to VIX ratio hit an all-time high last week. Moreover, both the Transport and Utility Indices to VIX ratios have rocketed at parabolic rates recently, to over 50% beyond previous year's highs. Also, a ratio of large cap to small cap stocks (e.g. S&P 100 to Russell 2,000) is near a multi-decade low, which indicates big institutions, who tend to buy large cap stocks, are not convinced of the rally. Moreover, the SPX to U.S. Dollar ratio is near a historically high level. There's typically an inverse relationship between the U.S. stock market and the U.S. dollar, because a weaker dollar spurs export growth, which is normally bullish for the stock market. The high ratio indicates it's more likely the stock market will fall, since the dollar depreciation has stabilized for over six months, at far lower levels than a few years ago, and then risen somewhat recently.
SPX has open gaps at 1,221, 1,174, 1,143, and 1,138. Nasdaq also has several open gaps, including one at 1,905, which is currently 275 points lower. The stock market has been a market of deep rises and deep falls. For example, just over the past 13 months, Nasdaq fell 305 points (in two months), then rose 440 points (in four months), then fell 300 points (in four months), and then rose 300 points (in three months). Moreover, VXN (a Nasdaq volatility index) rose only six to nine points over the two deep falls, and declined from 28 to 12 (an all-time low), over the past 13 months, which made it a particularly unforgiving short-term trading market.
Economic reports next week are: Mon: Existing Home Sales, Tue: Consumer Confidence, Wed: Durable Goods Orders, New Home Sales, and Fed's Beige Book, Thu: Unemployment Claims, Fri: GDP and GDP Price Deflator, Employment Cost Index, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, and Chicago PMI.
Notable earnings next week include:
Mon: AXP TXN XRX PBI CEGE CD
Tue: AMZN DD SEBL WWY BIIB IMCL X N VLO LMT BDK GLW SUNW SE SWY MDG RFMD MCHP SSTI NANX
Wed: BA AHC COP CSX CL SBUX K KMG MSO NEM CHIR OSIP CRA FON HMC HCA
Thu: BMY GSK ELN GP XOM APA KLAC SYMC XMSR WMI BR RTN AET PD AU ABX KGC PAAS ZEUS GR WEN JNS DCX
Fri: CHV BHI AEP ADM BWNG
Large caps may outperform small caps over the next few months, i.e. small caps may fall greater than large caps. So, IWM (Russell 2000) and SPX (S&P 500) puts may be better than QQQQ (Nasdaq 100) and OEX (S&P 100) puts. With volatility levels at all-time or multi-decade lows, the steep decline in volatility, since the cyclical bull market began in Oct 2002, may shift into an uptrend. So, market conditions may improve for short-term traders, including daytraders.
Arthur Albert Eckart is the founder and owner of PeakTrader. Arthur has worked for commercial banks, e.g. Wells Fargo, Banc One, and First Commerce Technologies, during the 1980s and 1990s. He has also worked for Janus Funds from 1999-00. Arthur Eckart has a BA & MA in Economics from the University of Colorado. He has worked on options portfolio optimization since 1998.
Mr Eckart has developed a comprehensive trading methodology using economics, portfolio optimization, and technical analysis to maximize return and minimize risk at the same time. This methodology has resulted in excellent returns with low risk over the past three years.
taxi to Midway Janesville .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhat a great statement!I just heard someone use it in... Read More
In today's volatile and confusing stock markets everyone is searching... Read More
In one of my previous articles (Investing in the stock... Read More
On November 17 I bought 7 different mutual funds and... Read More
I feel that an investment strategy in the stock market... Read More
We need a rabbit!This was a pretty horrible week for... Read More
The big bad bear is stirring again. So far he... Read More
The debate rages all over Eastern and Central Europe, in... Read More
Well maybe that's overstating it a little, but it's certainly... Read More
Every publicly traded company is required by the SEC(Securities and... Read More
Two weeks ago I wrote about what the Securities and... Read More
Many people would like to diversify their portfolios to expand... Read More
You probably have been told that options are risky. Even... Read More
Mutual funds were moderately successful in creating a presence in... Read More
On the 40 year journey through the turmoil of a... Read More
Because you don't feel too sure about which stock or... Read More
Checked your 401K lately? Going back to about a year... Read More
Three little pigs went to the market to stock up... Read More
We all know the expression, "My country, right or wrong",... Read More
You probably know the story of Sherlock Holmes and the... Read More
As a novice trader, you'll often feel the need to... Read More
Suppose your position has made a big move and you... Read More
"If you don't know where you are going, any road... Read More
Before you embark upon a journey of trading stocks or... Read More
What can I expect to make my first year of... Read More
Plano taxi to Midway ..How often have you come across an advertisement or e-mail... Read More
Sometime in the third quarter of 1997, someone told me... Read More
Do you have a financial planner? Does one of your... Read More
I cringe every time I hear a novice investor tell... Read More
The Law of Chaos is the theory of random unpredictable... Read More
There is so much involved in developing peak performance, that... Read More
It takes a total mental commitment to the task. It... Read More
Trading is a fascinating activity.There are so many layers to... Read More
Mutual funds are doing more and more to discourage investors... Read More
What the heck am I talking about?It is often said... Read More
Money management starts with protecting your capital, realizing profits and... Read More
Where is the beef? Or maybe it should be where... Read More
Every day in any financial publication you will find the... Read More
I go to the Money Show every year to visit... Read More
Just 30 years ago the stock market was a shadow... Read More
When most analysts, financial planners, fund specialists and investors try... Read More
TOO OFTEN, INVESTORS SIMPLY CHOOSE TO follow the crowd. This... Read More
If you were to find that you had some severe... Read More
I constantly hear the talking heads on CNBC-TV, the radio... Read More
Wall Street's watchword has always been diversification, but what does... Read More
Carefully thinking through your goal as a trader is of... Read More
Hello Inflation, it has been awhile, I see you on... Read More
Buy high and sell low -- It's not a typo.Millions... Read More
Reduce your investing and stock market risks by:Setting your sights... Read More
Recently I watched my favorite football team lose a vital... Read More
Stocks & Mutual Fund |