Lets take a look at six of the main US indexes
sp'500
Despite weakness earlier in the week, the Sp' still managed net gains of almost 0.5% this week. The close under the 10MA is kinda bearish, although bears will need to see net declines next week.
Primary downside target remains the lower weekly bollinger, which at the Monday open will jump to around 1570. The June low of 1560 is now looking very difficult to hit in September Interestingly though, the lower channel/trend from the Oct'2011 lows, will be around 1550/60 in September.
Underlying MACD (blue bar histogram) cycle ticked lower for a third week, and we now also have a bearish cross.
Nasdaq Comp
The Nasdaq saw a rather significant bounce of 1.5%. Bears should be mindful of the recent high of 3694. If that is exceeded next week, that would be a very serious problem. Despite the bounce, the MACD cycle ticked lower for the third week, and is set to go negative cycle within the next 1-2 weeks.
Dow
The mighty Dow was especially weak, slipping 0.5%, with a decisive break of the channel that extends back to the Nov'2012 lows. For the bears, this is one of the most bearish signs. Underlying MACD cycle is now quite low, with a primary target of 14500/250. A break <14k does not look viable in the current multi-week down cycle.
NYSE Comp
The master index closed the week with fractional gains, and there remains moderate downside. First target is 9200/9000 level. A break <8800 does not look viable in September.
R2K
The second market leader managed gains of 1.4% this week. Underlying MACD cycle ticked lower for the third week, and is set to go negative cycle next week. Primary downside target remains 950/925. Sub 900s do not look viable in the current down cycle.
Trans
The 'old leader' saw a little weakness to start the week, but closed with net gains of almost 1.7%. Equity bears should beware of any daily closes in the 6600s. A weekly close >6600 would be bullish. Primary downside target for mid-September is the 6100/6000 zone.
Summary
So, it was a bit of a mixed week for the market. The Dow remains the most bearish index now, especially with the break of the channel. As ever, the two market leaders Trans/R2K saw the strongest bounce-gains, but so long as they don't close with another net-weekly gain, bears can remain hopeful for the first half of September.
Regardless of any further gains early next week, equity bears need to see at least minor net-losses next week. In terms of the sp'500, a further bounce to 1675/85 looks very viable. From there, I would want to see a close next Friday back in the 1650s.
The bigger bearish picture
The following remains the most bearish outlook I can come up with...
sp'weekly'9d
Most importantly, unless I see a hit of the lower weekly bollinger (1570 as of next Monday..and rising) in the current multi-week down cycle, this scenario will get dropped.
Looking ahead
There are a fair few things next week for Mr Market to deal with. The week begins with Durable Good Orders. Tuesday, case-shiller HPI and consumer confidence. Wednesday has pending home sales. Thursday has GDP Q2 (second reading/guess). Friday has personal income/outlays, consumer sentiment, and the Chicago PMI - market is seeking a non-recessionary reading of 53.
*there is very significant QE-pomo: Tues' 4-5bn, Wed' 3bn.
Trading outlook
First, keep in mind the following...
sp'60min'4 - broader outlook
The H/S projection (pink dashed line) was to around sp'1643...and we exceeded that by just 4pts, so that kinda worked out rather well.
I'd argue half the bounce is already done, and that we'll get stuck in the 1675/85 area early next week. Certainly, I remain seeking to launch a heavy index re-short, my only concern are the two large QEs of Tue/Wed.
Finally, it is probably important to note that the following Monday of Sept'2 - US markets are closed for Labor day. So..Friday Aug'30' could be very quiet once the market has dealt with the econ-data in early morning.
back on Monday :)
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Video update (a somewhat rare free/open posting) from Ron Walker - main page
He seems inclined for a larger H/S formation, with a projected downside to the low 1400s. Effectively, its the same as my weekly9d chart that I've been posting a few times lately.
I have to say, I sure didn't copy him..and I doubt he even heard of my pages. Its kinda good to see someone have the same scenario outlook. Of course, it is just one of a number of scenarios I am keeping in mind.
*futures look flat (as of 9pm EST, Sunday), general upside seems likely