Lets take our regular look at six of the main US indexes...
sp'500
The sp' appears to be in an accelerated up trend, and we're seeing perhaps the strongest multi-week gains since the Oct'2011 low. Underlying MACD (blue bar histogram) ticked higher for a third week, and in theory, it could comfortably climb for another 3-5 weeks.
There is absolutely no sign of a turn/levelling phase. RSI is now 76, the highest since Feb'2011. Arguably the next obvious level is the psy'1700 threshold. That seems viable in June.
Nasdaq Composite
Like the SP', the Nasdaq is now in an accelerated trend higher. We're just 1pt away from the 3500s, and frankly, I'd have to guess we will see the 4000s this year. The only 'really crazy thought' is whether 5000 is possible by year end. If QE continues for the rest of this year, why would 5000s not be viable?
Dow
The mighty Dow has the most stable and consistent up trend of all indexes. It only managed a gain of 1.5% this week, but its relentless in its climb. No sign of a turn, and Dow 16k looks a given. Of particular note is that the bears could knock the Dow lower by 400/500pts, and it would do nothing to dent the broad up trend.
NYSE Comp
The master index only managed 1.4% this week, but looks well on its way to the big 10k. Nothing bearish here, and bulls have downside buffer of 4% or so.
R2K
The R2K is a mere 5pts from hitting the psy' level of 1000. I've zero doubt it'll hit 1000, and probably proceed to the 1100s, perhaps 1200s later this summer. It remains a powerful index, and there is no reason why the current trend will end. Bulls have downside buffer to around 950, which is 4% lower.
Transports
Tranny just keeps on pushing higher, and we're now in the mid 6500s. Primary target remains somewhere in the 7000/7200 range, which now seems very likely. So, another 10% to go.
Summary
The fourth week higher, and more than anything, there is no sign of ANY turn/levelling phase on any index. Since the failure in mid-April, the bears have absolutely nothing to cling to, and the main market is just battling higher.
This past Friday was again a classic example. We saw a touch of weakness on Thursday afternoon, but then Friday had 5bn of QE-pomo, and I'm pretty sure that was why Mr Market held up as well as it did.
Baring an end to QE
Unless..and until the Feds QE is terminated, I have no choice but to assume the 'hyper bullish' outlook. 'Annoying' doesn't even come close to expressing how I feel about the actions of central banks..but as ever...it is..what it is. There is little point complaining about the manipulation or destruction of 'true price discovery', but even more so, there is ZERO point in fighting it. Waste of time..and a waste of money.
sp'monthly6c - hyper bullish outlook
I'm not going to get too fixated on the exact count, but the above remains the best I can come up with. Its greatly shaped by the ECM cycle of Martin Armstrong, but also by seasonal factors, and of course, I am swayed by the dozens of other chartists I follow.
With ongoing QE, I have to assume the broad up trend will continue into spring 2014. Yes, there will be pull backs, but they will probably be like the one we saw in April (4%). Very swift..but so minor, as to not even be worth attempting to trade on the short side.
If QE does continue for the remainder of this year, then I'd have to guess we'll close the year in the 1800/1900s. I suppose 2000 is viable, but that seems more likely next spring.
I would highlight that right now I am seeking a major wave lower in mid 2014, something that would match the one we saw in summer 2011. The laughable aspect of that being, such a 20/25% fall might be starting from the sp'2000s...and flooring around 1700/1600.
My very best guess right now, assuming the world central banks all keep printing, the sp' will be trading around 2500/2750 by early 2016, before the next 12-18 month bear cycle occurs. So, the scariest outlook is the market might drop 50%, but it will be from a level, almost double from where we currently are.
Looking ahead
Next week will probably be quieter, there isn't anything due on Mon/Tuesday. However, the big event of next week is...oh yes, its the Ben Bernanke, who will be testifying on Wednesday to the US congress on the US economic outlook. That will occupy all of the morning, later at 2pm, there are the FOMC minutes
Thursday has a few pieces of housing data, along with jobless claims, whilst the week ends with Durable Goods Orders. The following Monday is closed (US memorial day), so this coming Friday will probably be quiet.
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To be clear, a 'minor' pull back of 2-4% is viable at any time - not that I think it is worth attempting to trade on the short side, but such a fall will do nothing to break the general upward trend, and so long as QE continues, it just looks like this year will be another one for the bears to forget. The Bernanke must indeed be very pleased with his 'wealth effect' work
back on Monday
