Saturday 7 September 2013

Weekend update - US weekly indexes

The US indexes clawed higher this week, with the sp'500 up almost 1.4%. The two market leaders - Trans/R2K, both climbed around 1.9%. Despite the gains, the near term trend still looks somewhat bearish, and a hit of the primary target - sp'1580/70s, still looks viable.


Lets take a look at six of the main US equity indexes

sp'500

The sp'500 saw gains of almost 1.4% this week. Underlying MACD (blue bar histogram) cycle ticked lower for a fifth week. In terms of the cycle, it looks like there is no more than 2 weeks left of the current down wave.

Primary target for the bears should remain the lower weekly bollinger, which at the Monday open will likely jump to around 1585.  A hit of the June 1560 low looks overly difficult, even if the market is spooked by any US/Syria issues.

When the current down cycle does complete, what will obviously be critically important - for bulls and bears alike, is whether the market can break above 1709. If the bears can keep the market pinned under 1709 into mid-October, then things could get rather interesting.


Nasdaq Comp'


The tech climbed 2% this week, and closed back about the important weekly 10MA. The bears should recognise that the Nasdaq is a mere 1% from breaking new highs - equivalent to sp'1695 or so. Despite the equity gains, underlying MACD cycle ticked lower for a fifth week.


Dow


The mighty Dow remains the weakest index, and clawed a mere 0.8% higher. Underlying MACD cycle ticked lower for a fifth week, and on any basis, we're getting close to a cyclical low. It is going to be very difficult for the bears to break the Dow under 14500/400.  I'm guessing, the Dow will indeed hold key mid-term support.


NYSE Comp'


The master index gained 1.8%, but perhaps importantly, put in the second weekly close below the 10MA. Best case downside looks to be around 9000, that is around 5% lower.


R2K


The second market leader climbed 1.8%, and is holding the channel that stretches back to the Nov' lows. Bulls can sustain a drop to 950/925..and that will do no critical damage to the broader upward trend from the Oct'2011 lows. Those seeking 'autumnal market upset' should be seeking R2K in the 800/750 zone, but obviously, that is an extremely long way down, a 'crashy' fall of around 25/30%.


Trans


The old leader climbed around 1.9%, but again closed under the weekly 10MA. First key downside target is 6100/6000, that is about 6% lower.


Summary

It was a week where the bull battled back, but only to sp'1664, and that closing hour on Friday sure didn't look bullish! I will guess, the bears have at best the next week and a half in their favour. After that, the market will probably rally on 'FOMC only taper 10/15bn' news.

For those bears seeking significant autumnal declines - and a possible 'big H/S formation', the lower we go between now and the FOMC..the better. Breaking back under sp'1600 will be important


Bigger bearish outlook..still in play

Despite the gains of the past week, the near term trend remains somewhat to the downside. On the weekly 'rainbow' charts, the closing blue candle should be seen as a disappointment. However, bulls need a weekly close in the 1670s to get confident that new index highs are viable.

As has been the case since early August, my primary target is the lower weekly bollinger, currently 1579, but that will surely be in the mid 1580s next week.


sp'weekly9c - a hit of the lower trend


The above outlook remains the most bearish scenario I can come up with. All those seeking much lower levels in Oct/Nov, arguably need to see at least the sp'1580/70s in the current multi-week down wave. Otherwise, I have to assume new index highs will be hit, as early as October.


Looking ahead

In terms of data, there really isn't much of anything until Friday, where there is retail sales, producer prices, consumer sentiment, and business inventories. Other than that, the market looks set to be driven entirely upon Syria related news.

*there is significant QE-pomo on Thursday and Friday, both days: $3bn


Trading thoughts

Surprisingly, I am short the market - via VIX-long, across this weekend. I'm reasonably content with an entry in the VIX 15.50s (having bailed the previous Friday afternoon in the 17.40s). I'd like an initial exit early next week in the 18/19s, but am most definitely still looking for VIX in the lows 20s before the FOMC of Sept'18

There is a real threat to the bears in terms of the 'lets bomb another country' vote. I'm not sure when the vote is due, but if the US congress critters fear a public backlash, a no-vote, would surely send the market soaring..at least briefly. Certainly, I'll be reluctant to hold any short positions ahead of an immediate vote.

With the weekly equity/VIX charts still broadly in favour of the bears, I'm kinda looking forward to next week. I think there will opportunity to make a couple of good trades.

back on Monday :)
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Video update from Walker


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Seeking major downside next week

The bulls have had a seven day wave from sp'1627 to 1664. Today's price action, and closing daily candle are highly suggestive that today was a key reversal/cycle peak. Bears should be seeking new lows <1627 next week, and that should open up the 1580/70s by the FOMC of Sept'18


sp'daily4b


sp'weekly7


Summary

Just a few charts to wrap up the week

First, daily4b, we might be dealing with a failure at the 50 day MA - seen across multiple indexes today. The break into the 1660s was above the 38% fib level, but still, the daily closing candle was very bearish, and was a good example of a 'hanging man candle' - see here for details.


From red to blue

The weekly close of a blue candle on the 'rainbow' chart is a disappointment. Yet, the weekly close was at least below the important 10MA of 1670.

For next week..the lower weekly bollinger - the target I've been highlighting for weeks, will probably jump to around 1585 at the Monday open.

On any bearish outlook, I find a hit of the June 1560 low...as 'overly difficult'. Perhaps, we'll put in a slightly higher low in the 1570s? That was actually the case in early June 2011 - see following...


sp'2011 historic, weekly, rainbow


The June low - right side of the HEAD, was about 11pts higher than the left shoulder low of mid March. As ever, all cycles are unique...but I remain keeping this one in mind. Without question though, I need to see a hit of the lower weekly bol', to keep the analogy valid.

It was an interesting week, but next week should be one for the bears. I've made my move, am heavy short across the weekend, via VIX-long. Seeking an initial exit in the 18/19s, but looking for the low 20s on a secondary wave higher.

Goodnight from London
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*next main post - late Saturday, probably on the US weekly index charts.

Daily Index Cycle update

The main indexes closed largely flat, but there were very considerable intra-day swings, with the sp' opening at 1661, falling to 1640...only to ramp to 1664. Yet, there was significant weakness into the close, with the sp' closing +0.1% @ 1655.


sp'daily5


R2K


Trans



Summary

Well, today was certainly not boring!

The opening gains were not a surprise, but with Putin saying Russia will support Syria (although not in what manner) the market got spooked, and the fall down to 1640 was rather impressive.

The subsequent ramp was equally impressive though, and the fact the bulls broke into the mid 1660s was a little concerning.

...yet...the bears closed the day in a particularly bearish manner, with all the gains being negated.
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Frankly, I am very pleased with how the week closed. Certainly, the weekly index cycles no longer look 'perfectly bearish', but..it'll do.

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*I am heavy short the market across the weekend

a little more later....