Lets take our regular look at six of the main US indexes
sp'500
The sp'500 gained just 0.4% this week, but that was the fourth consecutive net weekly gain. Even more important, a new historic high of 2046 was attained. With a bullish MACD cross, the market is back to an outright bullish posture
Upper bollinger will be in the 2055/60 zone next week, and there remains threat the market will jump higher on some nonsensical excuse. On balance though, a moderate retrace looks due before end year. Primary downside target zone is 1980/50. A break under 1900 looks effectively impossible for many months.
Nasdaq Comp'
The tech is powering higher, with a rather sig' gain of 1.2%, on its way to challenge the March'2009 high of 5132... which looks set to be hit by late spring 2015.
Dow
The mighty Dow gained just 0.35%, having hit a new historic high of 17705. Even if there is a retrace in the coming few weeks, a break back below the 17k level looks out of range. Dow 18k now looks an easy target within the next month or two.. and frankly, if you can accept 18k as likely... why not 20k by next spring/early summer?
NYSE Comp'
The master index only managed a fractional gain of 0.15% this past week, with underlying price momentum still moderately negative. Regardless of any near term retrace, a year end close in the 11000s looks very likely.
R2K
The second market leader settled effectively flat this week at 1173, having broken a cycle high of 1188. Those equity bulls seeking broader market upside for another few quarters are going to need the R2K to break the double top of 1212/13 within the next few months. In many ways, price action for the R2K this year is very much like the Transports across 2012.
Trans
The 'old leaders' gained a significant 1.2% this week, having broken into the 9100s. Any retrace will not likely go much below the 8700s. Trans is unquestionably seeing extra strength because of the broadly weak energy prices.
Summary
So.. a fourth consecutive net weekly gain for all of the six main indexes. Sure, some of the gains were very minor, but with new historic highs in the Dow, Trans, and sp'500, it was unquestionably another week for the bulls.
On any basis, there is a very viable retrace due across the second half of November, but downside looks very limited, 3-4%.. at most. In terms of VIX, sp'1950 might 'briefly' equate to the 18/20 zone, before melting lower into year end.
Looking ahead
There are a sprinkling of bits and pieces lined up for next week... arguably, the Fed minutes will be the highlight. Mr Market will no doubt want to be reassured that int' rates will remain low for much of 2015.
Mon - Empire state, indust' prod'
Tue - PPI, housing market
Wed - housing starts, FOMC minutes
Thur - jobless claims, CPI, PMI manu', existing home sales, leading indicators
Fri -... other than opex.... nothing is scheduled.
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Back on Monday :)