Lets take our regular look at six of the main US indexes
sp'500
The sp'500 saw a moderate net weekly gain of just 6pts, but that was a full 37pts above the Wed' low of 2085. The closing candle is offering yet another spike floor, and it bodes for further upside in the near term.
Underlying MACD (blue bar histogram) cycle has turned positive for the first time since March. Momentum is now a touch in favour of the equity bulls.
In terms of upside.. the weekly bollinger is offering the 2140s before end May, with the 2170s just about viable by the next FOMC of June 17th. Without question, the broader trend remains bullish.. if choppy. Until 2K is broken under, the equity bears have nothing to tout.
Nasdaq comp'
The tech' managed a borderline sig' gain of 0.9%, and is a mere 84pts shy of the March' 2000 high of 5132. Weekly upper bol' will be offering the 5160/70s next week, the door is wide open for the equity bulls to bring the last index yet to break a new historic high.
Dow
The mighty Dow climbed 81pts, settling the week on a high @ 18272, a mere 16pts shy of the March high. Underlying MACD cycle has turned positive for the first time since March, and can comfortably tick higher for another 3-4 weeks, at which time the Dow will probably be in the 18400/600s.
NYSE comp'
The master index climbed just 0.3%, but looks set to break new historic highs next week. The 11300s look due by end month. A weekly/monthly close in the 11400s - along with Nasdaq comp >5132, would be powerfully bullish signals for the summer.
R2K
The second market leader is clearly struggling, but still managed a net weekly gain of 0.7%. Underlying MACD cycle ticked lower, and is now negative for the second consecutive week, which is the most bearish since last Oct'. New historic highs are only a few percent higher, but that will not be easy as the R2K looks very tired.
For the equity doomer bears, on any 'reasonable' outlook, the R2K should comfortably hold the giant 1000 threshold this year, with strong support in the 1075/50 zone.
Trans
The 'old leader' is a very notable laggard, and saw a net weekly decline of -1.0%. The intra week low was a spike floor on core rising support, that goes back all the way to Nov' 2012. Underlying MACD cycle remains deeply negative,
Rather critical support into end May will be 8600/500s. Any sustained action <8500 would arguably be a major early warning of broader market weakness to come. If 8500 is lost, first target is the 8000/7700 zone.
It is also important to keep in mind that any further renewed upside in Oil prices will keep extra downward pressure on the Transports.
Summary
So, 5 of 6 indexes saw moderate net weekly gains. The 'old leader' - Trans, was the standout laggard, with a sig' net weekly decline. Mr Market could very well be offering traders an early warning of 'summer trouble' via the Transports.
However, as a collective, the broader market remains strong.. if pretty choppy. New historic highs look due for most indexes into June.
Equity bulls should be seeking a monthly close of Nasdaq 5200s, Dow 18700, R2K 1300, NYSE comp'11400s, to give clarity that the market will keep on rising until the Sept/Oct time frame.
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Looking ahead
There isn't too much due next week.
M - housing market index
T - housing starts
W - EIA report, FOMC minutes
T - weekly jobs, existing home sales
F - CPI, PMI manu'
Friday will be somewhat quieter than normal, since the following Monday (May 25th') USA markets are CLOSED for memorial day.
*there are numerous fed officials on the loose next week. Most notable, the Yellen is due to speak Fri' 1pm on the economic outlook. Mr Market will be listening!
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back on Monday.