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Technical Talk: Looks Like a Consolidation

by David Moenning

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Although we disagree with the idea that "the tape tells all," it is important for all traders to stay on top of key technical happenings on the charts. Below is our current "executive summary" take on the State of the Tape.

Technical Talk: October 28, 2010

Current Strategy:

Given that there has been a fair amount of up-down, down-up movement of late - but no progress in either direction - it appears that a consolidation phase has begun. Thus, we will need to watch the support levels closely as a violation will undoubtedly embolden the bears.

We'd be Short-term Buyers At: A close above 1186 on S&P

We'd be Short-term Sellers At: A close below 1170

Trend and Momentum Indicators:

Short-Term Trend: The short-term trend remains neutral this morning. However, given that the ma's are all moving higher and the even the 5-day remains above the 10-day, there is no reason to bail on the trend just yet.

Intermediate-Term Trend: No change today. We have had a strong run and therefore the bulls get the benefit of doubt here. As we said yesterday, the intermediate-term uptrend will remain moderately positive as long as the S&P holds above 1160 and the 10-day ma stays above the 25-day.

Market Internals: Our short-term TBC models did indeed downtick to neutral. This is the first sign of a crack in the foundation of the move. We will be watching these indicators closely for signs of a breakdown.

  • TBC = Trend-and-Breadth-Confirm Model

Market Momentum: The momentum indicators are in decent shape still. But the strengh of the trend is fading fast.

Support/Resistance Zones for S&P 500:

  • Current Support: 1170ish
  • Current Resistance: 1185

Early Warning Indicators:

Overbought/Oversold Condition: The s.t. overbought condition is currently being worked off. However, stocks have been unable to become oversold during the recent run and the intermediate-term indicators remain very overbought. As such, this remains both a sign of strength and a warning sign.

Investor Sentiment: Sentiment remains optimistic and is a concern.

Chart Watch:

Below are snapshots of the two main charts we watch closely each day from a technical perspective. The indicators we display on the charts below include: 50 day simple ma (purple), 25 day weighted ma (cyan), 10 day exponential ma (thick orange), 200 day simple ma (thin orange), and stochastic %K using 14 and %D.

S&P 500:

NASDAQ Composite

 

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