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FRIDAY JUMP KEEPS STOCKS IN UPTREND -- PRICE PATTERN LOOKS POSITIVE -- GOLD STOCKS JUMP ON WEAK DOLLAR -- PROSPECTS FOR HIGHER RATES BOOST BANKS -- FALLING OIL HELPS AIRLINES RISE -- NASDA...

FRIDAY JUMP KEEPS STOCKS IN UPTREND -- PRICE PATTERN LOOKS POSITIVE -- GOLD STOCKS JUMP ON WEAK DOLLAR -- PROSPECTS FOR HIGHER RATES BOOST BANKS -- FALLING OIL HELPS AIRLINES RISE -- NASDAQ 100 NEARS NEW RECORD -- APPLE MAY BE TURNING UP

SHORT-TERM PATTERN LOOKS POSITIVE... A strong rally on Friday more than erased losses from Thursday and left the market in much better shape. Chart 1 shows the S&P 500 ending the week back above its 200-day average after bouncing off its 50-day line on Thursday. Chartwatchers will now...   READ MORE 

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Finance Sector Comes to Life and Leads

Finance Sector Comes to Life and Leads

The finance sector is one of the stronger sectors right now and this is positive for the overall market. As the table below shows, the Finance SPDR (XLF) has the fourth highest StockCharts Technical Rank (SCTR) of the nine sector SPDRs and the EW Finance ETF (RYF) has the third...   READ MORE 

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This Is How Money Rotates Prior To Bear Market

This Is How Money Rotates Prior To Bear Market

The start of every bear market is different.  Sometimes it's driven by technology stocks, other times it's a financial crisis.  Whatever the case, one common denominator seems to be that aggressive areas of the stock market are abandoned as final tops are made or challenged.  In...   READ MORE 

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Positive Divergence Suggests CA Likely To Resume Uptrend

Positive Divergence Suggests CA Likely To Resume Uptrend

CA Inc (CA) topped in March 2015 and was in the midst of an 8 month downtrend - until last week's action.  Prior to the break of this downtrend and key 20 week EMA resistance, CA had printed a fresh weekly CLOSING low that was accompanied by a...   READ MORE 

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STOCKS HAVE A HUGE FRIDAY -- NEWMONT MINING LEADS GOLD STOCKS -- FINANCIAL LEADERS ARE CME GROUP, CHARLES SCHWAB, AND PNC FINANCIALS

STOCKS HAVE A HUGE FRIDAY -- NEWMONT MINING LEADS GOLD STOCKS -- FINANCIAL LEADERS ARE CME GROUP, CHARLES SCHWAB, AND PNC FINANCIALS

STOCK INDEXES GAIN 2%... Stocks are having a huge day on Friday. Stock indexes are showing gains of 2%. Chart 1 shows the S&P 500 gaining 40 points nearing the close. Its ability to bounce back above its 200-day line is also impressive. That gives its recent pattern...   READ MORE 

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The Laws of Wyckoff

The Laws of Wyckoff

Three Principles or Laws govern the structure of the Wyckoff Methodology. Procedurally there are a series of Tests that determine buying and selling decisions. There are nine of these Tests, or thresholds, to be passed for making a buying decision, or a selling decision. The Nine Buying Tests and the...   READ MORE 

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This Investor's Take on the "Pyramid of Success"

This Investor's Take on the "Pyramid of Success"

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” – Dr. John Wooden Yes, it’s that time of year again, and I thought I’d invite you into my trading room.  I...   READ MORE 

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Trend vs Noise - Small and Mid Caps Hold the Key - Biotechs Look Vulnerable

Trend vs Noise - Small and Mid Caps Hold the Key - Biotechs Look Vulnerable

Click here for today's video    //    Trend versus Noise    //    Small-caps and Equal-weights Struggle    //    Two Different Trends for the Same Index    //    Russell 2000 and S&P MidCap 400 Hold the Key    //    Sector Leaders and Laggards    //    Sector High-Low Percent Rankings    //    REITs and Biotechs Look Vulnerable    //    Friday Food For Thought    //// Trend...   READ MORE 

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ECB Falls Short Of Expectations, Global Markets Plunge

ECB Falls Short Of Expectations, Global Markets Plunge

Market Recap for December 3, 2015 The European Central Bank (ECB) announced additional measures to stimulate economic growth, but it clearly was not enough for traders who've grown accustomed to quantitative easing (QE) in all shapes and sizes.  That, combined with a very disappointing ISM manufacturing report a...   READ MORE 

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Double-Tops Abound - Will They Pan Out?

Double-Tops Abound - Will They Pan Out?

I purposely have not mentioned the possible double-top formation on the SPY in the DecisionPoint Alert and in my webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays. I felt it was too early and indicators weren't looking bearish enough to discuss not only a drop to the "neckline" but...   READ MORE 

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Adobe Losing Momentum One Week Before Earnings

Adobe Losing Momentum One Week Before Earnings

Negative divergences on the MACD and light volume on breakouts are two important criteria in identifying a possible top.  Accumulation requires volume so I'm always suspicious if advances begin to run out of it.  In the case of Adobe Systems (ADBE), it has these markers in place just...   READ MORE 

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ECB DISAPPOINTS MARKETS -- EURO JUMPS AS DOLLAR FALLS -- TREASURY YIELDS FOLLOW EUROPE HIGHER -- EUROPEAN STOCKS TUMBLE -- RISING RATES HURT UTILITIES, SUPPORT BANKS -- KROGER BREAKS OUT T...

ECB DISAPPOINTS MARKETS -- EURO JUMPS AS DOLLAR FALLS -- TREASURY YIELDS FOLLOW EUROPE HIGHER -- EUROPEAN STOCKS TUMBLE -- RISING RATES HURT UTILITIES, SUPPORT BANKS -- KROGER BREAKS OUT TO NEW HIGH -- ENERGY SECTOR WEAKENS -- S&P 500 RETESTS 200-DAY LINE

DRAGHI DISAPPOINTS... Mario Draghi promised more stimulative measures to boost eurozone inflation and economic growth. The ECB today lowered its deposit rate 10 basis points to -0.3%. It also extended its QE bond buying program for an additional six months. Either those moves were already expected, or the markets...   READ MORE 

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A New Breadth of Fresh Air

A New Breadth of Fresh Air

StockCharts.com has vastly updated not only its raw breadth database but now there are hundreds and hundreds of new market breadth indicators available to everyone.  This is not really an article but an information piece about StockCharts.com’s vast amount of breadth material and where to find it;...   READ MORE 

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Energy Tumbles, S&P 500 Faces Key Test

Energy Tumbles, S&P 500 Faces Key Test

Market Recap for Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Wednesday was a very difficult day for energy stocks (XLE) as this sector fell more than 3%, its worst day since the heavy August selling.  The culprit is what you would expect - falling crude oil prices ($WTIC).  The WTIC finished just above...   READ MORE 

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SPY Holds Breakout - 2 Commodities in Uptrends - 15 Stock Charts to Watch

SPY Holds Breakout - 2 Commodities in Uptrends - 15 Stock Charts to Watch

SPY Holds Short-term Breakout    //    IWM Shows Relative Chart Strength    //    2-yr Yield versus the 10-yr Yield    //    Watching the Channel in IEF    //    Two Commodities in Uptrends    //    Legacy Airlines Sport Constructive Chart Patterns    //    Big Banks Consolidate after Surge    //    Short-term Bearish Patterns in XOM and CVX    //    Other Charts: ADI, APD, CAT, CAMP, NOK, SIGI,...   READ MORE 

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Volume Is About To Expand, But Which Way Will It Send Prices?

Volume Is About To Expand, But Which Way Will It Send Prices?

* Two bar reversal for the S&P says the rally is over * Volume is oversold. That means volume is likely to expand on the downside. * Credit spreads challenging their bear market lows * Commodities breaking down in a very big way * This week's two-bar reversal says the market...   READ MORE 

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TECHNOLOGY ETFS TEST NOVEMBER HIGHS -- ALTHOUGH BIG TECHS LEAD RALLY, EQUAL WEIGHT ETF SHOWS STRENGTH -- SEMICONDUCTOR ETF AT SIX-MONTH HIGH -- INTEL AND NVIDIA ARE CHIP LEADERS -- STRONG...

TECHNOLOGY ETFS TEST NOVEMBER HIGHS -- ALTHOUGH BIG TECHS LEAD RALLY, EQUAL WEIGHT ETF SHOWS STRENGTH -- SEMICONDUCTOR ETF AT SIX-MONTH HIGH -- INTEL AND NVIDIA ARE CHIP LEADERS -- STRONG DOLLAR MAY HELP AIRLINES BY MAKING INTL TRAVEL CHEAPER

TECHNOLOGY STOCKS CONTINUE TO LEAD THE MARKET HIGHER... It's usually a good sign when the economically-sensitive technology sector is leading the market higher. And it is. Chart 1 shows the Technology Sector SPDR (XLK) in the process of testing its November high. Its relative strength ratio (above chart)...   READ MORE 

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CA Forms a High and Tight Flag

CA Forms a High and Tight Flag

CA Inc (CA) remains in a downtrend, but a reversal could be brewing as the stock forms a high and tight flag just below key resistance. CA was trending down most of the year and then formed a selling climax with a sharp decline on high volume in August. The...   READ MORE 

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Is The Fed Really Going To Raise Rates?

Is The Fed Really Going To Raise Rates?

Market Recap for Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Equity markets enjoyed a very strong Tuesday, although it wasn't all good news.  Money flowed into treasuries on a relative basis and this represents defensive action.  It also occurred at a fairly critical short-term support area (20 day EMA) on the...   READ MORE 

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Healthcare, Consumer Stocks Drive Market Lower

Healthcare, Consumer Stocks Drive Market Lower

Market Recap for November 30, 2015 All of our major indices finished lower on Monday's session, but there was plenty of sector rotation.  Despite the overall losses, four of the nine sectors managed to finish higher, led by energy (XLE), materials (XLB) and utilities (XLU).  Technology (XLK) also...   READ MORE 

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Small Caps Come Alive - Bullish Pattern for SPY - Current Market Themes

Small Caps Come Alive - Bullish Pattern for SPY - Current Market Themes

Small and Mid Caps Come Alive    //    Bullish Continuation Pattern for SPY    //    Utilities and Energy Look Vulnerable     //    Housing Gets a Breakout as Retail Rebounds    //    Cloud and Internet Continue to Lead    //    Regional Banks and Insurance Power Finance Sector       //    Current Market Themes      //// Market Overview While we still have some day-to-day noise and the...   READ MORE 

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A Boring Biotech that Deserves a Second Look

A Boring Biotech that Deserves a Second Look

Gilead is up for the most boring biotech award because the stock has traded relatively flat since September 2014. Despite numerous crosses of the 105 area, the overall trend is still up and chartists should watch for a breakout to signal a continuation of this uptrend. On the price chart,...   READ MORE 

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CGMBI-Composite Indicators-Chap 9

CGMBI-Composite Indicators-Chap 9

Before we being the review of Chapter 9 for the 2nd Edition of The Complete Guide to Market Breadth Indicators, I am proud to announce that after over a year of work with many of the fine folks at StockCharts.com, the book is now available in Kindle format from...   READ MORE 

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Bullish Continuation Patterns Emerge; Stocks Poised To Move Higher

Bullish Continuation Patterns Emerge; Stocks Poised To Move Higher

Market Recap for Friday, November 27, 2015 Action was solid on Friday, although a bit bifurcated.  The Dow Jones was the only major index to finish in negative territory as this index of behemoth blue chip companies tries to negotiate short-term resistance from 17800-18000.  Check out the visual: The Dow...   READ MORE 

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Strong rotation for AFL within the financials universe (XLF)

Strong rotation for AFL within the financials universe (XLF)

Summary * MS weakest stock in the universe * Don't chase PSA * AXP continues to nose-dive * VTR accelerating into lagging quadrant * BK ready to break higher * AFL offering opportunities In my previous blog, we looked at sector rotation in the US based on the traded (State Street) ETFs. The headline...   READ MORE 

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Understanding What Works For You

Understanding What Works For You

The first thing to investing or trading smarter is understanding your own personal strategy - what works best for you.  Are you a short-term trader?  Do you swing trade?  Do you prefer longer-term holding periods?  Without understanding that basic personal trait, deciding whether to buy or sell becomes a very...   READ MORE 

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$SPX: Volume and Momentum Issues

$SPX: Volume and Momentum Issues

When performing index analysis, I normally prefer to use the SPDR because that is the trading vehicle, as well as a "total return" view of the index. In this case we are looking at on-balance volume (OBV), and I wanted to be sure we were considering all the...   READ MORE 

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SMALL STOCKS START TO SHOW LEADERSHIP -- DOLLAR NEARS 13-YEAR HIGH AS EURO WEAKENS -- COMMODITY DEFLATION HOLDS BOND YIELDS DOWN -- SO DO NEGATIVE EUROZONE YIELDS

SMALL STOCKS START TO SHOW LEADERSHIP -- DOLLAR NEARS 13-YEAR HIGH AS EURO WEAKENS -- COMMODITY DEFLATION HOLDS BOND YIELDS DOWN -- SO DO NEGATIVE EUROZONE YIELDS

SMALL CAP INDEXES TURN UP -- MIDCAPS ARE RIGHT BEHIND... Smaller stocks are not only catching up to larger stocks, they're starting to do better. That normally happens near yearend in anticipation of the "January Effect" when investors favor smaller stocks. Chart 1 shows the S&...   READ MORE 

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How A Fellow Investor Critiqued This Trader

How A Fellow Investor Critiqued This Trader

My motives in writing these weekly blogs and in teaching investment classes are in part selfish ones.  I write and teach to become a better trader myself.  By weaving together the key attributes that I deem most useful in trading the stock market and sharing them with other investors, I...   READ MORE 

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What To Expect From Friday After Thanksgiving

What To Expect From Friday After Thanksgiving

Market Recap for Wednesday, November 25 Healthcare (XLV) and consumer discretionary (XLY) were the two best performing sectors on Wednesday, leading the U.S. stock market to gains in most of our major indices.  The S&P 500 saw a late selloff take that index to a loss of...   READ MORE 

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Classic Ascending Triangle Breakout On This Software Stock

Classic Ascending Triangle Breakout On This Software Stock

Imperva Inc (IMPV) made a steady move higher from April through July before consolidating in a very bullish ascending triangle continuation pattern over the past four months.  On Tuesday, volume accelerated and triangle resistance near 74.00 was cleared as IMPV extends its prior uptrend.  The measurement of this pattern...   READ MORE 

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Time To Watch Those Commodities Like A Hawk

Time To Watch Those Commodities Like A Hawk

* CRB Composite touches a 40-year low but is deeply oversold * Oil is also at critical support * Short-term commodity picture finely balanced but narrowly favors the bears * Dollar Index is back at its March 2015 high * Some short-term dollar indicators starting to roll over Long-term commodity picture Chart 1 shows that...   READ MORE 

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THANKSIVING WEEK IS USUALLY GOOD FOR THE MARKET -- SO IS THE MONTH OF DECEMBER -- THAT'S ESPECIALLY TRUE OF SMALLER STOCKS WHICH ARE TURNING UP -- CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SPDR NEARS RECORD...

THANKSIVING WEEK IS USUALLY GOOD FOR THE MARKET -- SO IS THE MONTH OF DECEMBER -- THAT'S ESPECIALLY TRUE OF SMALLER STOCKS WHICH ARE TURNING UP -- CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY SPDR NEARS RECORD -- ALEXION AND AMGEN LEAD HEALTHCARE SECTOR

THANKSGIVING TREAT ... Stocks are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday in an optimistic mood. That's not unusual. According to the Stock Trader's Almanac, the Wednesday before and the Friday after Thanksgiving are up days most of the time. Following that, stocks enter December which is usually the strongest...   READ MORE 

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Home Construction iShares Goes for a Breakout

Home Construction iShares Goes for a Breakout

After lagging the market in October, the Home Construction iShares (ITB) is perking up with a breakout on the price chart and upturn in the price relative. ITB peaked in August and fell into September.  Even though the market rallied in October and early November, ITB did not partake and...   READ MORE 

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Weak Start Tuesday, Bulls Roar Back

Weak Start Tuesday, Bulls Roar Back

Market Recap for Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Apparently, the U.S. stock market's shock absorbers are working just fine.  After being dealt multiple blows in the early pre-market action - (1) weak European indices, (2) a list of poor quarterly results from the retail space and (3) a...   READ MORE 

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Mid-Caps and Small-Caps Trigger PMO Crossover BUY Signals

Mid-Caps and Small-Caps Trigger PMO Crossover BUY Signals

Interestingly, small- and mid caps received Price Momentum Oscillator (PMO) crossover BUY signals before the large cap indexes. In last weekend's ChartWatchers article I pointed out how all of the major indexes had little to no momentum during this rally. The PMO readings had been flat throughout the...   READ MORE 

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Consolidation Continues As Market Looks For Direction

Consolidation Continues As Market Looks For Direction

Market Recap for Monday, November 23, 2015 The Russell 2000 was clearly the big winner on Monday as this small cap index rose .44% on a day when the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and NASDAQ all had fractional losses.  The NASDAQ 100 ($NDX) fell .25% to perhaps paint...   READ MORE 

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Big Candlesticks Form Potential Reversal Pattern in Alcoa

Big Candlesticks Form Potential Reversal Pattern in Alcoa

The overall trend for Alcoa is currently down, but the ETF is showing signs of life with a bullish reversal pattern taking shape. The chart shows AA making a round trip from 8 to 8 with a double top at 17 in between. Chartists can apply the inverse logic of...   READ MORE 

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Consumer Discretionary Leads Friday Surge

Consumer Discretionary Leads Friday Surge

Market Recap for Friday, November 20, 2015 Consumer discretionary stocks (XLY) led six sectors higher on Friday.  The only three that did not participate were energy (XLE), materials (XLB) and consumer staples (XLP).  Crude oil ($WTIC) reversed on Friday and finished near its low of the session, just above $41...   READ MORE 

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Negative sector rotation expected for XLE and XLB

Negative sector rotation expected for XLE and XLB

Summary * XLE and XLB expected to turn back to lagging quadrant again * XLI improving further towards leading * XLK holding up well inside positive territory * XLP and XLU both weakening but wider rotation for XLU * XLF bottoming out in relative trading range? Quick scan The Relative Rotation Graph above shows the...   READ MORE