This is a free monthly newsletter on stock market trends to help you to learn to invest. Following the trend is a proven way to beat the market and grow your stock portfolio. Basic technical analysis provides the tools to identify and follow the trends of the market as determined by the S&P 500.
It is best to begin with the big picture in mind and then work our way down to weekly and then daily views of the charts. You will notice that the chart and the value of the indicators change as we move from a monthly to a weekly and then a daily chart. This is a normal part of the technical analysis.
Let's start with the long term view of the S&P 500. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a good indicator of the cyclical bull and bear markets. In addition, the 78 week Exponential Moving Average (EMA) acts as support in a bull market and resistance in a bear market.
In January we fell into a bear market as the RSI dropped below 50. The index fell through the rising trend line and the 78 week exponential moving average and MACD crossed below zero. This is consistent with the fundamentals of a weakening economy, and a recession. It is best to remain nimble during times like this.
In the turmoil of September, we have fallen through the 1200 support level and are testing the 1150 area. Should the 1150 level fail the next support is at the 1050 area.
The MACD is trending down, while the Slow Stochastic is below 20, a point where it tends to turn up. We could still see further moves down before the market turns back up.
The 78 week exponential moving average and the bear market down trend remain as key resistance.
The weekly S&P 500 shows more closely the transition from a bull to a bear market. So far the descending trend line and the 50 week moving average are the primary resistance for this bear market.
In June the fall through the 200 week moving average was another sign of further weakness. The 1300 level offered resistance as the S&P 500 struggled to move up on declining volume. Then it fell through support at the 1230 level and is testing the three year low at the 1170 area. We could get a back test of the 1230 level on any rebound.
RSI below 50 indicates a down trend. MACD fell through the 9 week moving average, a sell sign and it continues to trend down. Slow Stochastic is has risen through 20, a buy sign, though it often is an early indicator.
The overall trend is still down, so any move up is temporary and likely to only last a few weeks.
In the daily S&P 500 chart below a broadening wedge has formed. This is a bullish formation indicating we are more likely to see a move up soon. Look for a break through the upper wedge trend line as a sign the market will go higher. If that happens we will most likely test the bear market down trend line. This could signal a year end rally that often takes place in late October through November and even December.
Should we get a move up, look for resistance at the descending trend line and the 200 simple and exponential moving averages.
RSI is below 50 indicating a down trend. The MACD continues its down trend with no sign of a move up. The Slow Stochastic signaled a buy when it moved up through 20, though it is having difficulty getting above 50, another sign of weakness.
Since we are entering earnings season, we should expect more volatility as investors assess the performance of companies in the latest quarter and digest their guidance.
In bear markets it is best to be nimble and/or use risk protection such as trailing stops, protective put options and even covered call options. On a sign of a move down in the markets you might consider using the short and ultrashort ETFs.
Given this perspective, it is important to have your portfolio positioned for bear market. as expected last month the market tested and then fell through the recent lows of July 2008. When the market falls during a bear market you should either be in cash or be short. The short and ultrashort ETFs are good ways to short the market without having to depend on selecting specific stocks.
While it is tempting to buy when the market falls, it is a better strategy to be sure the market has formed a base. Most likely the prices of many companies will be even lower. That doesn't mean you cannot buy high quality companies that are in sectors that are trending up. Just keep in mind, Warren Buffett's first rule of investing is to not loose money. Patience is key when markets are moving down.
We have not yet formed a base for an interim move up, but we might see one take shape over the next few weeks. If we do, then it is a good sign that a move up in the markets will take place. Should that happen, close out any shorts and go long in key sectors and stocks that should do well during the next interim up trend.
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