Day 13: Stocks Rally On Lighter Volume

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Market Commentary: The major averages rallied on the 13th day of the current rally attempt however volume, a critical gauge of institutional demand, fell compared to Tuesday’s totals. The lighter volume behind today’s advance signals large institutions are not aggressively buying stocks. Advancers led decliners by nearly a 3-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by nearly…

Day 12: Stocks Fall On Heavy Volume

Looking at the market, Tuesday marked Day 12 of a new rally attempt which means that as long as the February 5th lows are not breached the window remains open for a new follow-through day (FTD) to emerge. A new follow-through day will confirm the current rally attempt and will be produced when one of the major averages rallies at least +1.7% on higher volume than the prior session as a new batch of leaders break out of fresh bases. However, if the February 5, 2010 lows are breached then the day count will be reset and a steeper correction may unfold. So far, the market’s reaction has been tepid at best to the latest round of economic and earnings data which remains a concern. Remember that the market remains in a correction until a new new follow-through day emerges. Until then, patience is paramount.

Day 11: Stocks Consolidate Recent Move

Looking at the market, Friday marked day 11 of a new rally attempt which means that as long as the February 5th lows are not breached the window remains open for a new follow-through day (FTD) to emerge. A new follow-through day will confirm the current rally attempt and will be produced when one of the major averages rallies at least +1.7% on higher volume than the prior session as a new batch of leaders break out of fresh bases. However, if the February 5, 2010 lows are breached then the day count will be reset and a steeper correction may unfold. So far, the market’s reaction has been tepid at best to the latest round of economic and earnings data which remains a concern. Remember that the market remains in a correction until a new new follow-through day emerges. Until then, patience is king.

Day 10: Stocks Rally On This Shortened Holiday Week

Friday, February 19, 2010 Market Commentary- Week In Review: Stocks rallied on this shortened holiday week as investors digested a slew of economic and earnings news. On Tuesday, stocks rallied after the NY Fed released its Empire State Mfg index which topped the Street’s estimates. This was the fastest reading in four years and the first…