Stocks Fall On Sour Economic Data

ByAdam Sarhan

The technical action in the major averages continues to weaken. Currently, resistance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the benchmark S&P 500 index is their respective 200 DMA lines, while the Nasdaq composite faces resistance at its 50 DMA line. It is also disconcerting to see the action in several leading stocks remain questionable at best evidenced by the dearth of high ranked leaders breaking out of sound bases. Thursday’s action wiped out the gains enjoyed earlier in the week for the major averages which emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious until the rally is back in a confirmed uptrend. Put simply, we can expect this sideways/choppy action to continue until the market breaks out above resistance or below support (recent chart lows). The first scenario will have bullish ramifications while the second will be clearly bearish. Trade accordingly.

Flurry of M&A News Lifts Stocks

ByAdam Sarhan

Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Stock Market Commentary: The technical action in the major averages is not ideal. Currently, resistance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average is its 200 DMA line, while the Nasdaq composite faces resistance at its 50 DMA line. Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P 500 index managed to close above its 50 DMA line but still faces resistance near its 200 DMA line (1,116) and then its prior chart highs near 1,131. The action in leading stocks remains questionable at best which is another disconcerting sign. Tuesday’s action does not change our cautious outlook. Put simply, we can expect this sideways/choppy action to continue until the market breaks out above resistance or below support (recent chart lows). The first scenario will have bullish ramifications while the second will be clearly bearish. Trade accordingly.

Head & Shoulders Top Or Double Bottom?

ByAdam Sarhan

It is also important to note that the major averages are currently tracing out either a massive head-and-shoulders top or a potential double bottom pattern. There are two possible scenarios from this point: the market will trade above the middle of the “W” (dotted line shown above) or it will take out the neckline of its H&S top (recent lows, not shown). Only time will tell which pattern prevails. Patience is paramount until either pattern resolves itself. Trade accordingly.