Healthy Economic Data Helps Stocks
Looking at the market, the latest rally attempt was confirmed when a “cautious follow-through day” was produced by the Nasdaq Composite on Monday, March 1. Weighing into the decision to label the day a follow-through-day (FTD) was the strong action in leading stocks along with a great expansion noted in the new highs list. That action suggests that there is a healthy crop of strong stocks capable of fueling a substantial rally higher for the major averages. We will be looking out for any near-term distribution days (high volume declines) which would hurt the chances for this nascent rally. Until then, the bulls deserve the bullish benefit of the doubt as the major averages continue edging higher.
It is a welcome sign to see the market continue to improve as investors digest the latest round of stronger than expected economic and earnings data. Remember that now that a new rally has been confirmed, the window is open to start buying high quality breakouts. Trade accordingly.