Earnings Season Begins; Stocks Fall
On Monday, we penned, “After three strong weeks of gains, the market appears to be showing signs that a near-term pullback might be in the cards. A slew of stocks negatively reversed (opened higher and closed lower) on Monday, which suggests a change in trend may unfold.” Therefore, Tuesday’s pullback was somewhat expected as the major averages (and leading stocks) pause to consolidate their recent gains. Is the rally over? No, but all we have to do is be cognizant of the fact that a near term pullback may occur and then trade accordingly. From our point of view, the current, 45-week rally, remains intact as long as the major averages continue trading above their respective 50 DMA lines. Until those levels are breached, the bulls deserve the benefit of the doubt.