Crisis Over or Time to Panic?

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on March 16, 2023. If you’d like to sign up for the free e-newsletter, you may do so here (we will never share your e-mail with anyone, just as we don’t accept advertising).

Three of the biggest US bank failures hit the fan and the popular CNN Fear & Greed Index just fell into ‘extreme fear’ territory.

But, stocks are up today and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assured congress that the banking system remains sound and Americans can feel confident that their deposits will be there when they need it.

Does that bad news – good news combo mean the crisis is over or that it’s time to panic?

We all know that politicians and heads of in trouble companies and institutions never say the full truth. That’s one reason why I pay more attention to charts and indicators than the news.

In the February 5 Profit Radar Report, I stated that: “IWM reached resistance mentioned in last Wednesday’s PRR. That resistance is comprised of the trend channel, trend line, and equality between 2 of the 3 legs coming off the October low. A reaction at this level is normal. A number of recent studies suggest stocks will ultimately work their way higher, but IWM did reach an inflection zone that at minimum allows for a deeper pullback.”

The updated chart below shows IWM (small cap’s) reaction to triple resistance (red circle). Honestly, the pullback from there was deeper than I expected … but three huge bank failures will do that I guess.

Considering those bank failures, the decline has actually been quite orderly. The worst S&P 500 down days since February were -2.00% (Feb 21) and -1.85% (Mar 9).

The VIX, however, soared 70% from its March low to high. During the worst 3-day span (Thursday – Monday), the daily average VIX gain was 11.65%, the daily average S&P 500 loss was ‘only’ 1.15%. Since the inception of the VIX in 1990, something similar has only happened 6 other times.

The chart below highlights when. None of the dates were particularly nefarious.

In addition to this VIX constellation, I also analyzed overall investor sentiment, market breadth, financial and bank sector charts, and the yield curve to ascertain if it’s time to panic (this analysis was published in yesterday’s Profit Radar Report).

Although I follow the weight of evidence of trusted and time tested indicators, I always monitor new developments and re-run scenarios (such as in yesterday’s ‘deep dive’ update) to see if my base line forecast is still supported by the weight of evidence or needs an adjustment.

My baseline, shared in the last Free Market Outlook, remains the same: Although I don’t know how deep this correction will go, I am fairly certain that stocks will come back later this year. The extent and duration of the comeback will be assessed as it develops.

However, I am never foolish enough to think I’ll be right. The weekly S&P 500 chart shows that the S&P 500 is still in limbo. Now back above the green trend line, but still below the red line … and all of this is happen in a year-long trading range.

If price falls back below the green trend line, it’s time to be cautious and allow the down side to develop.

Regarding gold, I stated the following in the March 8 Profit Radar Report (along with the chart below):

“Prior to gold’s (and silver’s) February drop, the negative divergence alerted us of lower prices. We now see a potential positive divergence.“

The next day gold started to soar over $100.

If you are considering subscribing to the Profit Radar Report, you may be interested to know that I adhere to what I call intelligent integrity; analyze trusted indicators and interpret them intelligently without bias.

For continued updates and based purely fact based research, sign up for the Profit Radar Report. 

The Profit Radar Report comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, but fair warning: 90% of users stay on beyond 30 days.

Barron’s rates iSPYETF a “trader with a good track record,” and Investor’s Business Daily writes “Simon says and the market is playing along.”

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on January 28. If you’d like to sign up for the free e-newsletter, you may do so here (we will never share your e-mail with anyone, just as we don’t accept advertising).

Continued updates and factual out-of-the box analysis are available via the Profit Radar Report. 

The Profit Radar Report comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, but fair warning: 90% of users stay on beyond 30 days.

Barron’s rates iSPYETF a “trader with a good track record,” and Investor’s Business Daily writes “Simon says and the market is playing along.”

Goldflation and the S&P 500

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on February 16, 2023. If you’d like to sign up for the free e-newsletter, you may do so here (we will never share your e-mail with anyone, just as we don’t accept advertising).

The last Market Outlook discussed the S&P 500 breakout, which was good for 200 points … before fizzling. What happened?

Via the February 1, Profit Radar Report, I pointed out a wedge (purple lines) and that a break below the wedge would caution the rally is due to pause.

The chart below shows the longer-term breakout above the green trend line. The chart insert zooms in on the wedge following the breakout.

In short, the potential for a bearish wedge conflicted with the breakout follow through.

As the chart (especially insert) shows, the S&P 500 broke below the purple wedge on February 9. What does that mean?

“The S&P 500 broke below wedge support, which allows for lower prices. The weight of evidence suggests an eventual rebound, but as long as below 4,160 it’s prudent to allow down side to develop” (February 12, Profit Radar Report).

The situation becomes clearer when looking at the IWM (Russell 2000 Index of small cap stocks) chart.

Resistance at 197.60 and 200 was mentioned in the February 1 and 5, Profit Radar Reports along with this comment:

“That resistance is comprised of the trend channel, trend line, and equality between 2 of the 3 legs coming off the October low. A reaction at this level is normal. A number of recent studies suggest stocks will ultimately work their way higher, but IWM did reach an inflection zone that at minimum allows for a deeper pullback.”

Summary: The S&P 500 is below support, which allows for lower prices. However, a majority of my studies and indicators suggest higher prices (two studies conducted last week have a historic success rate of 100%). Unless there’s a break below support, higher prices deserve the benefit of doubt.

Gold and silver were taken behind the woodshed for a beating. Hopefully that wasn’t a surprise for you.

Silver’s refusal to confirm gold’s January high suggested risk for both metals.

I published the chart below in the January 25, Profit Radar Report and warned: “Gold continues to grind higher as silver moves sideways without taking out its prior highs. While above 1,905 gold can continue to grind higher, but risk appears elevated, especially while silver stays below its prior reaction high.“

In terms of Elliott Wave pattern, the gold chart allowed for two diametrically opposed interpretations. Despite being total opposites, they had one thing in common. A sizable short-term drop.

I showed the chart below in the January 22, Profit Radar Report and warned that: “both options have a near-term pullback in common.”

Since then, gold has dropped from 1,975 to 1,836. This may meet the minimum requirement for a wave 2 pullback (green projection), but cycles and seasonality suggest that we should see further weakness.

Continuous updates for the S&P 500, gold, silver and other assets are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Not convinced yet? Now is a good time to find out what’s ahead for 2023.

2023 S&P 500 Forecast

The 2023 S&P 500 is now available! It includes 24 charts and covers the following indicators and topics:

– 2022 Review

– Supply & Demand, Breadth

– Support/Resistance Levels

– Elliott Wave Theory

– Inflation

– Socioeconomic Peace & Prosperity

– Investor Sentiment

– Seasonality & Cycles

– S&P 500 Barometers

– Valuations

– Money Flow

– Risk/Reward Heat Map

– Summary

– 2023 S&P 500 Projection

Some of the discussed indicators come with a 90% and 95% accuracy track record. All indicators and data points are combined into one forward projection (the S&P 500 is tracking it well thus far).

Below is last year’s projection compared to the actual S&P 500 performance.

The full 2022 S&P 500 Forecast is available here for your review.

Below are some of the warning signs mentioned in the 2022 S&P 500 Forecast BEFORE the stock market fell into a pothole:

– “The bearish divergence (NY Composite a/d lines) reappeared again at the January 2022 S&P 500 highs. This internal market deterioration is a concern and a warning sign.”

– “The 6-month average of Titanic signals exceeded 25. It’s been a good bear market indicator. Although the majority of breadth studies are positive, this is one that should not be ignored.”

– “We’ll focus on the commonality of all 3 (Elliott Wave Theory) scenarios: Up side is limited and down side risk is increasing.”

– “Trend line resistance is around 4,915. We do not expect the S&P to break above this trend line in 2022.”

– “Short-term, the January 10, 2022 low at 4,582 is important. Failure to hold above this level would be a warning signal with the potential for a quick drop into the 4,200 – 4,300 range. If the 4,200 – 4,300 support zone fails, a test of the 4,000 zone (as low as 3,700) is possible.”

– “2022 is the mid election year, which is the weakest of the 4-year presidential election year cycle. Historically (going back to 1950), the S&P 500 declines on average about 20% into the mid-term election year low.”

– “Since the Fed is planning to unwind and reduce purchases (and shrink its balance sheet) in 2022, the risk of a more serious correction this year is much greater than in 2021.”

To receive the 2023 S&P 500 Forecast and for continued updates and purely fact based research, sign up for the

Continued updates and factual out-of-the box analysis are available via the Profit Radar Report. 

The Profit Radar Report comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, but fair warning: 90% of users stay on beyond 30 days.

Barron’s rates iSPYETF a “trader with a good track record,” and Investor’s Business Daily writes “Simon says and the market is playing along.”

Are Stocks Breaking Out?

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on January 26, 2022. If you’d like to sign up for the free e-newsletter, you may do so here (we will never share your e-mail with anyone, just as we don’t accept advertising).

Stock market bears are getting squeezed again this week as the S&P 500 grinds higher. And, for the first time in a year, the S&P closed above the descending trend line. The color of that trend line is now green, because it’s support. As long as this support holds, price can continue higher.

This week’s push above last week’s high eliminated the most bearish of Elliott Wave patterns (a nested wave 3 decline proclaimed by a number of Elliotticians). The red lines show other highs. Every time one of those highs is eclipsed, bears’ hopes sink.

Perhaps more important is the dashed purple line. It’s an open chart gap left by the 9/13/22 drop. Ever since then I’ve been talking about that chart gap being closed (most recently here: 2023 S&P 500 Forecast).

Unlike the S&P, the recent IWM peaks are all clustered in the 189.50 neighborhood. IWM needs to break above this zone – confirmed by RSI-35 – to allow the S&P to move higher as well. Without IWMs support, risk of a pullback remains present.

I stated in the December 28 Profit Radar Report that: “TSLA has been in crash mode, with the December meltdown likely being part of a wave 3. The long-term chart shows there’s no significant support near current price. Perhaps a temporary bounce and eventual drop to 100 +/- could set up a more sustainable bounce.”

Shortly thereafter, TSLA fell as low as 101.81 and is up over 50% since. While this bounce could be only a wave 4, it’s likely a larger degree bounce with higher targets (as long as price stays above the green support line).

2023 S&P 500 Forecast

This is the time of year where I’m working on the full year S&P 500 Forecast. This forecast includes the most pertinent facts and indicators and an actual price projection based on those indicators.

The proof is in the pudding and the chart below plots my 2022 S&P 500 projection (yellow line) against the actual price action (you can see the original projection at the bottom of this page).

The full S&P 500 Forecast is available here for your review.

Below are some of the warning signs mentioned in the 2022 S&P 500 Forecast BEFORE the stock market fell into a pothole:

– “The bearish divergence (NY Composite a/d lines) reappeared again at the January 2022 S&P 500 highs. This internal market deterioration is a concern and a warning sign.”

– “The 6-month average of Titanic signals exceeded 25. It’s been a good bear market indicator. Although the majority of breadth studies are positive, this is one that should not be ignored.”

– “We’ll focus on the commonality of all 3 (Elliott Wave Theory) scenarios: Up side is limited and down side risk is increasing.”

– “Trend line resistance is around 4,915. We do not expect the S&P to break above this trend line in 2022.”

– “Short-term, the January 10, 2022 low at 4,582 is important. Failure to hold above this level would be a warning signal with the potential for a quick drop into the 4,200 – 4,300 range. If the 4,200 – 4,300 support zone fails, a test of the 4,000 zone (as low as 3,700) is possible.”

– “2022 is the mid election year, which is the weakest of the 4-year presidential election year cycle. Historically (going back to 1950), the S&P 500 declines on average about 20% into the mid-term election year low.”

– “Since the Fed is planning to unwind and reduce purchases (and shrink its balance sheet) in 2022, the risk of a more serious correction this year is much greater than in 2021.”

To receive the 2023 S&P 500 Forecast and for continued updates and purely fact based research, sign up for the Profit Radar Report. 

The Profit Radar Report comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, but fair warning: 90% of users stay on beyond 30 days.

Barron’s rates iSPYETF a “trader with a good track record,” and Investor’s Business Daily writes “Simon says and the market is playing along.”tock

2021 S&P 500 Forecast, Bitcoin, Gold

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on January 21. If you’d like to sign up for the free e-newsletter, you may do so here (we will never share your e-mail with anyone, just as we don’t accept advertising).

Here’s your ‘broken record’ moment of the day: The tug-of-war between extreme sentiment and breadth continues as stocks grind higher (2 steps forward, 1 step back).

If you’re not yet familiar with this epic, never before seen tug-of-war, it was explained here on December 1 with the following conclusion:

“Normally the combination of historic investor optimism while stocks are pressing against long-term resistance is a recipe for disaster. But, as the above studies show, strong stock market internals are likely to over-power other risk factors.“

Our approach has been, and continues to be: Higher prices are likely as long as support holds.

But, extreme euphoria brings risk of a nasty pullback, so I’m also trying to discern where that risk potential might turn into reality.

The dashed trend channel center line could be a ‘pressure point’ for the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM).

The detailed 2021 S&P 500 Forecast includes an actual S&P 500 price projection for 2021 based on the following factors:

• Breadth & liquidity
• Technical analysis (support/resistance & Elliott Wave Theory)
• Investor sentiment
• Seasonality & cycles
• Valuations
• Risk/Reward Heat Map

The latest gold analysis is available here.

The January 6 Profit Radar Report included the Bitcoin chart below along with this warning:

“Bitcoin has gone parabolic, and Bitcoin futures jumped another 16.7% on Sunday afternoon. If Sunday’s pop holds, price will open above the blue trend channel on Monday, which will then act as support (around 33,000). The rally has taken the shape of a bowl (green line) and I don’t recall a ‘bowl-shaped’ rally that didn’t end badly. Based on Elliott Wave Theory, any upcoming pullback could be ‘only’ a wave 4 and not as strong as in 2018, but nevertheless, any remaining gains come with the risk of a quick 20-40% pullback.”

Bitcoin Futures are down some 30% and price is threatening to fall below the blue channel. While there is more down side risk, there’s a good chance Bitcoin will recover to new highs once this correction is over.

Continued updates and the new 2021 S&P 500 Forecast are available via the Profit Radar Report. 

The Profit Radar Report comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, but fair warning: 90% of users stay on beyond 30 days.

Barron’s rates iSPYETF a “trader with a good track record,” and Investor’s Business Daily writes “Simon says and the market is playing along.”S&P

Russell 2000 stuck between breadth thrust and death cross

Hitching a portfolio to small cap stocks has been a sure ticket for a rollercoaster ride.

We won’t even talk about the last two years of high volatility without any net progress. Just over the past month, the Russell 2000 went from a bullish breadth thrust to a ‘death cross.’

Will the death cross over-power the breadth thrust or vice versa?

Breadth thrust

What was the breadth thrust? From September 9 – 11, the Russell 2000 rallied more than 1% on three consecutive days. When coming from a 6-month low, that has happened only five other times over the past decade (see blue bars).

As the blue bars show, the Russell 2000 rallied strongly almost immediately every time. Despite the signal’s solid track record, the September 11 Profit Radar Report noted the over-bought condition against resistance (red line) and warned that: “The setup is not ideal for a buy signal.”

Barron’s rates iSPYETF as “trader with a good track record” and Investor’s Business Daily says: “When Simon says, the market listens.” Find out why Barron’s and IBD endorse Simon Maierhofer’s Profit Radar Report.

Death cross

Only 16 days after the breadth thrust, the Russell 2000 and corresponding iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IMW) suffered a death cross.

The red bars highlight every death cross over the past ten years. Although I’m not a fan of the fear-mongering death cross label, 1-2 months after each death cross the Russell 2000 traded lower every time. The last two death crosses (11/13/2018 and 9/2/2015) were particularly unkind.

Trouble shooting

Why did the breadth thrust fail?

Because the Russell 2000 could not make it above resistance. In fact, not only the Russell 2000 ran into resistance, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Transportation Average did too.

I published this triple index resistance chart in the September 15, Profit Radar Report and warned that:

“The S&P 500, Russell 2000 and Dow Jones Transportation Average are at an inflection point. While the S&P 500 remains below purple trend line resistance, we allow seasonality and cycles to pull stocks back down.”

Conclusion

The two diametrically opposed Russell 2000 signals discussed above illustrate a much larger conflict. Over a month ago (September 1, Profit Radar Report) I found a lot of conflict among indicators.

Some breadth measures were strong, some weak, short-term cycles were up, but longer-term cycles down, etc.). Usually when that happens, the market stays range bound.

I personally would like to see lower prices, and the Russell 2000 death cross supports that conclusion. However, there are a number of sentiment readings that may limit down side in terms of size of length.

Continued updates, projections, buy/sell recommendations are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s evaluation of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, 24.52% in 2015, 52.26% in 2016, and 23.39% in 2017.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF e-Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

5 ‘Keep it Simple’ Stock Charts and 1 Bearish Constellation

The rally from the June 3 low has created many bullish price and breadth patterns and studies (5 of them are discussed here). The market has followed through on them thus far.

However, the short-term Elliott Wave structure does not look bullish, and the long-term projection published in the June 2 Profit Radar Report (shown here) points to a serious speed bump.

In short, there is a measure of conflict between indicators. When that happens, I like to go back to the basics and keep it simple.

Resistance

The DJIA shows probably the most important resistance range to watch: around 27,300.

Support

The S&P 500 shows some important support levels to watch: around 2,910 and 2,875.

Short-term Trend Channel

The June 23 Profit Radar Report used this chart to simplify the short-term: “A break below channel support would unlock a pullback. The wave labels show the most bearish EWT-based option. It’s not ideal, but it seems more likely than other options.”

Barron’s rates iSPYETF as “trader with a good track record” and Investor’s Business Daily says: “When Simon says, the market listens.” Find out why Barron’s and IBD endorse Simon Maierhofer’s Profit Radar Report.

Trend channel support failed the next day and unlocked the biggest pullback of June. It is possible to count the decline from June 21 as 5 waves, which cautions that the trend may have changed from up to down.

Leader Fatigue

The rally from the June low has been led by defensive sectors like consumer staples. Contrary to popular belief, such (defensive-led) rallies are statistically not doomed to fail.

However, the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) carved out a pattern with a lot of bearish potential. I recommended to go short at 59.07 on June 13. The stop-loss is now set at breakeven, which allows us to ‘play with house money.’

Overlap

Small cap stocks represented by the Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) are lagging. In fact, IWM fell below the June 5 high. If one wanted to count the June rally as 5 waves, June 5 would be wave 1, but yesterday price dropped below the June 5 high. This creates a bearish (wave 4 / wave 1) overlap (blue arrow) that’s not allowed and voids a short-term bullish Elliott Wave count.

Bearish Constellation

Not only small caps are lagging. The transportation and banking sector are too (see chart below).

Only two other times (July 1990 and July 1998) has there been such a big divergence between the S&P 500 and small caps, transportation, and banking. This is a small sample size, but it led to a rocky and negative performance over the next quarter.

Conclusion

Even during times where there is conflict among indicators, going back to the basics provides some general guidance.

It will take a sustained move above resistance to unlock higher targets, and a break below support to unlock lower targets.

Another big but temporary drop would certainly clear up the structure and provide a lot more certainty, but we’ll let the above levels indicate whether it will happen.

Continued updates are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s evaluation of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, 24.52% in 2015, 52.26% in 2016, and 23.39% in 2017.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF e-Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

Russell 2000 Delivers New All-time High with Bearish Divergence

The Russell 2000 has been on a tear. On November 28, the R2K ended a 15-day winning streak when it touched red trend line resistance at 1,349 mentioned by the Profit Radar Report.

This pullback was to be temporary. The November 30 Profit Radar Report stated that: “The R2k is nearing an oversold condition and strong support at 1,309 – 1,296,” and recommended to buy R2k at 1,305. The corresponding level for the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) was 129.90.

Now the R2K is back at trend line resistance, but this time it carved out a bearish RSI divergence. There was no such divergence on November 25, which strongly suggested new all-time highs.

Bearish RSI Divergence, a Red Flag?

Under normal conditions, this bearish RSI divergence would be a serious red flag. However, the November 13 Profit Radar Report included the following observation:

“The DJIA and Russell 2000 ended the week overbought, which normally will cause a pullback. However, if the S&P is truly in a wave 3 advance, stocks will continue to plow higher without much letup.”

The Russell 2000 has plowed higher ever since. The unique condition that allows for continuous gains despite on overbought condition is discussed here: S&P 500 Update – Expect the Abnormal?

Here is another statistic in favor of higher prices: Since 1979, there’ve been 12 other times when the R2K rallied at least 12 days in a row. A month later, the R2K was higher 10 times. 3 month later, the R2k was higher 7 times. 6 months later the R2k was higher 10 times.

The chart above provides long-term context for the R2K. The red trend line going back to 2011 is obvious resistance. If (and as long as) the R2K is able to sustain a break above this line, it may just continue higher.

Until it does, some caution is warranted.

Continuous updates for the Russell 2000, S&P 500 and other asset classes are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

 

S&P 500 and Nasdaq Reveal Priceless Clues

For the past couple of months we’ve stuck to our short-term bearish and mid-term bullish outlook (the mid-term bullishness may morph into long-term bullishness).

This means, we’ve been buying dips, but refusing to chase trade to the up side.

We got the first buyable dip on September 9. Between September 9 -13 we bought the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), and VelocityShares Short-term VIX ETN (XIV).

1^st Tell Tale Sign

However, the September 20 Profit Radar Report warned that: “In February and June stocks produced a breadth thrust from their low. Thus far however, the S&P 500 hasn’t shown any convincing follow through to the up side. The odds of soaring without a prior test or break of the lows have diminished. We are taking some chips off the table.”

Barron’s rates iSPYETF as “trader with a good track record” and Investor’s Bussines Daily says “When Simon says, the market listens.” Find out why Barron’s and IBD endorse Simon Maierhofer’s Profit Radar Report.

Over the next few days, we sold IWM and XIV for gains of 2.33% – 14.46%. We continued to hold SPY in case stocks move higher, but closed that position at breakeven on October 4.

The chart below, initially published in the September 11 Profit Radar Report, shows the potential down side targets based on Fibonacci retracement levels.

Ultimately, the scope of this correction depends on whether stocks will retrace the gains since the February low (S&P: 1810) or June low (S&P: 1,992).

We believe the retracement will be more on the shallow side, that’s why we bought the first buyable dip in September.

2^nd Tell Tale Sign

The October 2 Profit Radar Report highlighted a concerning Nasdaq constellation: “The Nasdaq-100 and QQQ ETF are near trend channel resistance, and perhaps more importantly, near Fibonacci resistance and the 2000 all-time high (RSI and Nasdaq stocks above their 50-day SMA did not confirm this high). We expect new all-time highs later this year, but if QQQ is going to take a breather, it could be around 120+/-.”

Yesterday (Monday), QQQ matched the September 22 all-time closing high at 119.48, but RSI deteriorated even further, a bearish omen.

3^rd Tell Tale Sign

Although the S&P 500 was stuck in a triangle with lower highs and higher lows, internal strength was wilting (the McClellan Oscillator and Summation Index made lower lows – see bottom graphs). The chart below was published in the October 9 Profit Radar Report.

Summary

It seems like stocks want to correct further before moving higher. This correction could stop in the 2,120 – 2,100 zone, but it could also go quite a bit lower.

We will be looking to buy the dip, because a number of indicators suggest a strong rally following this correction.

When we buy, depends on the structure of the decline, bearish sentiment extremes, and whether we see bullish divergences. The Profit Radar Report already identified a beaten down low-risk value ETF and an aggressive high octane ETN with a built in safety cushion to take advantage of the year-end rally.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

 

The Best Place for Tell Tale Signs: Small Caps?

The S&P 500 inched up a pitiful 0.03% last week. The Russell 2000 rallied 2.33%.

But that’s not the only reason small cap stocks are worth a second look right now.

As the weekly bar chart below shows, the Russell 2000 (NYSEArca: IWM) is bumping against significant double resistance.

The November 29 Profit Radar Report stated that: “Last week’s push higher happened during a holiday week on low volume, and therefore needs confirmation. RSI just barely failed to issue a bullish confirmation.

Small caps enter a bullish 1-month window (of relative outperformance compared to large caps) in mid-December. However, prior to catching this bullish seasonal tailwind, small caps will likely have to digest recent gains.”

This digestive period is now underway. Regardless of the immediate down side risk (which should be limited), the Russell 2000 sports the most pronounced overhead resistance.

A strong move above resistance may be the best tell tale sign of further gains. The Profit Radar Report will monitor the strength of any breakout to assess its longevity.

Simon Maierhofer is the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013 and 17.59% in 2014.

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Is the Russell 2000 Forming a Bearish Wedge?

The Russell 2000 sports an interesting chart.

Here is what Wednesday’s (April 15) Profit Radar Report observed:

“The Russell 2000 rallied to a new all-time high today. The chart shows a wedge, which is generally considered a bearish formation. RSI did not confirm today’s high and MACD is barely positive (blue bubble). The 2-day RSI is short-term overbought at 96. The Russell 2000 also touched the upper Bollinger Band today.

History suggests a pullback, sooner or later. Aggressive investors may short the S&P 500 (NYSEArca: SPY) or Russell 2000 (NYSEArca: IWM) against today’s high.”

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Well, the Russell 2000 pullback happened sooner rather than later.

However, the Russell 2000 is still within the rising wedge formation (and above wedge support). There are two ways to draw wedge support (solid and dashed green line).

Notice also the open chart gap created by today’s massive gap down. Such chart gaps have a tendency to be closed – sooner or later.

In summary, while today’s drop comes at the right time to start the initial validation process of the bearish rising wedge, the Russell 2000 still needs a break below support (on increased volume) to unlock the potential for much lower targets.

Simon Maierhofer is the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013 and 17.59% in 2014.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

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