Little Known ‘Indicator’ Trumps Banking Crisis, War, Debt Ceiling, etc.

Subscribers to iSPYETF’s free e-mail newsletter receive a market outlook, usually once a week. The market outlook below was sent out on May 11, 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).

Wow, it’s already been a month since my last free Market Outlook e-mail. So, what’s new?

Not much. The market is stuck in a range, which is what we expected as per the 2023 S&P 500 Forecast.

I feel kind of bad for not posting more free updates, but unlike most online outlets that need eyeballs to drive their marketing revenue, I don’t just post (or send) catchy stuff for the sake of getting readers’ attention. My job is to inform, not to unnecessarily rile up. That’s also why iSPYETF is an ad-free zone.

Think about it, how much time have you spent (and wasted?) the last few months reading market analysis and getting your portfolio ready for the ‘next big move’?

You didn’t waste that time on iSPYETF. When there’s no change to my outlook, I don’t want to divert your attention from more important or more fun stuff to do (of course subscribers still get updates twice a week, but there hasn’t been much new to say either).

The March 3 Market Outlook (What Nobody Wants to Say) reiterated the odds of more sideways churning. Within that churning-mania, the April 2 Profit Radar Report forecast is still playing out:

“It is possible that stocks will suffer a smaller pullback starting next week, recover and grind towards 4,200 – 4,300.”

The grind to 4,200 – 4,300 is just that: A grind. Here is why 4,200 – 4,300 is a must watch zone:

– Since 2009, the S&P has closed every single down side chart gap. As mentioned in prior Profit Radar Reports (i.e. August 24, 2022: “Regardless of how much lower the S&P goes immediately, we can almost be certain that the open gap at 4,218.70 will be closed.”) we assume that at minimum the chart gap at 4,218.70 (dashed purple line) will be closed before a potentially persistent leg lower. This little-know ‘indicator’ has been more helpful in navigating the market than any other news development.

– The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement is at 4,311.29. Wave 2 counter trend rallies (bear market rallies) commonly relapse around the 61.8% level.

– There is natural resistance around the August 2022 high at 4,325.28.

The weight of evidence does not favor a major reversal (from up to down) in the 4,218.70 – 4,325.28 zone, but it remains nonetheless an inflection zone that comes with risk of a reversal. In other words, if a reversal is going to occur, it would likely be in that zone.

What About?

But what about narrow leadership? That’s been a concern for weeks. At the end of April, the entire YTD S&P 500 gain came from 8 mega cap companies. This isn’t the most healthy environment, but it’s also not consistently bearish.

One way to provide context of mega cap outperformance is to compare the cap weighted Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ) to the equal weighted Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQE, data goes back to 2012). 

The chart below plots QQQ against the QQQ/QQQE ratio. The ratio soared in 2023 (= mega cap strength). As the dashed lines show, ratio highs coincided with stock market highs in 2020 and 2021, but not every time.

It’s easy to pinpoint a ratio high in hind sight, but we don’t have that luxury in real time and we don’t know if we are at a ratio high or not. While it would be better to see broad market participation, mega cap strength does not have to be an immediate negative for stocks.

But what about the debt ceiling? Invoking the 14th amendment (I don’t comment on the legal or ethical merits of political decisions, just the potential impact on markets) could further deteriorate investors’ faith in the US government and intensify the move from public assets (I.e. government bonds) into private assets (i.e. stocks).

This mega trend continues to be one big reason why I’ve not turned outright bearish, even in 2022.

Short-term, nothing is obviously happening while the S&P 500 remains within the blue zone. Even when it finally breaks out (yes, at some point it will), I doubt that the direction of the break will be the next dominant direction.

Gold and Silver have been on the verge of a breakout, but as long as the below shown resistance levels remain in place, the breakout is on hold. Notice that silver also dropped back to support today.

For continued updates, purely fact based research, and objective analysis, 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.”

Nasdaq & S&P 500 Update

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 3, 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).

The January 19 Profit Radar Report gave a down side target of 4,300, which was reached and slightly exceeded on January 24.

The decline into the January 24 low looks like a 3 wave affair. As mentioned in last week’s Free Market Outlook, I thought the decline would turn into 5 waves, but it hasn’t.

In fact, price overlapped the January 10 low (wave 1). In a standard 5-wave decline, wave 4 is not allowed to exceed wave 1 (an explanation of Elliott Wave Theory is available here).

There are other, more messy, patterns that allow for a continuous decline (such as the expanding diagonal outlined in purple below), but a 3-wave move into a low can also mean this leg of the correction is over.

The QQQ chart below, featured in the January 26 Profit Radar Report, highlighted support and the odds of a bounce. QQQ bounced as much as 10% from the low, but this doesn’t change the fact that QQQ dropped almost 17% over the prior month.

This sounds scary, but quick tumbles like that happened before.

Are they a sign of selling exhaustion or do they usually trigger bear markets?

To find out, I identified the time periods that most closely correlate to the Nasdaq-100 price pattern over the past 6 months (which includes the last leg up and subsequent selloff).

I limited the precedents to 10 and calculated the forward returns for the next 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (as usually).

A common theme emerged and the results were quite surprising. The entire study was published in the January 30, 2022 Profit Radar Report.

Continuous updates, the results of the Nasdaq study and out-of-the box technical and historical analysis is 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 500, Nasdaq, DJIA, Gold, Treasuries, TSLA Update

Even though every major index is marching to the beat of its own drum, it’s possible to see a common stock market theme. To help investors understand what’s going on, I’ve published below the entire February 28, Profit Radar Report update (which also includes analysis on gold, Treasuries and TSLA). Please notice how the summary section offers a cohesive forecast despite the market’s fragmented nature.

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

Profit Radar Report, February 28, 2021 (5:45pm PST)

Thursday and Friday delivered a whippy conclusion to the week. DJIA spent Thursday above trend line resistance but relapsed back below it Friday and painted a weekly reversal candle against the trend line. 

Nasdaq-100: Wednesday’s PRR showed the potential for a 5-wave decline (with wave 4 invalidation level). As the side-by-side comparison below shows, the Nasdaq-100 Futures did set a new low for a legitimate 5-wave decline. The Nasdaq-100 Cash Index however, did not.

The daily chart shows a break below trend line support. A backtest of the previously broken support (now resistance around 13,300) is quite common. A close back above the resistance cluster (blue oval) will pause any pullback and possibly rejuvenate this rally. 

S&P 500 Futures almost tagged the rising trend line from the March low (3,780) on Friday. The blue oval highlights a support cluster at 3,720 – 3,780. The decline from the high looks either like 3 waves (which suggests the pullback is already or nearly over) or a 1, 2 setup (which would point towards down side acceleration once this bounce is complete).

Summary: Every index is marching to the beat of its own drum, and there’s even discord between the same index’ cash and futures chart (Nasdaq). DJIA painted an ugly looking weekly reversal. Nasdaq Futures declined in 5 waves but Nasdaq-100 Cash only in 3 waves (Elliott Wave Theory explains the significance of 3 vs 5-wave moves). S&P 500 (cash and futures) looks like a 3-wave decline and the S&P 500 Futures decline paused at important trend line support. 

S&P 500 Futures support at 3,780 held and first-of-the-month liquidity inflows tend to buoy markets, so odds of a bounce to start the week are high. We would prefer for selling to resume after this bounce exhausts (ideally Monday or Tuesday), but a move above 31,600 for DJIA, 13,300 for Nasdaq-100 and 3,900 for S&P 500 could embolden buyers again and rejuvenate the rally.

Gold couldn’t make it above the 1,830 resistance cluster (blue circle, daily chart) last week and continued lower. 

The weekly chart shows strong support in the 1,700 area, which is where the 2020 melt up started. A dip into that zone, if it occurs, would likely spark a bounce. How strong of a bounce is to be seen.

Wednesday’s PRR mentioned that TLT is likely to bounce from the 134 – 140 zone. From Thursday’s low at 136.61, TLT bounced already 2% with futures action suggesting more follow through Monday morning. Initial resistance will be at 143.60 – 146, but the selloff was strong enough to cause an even stronger bounce.

TSLA: The January 10 PRR included the chart and commentary below: 

“The next chart shows the most likely Elliott Wave Theory labels. Wave 5 doesn’t have to be over yet, in fact a smaller wave 4 and 5 seems necessary to finish the bigger wave 5. Based on the log scale chart, there is resistance around 900. Will lightning strike twice and TSLA suffer two post-bowl collapses? My gut feeling says no, at least not initially, but perhaps after a brief violation of bowl support and subsequent rally continuation.”

The January 24 PRR followed up with this chart and commentary: 

“TSLA paused at 884 and started carving out another triangle, which could be a smaller wave 4 before the last spike into a quickly reversed all-time high (possible resistance in the high 900s, depending on timing).”

The updates TSLA chart shows a 31% drop from the January 25 high at 900.40, which was a bit lower then expected. Thus far, price has stayed above trend channel support. A break below 607 could lock in a 5-wave decline along with the corresponding implications (counter trend rally followed by eventual new lows), but as long as price stays above, TSLA can still recover.

Continuous 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

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

Confession: I didn’t See this Coming. Why?

From the March 2020 low, the S&P 500 rallied 63.70% in less than 6 months. This rally dwarfed my already bullish chart projection and outlook shared in the March 26 Profit Radar Report: “We anticipate a recovery towards 3,000 (for the S&P 500) over the next couple months and quite possibly new all-time highs in 2020.”

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

Although the March 26 Profit Radar Report outlined that new all-time highs were quite possible even in 2020, I expected a deeper pullback before actually reaching those all-time highs. Aside from a hitting a small speed bump in June, stocks never delivered such a pullback.

Throughout this rally, the S&P never dropped below key support, so reluctantly I had to allow for momentum to drive stocks higher even though stocks were over-bought and over-loved.

Fold or Stick to Your Guns?

Quite frankly, it was painful watching the market grind higher throughout August, and as an analyst I had to make a choice between:

1. Throwing all caution to the wind and buy (because it’s been working) or
2. Remaining true to historical facts and patterns.

What were the facts?

In early August, the S&P 500 came within striking distance of its February 2020 all-time high. The August 8 Profit Radar Report analyzed how the S&P 500 performed after it dropped 30% or more and subsequently rallied within 2% of an all-time high.

That forward performance was illustrated via the chart below. Forward performance was decent, but almost every time, the S&P 500 gave back all gains accrued.

This was not the only study suggesting that any accrued gains will eventually be erased. The chart below, which plots the Nasdaq-100 against its distance from the 200-day SMA (also published in the August 9 Profit Radar Report) projected one of two possible outcomes:

1. The Nasdaq-100 will either correct fairly quickly or
2. The Nasdaq-100 will continue grinding higher but eventually give back accrued gains (horizontal red lines)

Throughout August, stocks continued higher and risk of a pullback increased. The August 23 Profit Radar Report showed that there were 6 days where the S&P closed higher, but more stocks declined than advanced. The dashed purple arrow showed the most likely price trajectory. 

The August 30 Profit Radar Report showed that the Nadsaq-100 almost tagged long-term trend channel resistance and warned that: “S&P 500 Futures are in nosebleed territory.” For the first time since the start of this rally I actually suggested shorting stocks as a speculative trade for aggressive investors.

The September decline has erased all the August gains, which was the minimum expected down side. As the weekly S&P 500 chart shows, price is below double resistance, but above support. While below resistance, we need to allow for further down side, but a break below support is needed to get lower targets.

The question I keep asking myself is: How can I avoid underestimating a stock market move?

Lessons Learned

I will let you know when I’ve found a solution. For now, here are two lessons I’ve learned:

We are living in an age of extremes, and sometimes stocks just defy the odds

1. Don’t become emotional with everyone else.
2. One of my fellow market analyst wrote on September 2 that there is no sign of a top. Over the next 3 days the Nasdaq-100 lost some 10%. Investing peer pressure is powerful and as it becomes more intense it becomes more dangerous.

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.

How to Predict a Market Crash

Although I warned of an environment where the risk of a meltdown is high (wave 3 down, based on Elliott Wave Theory), I can’t claim credit for predicting the December crash.

Because of my multi-indicator approach to market forecasting, and profound concern for my subscriber’s portfolio’s, I rarely ever make absolute one-directional predictions based on only one indicator.

Absolute Predictions

There are plenty of absolute and unequivocal predictions out there. Such ‘hit or miss’ or ‘all or nothing’ bets are great when they work out (and like gambling, sometimes they do), but cause excruciating pain when they don’t.

Below are a few examples of recent all or nothing predictions:

December 6: “The last great buying opportunity of the decade is here!”

December 10: “Keep cool! S&P 500 & Nasdaq holding above lows. Signal is bullish!”

December 19: “ All structural criteria is in place to create a POWERFUL 1-2 week rally”

My favorite: May 14, 2018 (and virtually every day since 2011): “I think it likely that the rally is ending today” (red arrows added to show implications of wave 2 top, and subsequent wave 3 decline)

I found in my research that the only folks who ‘predicted’ the December meltdown, are those we’ve been spewing doom and gloom for years (even a broken clock is right twice a day).

My Promise

My intent is not to discredit the above services, but to highlight the flaws of tunnel vision research. That is, research based on only one indicator or one methodology.

Before publishing the Profit Radar Report (many, many years ago), I lost a lot of money by trusting one single indicator (which at the time had a good track record). Back then, I took off my ‘research blinders,’ and vowed to expand my research horizon.

Better Diversification

Diversification is a popular term in the investment world, and it’s almost exclusively linked to asset allocation. But what about research diversification?

Just as a diversified portfolio smoothes out individual boom and bust cycles, research diversifcation eliminates the ‘hit or miss’ performance tied to any one single indicator.

Multi-indicator Approach

My goal is to distill and compress the message of various indicators (such as: investor sentiment, money flow, breadth, technical analysis, price patterns, seasonality, etc.) into the most likely path going forward, the direction suggested by the weight of evidence.

For example, on October 28, when the S&P 500 first fell into the 2,600s, I published the weight-of-evidence-based projection (yellow lines) along with the below commentary via the Profit Radar Report:

“The biggest potential ‘fat pitch’ trades are to go short above 2,830 (red box) or buy at the second low (green box).”

The yellow lines projected a move from 2,600 to ~2,850, followed by a drop to ~2,400.

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.

Crash Environment Alert

Starting on December 9, I warned subscribers that a wave 3 crash is a possibility. For example, the December 9 Profit Radar Report stated that:

“Based on Elliott Wave Theory, the S&P 500 could be 1) nearing the exhaustion point of this down leg, or 2) be in a strong and sustained wave 3 lower. Scenario #2 seems more likely.”

The December 17 Profit Radar Report reiterated the following:

“Based on Elliott Wave Theory, both options discussed on December 9:

1) Washout decline with target of 2,550 – 2,500 (or 2,478 as per Sunday’s PRR)

2) Accelerating wave 3 lower (which could erase another 10% fairly quickly)
are still alive.”

In case you are new to Ellliott Wave Theory (one of the many indicators of the multi-indicator approach), here is a description of a wave 3:

Wave 3 is the longest and most powerful of all Elliott Waves. Wave 3 continues to move higher (or lower) despite overbought (or oversold) momentum and sentiment readings. A common target for wave 3 is a Fibonacci 1.618 of wave 1 (which currently is 2,269 for the S&P 500).

Pros and Cons

One ‘drawback’ of the multi-indicator approach is that you will rarely hear a flashy ‘all or nothing’ call.

The benefit is that you will rarely be on the losing end of such a call. The multi-indicator approach does however, outline when the risk of a crash or the potential of a spike is elevated.

And perhaps most importantly, there are times when nearly all indicators point in the same direction to form a potent and very reliable buy/sell signal (such as in March 2009, October 2011, February 2016).

Based on what I’m seeing right now, it seems like we are nearing such a signal.

The latest S&P 500 forecast is available here: Short-term S&P 500 Update

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.

US Stocks: 5 Intriguing Charts, 1 Conclusion

Here is a look at the 5 (in my humble opinion) most intriguing and important charts right now. As you will notice, not all charts point in the same direction. Nevertheless, I will conclude with a weight of evidence-based conclusion.

1) S&P 500 Tug of War

The July 15 Profit Radar Report introduced subscribers to a massively bullish S&P 500 chart pattern with an up side target of 3,000+.

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.

The chart insert shows price since July 15. Thus far, triangle support has held, the pattern has not been invalidated, but also not confirmed.

Short-term, as brought out by the August 8 Profit Radar Report, sellers have a window of opportunity due to triple resistance around 2,860.

2) Nasdaq Resistance

The Nasdaq-100 QQQ is up against double resistance comprised of the red trend line and a Fibonacci projection level going back to its 2002 low. As long as resistance holds, bears have a window of opportunity to take QQQ lower.

3) Bear’s Best Friend

All major indexes (S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Russell 2000) have been dancing to the beat of their own drum.

For a broader assessment of US stock’s health, some look at the NY Composite (NYC), which includes some 2000 stocks.

The NYC thus far only retraced 61.8% of the decline from the January high. 61.8 is a Fibonacci number, in fact, it is the ideal retracement of a counter trend rally, a dead cat bounce. That’s what makes the NYC “bear’s best friend” right now.

A look under the hood however, reveals two important facts:

• More stocks have been advancing than declining (blue graph)
• The ratio of advancing stocks has slowed significantly (gray graph)

Based on the NYC advance/decline line and ratio, the most likely outcome is short-term weakness followed by longer-term strength.

4) VIX

The August 1 Profit Radar Report published the chart below, which plots the VIX against hedgers’ (smart money) exposure and seasonality. Based on those factors, a spike to 17 (red trend line) seemed likely.

This week, the VIX spiked from 10.17 to 15.02, a 47% move. Higher readings are still possible.

5) Doom-and-Gloom Hurray

Investors loved doom-and-gloom stories a couple weeks ago. I took a screenshot of most popular MarketWatch articles on July 31. The top two were:

• Prepare for the biggest stock-market selloff in months, Morgan Stanley warns
• This ‘prophet of doom’ predicts stock market will plunge more than 50%

Admittedly that’s anecdotal evidence, but heavily bearish investors tend to get burnt first. The early August rally did just that.

Conclusion

If you want to be bullish, there’s plenty of data to support your view.

If you want to be bearish, there’s plenty of data to support your view, too.

Looking at the data objectively, my conclusion (based on the weight of evidence) is that short-term weakness will provide at least one more buying opportunity.

Weakness may not materialize if the S&P 500, Nasdaq, NY Composite move above their respective resistance levels.

Support levels, up side targets and continuous updates are available in the Profit Radar Report.

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.

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, 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 Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

Are Stocks Quietly Deteriorating or Revving up for More Gains?

Every major market index has been marching to the beat of their own drum.

The Nasdaq-100 just slid to the lowest level since May 18, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) set a new all-time (intraday) high just on Monday. The S&P 500 is about a percent below its all-time high.

Some reason that there’s no longer enough liquidity to buoy the whole market.

This begs the question, if all this range bound churning is a sign of internal deterioration (and the ‘inevitable’ drop) or if stocks are just taking a breather and revving up for the next spurt higher?

KISS – Bottom Line

The May 29, 2017 Profit Radar Report already observed this: “There are times when indicators line up and we discuss (high) probabilities, and there are times when indicators conflict, and we are forced to discuss possibilities. Unfortunately the later is the case right now.

Each of the major indexes is tracing out a different EWT pattern, breadth measures, seasonality and investor sentiment do not offer a clear message. Therefore we are reduced to dealing with possibilities.

The weight of evidence suggests that in the not so distant future stocks will run into some trouble. The up side target for the S&P 500 is 2,450 – 2,530. The S&P 500, Russell 2000, DJIA and Nasdaq-100 are all overbought, but above short-term support. As long as this support holds, more gains are likely.”

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.

Not Exciting, but Effective

Ever since we’ve been watching support (which has been at 2,420 for the S&P 500) as stocks have gone nowhere. It should be noted that the 2,420 support level is becoming too obvious and therefore less important. The June 25 Profit Radar Report stated that: “A move below 2,420 (especially 2,400) would increase the odds that a multi-week/month top is in.”

Watching support (and resistance) is not the most exciting approach to market forecasting, but there are times where it’s best to realize there are no clear signals (such as in May), and simply wait for the market to offer the next actionable clue.

This approach protects against overtrading or the anxiety associated with a non-performing (or worse, losing) trade. In short, it provides a measure of peace of mind, a rare commodity in this market.

Summary

Mid-and long-term, our comprehensive S&P 500 forecast remains on track.

Short-term, we are waiting if the S&P pushes deeper into the 2,450 – 2,530 target zone, or if the June 19 high at 2,454 was the beginning of a more protracted (but temporary correction).

Whichever direction the market breaks, it will eventually be reversed. Ideally, we are looking to sell the rips (above 2,454 if we get it) and buy the eventual dip (although this dip may last longer than many expect).

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 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.

Party Over for Nasdaq QQQ, AAPL, AMZN?

Tech stocks have been on fire before hitting an ‘air pocket’ last week. Is the current dip the end of the tech party or a buying opportunity?

After pointing out Fibonacci resistance (for QQQ) at 143.75, the May 31 Profit Radar Report noted that: “The Nasdaq-100 painted a bearish reversal candle today. Every red candle high (since October 2013) saw lower prices at some point over the next 1-2 weeks.”

Seven days after the May 31 bearish reversal candle, the Nasdaq suffered a monster reversal candle. Volume (for QQQ) soared to a 2017 record. The June 9 ‘red stick’ erased 10 days of gains.

On that day, more than one third of the 100 QQQ ETF components suffered a buying climax (where a stock rallies to a new 52-week high, but ends down for the week). Buying climaxes are generally a sign of distribution and indicate that stocks are moving from strong to weak hands.

Similar buying climaxes in 2010, 2014, and 2015 led to noteworthy pullbacks.

The problem with extreme ‘air pocket’ days (like June 9) is that they almost instantly create an oversold condition, and the propensity for a bounce.

Next support for QQQ is at 137.20 – 135.70. Resistance is around 141. Support may cause another bounce, but risk of further losses remains elevated as long as QQQ is below 141.

AAPL

Due to its humungous market cap, AAPL is Wall Streets’ VIP and MVP stock. More often than not, if AAPL sneezes, the S&P 500, Nasdaq and at times DJIA will catch a cold.

Based on the long-term black trend channel(s), we determined that up side for AAPL (and indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq) was limited after hitting 155 in May.

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Support worth watching is around 140 and 135.

AMZN

The May 29 Profit Radar Report stated: “AMZN almost cracked the 1,000 mark, which more than anything is a psychological ‘resistance’ level. Cycles project a severe drop for AMZN. Last time this happened (late 2015), AMZN reacted late, but ultimately dropped around 30%. Although more gains are possible, late buyers will probably end up regretting their decision.”

Since May 29, AMZN gained as much as 2%, but subsequently dropped as much as 8.8%, before finding support around 925 (green line). 925 and support near the black trend channel deserve to be watched. It would take a move above 991 to unlock the potential for new highs.

Summary

Based on our research, we don’t expect to see a major market top at this time, but QQQ, AAPL and AMZN are likely to enter a period of consolidation and quite possible some ‘shake out’ moves designed to shake out weak hands.

The Profit Radar Report’s goal is to simplify investing decisions, avoid big losses and spot high probability, low-risk trades. The Profit Radar Report hasn’t suffered a losing trade since June 2015.

A comprehensive analysis for the S&P 500 is available here: Comprehensive S&P 500 Update

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.

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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.

 

Is Big Tech Underperformance Bearish for Stocks?

Large cap technology stocks – the notorious US stock market ‘alpha male’ – is trailing behind.

The chart below plots the Nasdaq-100 (represented by the QQQ ETF – right graph) against the S&P 500 and NYSE Composite.

QQQ has been stuck in neutral, while the S&P 500 and NYSE move ahead in second and third gear.

What does this mean for the stock market in general?

We’ve probably been conditioned to believe that large tech underperformance is bad for the broad market. And over the short-term (1-4 weeks), historical performance numbers support this conclusion.

Over the long-term (3-12 months) however, large tech underperformance is actually positive for the overall market. How come?

There are probably several plausible explanations, here is mine:

‘Bullish Ointment’

Since the very beginning of this rally, the Profit Radar Report pointed out the remarkable strength of the post February 11 meltup:

February 17 PRR: “The rally of last Thursday’s low at 1,810 has been very strong. Historically, this kind of ‘escape velocity’ can potentially carry stocks higher for months.”

February 21 PRR: “From February 12 – 17, the S&P 500 gained more than 1.5% a day for three days in a row. Since 1970, this has happened only eight other times. One year later, the S&P 500 traded higher every time, with an average gain of 19.16%.”

March 20, PRR: “Although the S&P 500 is still 3.16% below its November 3, 2015 intraday high at 2,116.48 (and 4% below its all-time high), the NY Composite a/d line already surpassed its November 3, 2015 high. While the S&P retraced only 78.6% of its prior losses, the NYC a/d line already retraced 117.83%. This data suggests that the rally from the February 11, 2016 low is stronger than the rallies from the September 2015 and October 2014 lows.”

A strong rally is like the proverbial tide that lifts all boats. Unlike other rallies in 2014 and 2015, which were more selective, this rally is actually ‘lifting all boats.’

The NYSE Composite Index consists of some 1,900 stocks (large, mid, small-cap stocks). The Nasdaq-100 of only 100 large cap tech stocks.

The fact that the NYSE Composite started to outperform the QQQs shows that liquidity is penetrating all corners of the market. That’s a good long-term sign.

Fly in the Ointment

However, there is a bearish fly in the bullish ointment. The second chart plots the S&P 500 against the percentage of S&P 500 and NYSE stocks above their 50-day SMA.

The percentage of NYSE stocks above their 50-day SMA has been stronger than the percentage of S&P 500 stocks, which confirms the strength of the broader, more diversified NYSE composite.

As of Wednesday’s close, the percentage of NYSE stocks failed to confirm the new S&P 500 (and NYSE Composite) recovery highs (short red line). The percentage of S&P 500 stocks above their 50-day SMA has been lagging since March 30 (longer red line).

All the strong breadth reading throughout this rally confirmed our February 11 buy signal.

Although we anticipated a temporary pullback, the April 3 Profit Radar Report stated that a break below 2,040 is needed as the first step towards confirming further weakness.

Staying above support, combined with the long-term bullish developments registered in recent weeks/months has buoyed the S&P 500 higher (the rally from the February low looks like a micro copy of the 2013 rally).

Unless the bearish divergences mentioned above are erased, the S&P 500 is nearing another inflection zone that may rebuff stocks for a little while.

Continued updates are available via the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s graded iSPYETF (and the Profit Radar Report) a “trader with a good track record.”

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.