Commentary:
The major indices showed split results on Friday, as the higher beta indices rallied, while large caps lagged slightly. Regardless, trading on the day was unimpressive and volume dropped significantly. Further, the major indices remained in a narrow trading range during the session. The Nasdaq, S&P MidCap 400 and the small-cap Russell 2000; all rallied to close in the positive by 0.8% on Friday. The S&P 500 managed to eke out a 0.2% gain, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.1% Sector performance was mixed on the day, and traded similar to the major indices. The Energy sector led the winners by posting a 0.7% gain. The Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples Sectors gained 0.6% and 0.4% respectively, while the Technology sector was up by 0.3%. Financials, Healthcare and Industrials were flat on the day, while the Materials Sector shed 0.7%. The recent consolidation suggests the market is “taking a rest”, before resuming the uptrend. Nonetheless, we are keeping an open eye for clues of a market reversal.
Total volume on the day was markedly down. On the NYSE, volume plummeted 26.0% day over day. Nasdaq volume was equally anemic, as it dropped 22.0% on Friday. Advancing volume outpaced declining volume on the NYSE by an insignificant 1.4 to 1. On the Nasdaq, the advancing volume to declining volume ratio was 3 to 1. As with total volume, advancing to declining volume was unimpressive. Friday’s internals clearly suggest a lack of participation by institutional players.
It is often useful to look at longer timeframes to analyze the broad market. Viewing things from a distance can help bring clarity when short term signals conflict, or if there are signs that the market may be reaching a point of exhaustion. Below, are monthly charts over a six year timeframe for the DJIA, S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. Notice that the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 are testing critical resistance levels, while the Nasdaq is well above its key moving averages. Clearly, there has been a lack of leadership by large cap stocks during the current uptrend. Further, it is not uncommon for trends to reverse, when there is a lack of participation by all components of the broader market. At the least, an analysis of a longer timeframe helps clarify, “the forest for the trees”.
The Market Vectors Russia Trust (RSX) is poised for another breakout. After testing its 20-day exponential moving average on October 19th and 20th, this ETF rallied to the high end of the recent trading range on strong volume. A break above the two day high will trigger a buy signal for RSX. We are officially placing RSX on the Watchlist. Trade details can be found below.
The ETF Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X (SOXL), rallied over 5.0% on Friday. Further, it rallied on strong volume, on a day where broad market turnover dropped dramatically. SOXL has been consolidating along its 20-day exponential moving average since late September. A breakout above $33.50 on strong volume would make SOXL a potential buy entry. However, as with all leveraged ETFs, we caution that our holding period is generally shorter, due to the effects of daily “resets”.
Today’s Watchlist:
RSX
Long
Shares =300
Trigger = 34.70 (just above two-day high)
Stop = 33.07 (approx. 1 point below the 20-day EMA)
Target = 36.90 (test of April 14, 2010 high
Dividend Date =
Notes = see commentary above
Daily Performance Report:
Below is an overview of all open positions, as well as a performance report on all positions that were closed only since the previous day’s newsletter. Net P/L figures are based on the $50,000 Wagner Daily model account size. Changes to open positions since the previous report are listed in red text below. Please review the Wagner Daily Subscriber Guide for important, automatic rules on trigger and stop prices
No changes in open positions at this time.- Reminder to subscribers – Intraday Trade Alerts to your e-mail and/or mobile phone are normally only sent to indicate a CHANGE to the pre-market plan that is detailed in each morning’s Wagner Daily. We sometimes send a courtesy alert just to confirm action that was already detailed in the pre-market newsletter, but this is not always the case. If no alert is received to the contrary, one should always assume we’re honoring all stops and trigger prices listed in each morning’s Wagner Daily. But whenever CHANGES to the pre-market stops or trigger prices are necessary, alerts are sent on an AS-NEEDED basis. Just a reminder of the purpose of Intraday Trade Alerts.
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Notes:
Edited by Deron Wagner,
MTG Founder and
Head Trader