Fifty-Day MAs Offer Little Support As Indices Seek Swing Lows

Monday's selling left no doubt as to who's in control of markets. The real disappointment was how little the 50-day MA played as support given how long ago it was last tested. Instead, we are left looking at alternative support levels for buyers to step in.

The S&P moved to a net bearish technical picture after months of been net bullish. It's unclear where support may come in so I have included Fibonacci retracements as a guide. Interestingly, today's narrow range day occurred at the 61.8% retracement line, so we may see some bounce (likely, not much) tomorrow. The 38.2% zone is also near a January peak (and successful support test in February), so if there is no bounce tomorrow, then the 38.2% zone is likely next.


Things are a little tighter for the Nasdaq. I have included Fibonacci retracements and the area that screams out the most is the proximity of the 38.2% retracement zone is to the December swing high peak. I suspect, this is where the current decline will find its buyers.


The Russell 2000 (IWM) has struggled ever since the 'bull trap'. Unlike the S&P and Nasdaq, it has long since said 'goodbye' to December swing high support. Successful 'bull traps' typically retrace all of the move back to the lows of the prior consolidation, and to add to this, the 200-day MA is sitting right on these lows, so this is where I'm looking for this decline to end. Technicals are net bearish and the index is underperforming relative to it peers.


The Russell 2000 (IWM) will likely be the first index to find its low and this will be good news for the broader market if it can lead a reversal. Small Caps typically lead market recoveries and I would be optimistic for something happening when the 200-day MA is tested.


More By This Author:

Apple Comes In From The Cold
Weekly Charts Of The S&P And Nasdaq Are Only Starting To Break Down
Nasdaq Accelerates Higher With Sharp Jump In Relative Performance

Disclaimer: Investors should not act on any information in this article without obtaining specific advice from their financial advisors and should not rely on information herein as the primary ...

more
How did you like this article? Let us know so we can better customize your reading experience.

Comments

Leave a comment to automatically be entered into our contest to win a free Echo Show.
Or Sign in with