🥇 First rule of investing? Know when to save! Up to 55% off InvestingPro before BLACK FRIDAYCLAIM SALE

S&P 500 to Take Another Shot at Record, Nasdaq Faces March Bull Trap This Week

Published 05/13/2024, 07:48 PM
US500
-
US2000
-
IWM
-
IXIC
-

We have seen this before - a rally of a few weeks tops off with a reversal candlestick, but the next day, the rally continues.

Things were perhaps a little more bearish for the Russell 2000 (IWM), than the S&P and Nasdaq. However, with all indices pressuring resistance of bearish flags - to the point these flags may no longer be considered bearish - it's still more likely we will see challenges of March highs before we see any retest of April lows.

For the Russell 2000 ($IWM), there was a 'bearish cloud cover' candlestick to finsh Friday's trading. The index is still above its 20-day (50-day and 200-day) MA, and is running along the top of its 'bear flag' in what could be viewed as a resumption of its rally. Volume has dropped across the flag pattern, as is typical, but if the next uptick in volume coincides with buying then it won't be long before the March 'bull trap' is challenged.IWM-Daily Chart

The S&P 500 closed Friday with yet another narrow-range-day doji, following on from a similar doji on Tuesday. Tuesday's doji didn't linger long in the memory, so precedent states Fridays should last there just as long. We are very close to new all-time highs, and with technicals net bullish but not overbought, there is a good chance we will see these highs tested this week.

SPX-Daily Chart

The Nasdaq has already started the process of challenging the March 'bull trap'. The past week has seen tight trading around the 16,300 level, and one good day will probably be enough to generate the new all-time high this index seems to be pushing towards. There was a 'sell' signal in On-Balance-Volume that needs to be watched, but this didn't come with any confirmed distribution on Friday.

Nasdaq Composite-Daily Chart

Heading into this week there is cause for optimism. At worst, we are likely looking at an extension into a summer trading range that at least keep things positive into the latter part of the year (and whatever nightmare the US election brings).

If things were to go really bad, I would find it hard to see losses below 2023 lows, so any discount should be viewed as an investment opportunity for member stocks in lead indices (or index ETFs).

Latest comments

Loading next article…
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.