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In focus: Support gives way

By Lawrence G. McMillan

Since early June, the stock market — as measured by the Standard & Poors 500 Index SPX had remained in a steady uptrend channel. On Tuesday, however, SPX not only broke down below the lower band of that bullish channel, but also violated previously strong support at 1,425-1,430. That was a bearish action, and it is also accompanied by sell signals from many other technical indicators.

The technical picture has changed

By Lawrence G. McMillan

A major support level has finally given way.  With $SPX falling below 1430, a lot of selling was unleashed into the market.  Rally attempts were made, but without much success.  As a result, the technical picture has changed, although it could still be considered neutral rather than bearish, at least to some impartial observers.  However, with the penetration of the 1430 level, not only was support broken, but so was the bullish trend line that extended back to the June lows.

Weekly Commentary 10/19/12

By Lawrence G. McMillan

A week ago, stocks seemed to be on the brink of breaking down. But the bulls regrouped, and $SPX rallied strongly off of that support base. Hence, the 1425-1430 area is now stronger support than ever.

Equity-only put-call ratios are the most bearish indicator of the lot.  They continue to rise rapidly, after having given sell signals last week.  Since they are still rising, they are still on those sell signals.

Market breadth indicators are hovering right on the edge of sell signals.

In focus: Stocks hold support

By Lawrence G. McMillan

The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (SPX) was under a reasonably large amount of pressure last week. By week’s end, it had declined to 1425 — a support level, right at the lower band of the bullish channel that has defined this rally that began in early June. 

Stock bulls have the upper hand — for now

By Lawrence G. McMillan

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (MarketWatch) — The stock market has generally been declining since September 14th — the day after the Fed announced the latest round of Quantitative Easing.

Not only was the market overbought at that time, but the Fed’s announcement was widely anticipated news.

The trend remains the most important indicator

By Lawrence G. McMillan

$SPX rallied strong yesterday, bouncing off the support at 1425-1430, and that support was/is bolstered by the rising trendline at the bottom of the trading channel that has defined this bull market since June.  The buying accelerated late in the day, and it seemed as if the bears were capitulating to some extent.   Overnight, S&P futures have been strong again – gaining another 7 points in Globex trading.

Some Interesting Observations: Long Term Stock Market Thoughts

By Lawrence G. McMillan

What is interesting to one person may not necessarily be interesting to another.  For example, I find it interesting that Joe Girardi finally had the guts to pinch-hit A-Rod, thus paving the way for Raul Ibanez to become an instant hero.  Others couldn’t care less.  So, the topics I’m going to discuss in this article are ones that I find interesting; I have no idea if everyone will or not. 

Weekly Commentary 10/12/2012

By Lawrence G. McMillan

We have been bullish continuously since early June. But recent events and indicator changes have put this short-term forecast into jeopardy.

$SPX has support at 1430 from two downward probes in September. This week, that has also been the low. Hence, it has become important support.

One of the more negative developments is the fact that both the standard and the weighted equity-only put-call ratios are on sell signals now.

In focus: Bulls are exhausted

By Lawrence G. McMillan

As readers know, we have been bullish continuously since early June. Even as late as a week ago, it still seemed possible for this market to move higher over the short term. But recent events and indicator changes have put this short-term forecast into jeopardy.

Weekly Commentary 10/5/12

By Lawrence G. McMillan

The stock market continues to mark time, in the wake of the massive overbought condition that arose on September 14th -- right after the Fed announced the latest round of Quantitative Easing.  This type of action will, in my opinion, lead to a rally to new highs.

$SPX remains well within the bullish channel that has defined this market since the early June lows.

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