The feature article deals with two indicators that we have occasionally referenced. They are long- to intermediate-term indicators and both are either on a sell signal or on the verge of one. The studies involving these indicators were much more complicated than normal systems because of the longer-term nature of the holding period.
The overbought conditions that had existed a couple of weeks ago were largely worked off by a sideways to slightly down stock market, as measured by the Standard & Poors 500 Index ($SPX). It seems that the bears had their chance, but didn't seize it once again. There is strong support in the 1670-1680 area.
Equity-only put-call ratios remain on buy signals. Note the charts if Figures 2 and 3.
Two indicators that we have only briefly discussed in the past are now at an overbought state. Since each has merit, it was decided that a study should be done on the data to see if there was some usefulness other than just yet another overbought indicator. Sometimes when one looks at data in just the right way, a new thought for an indicator will jump into one’s head, and that’s pretty much how these came about.
Stock market bulls are keeping the upside pressure on, forcing short covering and other unwanted maneuvers from the bears’ point of view.
The stock market has proved to be very resilient once again. Overbought conditions -- which looked formidable a couple of weeks ago -- have mostly abated with only a slight downward (and mostly sideways) move by the Standard & Poors Index ($SPX). Now, new highs have been registered, and the bears can only lament once again that they failed to capitalize.
$SPX has support in the 1670-1675 area, which is the area of daily lows several times in July.
Stocks were volatile Wednesday, after the FOMC announcements. But, in the end, prices ended up about unchanged. Overnight, though, that changed substantially as a strong rally has unfolded, with S&P futures up 14 points on Globex. Not much has changed with respect to the individual indicators. Both equity-only put-call ratios remain on buy signals. $VIX is still below 15, so that is bullish.
For the second time this year, the feature article discusses the overbought state of the stock market. There are quite a few overbought conditions, and all are enumerated in this article. However, overbought does not mean “sell,” unless some actual sell signals are received – which, so far, have been lacking.
