Look: I am eager to learn stuff I don't know--which requires actively courting and posting smart disagreement.

But as you will understand, I don't like to post things that mischaracterize and are aimed to mislead.

-- Brad Delong

Copyright Notice

Everything that appears on this blog is the copyrighted property of somebody. Often, but not always, that somebody is me. For things that are not mine, I either have obtained permission, or claim fair use. Feel free to quote me, but attribute, please. My photos and poetry are dear to my heart, and may not be used without permission. Ditto, my other intellectual property, such as charts and graphs. I'm probably willing to share. Let's talk. Violators will be damned for all eternity to the circle of hell populated by Rosanne Barr, Mrs Miller [look her up], and trombonists who are unable play in tune. You cannot possibly imagine the agony. If you have a question, email me: jazzbumpa@gmail.com. I'll answer when I feel like it. Cheers!

Monday, October 25, 2021

Taking Stock - Week of October 25

Monday, October 25, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---  4,566.48   +21.58 (+0.47%)

DJI30    ---  35,741.15   +64.13 (+0.18%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,226.71   +136.51 (+0.90%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,312.64   +21.37 (+0.93%)

The SP500 opened at 4554, up 9 points, and quickly fell to the lo of 4537, off 8.  It then rose up to the day's hi of 4573, up 28 at 1:15. It then stayed above 4565 until after 3:00 when it slid into the close.  This is a clearly up day by 13 points at each end.  This is gives us a new intra-day hi by 13 points, and a closing hi by 17 points over last Thursday's.

The DJI had a similar but choppier path.  It opened at 35693, up 16 points, and quickly dropped to 35629, off 48.   It hit the hi of 35787, up 110, at 1:15.  From there it was a bumpy ride down to the close which, surprisingly occurred on a 29 point up-tic and a volume surge.  This was a clearly up day by 22 points at the top and 95 at the bottom.  This gives us new intra-day and closing highs by 22 and 64 points, respectively. 

The NASDAQ opened up 52 points then quickly whip-sawed to the day's lo, off 20.  It then climbed pretty steadily to the day's hi, up 169 after 2:30 before sliding into the close.  There was a small jp-tic at the end on a volume surge.  It had a clearly up day by 67 points at the top and 50 at the bottom.  It is still under its 9/07 highs.

The Russell 2000 opened flat at the day's lo, chopped up then down again before rising to the day's hi, up 24, before  noon.   From there it was mostly sideways with a slight slide into the close.  This was a clearly up day by15 points at either end.   The Index exceeded its 9/02 local high by 5 points, but remains well below the early June local highs.

These are solid gains, and if I squint I can see a potential five wave structure forming, now I wave three, at some small level of trend.  It this is valid there cold be several more months of bull market.  However, there is the possibility of another pull back before things take off.

SP500 Closings -
10/25/19 - 3023
10/23/20 - 3465
09/24/21 - 4455
10/25/21 - 4566

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 2122/1245 = 1.70
A/D Vol = 1.67
New Hi/Lo = 212/25 = 8.48




Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---  4,574.79   +8.31 (+0.18%)

DJI30    ---  35,756.88   +15.73 (+0.04%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,235.72.  +9.01 (+0.06%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,296.08   -16.56 (-0.72%)

The SP500 opened at 4579, up 12 points, and immediately jumped up to 4583, on the way to 4599, the day's hi, before 10:30.  It moved sideways for an hour, then fell, reaching 4569, the day's lo, before 1:00.  It then rose, reaching 4587 at 3:45 before a hard 12 point fall into the close on a volume surge.  As bad as that sounds, this was a clearly up day by the substantial margins of 26 and 32 points. Also, there were new highs: 26 points intra-day and 8 at the close.

The DJI30 had a similar contour, hitting its hi, 35893, before 11:30 and its lo, 35735, after 12:30.  It recovered to 35855 before 3:30, then also fell hard into the close on a volume surge.  It also had a clearly up day, by 106 and 105 points, and new all time highs by 106 intra-day and 16 at the close.

The NASDAQ followed a similar path, though it went 28 points negative at its early afternoon lo.  It' late afternoon recovery was meager and it finished the day with the smallest gain.  It still had a clearly up day by 124 and 127 points.  It remains below the 9/07 highs by 19 points intra-day and 139 at the close.

The Russell 2000 opened flat, dropped briefly negative, then went positive, hitting its hi at 11:00.  At noon it slipped negative and stayed there the rest of the day.  It fell the last hour and a half, finishing with the day's worst performance.  Despite all that, it had a mixed day with the hi and lo higher by 7 and 4 pints, respectively.

So, this is a good news bad news kind of day.  Every index achieved at least a local intra-day hi, but the closes were close to the days' lows.  Nothing travels in a straight line.  I'm taking the late day activity to be part of counter-current motion to a continuing short term up trend.  Tomorrow will tell us more.

SP500 Closings -
10/25/19 - 3023
10/26/20 - 3401
09/24/21 - 4455
10/26/21 - 4575

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 1498/1844 = 0.81
A/D Vol = 0.66
New Hi/Lo = 2o2/26 = 7.77




Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Red Arrow Down

SP500 at the close  ---   4,551.68   -23.11 (-0.51%)

DJI30    ---  35,490.69   -266.19 (-0.74%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,235.84   +0.12 (+0.00%)

Russell 2000 ---   2,252.49   -43.58 (-1.90%)

The SP500 opened at 4580, up 5 points.  It slithered around neutral until 1:00 when it rose, reaching 4585, the day's hi, at 2:15.  From there, it fell hard into the close, losing 22 points in the last hour, and ending less than a point above the very late afternoon lo.  This is a clearly down day by 14 and 17 points.  The day's lo is still above the 9/02 hi. 

The DJI spent little time slightly positive early in the session, then spent the rest of the day in the red.  It was all down-hill from 2:15 on, with a steep fall in the last 20 minutes, landing shortly after and within a fraction of the lo.  This was a clearly down day by 58 and 244 points.  

The NASDAQ started positive and stayed in the green all day.  It hit its maximum after 2:00, then followed the other indexes down into the close, giving back 129 points to end the day at its lo for no gain.  This was an inside day by 20 points and the top and 38 at the bottom.  It is hovering under the 9/07 highs.

The Russell 2000 started negative and stayed there.  It slid down the entire day with a steep drop at the end.  It had a clearly down day by 26 and 44 points.  The lo is only 3 points above the 55 day EMA.  On Monday and Tuesday the Index achieved highs that were above the local hi of 9/02, but below the local highs in June and July.

If there is a 5 wave upward thrust, this motion could be counter-current; perhaps subwave iv of 3 at some level of trend.  Alternatively the upward thrust might have been corrective, in which case this is the beginning of a continuation down to new local lows. The next couple days should offer some clarity.

SP500 Closings -
10/25/19 - 3023
10/27/20 - 3391
09/27/21 - 4443
10/27/21 - 4553

NYSE Internals
A/D = 939/2379 = 0.39
A/D Vol = 0.23
New Hi/Lo = 92/49 = 1.88




Thursday, October 28, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---   4,596.42   +44.74 (+0.98%)

DJI30    ---  35,730.48   +239.79 (+0.68%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,448.12   +212.28 (+1.39%)

Russell 2000   ---  2,297.98   +45.49 (+2.02%)

The SP500 opened at 4562, up 10 points and quickly rose to 4575, on the way to a hi of 4593, up 40 at 10:45.  From there it was mostly sideways, with a local lo of 4575 at 1:00.  At the end it reached  4597.55, missing an all time intra-day by less than a point, then hit a new all time closing hi by almost 22 points at 4596.42  on a volume surge.  This is a clearly up day by 13 and 11 points. 

The DJI30 followed a similar path, but at a lower level with a smaller gain.  It had an inside day by 93 points at the top and 55 at the bottom.

The NASDAQ followed a similar path, but at a higher level with a larger gain.  It had a clearly up day by 88 and 55 points.  It set new intra-day and closing highs, exceeding those of 9/07 by 49 and 74 points, respectively.

The Russell 2000 also followed a similar path, ands was the day's big winner, gaining over 2%.  But this was not enough to gain new local highs, since the index is still below the highs of Monday and Tuesday.

So what are we to make of all this?  Even with some new highs, the indexes might still be at inflection points where they cold be either pausing in up-trends or getting ready to turn, leading to new legs down.  For now, I'm sticking with the up-trends.  We'll know soon if this is wishful thinking.

SP500 Closings -
10/25/19 - 3039
10/28/20 - 3271
09/28/21 - 4353
10/28/21 - 4596

NYSE Internals
A/D = 2316/1014 = 2.2
A/D Vol = 2.24
New Hi/Lo = 139/45 = 3.09



Friday, October 29, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---   4,605.38   +8.96 (+0.19%)

DJI30    ---  35,819.56   +89.08 (+0.25%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,498.39   +50.27 (+0.33%)

Russell 2000   ---  2,297.19   -0.79 (-0.03%)

The SP500 opened at 4573, off 24 points, and rose step-wise to 4604 at 12:30.  It fell back into negative territory, landing near 4590 at 2:30 and 3:15 before rising sharply into the hi, just moments before and about 3 points above the close.  This gives us a clearly up day by 11 and 5 points, and new all time highs by 10 points intra-day and 9 at the close.  

The DJI opened at 35712, off 18 points, and quickly rose to 35790.  It then dropped to 35633, the day's lo, off 97, at 10:30.  It rose to 35830 at 12:30, slipped back to 35710 at 2:30 and 3:15, then rose to 35853, the day's hi, just moments before the close. This was a clearly up day by 110 and 88 points. It misses a new intra-day hi by 40 points, but achieves a new closing hi by 63.

The NASDAQ opened at 15323, off 125 points, and the day's lo.  It rose step-wise the rest of the day, hitting the hi, 15504, moments before the close.  This was a clearly up day by 52 and 33 points, and reached new intra-day and closing highs by 52 and 50.

The Russell 2000 opened at 2297, off 1 point, and slithered around neutral until before noon, when it went mostly sideways slightly in the red until after 2:00.  It dropped to 2288, the day's lo, at 3:20, rose to 2299 at 3:47, then finished with a trivial loss of less than a point.  This is a mixed day with gains of 4 points at the hi and 34 at the lo, but no new highs were achieved.

I rated this day's action a green arrow, but not with a lot of conviction.  The increases were anemic. With the indexes futzing around at or near new highs it's hard to know what will happen next.  The NYSE internals were not strong today, with advances slightly below declines, but up volume dwarfed by down volume, This could be the end of a short term rally, or a spring board to new higher highs.  I don't know what to expect.  

Weekly changes -
SP500  +1.33%
DJI 30  +0.40%
NASDAQ  +2.71%
Russell 2000 +0.26%

SP500 Closings -
10/29/19 - 3037
10/29/20 - 3310
09/29/21 - 4359
10/29/21 - 4605

NYSE Internals
A/D = 1617/1709 = 0.95
A/D Vol = 0.32
New Hi/Lo = 155/46 = 3.37






Monday, October 18, 2021

Taking Stock - Week of Oct 18, 2021

Monday, October 18, 2021

Yellow Arrow Sideways

SP500 at the close --- 4,486.46 +15.09 (+0.34%)

DJI30 --- 35,258.61 -36.15 (-0.10%)

NASDAQ --- 15,021.81 +124.47 (+0.84%)

Russell 2000 --- 2,267.84 +2.19 (+0.10%)

The SP500 opened at 4464, off 6 points, and quickly dropped to 4447, off 22. Then it climbed quickly, reaching 4470 after 10:00. After an hour of sideways motion it climbed again to 4484, up 14, before 11:30. Then it went sideways again, staying above 4477. At 2:30 it started to rise again, hitting the hi of 4489 a few minutes before the close. This is an outside day by 13 points at the top and a fraction of a point at the bottom, with a small gain at the end..

The DJI followed a similar path in the morning, hitting the day's hi of 35326 before 11:30. Then it slid lower until 2:30, when it started a slow rise, uneven rise into the close. It had a mixed day with the hi and lo higher by the tiny margins of 7 and 12 points while losing 36 at the close. So this session was basically flat.

The NASDAQ had a similar first hour then rose the rest of the day, finishing within 6 points of the hi. It had an outside day by 122 points at the top and 15 at the bottom.

The Russell 2000 also had a similar first hour. But it went sideways until 11:30, then rose to the day's hi of 2272 at 12;15. It then slid until 2:00 before going sideways the rest of the session for a tiny gain. It had a mixed day with the hi lower by 34 points and the lo lower by 10, contra the 2 point gain at the close

After two sessions of strong gains, today was pretty much ho-hum. I'm going with yellow, despite the reasonable gain in the NASDAQ. The sort term trend still appears to be up, but it's too early to say for sure. Follow-through for the rest of the week will be important. I've probably said that before.

P500 Closings -
10/18/19 - 2986
10/16/20 - 3484
09/17/21 - 4433
10/18/21 - 4486

NYSE Internals -
A/D = 1597/1699 = 0.94
A/D Vol = 0.85
New Hi/Lo = 141/47 = 3.00




Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---  4,519.63   +33.17 (+0.74%)

DJI30    ---  35,457.31   +198.70 (+0.56%)

NASDAQ   ---   15,129.09   +107.28 (+0.71%

Russell 2000   ---   2,275.91   +8.07 (+0.36%)

The SP500 opened at 4497, up 11 points, and reached 4516, up 30, after 11:00.  With some variation, it ran mostly sideways until it rose into the finish, ending within a point of the day's  3:20 hi.  This is a clearly up day by 32 points at the top and 49 at the bottom.  It's the 3rd consecutive day with a higher close that is above the 9/23 local hi.  It is now only 26 points below the 9/02 all time hi of 4537.

The DJI30 followed a similar path, but gained less in the morning and lagged the SP500 all day.  This is a clearly up day by 135 and 254 points. It's the 4th consecutive day with a close above that of the local hi on 9/29.  It is now only 174 points under the 8/16 all time hi.

The NASDAQ also followed a very similar path as the SP500 to a nearly identical finish.  It had a clearly up day by 111 and 216 points.  Today's close is 274 points under the 9/07 all time hi.

The Russell 2000 followed a different path, hitting its hi at 1:00.  From there it was a bumpy ride down to the close.  But the close was positive, and the Index had a clearly up day by 12 and 10 points.  It has not yet exceeded its local hi of 9/27.  At today's hi it was 9 points short, and 17 points short at the close.

Everything was positive today, to some degree.  So the short term trend appears to be up.  To achieve a longer term up-trend will require exceeding the all time highs.  However, volumes on the SP500, DJI30 and NYSE were quite low today.  So stay tuned – new highs might be happening soon.  Emphasis on might.

SP500 Closings -
10/18/19 - 2986
10/19/20 - 3427
09/17/21 - 4433
10/19/21 - 4520

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 1597/1699 = 0.94
A/D Vol = 0.85
New Hi/Lo = 141/47 = 3.00




Wednesday, October 19, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---  4,536.20   +16.57 (+0.37%)

DJI30    ---  35,609.34   +152.03 (+0.43%)

NASDAQ   ---   15,121.68   -7.41 (-0.05%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,289.77   +13.85 (+0.61%)

The SP500 opened at 4524, the day's lo, up 5 points.  It hit the the hi, 4541, at 10:30. It chopped around between those levels and finished on an up-tic and a volume surge for a small gain. This is an outside day by 20 and 28 points.

The day's hi was 5 points under the all time hi of 9/02/21; and the close was less than 2 points under the all time closing hi of the same date.

The DJI opened at 35475, up 18 points. It hit its hi, 35670, up 212 after 12:30.  The session ended on an up-tic and a volume surge.  This was a clearly up day by 207 and 178 points.  At the peak, the Index exceeded the 8/16 all time hi by 39 points, but it missed a new all time hi at the close by 16.

The NASDAQ opened at 15160, up 31 points.  It hit its lo 15071, off 58 points, at 1:30.  It ended on an up-tic and a volume surge for a tiny loss.

The Russell 2000 started slightly negative and hit its hi after 12:30.  After 1:30 it went sideways into the close for the day's largest gain.  It had a clearly up day by 10 and 6 points, and is still hovering below recent highs.

The short term trend is still up, and this is encouraging. Still – more follow-through is needed. So stay tuned, and hope for the best.

SP500 Closings -
10/18/19 - 2986
10/20/20 - 3443
09/17/21 - 4358
10/20/21 - 4536

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 2241/1044 = 2.15
A/D Vol = 2.86
New Hi/Lo = 185/17 = 10.88


Thursday, October 21, 2021

Yellow Arrow Sideways

SP500 at the close  ---  4,549.78   +13.59 (+0.30%)

DJI30    ---  35,603.08   -6.26 (-0.02%)

NASDAQ   ---   15,215.70   +94.02 (+0.62%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,296.18  +6.42 (+0.28%)

The SP500 opened at 4532, off 3 points,  and quickly fell to 4527, the day's low, off 9.  It coiled around neutral until 2:00 when it rose, leading to a steep increase in the last few minutes to 4551, but then a small drop on a volume surge at the end.  It had a clearly up day by 11 and 2 points.  These small gains are enough to give the Index new all time highs by 6 points intraday and 13 at the close.

The DJI30 was in the red all day and hit its lo at 11:30.  It started moving up after 2:00 and also hit its hi just before the close. At the end it missed positive territory by only 6 points, but had a clearly down day by 57 pints at the top and 32 at the bottom.  Yesterday there was a new intra-day hi, though not a new closing hi.  Today's action is not good follow-through.

The NASDAQ opened 16 points in the red, but quickly rose until 11:00. After a draw back, it gained the rest of the day to finish with 7 points of the late day hi for the day's largest gain.  It was clearly up by 44 and 23 points, but is still under the 9/07 local highs.

The Russell 2000 started one point in the green, rose to the day's hi after 10:00, and went down to the lo, 5 points in the red, at 11:30.  It coiled around neutral until 3:00 when it had a bumpy ride up to close 8 points under the hi.   It had a clearly up day by 9 and 13 points, but is still under the 9/02 highs..

Every index followed its own path in a more or less neutral session.

SP500 Closings -
10/21/19 - 3007
10/21/20 - 3436
09/21/21 - 4354
10/21/21 - 4550

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 1547/1735 = 0.89
A/D Vol = 0.61
New Hi/Lo = 169/14 = 12.07



Taking Stock 

Friday, October 22, 2021

Yellow Arrow Sideways

SP500 at the close  ---  4,544.90   -4.88 (-0.11%)

DJI30    ---  35,677.02   +73.94 (+0.21%)
 
NASDAQ   ---   15,090.20   -125.50 (-0.82%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,291.27   -4.92 (-0.21%)

The SP500 opened at 4546, off 4 points.  It reached 4560, the day's hi and a new all time intra-day at 10:00.  But  then it dropped and hit 4524, the day's lo, off 26, before noon.  From there it slowly climbed into the close for a small loss.  The last half hour was flattish on increasing volume.  The close was 5 points under Thursday's all time closing hi.  This was an outside day, plus 8 points at the top and minus 3 at the bottom.

The DJI opened at 35608, up 5 points.  It climbed up to 35765, up 162, the day's hi and a new all time intra-day hi before 10:30. From there it fell to 35354, the day's lo, off 69, before noon.  After that it was a jagged climb into the close for a 74 point gain and a new all time closing hi at 35677.  It was a clearly up day by 153 and 91 points.

The NASDAQ opened at 15158, off 58 points, and never saw green. It dropped to a low of 15021 before noon. It spent the rest of the day twisting around 15085, ending with a 126 point loss.  It had a clearly down day by 29 and 73 points.  

The Russell 2000 started up a half point at 2296, and rose to the day's hi of 2300, up 4, at 1:30.  It dropped to 2277, the day's lo, off 19, before noon.  It had a clearly down day by 4 and 8 points.  This index has been moving sideways since March.

So – a day of not much, if you ignore the NASDAQ.  Futures are down by about 0.3% as I write this on Sunday evening.  Still – each index gained over a percent on the week, and the short term trend appears to be up.

Weekly changes -
SP500 +1.64%
DJI 30 +1.08%
NASDAQ +1.29%
Russell 2000 +1.13%

SP500 Closings -
10/22/19 - 2996
10/22/20 - 3453
09/22/21 - 4396
10/22/21 - 4545

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 1671/1615 = 1.03
A/D Vol = 0.97
New Hi/Lo = 207/22 = 9.41








Monday, October 11, 2021

Taking Stock - Week of October 11, 2021

Monday, October 11, 2021

Red Arrow Down

SP500 at the close --- 4,361.19 -30.15 (-0.69%)

DJI30 --- 34,496.06 -250.19 (-0.72%)

NASDAQ --- 14,486.20 -93.34 (-0.64%)

Russell 2000 --- 2,220.64 -12.45 (-0.56%)

The SP500 opened at 4385, off 6 points. It dropped another point, quivered for a few minutes, then rose, reaching 4416, up 25, before 10:00. After a 10 point drop it hit near that level again before falling rather sharply to a lo of 4370 before 2:00. From there it ran mostly sideways until 3:30, when it was in the midst of another slump into a new late day lo, less than a point below the close. This is an outside day, with the hi higher by 4 points, and the lo lower by 26. The span was 55, surrounding the 55 day EMA.

Over the weekend Elliott wave analyst Avi Gilbert pointed out 4380 [top red line on the chart] as a critical level to watch.  He suggests that a sustained break of that level could indicate that the correction is not done, and could go on further for days or even weeks -- with a chance of reaching as deep as 4050 to 4100. Today's lo is 20 points [0.44%] under 4380. This, on its own, does not constitute a meaningful break.  I'll be watching this level as we go forward, assuming that Avi is on to something. The rest of this week could be important.

The DJI followed a similar path, finishing 10 points above its late day lo. It also had an outside day, by 109 points at the top and 175 at the bottom. Its span was 465, and contained the 55 day EMA.

The NASDAQ also followed a similar path. It had a clearly down day by 34 and 87 points. It remains under its 55 day EMA.

The Russell 2000 followed a roughly similar path, but stayed closer to neutral for most of the afternoon before falling at the end. It had a clearly down day by 5 and 12 points. The 55 day EMA contained in the day's span. It fell a little less than the other indexes.

Things were looking good in the morning, but pretty dismal at the end. It this a dumb money – smart money dynamic?

SP500 Closings -
10/04/19 - 2971
10/09/20 - 3477
09/10/21 - 4459
10/11/21 - 4362

NYSE Internals
A/D = 1417/1826 = 0.78
A/D Vol = 0.65
New Hi/Lo = 153/54 = 2.83


Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Yellow Arrow Sideways 

SP500 at the close  ---  4,350.65   -10.54 (-0.24%)

DJI30    ---  34,378.34   -117.72 (-0.34%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,465.93   -20.28 (-0.14%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,234.27+13.63 (+0.61%)

The SP500 opened at 4368, up 7 points, and quickly rose to 4375, up 14.  But at 10:15 it abruptly dropped to 4350, 0ff 11. It then gyrated with a slight upward bias until before noon, when it shot up to 4371, up 10.  It fell near 4350 again before 1:30, bobbed up briefly into positive territory again an hour later, then slumped to the day's ultimate lo of 4342 just a few minutes before the 8-points-higher close.  This is a clearly down day by 41 points at the top and 19 at the bottom.

The lo is 0.87% below the critical level of 4380. This is not yet a sustained break of that level, but it is a cautionary note going forward.  Until I see something positive, I'm concluding that the decline is continuing.

The DJI followed a nearly identical path, and finished with a slightly larger loss.  It had a clearly down day by 340 points at the top and 168 at the bottom.  The spread was 292, all under the 55 day EMA.

The NASDAQ also followed a similar path, and finished with the day's smallest loss.  It had a clearly down day by 113 and 41 points, and the entire range was under its 55 day EMA..  

The Russell 2000 followed its own path, and was in the green all day, with a slight upward bias.  It had a inside day by 10 points at the top and less than 1 at the bottom.  The 13 [blue] and 55 [orange] day EMAs are running together and were within today's span.  For at least a couple months the trading range has been in a narrowing wedge – for whatever that might be worth.

I gave this session a yellow arrow because the losses were small and the Russell gained at the close.  But that is being generous, I'm afraid.  The NYSE internals were slightly positive today.  That's about it.

SP500 Closings -
10/11/19 - 2970
10/12/20 - 3534
09/10/21 - 4459
10/12/21 - 4351

NYSE Internals – 
A/D = 1987/1302 = 1.53
A/D Vol = 1.15
New Hi/Lo = 86/60 = 1.43


Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Greenish Arrow Upish, sorta.

SP500 at the close  ---  4,363.80  +13.15 (+0.30%)

DJI30    ---  34,377.81   -0.53 (-0.00%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,571.63   +105.71 (+0.73%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,241.97   +7.70 (+0.34%)

The SP500 opened at 4358, up 7 points, and fell to its lo of 4330 at 10:15.  From there, it climbed pretty steadily to its hi of 4373 at 2:00.  It then went mostly sideways, including a slight rise at the end for a small gain, on increasing volume.  This was a mixed day, with the 13 point gain in contrast to losses of 2 points at the hi end, and 12 at the bottom.  The entire day was under the critical value of 4380 – but not by a lot.  But, this is the 5th straight day with a lower lo.  The entire session was under the 55 day EMA.

The DJI followed a similar path, with a lower pitch, ending the session a half point down.  It had a clearly down day by 161 points at the top and 208 at the bottom.   The entire 335 point range was under the 55 day EMS.

The NASDAQ also had an early morning lo, but was in the green the entire time, ending with a 106 point gain.  It had a clearly up day by 37 points at the top and 30 at the bottom.  But the entire session was under the 55 day EMA. 

The Russell 2000 went negative in the morning, then vacillated near neutral most of the rest of the day, before a rise at the end to finish at the sessions hi.  It had an out side day by a fraction at the top and a little over 1 at the bottom.  The 13 and 55 day EMAs ran together through its 21 point span.

I reluctantly gave this session a green arrow, but it is pretty tepid. The small increases are not enough to make a meaningful move against the current downward trend.  So I'm concluding that it is still in operation.

SP500 Closings -
10/11/19 - 2970
10/13/20 - 3512
09/13/21 - 4469
10/13/21 - 4364

NYSE Internals – 
A/D = 2023/1239 = 1.63
A/D Vol = 1.39
New Hi/Lo = 71/35 = 2.03

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Green Arrow Up

SP500 at the close  ---  4,438.25   +74.45 (+1.71%)

DJI30    ---  34,912.56   +534.75 (+1.56%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,823.43   +251.79 (+1.73%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,274.18   +32.21 (+1.44%)

The SP500 opened at 4387, up 23 points, and the day's lo.  It immediately jumped to 4405, up 41, then climbed more slowly, reaching 4435, up 71 before 12:30.  After that it stayed above 4430, including a surge to 4440 a few minutes before the close, about a point lower.  The session ended on an up-tic with a volume surge.  This was a clearly up day by 67 and 57 points. The span was 53.  With this increase, the 55 day EMA still cut across the bottom of the day's range.  This is encouraging, but to become confident that the next wave up MIGHT have started will take a further sustained increase above the 9/23 hi of 5365 – or better yet, 4500.  If this is the case, the Index will be on its way to 4900.

The DJI followed a similar path, ending with a slightly smaller gain.  It had a clearly up day by 474 and 328 points.  The 55 day EMA cut through its 481 day range.

The NASDAQ also followed a similar path.  It had a clearly up day by 238 and 228 points.  The 55 day EMA cut through its 128 point range.  It had the day's largest gain.  It had spent the vast majority of its time since 9/27, including yesterday's entire session, more than 5% under its 9/07 hi.  Today's entire session was above that level

Even the Russell followed a similar path.  It had a clearly up day by 34 and 24 points. Its entire session was above its 55 day EMA.  The vast majority of the time since 9/09 – over a month ago – including the entirety of the last two day's sessions, has been spent more than 5% under its 3/15 high.  It spent all of today's sessoin above that level.  It was also above its 55 day EMA.

Everything today was positive and aligned, for the first time in many weeks. This is a relief – but it's only one day and as such doesn't mean much.  As I've often said, follow through is important.  So what happens tomorrow, and on into next week should give us some useful information.

After I wrote the above, I saw this on Seeking Alpha from Elliott Wave analyst Avi Gilbert.

“In the meantime, the market is not out of the woods just yet.  The action we seen into early next week will either tell us we have one more trip down to the 4165SPX region before this correction has completed, or if we have indeed completed this correction, and the next buying opportunity will be in early November on a pullback to 4400SPX before we begin the rally to 4900SPX.

So, tread carefully.  There are still twists and turns to come before we can be sure we have begun the rally to 4900SPX.“

SP500 Closings -
10/14/19 - 2966
10/14/20 - 3489
09/13/21 - 4443
10/14/21 - 4438

NYSE Internals were very strong today 
A/D = 2554/760 = 3.36
A/D Vol = 3.93
New Hi/Lo = 156/23 = 6.78


Friday, October 15, 2021

Green Arrow Up [mostly]

SP500 at the close  ---  4,471.37   +33.11 (+0.75%)

DJI30    ---  35,294.76   +382.20 (+1.09%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,897.34   +73.91 (+0.50%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,265.65   -8.52 (-0.37%)

The SP500 opened at 4448, up 9 points, and immediately leapt to 4460, up 22.  After that it wrapped around 4465 until 1:50. It then wrapped around 4470 until the close.  It had a clearly up day by 36 and 61 points. The span was 28.  The day's hi and close surpassed the 9/23 local hi of 4465.  The next step to validate a continuing bull thrust would be a rise above the 9/02 all time hi of 4546.  But there is no guarantee that there won't be another pull back before that happens.

The DJI followed a similar path and had the day's largest gain. It had a clearly up day by 397 and 580 points.  Having blown past the 9/29 local hi of 34580, the DJI's next target is the 8/16 all time hi of 35631.  The same caveats as with the SP500 apply.  

The NASDAQ had a somewhat different path, but trended positive all day, finishing with the smallest gain.  It had a clearly up day by 238 and 228 points. It did not cross above any recents highs, so it has a bit uncertainty, and more to prove.

The Russell 2000 was the outlier.  It started strong, jumped to the days hi of 2306, then started to fall.  That continued most of the day, with a slight bump up between 2:00 and 3:00.  But then it fell hard to close with a loss at the day's lo. This was a mixed session, with the hi and lo up by 31 and 22 points, respectively, contra the 8 ½ point loss.  At the hi, it exceeded the 9/27 local hi of 2293, and is within 4 points of the 9.02 local hi at 2310.

It's confusing to see one index so different from the others – though there was some positive even there, with the higher extremes.  So some optimism might be warranted – but temper it with caution.  We need to see what next week will bring.

Weekly changes -
SP500 +1.78%
DJI 30 +1.58%
NASDAQ +2.18%
Russell 2000 +1.46%

SP500 Closings -
10/14/19 - 2966
10/14/20 - 3489
09/13/21 - 4443
10/14/21 - 4438

NYSE Internals -  
A/D = 1619/1690 = 0.96
A/D Vol = 1.61
New Hi/Lo = 205/30 = 6.83










Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Taking Stock - Week of October 4, 2021

Monday, October 4, 2021

Red Arrow Down

DJI30 Index at the close --- 34,002.92 -323.54 (-0.94%)

SP500 --- 4,300.46 -56.58 (-1.30%)

NASDAQ --- 14,255.48 -311.21 (-2.14%)

Russell 2000 --- 2,217.47 -24.16 (-1.08%)

The DJI opened at 34313, off 14 points, and quickly rose to 34410, up 84. After drifting mostly sideways for a half hour, it took a hard fall to 33906, off 421 after 10:30. It bounced then fell more slowly, hitting 33822, off 505, after 11:30. From there it drifted sideways with a slight upward slant, ending the day at 34003, off almost a percent.

This is an inside day by 80 points at the top and 36 at the bottom. The span was 589. The Index is below its 13 and 55 day EMAs, and today's range includes the 144 day EMA. It's slightly above its July lo.

The SP500 started slightly negative, then followed the same path as the DJI. It had a clearly down day by 20 and 10 points. At the lo, it just dipped into its support zone, and the entire session was well below its 55 day EMA. This is the lowest it has been since July. It won't take much more of a drop to hit the 144 day EMA [dark purple line on the chart.]

The NASDAQ started deeper in the red then followed the same path, ending off over 2%. It had a clearly down day by 107 and 142 points. It hit its 144 day EMA, right at the top of its support zone. This is the lowest it has been since July

The Russell 2000 also had the same contour. It had an inside day by 11 points at the top and 13 at the bottom. The 13 and 55 day EMAS have converged, and are contained in today's range. The Index is above its support zone and well above its 144 day EMA.

Two indexes clearly down and two inside, but all lower at the close. In the absence of any contrary indications, I'm going to say the short term trend is still down. If there is anything positive about today's session, it's that each index had a slight up-tick in the closing moments. Pretty weak tea.

DJI Closings -
10/01/19 - 26574
10/02/20 - 27683
09/03/21 - 35369
10/04/21 - 34003

NYSE Internals –
A/D = 1189/2181 = 0.55
A/D Vol = 0.84
New Hi/Lo = 116/96 = 1.21


Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Green Arrow Up

DJI30 Index at the close   ---  34,314.67   +311.75 (+0.92%)

SP500   ---  4,345.72   +45.26 (+1.05%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,433.83   +178.35 (+1.25%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,228.36   +10.89 (+0.49%)

The DJI opened at 34035, up 32 points.  After a zig-zag it rose to 34480, up 477 after 11:00.  From there it was mostly sideways.  It touched near the peak of 34491, up 488, at 3:15, then fell 176 points into the close. This is a clearly up day by 81 points at the top and 214 at the bottom, with a span of 456.  The hi was half a point above Friday's, and the close was 8 points under.  So today's action almost exactly undid yesterday's.  The difference is that the lo is 250 points above Friday's.  Yesterday, the 144 day EMA  passed through the lower part of the day's range.  Bargain hunters note: Thursday's lo and close and Friday's and yesterday's lows were slightly more than 5% off the 8/16 hi.

The SP500 followed a similar path.  It had a clearly up day by 14 and 31 points.  The hi was 6 points under Friday's and the close was 11 points under.  So it missed undoing yesterday's loss by those margins. It bounced off the top of its support zone yesterday, and today's range is about midway between the 55 and 144 day EMAs.  Yesterday's and Thursday's closes were slightly more than 5% off the 9/02 hi, if anyone thinks that's a “buy the dip” opportunity.

The NASDAQ also followed a similar path. It had a clearly up day by 9 points at the top and 118 at the bottom. It bounced off the top of its support zone, and the 144 day EMA passed through the last 3 day's range.  I remains well under last Friday's values.  Daily lows hav been more than 5% off its 9/07 hi.  At yesterday's lo it was 7.9% off.

The Russell 2000 reached its peak after 11:00, slumped until after 12:30, then ran sideways.  Ih had a clearly up day by 4 and 8 points.  It's been off its 3/13 peak by 5% or more several times since then, including 3 of the last 4 closes.  It's still well above it support zone and its 144 day EMA.  The 13 and 55 day EMA's are within today's range.

Gains are better than losses, but this is really just more sideways action.  Ho hum.

DJI Closings -
10/04/19 - 26574
10/05/20 - 28149
09/03/21 - 35369
10/05/21 - 34315

NYSE Internals – 
A/D = 1913/138 = 1.39
A/D Vol = 1.81
New Hi/Lo = 106/63 = 1.68



Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Yellow Arrow Sideways

DJI30 Index at the close   ---  34,416.99   +102.32 (+0.30%)

SP500   ---  4,363.55   +17.83 (+0.41%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,501.91   +68.08 (+0.47%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,214.96   -13.40 (-0.60%)

The DJI opened at 34198.96, off 116 points, and immediately fell hard, hitting, the lo of 33855, off 460, after 10:00.  It stayed below 34125 until 1:30, then rose to 34375 before 2:30.  It was then mostly sideways with a rise of over 100 points in the last 12 minutes to end slightly positive.  This is a mixed day with the high and low lower
by 58 and 181 points.  The span was 578. At the lo, the Index was only 5 points above the 5% loss level from the 8/16  hi, and marginally under its 144 day EMA.  

The SP500 had a similar contour and a slightly more positive close.  It had a mixed day with the hi and lo lower by 4 and 19 points.  At the lo, it touched the top of its resistance band and was 41 points above the 144 day EMA. At the lo it was more than 5% off the 9/02 hi.

The NASDAQ had a roughly similar contour ending with a the day's largest gain of almost ½%.  Daily closings have been more than 5% off the 9/07 hi since 9/28, and even the highs have been below that level since 9/30.  today's lo was only 84 points above the top of the resistance zone, and 25 points above its 144 day EMA.

The Russell 2000 started similar to the other indexes, but when they turned up mid-afternoon, the Russell stayed flat and lost over 1%.  The index has been more than 5% under its 3/15 high almost continuously since 9/10.  It is well above its support zone, but the 144 day EMA cut above the daily low today for the 4th time since late July.

Three indexes up by less than a half percent, and on off by more than a half percent.  More going nowhere.  Stay tuned, I suppose.

DJI Closings -
10/04/19 - 26574
10/06/20 - 27773
09/03/21 - 35369
10/06/21 - 34417

NYSE Internals – 
A/D = 1502/1758 = 0.85
A/D Vol = 0.72
New Hi/Lo = 34/95 = 0.36



Thursday, October 7, 2021

Green Arrow Up

DJI30 Index at the close   ---  34,754.94   +337.95 (+0.98%)

SP500   ---  4,399.76   +36.21 (+0.83%)

NASDAQ   ---   14,654.02   +152.10 (+1.05%)

Russell 2000   ---   2,250.09   +35.14 (+1.59%)

The DJI opened at 34510, the day's lo, up 93 points, and zoomed up to 34795, up 378, on the way to the day's hi of 34974 up 557 after 10:30.  It stayed above 34900 until 2:00, when it was in the midst of a sharp fall, hitting 34750 at 3:00 and, after a 100 point bounce, again at 3:45, followed by multiple quick zigzags.  The gain is nice, but giving back 40% of the early morning gain is all too typical, and not at all comforting.

This is a clearly up day by the robust margins of 543 points at the top and 655 at the bottom.  The span was 465, and the close was 73 points above the 55 day EMA. But the hi was 395 points under the most recent local high on 9/29.

The SP500 behaved in a similar manner, and closed right at its 55 day EMA.  It had a clearly up day by 64 and 93 points.  But its close is 66 points under the 9/23 local hi.  

The NASDAQ also behaved similarly.  It had a clearly up day by 246 and 356 points.  At the lo, it was more than 5% off its 9/07 hi.  At the hi, the Index touched it's 55 day EMA, but at the close was 99 points below it.

The Russell 2000 also behaved similarly.  It had a clearly up day by 39 and 29 points.  At the low it was more than 5% under the 3/15 hi.  The close is 15 points above its 55 day EMA, but 43 points under the 9/27 local hi.

All the indexes had nice gains - so another zig in the ongoing, going nowhere vacillation.

DJI Closings -
10/04/19 - 26574
10/06/20 - 27773
09/03/21 - 35369
10/06/21 - 34417

NYSE Internals – 
A/D = 2329/981 = 2.37
A/D Vol = 2.88
New Hi/Lo = 128/61 = 2.10