Russell 2000 Loses Feb ’16 Trend line – Albeit Slightly – Potentially Important Development

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

The Russell 2000 small cap index is dangerously close to breaking down.  On Wednesday, it violated a rising trend line from February last year – albeit only slightly. Of the four major indices, the Russell 2000 is the first to … Continued

With Handsome Gains YTD, Major U.S. Indices Give Out Signs Of Fatigue

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

Amidst 2Q17 earnings and elevated multiples, some signs of fatigue are showing up on major U.S. indices. As of last Thursday, 2Q17 operating earnings of S&P 500 companies were on course for $30.70.  In the year-ago quarter, they were $25.70 … Continued

Near-Term Fate Of US Dollar Index Likely Rests With Non-Commercials

The US dollar index, pretty much dancing to its own tune since peaking early this year, likely sits at a crucial level technically. The U.S. economy added stronger-than-expected 222,000 non-farm jobs in June.  Friday, the US dollar index pretty much … Continued

Shortly After Range Breakout, Russell 2000 Repelled At Rising Channel Resistance

Post-presidential election last November, a fire was lit under U.S. small-caps.  Between November 8 and December 9, IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) jumped north of 16 percent.  QQQ (PowerShares Nasdaq 100 ETF) only rallied two percent during the period. As … Continued

Mar ’09 Trend Line Intact On Major U.S. Equity Indices – Can Drop A Good Deal Before A Test Occurs

Last Friday sent shivers down U.S. equity bulls’ spine.  Sort of.  The rout in tech stocks in particular was unsettling. After rising to a new all-time high of 5897.69, the Nasdaq 100 index lost 2.4 percent Friday.  Intraday, it was … Continued

Having Failed In Feb And Apr, Russell 2000 Attempts Another Range Breakout – Flows Not Cooperating

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Third time is a charm for small-caps? Having tried – and failed – twice to break out of a months-long range, the Russell 2000 small cap index went for a third one last week.  Odds favor it meets with the … Continued

Diverging Messages From Three Major U.S. Equity Indices

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If we just focus on tech stocks for a moment, one gets the impression that it is a very strong market. Right after the November election last year, tech stocks in general lagged.  But they came into life as soon … Continued

With Spring In Feet This Week, Stocks Need Successful Breakout Retest To Prove Move Is Real

Breakouts galore! The three U.S. equity indices discussed here all broke out this week in one form or another. The Russell 2000 small cap index and the Nasdaq composite rallied to fresh new highs, even as the S&P 500 large … Continued

Russell 2000 Once Again Bounces Off Support, Likely Rallies Further – Medium-Term Outlook Sour

The Russell 2000 small cap index once again sits right underneath the upper bound of a five-month range. From the 4th through the 20th in November last year, the Russell 2000 jumped 16.5 percent to 1247.2, rallying every single session … Continued

Small Caps Rally Back To Range Resistance – Shorts Can Get Active/Bulls Can Get Tempted To Sell

Down 5.6 percent from intraday peak to trough in 19 sessions, and then up 4.1 percent from low to high in five.  The Russell 2000 small cap index continues to play ping pong between range support and resistance. Last Friday, … Continued