Markets Flat after IBD calls Follow Through Day

IBD called yesterday’s 1.4% gain on the S&P500 a day 11 follow through and we are back in a Confirmed Uptrend by their measures. But waiting more than two weeks for the follow through, having average volume on the FTD, and making just 1.4% gains are three separate signs that this FTD is less potent than ideal. That doesn’t mean this one can’t work, just in the past FTDs with this less than compelling action are more prone to failure. No doubt we can find weak FTDs that worked, but on average they have a lower success rate than more powerful ones. The best thing we can do is watch the subsequent price action and not jump into this market head first without waiting for more compelling evidence to support this FTD, namely positive price gains. Start buying good looking positions and then add on when the price increases. This will let you in the market, but also manage the risk if things breakdown.

As for where we are, the markets are mostly flat today on light volume. The SPX is at the upper end of the recent trading range, just poking its head above. The NAS is in the upper half of the range, but still has a bit more progress before breaking above it. The market seems unsure of itself at these levels as neither the bear nor the bulls have the courage to buy or short this market and it is a staring contest between the two to see who will blink first.

So far the market has found good support at the 1360 level as we bounced off of that twice. A third trip to that level would be fairly bearish as there is no such thing as a bullish tripple-bottom. On the upside, we have taken a few weeks to digest recent gains and flushed out some of the irrational exuberance leading up to the end of the first quarter. The bulls were humbled by the pullback and the bears will humbled by the bounces off of support. So in these regards, the clock has been reset for both groups and we are just waiting on the price action to see which side has greater strength. Being at the upper end of the trading range means the bulls have a slight edge and just need to push us a tad higher before traders start buying the breakout. But given the positive sentiment over yesterday’s price move and regaining the 50dma, it is disappointing that there is not more follow on buying today. No doubt this indecisiveness will continue the lower volume trading we’ve seen over the last few months. But as traders, price is truth no matter what the volume is.

We have seen positive price action from the leaders that weathered the storm and there look to be good buys to invest in. I continue to be cautious and am not sold on this FTD yet, but further gains will get me in the market with both hands. If we can’t hold above the recent consolidation, there is most likely more left in the downside move.