Financial Resource

This is monthly chart for the S&P 500 showing 20 years of performance. Since this index is the one used by professional traders, it is important to understand how it is performing. This chart is also excellent at defining the longer-term trends for the market.

The bull market of the last five years broke down when the S&P 500 turned down through the 24-month exponential moving average. The bear market began when the index fell through the 24-month exponential moving average. Also, the RSI tested the 50 level, another important indicator of bear markets (if the RSI remains below 50 then we are in a bear market) and turned back down. The MACD crossing down through zero is another sign of the transition from bear market to bull market. Finally, the Slow Stochastic fell through 80 as another sign of the beginning of the bear market.

The rally that began in early March is pausing at the 24-month exponential moving average. We need to monitor how the market handles this resistance level.

The RSI has crossed through 50, the final signal the bear market is over and a sign of an up trend. The Slow Stochastic and the MACD are trending up. If the Slow Stochastic turns down at the 50 level, it will be a sign of weakness for the market.

For now, I intend to invest as though we are in a more normal market that will see rallies and then pullbacks. The rally of the last nine months came as a rebound from an oversold condition as investors feared the worse. Going forward, we will experience market rallies and pull backs as the economy struggles to expand. The overall trend will be sideways in a range of 900 on the low and 1,200 at the high.

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You can click on the link below to see a current version of this chart.

Big Picture S&P 500

The four-year weekly S&P 500 trend chart shows that the market continues to rise, having broken through resistance of the multi-year down trend. The next resistance level is the 1,240 area or the 200-week moving average.

The rising trend that has been support since the rally started in March failed in January 2010 indicating a pull back in the market is more likely.

RSI is above 50, a sign of an up trend. The MACD has reached a high point and it is turning down through the 9-week moving average, giving a sell signal. The Slow Stochastic fell through 80 giving a sell sign.

The weekly chart pattern indicates the S&P 500 is turning down. There is support at the 50-week moving average.

You can click on the link below to see a current version of this chart.

S&P 500 Weekly Chart

On the daily chart of the S&P, the index fell through the rising trend and the 50-day moving average, a sell sign. Watch for a retest of the break of the 50-day moving average. If the retest holds, expect a move down to the 1,025 level.

RSI is below 50 indicating a downtrend. The MACD turned down through the 9-day moving average, giving a sell sign. The Slow Stochastic fell to below 20 and it is turning up, a buy sign. However, this indicator is subject to false indications and this might be one.

The daily chart of the S&P 500 is telling us the market is in the process of turning down. If the retest of the 50-day moving average holds, expect the market to turn down. On the other hand, if the S&P pushes through the 50-day moving average, look for the market to rally further.

However, I am expecting the market to trade in a range for 2010 with the highs in the 1250 area and lows in the 900 level.

This will cause us to change our strategy going forward. Selecting the right sectors and stock picking will become more important to your success. Look to buy on dips in the market to important support levels. Then add down side protection at interim high points using trailing stops and protective put options to help improve the overall return. Covered calls options will also work well when the market is not rising as rapidly as the last nine months.

S&P 500 Daily Chart

Given this analysis of the S&P 500 trend line charts, it is important to position your portfolio for a market that is more likely to trend in a range with cyclical rallies and pullbacks.

The charts of the S&P 500 trend lines provide a good way for investors to align their portfolios with the overall market trends. Picking the right sectors and stocks will become even more important. Look to buy on dips in the price of the S&P 500 trend charts on the next pull back. Be sure to use proper capital management techniques including trailing stops, protective put, covered call options and position sizing. When the pull back ends, look to add to long positions with stocks and ETFs from the sectors that are likely to outperform the overall market. Keep in mind, Warren Buffett’s first rule of investing is not to lose money. Be patient waiting for good entry points.

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