SP500 Stocks Index still at 2,000 Mark - Which Direction is Next?

By: Paul_Rejczak

Briefly: In our opinion, speculative short positions are favored (with stop-loss at 2,050, and profit target at 1,900, S&P 500 index).

Our intraday outlook is bearish, and our short-term outlook is bearish, as we expect a downward correction or short-term uptrend's reversal at some point. Our medium-term outlook remains bearish, as the S&P 500 index extends its lower highs, lower lows sequence. We decided to change our long-term outlook to neutral recently, following a move down below medium-term lows:

Intraday outlook (next 24 hours): bearish
Short-term outlook (next 1-2 weeks): bearish
Medium-term outlook (next 1-3 months): bearish
Long-term outlook (next year): neutral

The U.S. stock market indexes gained 0.2-0.7% on Wednesday, after a relatively volatile trading session, as investors hesitated following recent fluctuations. The S&P 500 index continues to trade close to the level of 2,000. It remains within a short-term consolidation since Friday's better-than-expected Non-Farm Payrolls data release. The nearest important level of resistance is at around 2,000-2,010. The next important level of resistance is at 2,040, marked by the early January daily gap down of 2,038.20-2,043.62. On the other hand, support level is at 1,960-1,980, marked by previous level of resistance. The next important level of support is at 1,950, marked by previous local high. There have been no confirmed negative signals so far. For now, it looks like a downward correction within a month-long uptrend. We still can see some technical overbought conditions:

S&P500 Futures Daily Chart

Expectations before the opening of today's trading session are positive, with index futures currently up 0.2-0.3%. The main European stock market indexes have been mixed so far. Investors will now wait for the weekly Initial Claims number release at 8:30 a.m. The S&P 500 futures contract trades within an intraday consolidation, following yesterday's move up. The nearest important level of resistance is at around 1,995, marked by local highs. On the other hand, support level remains at 1,975, marked by Tuesday's daily low, among others, as we can see on the 15-minute chart:

S&P500 Futures 15-Minute Chart

The technology Nasdaq 100 futures contract trades within an intraday consolidation following yesterday's rebound. The nearest important level of resistance is at around 4,300-4,310, and the next level of resistance is at 4,330-4,350, marked by last week's local highs. There have been no confirmed negative signals so far. For now, it looks like a relatively flat consolidation within a month-long uptrend off February low:

NASDAQ 100 Futures 15-Minute Chart

Concluding, the broad stock market rebounded on Wednesday, as the S&P 500 index got close to the level of 2,000 again. Is this just a correction within month-long rebound or a topping pattern before some more meaningful decline? There have been no confirmed short-term negative signals so far. However, we continue to maintain our speculative short position (opened on Monday at 1,995 - Monday's average opening price of S&P 500 index). We expect a downward correction or uptrend reversal at some point. Stop-loss level is at 2,050, marked by the above-mentioned daily gap down resistance level, and potential profit target is at 1,900 (S&P 500 index). You can trade S&P 500 index using futures contracts (S&P 500 futures contract - SP, E-mini S&P 500 futures contract - ES) or an ETF like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF - SPY. It is always important to set some exit price level in case some events cause the price to move in the unlikely direction. Having safety measures in place helps limit potential losses while letting the gains grow.

Paul Rejczak
Stock Trading Strategist
Stock Trading Alerts
SunshineProfits.com

Stock market strategist, who has been known for quality of his technical and fundamental analysis since the late nineties. He is interested in forecasting market behavior based on both traditional and innovative methods of technical analysis. Paul has made his name by developing mechanical trading systems. Paul is the author of Sunshine Profits’ premium service for stock traders: Stock Trading Alerts.

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Disclaimer

All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Paul Rejczak and Sunshine Profits' associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Paul Rejczak and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Rejczak is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Paul Rejczak’s reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Paul Rejczak, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

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