Art's Charts

Weakness in Bonds Keeps a Bid in Stocks

Arthur Hill

Arthur Hill

Chief Technical Strategist, TrendInvestorPro.com

Bonds are breaking down and this is bullish for stocks. Stocks and bonds have been inversely correlated for some time now. Even though US interest rates are rising, the Dollar is falling and this is putting a bid into commodities. Strength in stocks is also helping commodities. These two have been positively correlated for well over a year. In short, the underlying trends remain firmly in place. Stocks are trending up, bonds are trending down, commodities are trending up and the Dollar is trending down. Indicators outside the price chart are flashing warning signs, but the price chart (aka trend) is having none of it. Who's your daddy? The price chart. SPY continues its stall with seven indecisive candlesticks in the last seven days. This may just be the rest that refreshes. QQQ appears to be forming a small falling (bull) flag the last five days.

110408spyd


There is no change on the 60-minute chart. The uptrend is clear as the ETF shows a steady progression of gaps, higher highs and higher lows since mid March. The last gap above 132 marks the first important support zone to watch. A move below this level would fill the gap and increase the chances of a deeper pullback. RSI remains in bull mode as it holds above 50. A move below 35 would turn short-term momentum bearish.

110408spyi


Key Economic Reports/Events:
               
Fri - Apr 08 - 10:00 – TGIF! Wholesale Inventories

Charts of Interest: Tuesday and Thursday in separate post.

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This commentary and charts-of-interest are designed to stimulate thinking. This analysis is not a recommendation to buy, sell, hold or sell short any security (stock ETF or otherwise). We all need to think for ourselves when it comes to trading our own accounts. First, it is the only way to really learn. Second, we are the only ones responsible for our decisions. Think of these charts as food for further analysis. Before making a trade, it is important to have a plan. Plan the trade and trade the plan. Among other things, this includes setting a trigger level, a target area and a stop-loss level. It is also important to plan for three possible price movements: advance, decline or sideways. Have a plan for all three scenarios BEFORE making the trade. Consider possible holding times. And finally, look at overall market conditions and sector/industry performance.
Arthur Hill
About the author: , CMT, is the Chief Technical Strategist at TrendInvestorPro.com. Focusing predominantly on US equities and ETFs, his systematic approach of identifying trend, finding signals within the trend, and setting key price levels has made him an esteemed market technician. Arthur has written articles for numerous financial publications including Barrons and Stocks & Commodities Magazine. In addition to his Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation, he holds an MBA from the Cass Business School at City University in London. Learn More