Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 May 26, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed with TraderMongers.com!

S&P 500

The European markets are plaguing the markets as their debts will hurt the global financial sectors. On the US front the Federal Reserve banks want to raise the discount rate, which is a sign of confidence of recovery within the economy. However jobless claims are still high so any chance of currently raising interest rates are nil.

The S&P 500 index finished as it did yesterday around the natural support level of 1175. Investors and traders maybe covering their shorts the ‘Volcker Rule’ is slowly becoming a reality which limits high-risk trading near July 4th.

The index met resistance due to Monday’s previous high as well as the convergence of the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the 5 minute chart. The S&P 500 index should be trading below the 1190 Monday’s resistance. An upward breakout could possible push the towards the 1110 area.

Looking at the daily chart of the S&P 500, the index is currently trading below the January 2010 resistance level as well as the 144 and 200 day moving averages. Yesterday we mentioned that the S&P 500 will be range bound between 1175 and 1110 as we head towards the slow summer months. The index traded below this range however rallied and finished near the natural resistance level of 1175.


The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Market Volatility index (VIX) measures options activity within the market and is widely used tracking the S&P 500. Increasing volatility implies pessimism within the market and stocks sell off as traders seek protection for their assets.

A common trading strategy for traders and investors includes a VIX level of 30 or above means an immediate switch from equities to cash. Traders and investors are retreating from the markets and finding safety and protection within the dollar. As long as we stay above this level expect pessimism as we approach the slow summer months. Currently the VIX is above the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart. The index is also slightly above 30 so unless it is below this level do not expect a confirmed rally or upside within the equities market.

As long as we are below the 1075 level on the S&P 500 and the market volatility is above 30 expect choppy trading with no confirmed rallies. We still expect the market to be range bound between 1075 and 1100.

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1116: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1110: Natural Resistance Level

1190: Monday’s Previous High

1086: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1085: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1175: Natural Support Level

1069: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

Wednesday Economic Calendar

Mortgage Applications / 7.00 EST

Durable Goods Orders / 8.30 EST

New Home Sales / 10.00 EST

Petroleum Report / 10.30 est

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.