Tag Archive for 'FTSE index'

Is the FTSE 100 Going Up or Down?

With the establishment of the Downtrend (which is now ‘in play’ for this index) there will always be occasional rallies but these are likely to be only temporary (generally 3 to 5 weeks); the index is currently suggesting that it is likely to return to the 4800 level area (the level of the July low) and then go lower to the 4630 level and, possibly, to 3500 before any serious support might be forthcoming.

There is now a 60% chance of the index falling to the 4630 area against a 40% chance of a rally to the 6000 area.

For more detail request a copy of ShareHunter’s latest  ‘FTSE Forecast’ report.

The FTSE 250 – Going Up or Down?

A Technical Analysis of the FTSE 250 – as at 4th August 2010

The FTSE 250 is in a consolidation mode. This could result in one of two ways. If accumulation (of stock holdings) is taking place then the index is likely to start to quicken the pace of the recent rally and so move quickly up to a test of the 10500 level and then, probably, on up to 11000.

Or, if distribution (reduction of stock holdings) is taking place (advantage of the recent rally being taken by the professional ‘in-the-know’ money) then the index is due to relapse and to fall back to the 9610 support level and then, probably, on down to the important 8888 level before support may reappear.

Of these two scenarios, the first is the more likely outcome on present signals -

(Click on the chart to enlarge).

The reasons being that the index’s 30wk MA is still slanting upwards and the index value is maintaining its position above it. Also the 13 and 34 wk exponential MAs (not shown on the chart) are still confirming the continuance of the Uptrend. Volumes are average or relatively low which indicates that not a lot of supply (selling) is coming onto the market which is a positive sign.

Conclusion: the bias is to the upside but caution is required as 10500 resistance is overhead which could send the index back down

Don’t get suckered in to this market – the FTSE could be about to change direction

Let’s begin by admitting that no analytical system of the Stock Market is perfect and always 100% right. But there are some technical signals that do tend to ‘work’ more often than not and it is, therefore, worth taking note of them as and when they occur and adjusting one’s trading accordingly.

One such technical signal is when the index (or stock price) meets the level of its 30 week moving average (‘MA’); when it does the index, or share price, will often change direction at, or near, the meeting point. If the price has fallen to the MA level then, often, it will turn back upwards; if it has risen to the MA level then, often, it will reverse and fall back.

As you can see from this chart over the last few years the FTSE has changed direction each time it has met with or come close to the level of its 30 wk  moving average and it is at that level again now -

So, it would be wise to take notice of this and to hold fire on any new share purchases or long trades of the FTSE until the picture becomes clearer.

Another point to bear in mind (no pun intended) is that the FTSE is currently in a technical downtrend and within any downtrend there will often be ‘bear’ trend rallies that last for between 3 and 5 weeks. This week is the 4th week of the current rally!

The FTSE 100 Index

As we suggested some weeks ago the 5770 level for the FTSE 100 is acting as a level of resistance. The index has spent all of this week testing this level and trying to get above it but is has failed. And today the stock market has seen a substantial retracement.

WE doubt that this will be the start of a longer and stepper decline – not yet anyway. It is likely that the index will recover over the next few days and have another bash at getting above 5770 but the amount of resistance being met does increase the risk of a steeper decline so it will be best not to overcommit to this market at least until 5770 is left behind!

The next 2 Weeks on the Stock Market

The Uptrends continue although the FTSE SmCap index is struggling (highlighting the dangers involved in trading smacap stocks in this time of uncertainty).

The FTSE 250 index has continued its recent new found good form and looks to be well on its way up to a test of the 10500 level and it has given us some cracking trades over the last couple of weeks.

The FTSE 100 just fell short of a serious test of the resistance at the 5770 level and will obviously have another go at this level next week. If it can break above 5770 then it should have a good ride up to the 6160 level but, if the 5770 resistance is too strong, a quick fall back to the 5540 is most likely.

As ever, it all comes back to the mighty S&P 500 index. Last week it failed its attempt to break above the 1167 resistance and, for its own sake as well as that of the FTSE indices, it has to get above that level or all markets will put in price corrections.

Individual market commentary and illustrative charts are available at http://www.sharehunter.com/news/market-review/

Will the FTSE go much higher?

The FTSE 100 moved ahead strongly last week, confirming an underlying strength.

The ‘change direction’ effect of meeting with its 30wk Moving Average continued to work for all the major indices last week and particularly for the FTSE 100.

With the S&P 500 in process of a (so far successful) test of its important support/resistance level at 1122 all looks to be well with the uptrends of the various markets.

But – and it is a worrying ‘but’ – whereas most of the technical signals for the S&P, the FTSE 100 and 250 and the Dow and Nasdaq 100 are nearly all positive we do have one worrying niggle; a signal that is just not producing the same positive vibes. It is our Momentum Indicator (“MI”).

In the past the MI has been a reliable early indicator of a looming market top and so we do take cognisance of it. Our concern is that this indicator is just not partying in anything like the same way as the indices. In fact, at present, it is travelling in a different direction when it should, if all was well, be moving in the same direction as the indices. The MI is suggesting to mus that the indices may well be putting in a top by reversing direction soon.

From the two charts below you can quickly see how both the FTSE and the S&P have moved upwards during the last week or two whereas the MI has continued to drift sideways or downwards.
FTSE + MIS&P + MI

If the markets are to continue upwards we would expect to see the MI also moving upwards. But it is refusing so to do. The indices and the MI are moving in different directions. Not a good sign.

Of course all of this could change anfd the MI join the ‘buying’ party but it could also be the case that the party is nearly over.

So, what to do?

Answer; Do not get carried away with the current level of enthusiasm and overcommit to this market. And, where you are committed, keep a close eye on your exit stop prices and keep them up to date.

Individual market commentary and illustrative charts are available at http://www.sharehunter.com/news/market-review/

‘Quantative Easing’ – its Effect on the Stock Market

Quantitative Easing’ is a euphemism for ‘fake money’. It is a high fallutin’ modern-day term given to the simple, ultimately very costly, old fashioned, last gasp of the culpable politician, resort of printing money.

In the longer term the billions of ‘monopoly’ £1 notes printed under this authoritative sounding term ‘Quantitative Easing’ will doubtless have a serious and deleterious effect on the value of Sterling and on interest rates.

The one thing that it hasn’t done is to reduce the potentially frightful impact of the multi-billion pound sovereign debt of UK Plc. piled up by the incompetents who were, and still are, in charge of our national economy and well being.

In the short term it has served to keep the wolf – in the form of a UK economic collapse – at bay. And that, we have to assume was its main purpose – ahead of an imminent general election!

The other achievement of QE is to delay the reckoning that has to come on the stock market. Our concern remains that now, with the withdrawal of the QE ‘funny’ money, that reckoning may be even harder. There can be little doubt that the stock market’s significant 2009-2010 rally is a direct result of the QE printed pounds. Equally then, there should be little doubt that the ending of QE will have a detrimental effect by removing the prop of so many new pounds.

It is also of concern that having ’shot the QE bolt’ there is nothing left in the politicos’ armoury to prevent the next collapse. But perhaps we display too much naivety as we should not be surprised at the audacious short term fixes that our politicians can magic up.

The concoction of QE has had the effect of encouraging the FTSE to rise to a level from which, if the historical stock pricing pattern continues to be followed, will see it crash down again. We have written several times over the last few weeks of the remarkable, and worrying, similarities that exist between the FTSE now and the Dow Jones index in 1929-32 ( see our Jan 28, 2010 blog below – “Is the Current Market Downturn About to Get Worse – Much Worse??”).

The buyers have slowed down on both the UK and US stock markets (our Momentum Indicator is still declining) and the FTSE 100 index is now, once again, on a cliff edge.

The FTSE has support at the 5100 level area and is clinging to this as we write. If that level fails (and we have to say that it is looking as thought it might) then the FTSE 100 will fall quickly to the 4700 area. And, if the historical price pattern continues in play then the FTSE 100 will be down to 3500 within months.

But whichever way that the market goes there is such huge potential for all of us. If share prices do collapse then we will make hay (profits!) on the downside by short-selling stocks. If the market rallies we will be back buying stocks. What we have to hope is that the current sideways whipsawing movement is overtaken by a definitive move, be it up or down.

Then there is the bonanza opportunity. This will be if/when the market crashes to a final low.

Back in 1932 the ‘Dow’ made a final low at 40.5 . This was down nearly 90% from the Oct. 1929 high and equities became a dirty word. No-one wanted to own equities. Bonds became the flavour of the month and subsequent years. Yet by 1937 the ‘Dow’ had risen to 195 – a rise of some 380% in average share prices. And, because of the ‘buy Bonds’ propaganda most missed that huge profit opportunity.

Dow 1929 - 2010Click on chart to enlarge

So, dear reader, if the FTSE 100 does crash down to the 3500 area later this year we are likely to hear much the same ‘buy Bonds avoid equities’ story but, this time, we – and hopefully you – will be ‘in there’ as soon as the trend change shows itself.

The FTSE 100 Index, weekly -

FTSE 2000- 2010

Click on chart to enlarge.

Stock Markets Review


The current technical analysis of the-

  • FTSE 100, the FTSE 250
  • FTSE SmCap
  • S & P 500
  • DJIA
  • NASDAQ 100

ANALYSIS FOR THE PERIOD  – 6th September 2010 to 12th September 2010

The Overall Market Rating (OMR) , below, represents the percentage of stocks in each index in Stages 1 and 2 (a potential or an actual Uptrend);

An OMR below 50 indicates a ‘bear’ market and above 50 is an indication of a ‘bull’ market. (The figures in brackets show the OMR for the previous week) -

hisIn: Stage1 Stage2 Stage3 Stage4 Overall Mkt Rating
FTSE 100
22% 20% 33% 25% 43 (43)
S&P 500
25% 15% 26% 34  % 40(40)

The Overall Market Rating for the both FTSE 350 and the S&P 500 have swung away from being definitive indications of Uptrend to below the 50 rating and, as such, they now indicate a Downtrend and the possible start of a longer and steep down turn.

Identifying the Trend -diagram

Stage 1 - Accumulation/Stock Basing                           Stage 3 – Distribution/Topping out

Stage 2 – Uptrend/Rising Prices                                     Stage 4 – Downtrend/Declining Prices

Below, we provide two charts for each of the five market indices analysed. The shorter term (3+ year) chart allows easier recognition of some of the more recent features that we may comment on and then a longer term (8+ year) chart which shows the important highs and lows of previous years. We have provided longer term charts this week (up to 13 years) as it helps to illustrate the comaprative performance and absence of long term growth in the markets. Please click on each chart to enlarge.


FTSE 100
-   In a  ‘Stage 3′ Distribution/Topping Trend  – (selling or buying but great care needed) -

With an increase of some 226 points the index benefitted from some good  support last week and it now remains to be seen if this will lead to further rises in the coming weeks or if the support was but temporary.  The key support area remains as 5010 to 5350. If the index can stay above 5350 then the rally will continue and the trend should change back to an Uptrend but, if it falls below 5010 then (considerably) lower prices will follow. The bias of our analysis still suggests that the index is likely to return to the 4750 level area but, after the confirmation of support over the past few weeks the possibilty of a rise to the 6000 level is showing itself.

Chart (3+ year) -

Chart (8+-year) -

FTSE 250 – In a ‘Stage 3′  Distribution trend ( buying or selling but great care needed) -

This index has managed, so far, to stay above the support level at 9610 and last week it showed an impressive bounce up from that level. Importantly, it is staying above the level of its 30wk moving average which, itself, is continuming to slope upwards. This index is continuing to hold its own and, so far, has not succumbed to a swing towards a Downtrend but it is very important that the index stays above the level of its moving average. Should it weaken and fall below it then that could be the start of an eventual slide down to the important support level at 8888. But, in continuing to stay above it the index is showing that a rise to the 10,500 level is more than likely.

Chart(3+ year) -

Chart(8+ year) -

FTSE SmCapIn a  ‘Stage 3′ Distribution trend  (buying or selling  but only very selectively and care is needed) –

The index is still travelling sideways between the  support level at 2700 and the resistance level at 2910 as it has been for almost a year now.  If the 2700 support level should fail then this index is very likely to next visit the 2425 level to look for support there and could fall all the way down to the 2300 area. This index does not look strong; it is currently straddling (and testing)  its 30wk moving average (currently at the 2815 level). To rise above it will show sttrength and potential for further rises; to fall back below it will show weakness and potyential for a fall. Great care is needed as individual stocks may be difficult to trade at a reasonable price if a slide does get going. Even without a slide, this index is suggesting that little is likely to be gained from trading smaller cap stocks at the present time.

Chart(3+ year) -

Chart(8+ year) -

S&P 500 -In a ‘Stage 3′ Distribution?Topping Trend – (buying or selling but great care needed) –

It is a significant warning that the index is now, for the third time inrecent months, testing the strength of the resistance created by the important 1111-1122 area. If it can get above that area then it could resume an Uptrend but to stay below the 1111 level, especially after a third test of it, would be a signal of significant weakness and the propensity for a steep fall. It also continues to remain below the level of its 30wk moving average (which is now at the 1115 level) which signals weakness so the bias is still, at the moment, to the downside.

Chart(3+ year) -

Chart(8+ year) -

DOW JONES INDIn a ‘Stage 3′ Distribution trend – (buying or selling but care needed) -

Five weeks ago this index succeeded in breaking out above the resistance of the 10370 level after 12 weeks of trying but it then failed to find support to sustain the rally and it fell back below it;last week it mounted another attack at the resistance created by this level. It’s problem is that this index is still below the level of its 30 wk moving average as this indicates an underlying weakness.  There is potential for the index to rise above the 10370 level but to sustain that break, should it occur, it has to break above its moving average as well. Otherwise there is  potential for a bigger fall.

Chart (3+ year) -

Chart(8+ year) -

NASDAQ 100 - In a ‘Stage 3′  Distribution trend  ( buying or selling but great care needed) -

The rally up from the support of the 1740 level has taken the index up to meet the level of its 30wk moving average (currently at the 1877 level) to a test of the resistance there. Should it manage to break above it then higher prices would follow as the index should then rise towards the 2040 level but, should this attempt fail, then the price is likely to fall back sharply to the 1740 level.

Chart (3+ year) -

Chart (8+ year) -

If you have any questions or would like more information or would like to discuss market trends then do please email us at

sharehunter@btinternet.com

06/09/2010