The Russell 2000 may not be the index pushing all-time highs but the last four days have seen steady gains for the index - enough to generate a new relative performance advantage against strong performing Nasdaq and Nasdaq 100. Leadership from Small Caps is critical for building long-term rallies and this is a good start and an excellent confirmation of the `tweezer`bottom.

A solid day for indices as markets continued the good work from Friday. Even the Dow Jones was able to firm up a potential 'bullish morning star' sequence.  There is still work to do but this looks better for bulls with anyone considering a short trade lacking a natural point of attack (yet).

It was a strong finish for markets as they clawed back some of the early week losses. Some indices do look better than others and could offer bulls the opportunity they need into next week. Best of these could be the Russell 2000. The index left a picture perfect 'tweezer bottom' which has the potential to morph into a swing low.  If true then the index should push beyond 1,564 with little difficulty before challenging 1,615; risk is measured against a loss of 1,495.

Yesterday established a round of profit-taking after Monday's breakouts had suggested something more positive in the works. Unfortunately, another round of selling ranking as higher volume distribution left indices in a more precarious state. The Semiconductor Index had come close to tagging 1,400 but the index looks to have confirmed a bearish 'evening' star as part of a double top. A drop below 1,340 would send bulls running to the hills and open up tests of the slower rising channel and 200-day MA.