It was a mixed day for indices with the first indication of a top for the current advance with reversal candlesticks coming into play off opening gaps in markets. The Russell 2000 is looking the most vulnerable as it finally manages to break past the June swing high. With the 'inverse hammer' we have the risk of a possible gap down Tuesday, which would result in an 'evening star' and a likely "bull trap" - feeding into the likelihood of a larger sell-off.
Buying in the Nasdaq and S&P delivered important 'bear traps' which in part, probably fueled today's gap highers in these indices. There is still alot of work for bulls to do, not least drive breaks of downward channels - not to mention, clear the first of the key moving averages in the 20-day. But it does give indices some respite from the grinding selling of the last couple of months. The buying in the Nasdaq didn't register as accumulation, but there is a slow improvement in the technical picture with an upcoming 'buy' in the MACD.
Will today be the day markets get their latest swing low? The Russell 2000 continues to be the index to offer most for bulls as support of $162.50 held firm. The large white candlestick was supported by strong buying volume, but if anything, today's candlestick was *too* big and is vulnerable to getting pegged back tomorrow. Technicals in the Russell 2000 weren't vastly improved by today's buying. The MACD still has its 'buy' trigger but didn't advance much. On-Balance-Volume has been trending down throughout September and October and today's buying, while welcome, didn't make a huge dent in that trend. The one real positive for this index is the continued improvement in relative performance to the Nasdaq and S&P.