Semiconductors Gap Higher; Russell 2000 Leads Lower

A mixed day for markets. The only winner was the Semiconductor Index as it gapped higher off yesterday's strong white candle. With other markets suffering losses the risk of a 'bearish shooting star' tomorrow is reasonably high.


The Nasdaq ran contrary to the Semiconductor Index as it finished on a small bearish engulfing pattern. I would have looked for the Semiconductor Index to feed into the Nasdaq but this hasn't happened; it's hard to see the Semiconductor Index maintaining this form.


The S&P had a similar day to the Nasdaq, finishing with a bearish engulfing pattern. As with the Nasdaq, volume rose in confirmed distribution. On the bright side, relative performance picked up against the Russell 2000; so whatever money is coming into the market will flow into Large Caps first.


The Russell 2000 experienced a near 1% loss on another bearish engulfing pattern. Tomorrow will see the first test of support of converged 20-day and 50-day MAs; I have marked this as a possible shorting opportunity with a bearish divergence in the MACD and a sharp drop in relative performance.


For tomorrow, look to the Russell 2000 to add to today's losses. At the same time, watch for a gap down (and bearish evening star) in the Semiconductor Index.


You've now read my opinion, next read Douglas' blog.

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