Today was the perfect day for bulls looking for buying opportunities. Markets exhibited small bullish 'hammers' as part of a 3-day pullback; collectively shaping up as bullish flags. As an added bonus, volume rose to register an accumulation day. The S&P pullback will be confirmed on a move above 2,435 with a stop on a loss of 2,425.

Higher Volume distribution took hold in indices but there was no significant point loss to go with the selling. S&P gains posted late last week are holding while breakout buyers have yet to feel the pressure of this week's losses. The surge in S&P relative performance has weakened but hasn't yet pushed a 'sell' trigger.

Two days of gains have pushed markets beyond their breakout levels and new closing highs. Volume has not been spectacular, but shareholders will not be complaining. Shorts will be out or left holding big losses. The Russell 2000 had the best of the action as it negated the 'bear flag' in a move which now looks destined to challenge of 1,425. The MACD is building on its 'buy' trigger but relative performance against the Nasdaq could do with a kicker to mark the return of Small Cap leadership.

After a couple of weeks of light trading volume picked up as seller returned to markets. However, sellers were unable to reverse market breakouts. The S&P tagged 2,403 at the low of today, but recovered to leave it halfway between recent highs and 2,400. Technicals are net bullish with the MACD slowly building on its recent 'buy' trigger.