Trading Diary
April 29, 2006


These extracts from my daily trading diary are for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Full terms and conditions can be found at Terms of Use.




USA

The S&P 500 continues to encounter stubborn resistance between 1310 and 1320, with tall shadows for the last three days and strong volume at [4]. A breakout above 1320 would signal continuation of the slow up-trend, while a fall below 1295 would signal weakness -- and a close below 1285 would confirm the start of a secondary correction.












The Dow Industrial Average broke through 11350, but tall shadows and huge volume at [5] mark a massive 11.4% sell-off in Microsoft, after disappointing earnings for the third quarter and a negative profit outlook.

Medium Term:
Twiggs Money Flow (21-day) is whipsawing around the zero line, signaling uncertainty. This suggests that another test of support at 11100 is likely.

Long Term: The primary up-trend continues. Dow Theory confirms a bull market with both Industrial and Transport Averages in primary up-trends.





The Dow Jones Transportation Average and lead indicators, Fedex and UPS, are all in primary up-trends. However, Twiggs Money Flow (21-day) has dipped sharply towards zero, signaling medium term distribution. The three bullish indicators remain a long-term positive for the economy.












Treasury yields

The 10-year treasury yields continue their up-trend after
respecting support at 5%. 

Medium Term: Chairman Bernanke's testimony before Congress hinted at a pause in future rate hikes. This was supported by strong GDP figures from the Commerce Department, accompanied by indications that inflationary pressures are easing. Expect rates to be raised another quarter point to 5.0% at the next Fed meeting, followed by a pause while the Fed evaluates the effectiveness of recent measures.

Long Term: The yield differential (10-year T-notes minus 13-week T-bills), though low, is trending upwards. This allows the Fed more scope to increase interest rates should it become necessary.  




Wright Model: Developed recently by Fed economist Jonathan H Wright, the model combines the yield differential and fed funds rate to calculate the probability of recession. Looking ahead at the next four quarters, the probability is reasonably low at 23%.

The Big Picture: Transport indicators signal increasing economic activity, while equity markets edge cautiously upwards. Inflation and the interest rate outlook remains tame. Long and short-term rates are rising, but are unlikely to cause significant harm at the historically low current levels. The Wright Model is positive, allaying fears of an economic downturn, and we can expect a growing economy over the next four quarters.
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Gold

Spot gold climbed sharply to close at $651.60, accelerating into an upward
spike

Medium Term: An upward spike is identified by strong rallies and short retracements/consolidations lasting only a few days.

The Big Picture: Expect further gains if crude oil remains above $70/barrel.








Data Source: Global Financial Data


Currencies

The dollar is weakening against major trading partners.

EUR/USD: The euro broke through resistance at [D] to commence a primary up-trend against the dollar; confirmed by the rise above 1.24 after a short pull-back. This also completes an inverted head and shoulders at [A] to [E].





USD/JPY: The dollar broke out below its recent narrow band of consolidation against the yen and is testing primary support at [B]. A fall below support would signal reversal to a primary down-trend.




Source: Netdania


United Kingdom

The FTSE 100 is headed for a test of 6000 after overcoming support at 6050 (indicated by a long tail and increased volume at [4]).

Medium Term:
Twiggs Money Flow (21-day) fell sharply to end the week below zero, signaling distribution. A successful test of support at 6000 would be a positive sign, while a close below this level would signal the start of a secondary correction.

The Big Picture: The FTSE 100 continues in a strong primary up-trend.





Japan

The Nikkei 225 retraced to test support at 16700/16800, but long tails at [2] and [5] confirm the presence of buyers.

Medium Term:
Twiggs Money Flow (21-day) declined somewhat in recent weeks, but still holds above zero, signaling long term accumulation. A break above 17500 would signal a rally to test the target of 17900 (16700 + (16700 - 15500)), while a fall below 16700 would mean a secondary correction.

The Big Picture: The primary up-trend continues.







ASX Australia

The All Ordinaries is making marginal breaks above previous highs before retreating to test support. Wednesday [2] saw a break through resistance at 5250 only to encounter further selling; leading to another test of support at 5200. Resistance is evident from the strong volume at [2] and [3], and buying support from the exceptional volume at [4]. Frequent red candles over the past 3 weeks are another sign of increased resistance. If support at 5200 holds we are likely to see another test of resistance at 5280, the high of [2], and further consolidation. If support fails, however, that could signal the start of a secondary correction; confirmed if there is a fall below the April 13 low of 5120.





Medium Term: Twiggs Money Flow (21-day) is well above zero, signaling long-term trend strength, but the recent divergence demonstrates short-term weakness. The breakout above the upper border of the linear regression channel signals acceleration (especially as this is a log scale). Accelerating trends make rapid gains, but often blow-off into a sharp reversal, with the index retreating to the safety of the previous base (either 4750 or 4300).





The Big Picture: The All Ordinaries continues in a strong primary up-trend.







For further background information, read About the Trading Diary.
Regards,


Colin Twiggs


If your success is not on your own terms,
if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart,
it is not success at all.

~ Anna Quindlen