ASX 200 hits ceiling

By Colin Twiggs
October 18th, 2011 4:00 a.m. ET (7:00 p.m. AET)

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


Australia's ASX 200 index encountered both the declining trendline (from April 2011) and resistance at 4300. Low volume indicates a lack of enthusiasm from buyers. The strong red candle warns of another test of 3850; follow-through below Tuesday's low would confirm.

ASX 200 Index

* Target calculation: 4000 - ( 4500 - 4000 ) = 3500

S&P 500 monthly chart

A monthly chart of the S&P 500 index gives a clearer picture. Although the Nasdaq is advancing strongly, the S&P 500 is stuck below its long-term trendline. Note the similarity to March-May 2008 rally. Breakout above 1250 would be a bullish sign, similar to the May 2008 breakout above 1400, but retreat below the former resistance level (1250) would give a strong bear warning. Likewise, a 63-day Twiggs Momentum peak below the zero line would signal a strong primary down-trend.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1100 - ( 1250 - 1100 ) = 950

Japan & South Korea buying pressure

Japan's Nikkei 225 Index retreated Tuesday, but has completed a small double bottom, indicating a test of 9000. Bullish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow flags strong buying pressure. Breakout above 9000 would indicate an advance to 10000.

Nikkei 225 Index

* Target calculation: 9000 + ( 9000 - 8400 ) = 9600

The Seoul Composite Index shows a weaker divergence on 13-week Twiggs Money Flow. Breakout above 1900 would offer a target of 2150, while respect would re-test primary support at 1650.

Seoul Composite Index

* Target calculation: 1900 + ( 1900 - 1650 ) = 2150



It is simple arithmetic to prove that it is a wise thing to have the big bet down only when you win, and when you lose to lose only a small exploratory bet, as it were.

~ Jesse Livermore in Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefevre.