Markets Seeing Gains For The Week, Rally Mode?

Are We In Rally Mode?

Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have posted gains for the week with the S&P 500 now above its 21-day moving average. A move above this moving average in early July this year led to a 6-week rally.

As for the Nasdaq, the longer-term, weekly chart looks promising as well, as the Stochastics are currently in an oversold position (below 20) and headed higher. As shown in the chart below, they were in a similar position at the end of the 2018 and 2020 bear markets.

Weekly Chart of Nasdaq Composite

Oversold Stochastics on a weekly chart also preceded this year’s 3-week February to March rally as well as the lengthier June to August rally. 

While the currently oversold position of the Stochastics on the weekly chart of the Nasdaq as well as a break above the 21-day moving average on the S&P 500 would have us hopeful for at least a near-term rally, we’re currently missing a key ingredient. 

Interest Rates

That is, a decline in interest rates. During 2018 and 2020 as well as each of the rally periods this year, interest rates were declining. 

As many of you may know, rising interest rates are a negative for stocks – particularly Growth stocks – as the value of future earnings are reduced. Until we see interest rates peak, we anticipate a continued difficult period for the markets. 

Daily Chart of TNX

Federal Reserve officials have made it clear that they will not slow down their aggressive campaign to raise interest rates until we see reports of inflation trending much lower.

Use this link and you’ll have immediate access to all of my current reports, as well as access to future reports and mid-week updates. Select stock picks and market commentary will be delivered directly to you with Alert Reports sent when there’s been a significant shift in my views. Sign up now before the exclusive Live Earnings Analysis session on November 1st.

Inflation Data

Last week, key inflation data by way of the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) confirmed that inflation remains very much in place. In fact, it’s currently trending at a 40-year high. 

Core CPI, which strips out volatile energy and food costs and is most closely watched by the Federal Reserve, came in well above estimates as well last week.

In the end, while the broader markets are giving signs of a possible near-term rally, the current rising interest rate backdrop will stall any rally attempt and most likely lead to more downside for these markets.

Mary Ellen McGonagle

Up Next...

Waiting on a Dip Buy in Microsoft (MSFT)

Hey traders! The Nasdaq is pulling back today, which, in my opinion, is a much-needed move. With the extended market, buying anything with an edge was nearly impossible. So, while pullback days aren’t as much fun as when the market is roaring (unless you’re short), I use them to identify opportunities. In this case, I’m … Read more

Read More

When a Ticker Makes Targets

Hey Traders! On Monday, I sent you a video about my short-term setup in Tesla, along with my $250 price target. You can check it out in the Tweet below… Since then, the squeezes I noted fired to the long side, and Tesla traded directly to my Fibonacci price target at the 1.272% extension level. … Read more

Read More

A Trade Setup in TSLA

Good morning, traders! The Nasdaq futures are choppy at 16,000 after making quite the run. So, what’s next? Looking for the next round of setups, of course! When tickers and indexes get sticky, squeezes will start to consolidate. Those squeezes generally occur on the lower time frames first. When those squeezes fire, they can either … Read more

Read More

Subscribe Today!

Want my up-to-date analysis, setups, top trading tips, and more? Be a Five Star trader, and join my free newsletter today!

Sign Up Now
all-as-seen-on-logos