100% Measured Moves May Signal a Top

One type of Fibonacci price structure we use to attempt to measure price trends and identify potential tops/bottoms is the “100% Measured Move” structure. This is a price structure where a previous price move is almost perfectly replicated in a subsequent price trend after a brief period of retracement or price correction. These types of patterns happen all the time in various forms across multitudes of symbols to create very solid trading signals for those that are capable of identifying trends and opportunities using this technique. If you want my daily analysis and trade ideas, be sure to get my updates by joining my free trend signals email list.

The first thing we look for is a strong price trend or the initially confirmed reversal of a price trend. We find that these trending price ranges and initial “impulse trends” tend to prompt 100% measured moves fairly accurately. The explosive middle trend is where one can’t assume any type of Fibonacci 100% measured move will happen. Those explosive moves in a trend that tend to happen in the middle of a price trend are what we call the “expansion wave” of a trend and will typically be 160% or more the size of the initial impulse trend.

These trade setups we call the “100% measured moves” are naturally occurring price rotations that skilled traders can use to identify strong trade potential setups. They are more common in rotating markets where a moderate trend bias is in place (for example in the current YM or ES chart).

First, let’s take a look at this YM Weekly Chart to highlight the most recent 100% Measured Move. The original upside price move between June 2019 and July 2019 resulted in a 2787 point price rally that replicated between August 2019 and November 2019 – after a brief price retracement. Currently, price is rotating near the peak of this 100% measured price move near 27,875 while attempting to set up a new price trend.

In this ES Weekly example chart, we see a 100% Measured Move that originated in June 2019 and ended in July 2019 – just like on the YM chart. Although the completion of the 100% measured move didn’t originate until the low that formed before price rallied to take out the previous high near 3029.50. Remember, the other facets of Fibonacci price theory are also still at play in the markets while these 100% Measured Moves are taking place. Thus, rotation between a previous price peak and valley (without establishing any new price highs or new price low) are considered “price rotation” – not trending. The 100% Measured Move that did take place recently did complete a full 100% advancement and is now stalling near the 3040 level peak.

If you are not familiar with some of my forecasting and trading strategies for trading the S&P 500, or my gold trading signals be sure to click those links to see some pretty interesting charts like these.

SP500 Index Trend Identification and Trade Signal System

Cycle and Price Prediction System

Concluding Thoughts

Once these 100% measured moves complete, price usually attempts to stall or wash out a bit before attempting to establish a new price trend. At this point, given the examples we’ve illustrated, we believe the US market will enter a period of rotation and moderate volatility as these 100% measured moves have completed the upside price advance for now. Some level of price rotation after these 100% measured moves have completed will potentially allow for another attempt at a future 100% price advance after setting up a new price leg.

These techniques don’t always work, we recently got stopped out on a TVIX (vix/volatility trade for a loss) but we just close out our thirst natural gas trade for a quick 7% profit. The previous UGAZ trade netted 20%, and the one before that was 7.95%.

I can tell you that huge moves are about to start unfolding not only in metals, but stocks, and currencies. Some of these supercycles are going to last years. Brad Matheny goes into great detail with his simple to understand charts and guide about this. His financial market research is one of a kind and a real eye-opener. PDF guide: 2020 Cycles – The Greatest Opportunity Of Your Lifetime

As a technical analysis and trader since 1997, I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles. I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for both short term swing trading and long term investment capital. The opportunities are massive/life changing if handled properly.

I urge you to visit my Wealth Building Newsletter and if you like what I offer, join me with the 1 or 2 year subscription to lock in the lowest rate possible with our BLACK FRIDAY offer, PLUS get a FREE BAR OF GOLD and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own during the next set of crisis’.

Chris Vermeulen
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How to Trade POMO Manipulation

This week I talked about how the uptrend is to be the focus of trading positions until a down trend is actually confirmed via price and volume action. The SP500 was very close to reversing down this week but with the POMO’s (permanent open market operations) scheduled largest injection of money for February of over $5 billion dollars sent stocks soaring jamming stocks back up into its uptrend.

Take a look at the normal daily injections and then look at Feb 27th’s....



SP500 Futures 10 Minute Chart Zoomed Back 48 Hours....



SP500 Trend – Green, Orange, Red candles indicate trend direction....



Short Term Trading Conclusion:

Following the bigger underlying trend of the market along with the big money will keep you on the right side of the market more times than not. My trading strategy which is now programmed into my trading system clearly tells me the current market trend, entry signals, profit taking, stop adjustments and exit prices.

Creating a proven trading strategy which works in all market conditions and having it programmed to do 95% of the analysis for you keep my trading emotions in check, saves me time and money and keeps things simple which is the key for long term success. So keep your eye on the POMO’s injection schedule each month for days to focus on long day trades or entry points for swing trades.

Receive Free Weekly Reports, Trading Tips and my Book at The Gold & Oil Guy.com

Chris Vermeulen
 

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Why the U.S. Dollar is Critical for the S&P 500 Index this Week

Recently I have been advising members of my service to be cautious as the market appears to be at a major crossroads. The U.S. Dollar Index is on the verge of a major breakdown. If a breakdown occurs it will be clear that the Federal Reserve will have officially stopped any potential rise in the U.S. Dollar. Over the past few months the Dollar has been producing a series of higher highs and higher lows, however the current cycle may break the pattern as can be seen below.

If the U.S. Dollar pushes down below the recent lows and we get continuation to the downside, we will break the recent bullish pattern. Furthermore, if the Dollar starts to weaken it should benefit equities and other risk assets such as oil. Higher energy prices would not be long term bullish for equity markets so there is concern if the Dollar really starts to extend lower.

However, if the Dollar finds a bottom and rallies it clearly would create a headwind for equities. We should know whether we have a major breakdown on the daily chart in the next few weeks. Until then, the Dollar could go either way and obviously the price action in the Dollar will have a major impact on risk assets and stock market returns in the near future.

From a macroeconomic viewpoint, risk assets such as the S&P 500 Index could be in trouble in the months ahead. U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) came in lower than expected with revisions likely in the near future. Unemployment claims appear to have bottomed and are rising week after week even though the major media fails to report it appropriately as it would appear that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has stumped media pundits with data revisions.

Additionally, there are two other macroeconomic data points which need to be mentioned. The Citigroup Economic Surprise Index has moved below zero and is showing a negative reading. This index is generally a leading indicator regarding equity prices and the recent decline shown below is problematic for the bullish case.

Chart Courtesy of Morgan Stanley

As can be seen above, fundamental data is starting to skew towards the downside which is likely a result of the recession that is in the process of developing over in Europe and potentially in China. Time will tell if the index can reverse, but the bulls need to see a major reversal in the near future.

The chart below illustrates the relationship between metal prices and industrial productivity. Demand for metal increases when economies are expanding and prices generally contract when economies retract. The chart below demonstrates global metal demand. The chart speaks for itself.

Chart Courtesy of Morgan Stanley

Clearly if industrial production contracts (reduction in Global Manufacturing PMI) the impact on the global economy will be felt across multiple countries’ economies. The chart below illustrates the MSCI World Index compared to global manufacturing PMI. Similarly to the chart above, this chart also tells a significant story about what investors and traders should expect if the PMI numbers come in light   against expectations.

Chart Courtesy of Morgan Stanley

As quoted from the zerohedge.com article entitled, What do Metal Prices Tell us About the Future of the Stock Market, “In other words, for those who still believe in logical, causal relationships (even in a time of ubiquitous central planning) unless something drastically changes to push fundamental demand of metals higher, one could say the the outlook for equities is not good.”

Essentially, the data shown above is certainly not bullish in the intermediate to longer term. However, it generally takes time for macroeconomic data to permeate all the way through to equity markets. For right now, the story regarding global growth is at the very least questionable based on the data illustrated above.

In the short term anything is seemingly possible. The S&P 500 Index closed above the key 1,400 price level on Friday. I would not be shocked to see prices extend up to the recent highs near 1,420. Ultimately I think we are in a long term topping formation that might require another higher high up to around 1,440 before we see a deeper correction.

The past few weeks have produced a very mild correction compared to the monster rally we have seen since October of 2011. This is a bullish signal, but we need to see prices continue higher and climb a serious “wall of worry” that is coming out of a variety of places. The European situation continues to worsen overall and we have lower than expected GDP numbers in the US paired with concerns about growth in China.

The S&P 500 has some negative headlines to deal with, but so far it has been able to shrug off poor economic data and we could see an extension higher that would shake out the shorts and run stops above the recent highs. However a move lower remains possible. The daily chart of the S&P 500 illustrates the recent correction and the 1,420 highs.

I believe that the next few weeks are going to be critical and the S&P 500 may trade in a consolidation zone between recent lows and the 1,420 highs while traders await more economic data. Fundamental data is starting to indicate that a slow down may be beginning. In contrast, the topping pattern that we appear to be carving out may require higher prices to suck in more longs before moving into a deeper correction.

In the short run, the Dollar will likely hold clues regarding the immediate future for risk assets. However, the longer term picture for equities is quite murky based on the economic data points we are seeing paired with additional concerns stemming from the European sovereign debt crisis. Right now I am looking at time decay based strategies in the near term and will likely stay away from directional biased trades. I would urge readers to be cautious regardless of which direction they favor.

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Bollinger Bands 101 – How To Measure Volatility

From guest blogger Amey at The MarketClub....

One reason I prefer technical over fundamental analysis is that it is more visually appealing. By quickly glancing at a stock’s chart, I can tell whether I want to buy it, sell it, or what the price targets are.

I look at stock trading as an art, and like any craft we must constantly tweak and perfect it to achieve the most optimal outcome. As a die hard user of technical analysis, I am always trying out different indicators, seeing which ones work for my trading strategy, and dropping the ones that do not. I typically like to keep my charts clean; otherwise, I get lost and lose focus.

Note: Before utilizing any new indicators or patterns within your real time trading strategy, be sure to have tested the signals you generate from this new analysis. You can do this by either using a back testing software or just simple manual tracking of stock prices based on your analysis.


The analysis tools I want to share with you today are called Bollinger Bands. They are essentially used to measure volatility of a certain security relative towards previous trends. Generally they appear as an overlay to your chart, and trace the current range of the stock.

Bollinger Bands consists of 3 parts (all lines):
• The middle band, which is a simple moving average of a period of you specify. Usually 20
• The upper band, which is your period + N standard deviations. Usually 20 + 2 STD
• The lower band, which is your period – N standard deviations. Usually 20 – 2 STD

Typically the default value is usually a simple moving average period of 20 with a standard deviation of 2. For those none statisticians, 2 standard deviations cover about 95% of the range. Obviously, you can always tweak those numbers to match your trading strategy. Some traders even use exponential moving averages.

Just like any indicator the use of Bollinger Bands can be ambiguous. That is why it is important to test your conclusions before taking them to the real stage; however, the main purpose of these bands are to help you decide when a stock is at the high or low level of its average trading range.

That being said, some people interpret the simple signals of selling when the price hits the upper band and buying when hitting the lower band. While that may work, you can probably get more accurate results when you use other indicators and factors (i.e. RSI, patterns) to confirm the move.

The key is to remember that Bollinger Bands measures volatility. During periods of low volatility, bands are narrow, and at periods of high volatility bands are obviously wider. You will also notice that these lines seem to act as support and resistance every now and then.

In the sample chart below, you will notice how the Bollinger Bands are narrow during June and then become wider in July, once the stock spikes higher. Finally, you can see that, in August, the bands are starting to become narrower, which could mean that the price will be flattening out and the previous upward trend push could be over.


If you are looking for some indicator or overlay to measure the overall volatility of a security, then check our Bollinger Bands. They may seem confusing, but, once you actually see them in action yourself, they can blend very nicely into your trading strategy.