The Dow Jones Transportation Average (IYT) pulled back with the market in January. But after finding support at the 100 day Simple Moving Average (SMA) and consolidating, it jumped higher and made a new all-time high at 7627.44. That was March 7th, and it has been sitting there since. Solid strength in the transports. Dow Theory looks for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) to make a new high as well, to confirm the broad trend continuing higher.
But that has proven difficult so far. The attempt on March 7th fell short of a new high. It missed by less than 83 points or 1/2%, but that matters. To the Dow Theory that is.
With the last two days forming a higher low and closing in on a test of the highs, will the second time be the charm? It is only 1.5% away as of Tuesday’s close. But we will have to wait and see. The longer we wait the more tense traders and investors will become about another failure. But just how long do the Industrials have to make a new high?
The answer, generally, is as long as they want to take. Much of trading is a test of patience and this aspect is no different. If the Transports make a new all-time high Wednesday, it does not mean that the Industrials have to do the same Wednesday, or Thursday or next week.
In fact, as long as the Industrials do not make a new low that's then confirmed by a new low in the Transports, they can take their sweet time going higher. Do you have the patience to wait?
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