Investors will watch closely as the CPI print is out on Tuesday and when the Fed announces its interest rate decision on Wednesday.
The CPI is likely to be lower, and a half-percentage hike in the Fed rate on Wednesday is anticipated.
The Dow Jones (represented above by DIA) formed a technical "golden cross" today. This formation occurs when the 50-day moving average (represented by the blue line) shoots above its 200-day moving average (represented by the green line).
The golden cross technical formation often precedes a rally in stock or, in this case, an index. It is only one indicator of potentially improving market prices.
It is not foolproof or guaranteed to yield immediate results, but when used in conjunction with other indicators and analysis can be helpful, especially during a bear market.
The DIA's recently formed golden cross marks a powerful signal of potential improvement in equity markets amid recessionary headwinds.
Our proprietary Real Motion Indicator above shows that DIA's upward momentum is in line with the positive price action. In other words, we could see further price increases.
DIA is showing positive market dominance in our Triple Play Leadership Indicator. In other words, DIA is showing real strength in a good breakout and still trending higher than the S&P 500 (as represented by SPY above).
Looking at the weekly chart of DIA, it is the strongest US Index and trading above its 50-week moving average and 200-week moving average.
In our Triple Play Leadership Indicator, DIA is displaying clear market dominance. DIA is trending higher than the S&P 500 and showing significant pricing power in a strong breakout compared to the SPY.
However, our proprietary Real Motion Indicator above shows that DIA's upward momentum is slightly weaker than the weekly closing price, so watching the weekly trend will be necessary to interpret the golden cross.
Despite appearances, the "golden cross" is not a sure thing. While the indicator could be a trading opportunity, caution is advised as no guarantee can be given with the deluge of financial data in the days ahead.
On balance, investors should use multiple indicators to confirm trends and never act based solely on one chart-based signal, like a golden cross.
Not all golden crosses proceed to a big rally. So, what does this all mean for investors?
The takeaway is that DIA should be watched closely in the coming days, especially the weekly closing price. While the index has a lot of upward momentum, some signs suggest caution may still be warranted.
Keep an eye on the Triple Play Leadership Indicator and Real Motion Indicator to better understand where DIA is headed. And as always, follow these indicators to stay ahead of the curve in today's market.
ETF Summary
S&P 500 (SPY) 390 first level of support and 398 resistance. The 50-week MA looms above as overhead resistance 410. Until that clears, this could return to support at the 50-DMA or 380.
Russell 2000 (IWM) 177 key support and 182 first level of resistance. Similarly, 190 is resistance, and now looking at 177 as support and must hold.
Dow (DIA) 334 first level of support and 341 resistance. As the only index above the 50-WMA, support at 329 is key.
Nasdaq (QQQ) 280 first key level of support and 286 resistance. Still the weakest index. Hovering on major support at 278 or trouble ahead.
S&P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:KRE) (Regional Banks) 57 key support and 63 resistance. After weeks of sideways action, the last major support is at 57.00.
VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) (Semiconductors) 218 support and 226 resistance. If SMH can lead, then 230 is the place to clear and take notice.
iShares Transportation Average ETF (NYSE:IYT) (Transportation) 222-223 key support and 231 resistance. Another one to fail is the 50-WMA.
iShares Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) (Biotechnology) 127 key support and 137 resistance. This has been the year of do not chase breakouts. Like DIA above the 50-WMA and will see if it can hold 127 key support or break out to 137 significant overhead resistance.
S&P Retail ETF (NYSE:XRT) (Retail) 63 first level of support and 67 resistance. We never got the clearance over 67.00, so now we watch 63 and 60 as strong support.