Monday, July 31, 2000

Noven Pharmaceuticals - NOVN


Here's a stock worth keeping an eye on. The stock is in the final stages of forming a cup with handle pattern. It has been forming a downward wedging handle for four weeks on declining volume. Exactly the type of price and volume action you'd like to see at the end of a cup and handle formation. This type of action shakes out the week holders.

The price inside the handle needs to hold above support at around 23.75 or the whole pattern could be rendered a failure, and may present a shorting opportunity under the support level.

Fundamentally the stock is starting to hit its stride. The company is expected to grow 100% this year, and 65% next year. Its five year projected growth rate is 40%. Analyst have been raising their estimates quite consistantly for the next two quarters and years.

Look for the stock to break the high of its handle at 31.875 before initiating a position. If the stock breaks out on heavy volume and continues higher, it could double rather quickly. But of course, either your stop loss, or the action in the price and volume will guide your sell decision.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Sunday, July 30, 2000

Techne Corp. - TECH


Techne Corp. was one of the first stocks to breakout in the most recent rally. If you were lucky enough to get in on the breakout, and get out near the top, you saw your investment appreciate approximately 95% in less then a month.

The stock broke out of a 12+ week base on heavy volume. The handle of the base which lasted about 3+ weeks was a bit sloppy, but the sloppiness came on low volume. If you missed the initial breakout because of the sloppiness, and the sharp move from the bottom of the base through the breakout area, you got a second chance to enter the stock as it paused for about 7 days, and consolidated in a triangle formation. The stock broke out of the triangle on extremely heavy volume and proceeded to around 120, where it paused again to consolidate its move before making its final advance. Up to this point the stock had experienced three distribution days. The first one wasn't concerning as it came right after a big breakout. The second one, again, wasn't to concerning as it too came after a big move. But this one should've raised a cautionary flag, as the volume was extremely heavy. The third distribution day came two days after the second, on above average volume, but nowhere near as heavy as the first two. The stock then proceeded to breakout of that consolidation and head higher on what would be its final run, and the formation of a head and shoulder top. A fourth day of distribution came quite quickly, and on the heaviest volume since the run began, forming the left shoulder. The yellow flag should be up and waving at this point. The run the next day to new high's on just average volume should have put up the red flag. The following day the stock ran up on the open 12 points, only to reverse course and close down 5+ points on extremely heavy volume, forming the head, and logging the fifth day of distribution. This should've been the your final warning, and put up the checkered flag, as this signaled that the stock had run its course, and this was the time to get out, or at least to move up your stop loss to the previous consolidation.

If you were still in the stock at this point, you got another chance to get out with a handsome profit. The stock tried to rally, but the rally came on decreasing volume. Some tried to argue that the volume was above average. But a closer examination would've revealed that it didn't compare to the volume during the rest of the move or the last two distribution days. The sixth day of distribution was then logged, forming the right shoulder and breaking down through the neckline. You could've gotten out at this point, and still would've held on to your profits even if you would have bought the stock as late as the third consolidation in the 120's.

Remember, 4 to 5 distribution days is enough to topple a stock or an index.
Even though the stock has experienced two days recently that look like solid accumulation, big volume spikes on price surges, the stocks relative strength line has broken down. If you read the article on the SOX index, then you know that a breakdown of the relative strength line, is usually a good precursor to what's to come for a stock or index.

If you're still holding the stock, you may be asking for trouble. Those that bought on the first two breakouts still have a profit, everyone else is now sitting on a loss.

Good Luck!!

PMC Sierra - PMCS

This stock has been one of the stocks recently that has broken out on heavy volume, only to breakdown almost immediately.

The stock had formed a double bottom formation with a handle. The volume during the double bottom formation had acted well. The volume was heavy on the first sell off, then was heavy, but not as heavy as the first sell off, on the second sell off, and the volume in the handle dried up, before the stock broke out on heavy volume.

As is usually common, volatile stocks such as PMCS typically follow the path of the market, and began selling off about two weeks ago, rendering the breakout a failure. But there is short term hope on the horizon.

The stock, as well as the market, are extremely oversold at this point and are due for a technical bounce, also know as a 'dead cat bounce'. The stock is also approaching a critical support line that has dated back to the end of 1998. It has bounced off this support several times, and looks as if it is about to find support there again. One clue I find interesting is that the stock only sold off moderately on Friday as the NASDAQ had its biggest point loss in some time, meaning the selling pressure is moderating.

It would be risky to try and buy the stock before testing the support level, as a dead cat bounce is not guaranteed. Look to enter the stock at around 172, but watch the market on whether or not to reconsider the buy decision. If the market isn't reversing to go higher, avoid the stock, until the market reverses direction to the upside.

If you do enter the trade on the long side, don't overstay your welcome with greed. The stock may try and bounce to the $200 level. Volume will be crucial. If it is declining during the recovery, then your sell signal will be the day the stock undercuts the prior days low. This would be a good point for the high risk trader to initiate a short position.



Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Diamonds - Here's One Your Girlfriend Won't Want



If you're a diamond lover, this article might change your mind. Diamond formations on a chart, particularly an index, are extremely rare. But when they do form they often signal a major bear market on the average of 20% from the breakdown point. The only good thing, the formation has a high failure rate of about 25%.

The DOW has formed a huge one year diamond pattern. The closing price, 10,511, on Friday was right at the breakdown point, and the index was running close to the end of the apex. A breakdown from here would surely send the index tumbling. Its first support level would be around the March low of 9,600, which is also its 50% re-tracement level, measured from its 1998 low to its 2000 high divided by two. This would almost put the index in bear market territory, which the NASDAQ has already seen.

A breakdown below the 50% re-tracement level, would surely put the index firmly into bear market territory, as the bears try and take the index down to the diamond formations average breakdown of 20%, or approximately 8,400 (measured by taking the breakdown level of approximately 10,511 x .80). The index could find support at around 8,775, but it would be weak support.

Tread lightly, as the NASDAQ has come under some selling pressure itself lately. A bounce is likely in the cards for this week as the indexes have experienced some heavy selling over the last week. Any bounce will postpone the diamond breakdown, but watch the volume for clues. If the rally comes on lower volume, and then reverses on a pick in volume, don't stick around to see what happens. Take your profits and run, or short if you can handle it.

Good Luck!!

If you have to remember anything, remember the following:

Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.

Thursday, July 27, 2000

Broadcom - BRCM


This stock is a day traders dream. Once it gets going one way or another, there is some serious profits to be made. Unfortunately for BRCM shareholders, the current direction looks down.

The stock broke out of a double bottom formation in late June on heavy volume. But that first day was the only good thing about the breakout. The stock proceeded higher on below average volume, which indicated a lack of interest on the part of the institutions to accumulate the stock.

The stock has now formed a potential head and shoulder top. It is currently sitting right at the neckline. Its relative strength line is on the verge of breaking down. A break below the neckline, under 220, could take the stock under 200, to the breakout level of the double bottom around 188.

The stock is closely related to the SOX index, so if the breakdown in the index is any indication, the stock should follow suit. One important warning, don't overstay your welcome if the market turns up. The reason I say the market, is that even if the stock is weak, a strong market will most likely pull this bad boy higher, and fast. A small profit could turn into a big loss in a blink of an eye. This short is for investor who can watch the stock closely during the day. If you do short BRCM and get stopped out, don't be afraid to re-enter the short again. The market is most likely getting oversold and is due for at least a technical bounce over the next few trading days.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Wednesday, July 26, 2000

Advanced Micro Devices - AMD


If you haven't read it yet, then go back and read this weeks stock of the week column on the SOX index and AMAT, before reading today's daily setup. To summarize the article, Mike B. wrote that he thought that the index was on the verge of breaking down, and taking the stocks in it and related to it down with it. Guess what, the index broke down, and many of the related stocks are on the verge of collapse. AMD is one of those stocks.

This stock was one of the only stocks that ran higher during the March/April sell off. At a first glance at the chart, the stock looks like it is forming an upward trending triangle, which is a bullish consolidation. It seems like the stock is trying to digest the big gains made from its run since the end of last October. But if you look at the volume action throughout the consolidation that started back in May, the picture gets outright bearish.

Over the 12+ weeks the stock has been consolidating, it has logged 20 distribution days compared to 6 accumulation days, 5 of which came on pretty lame volume. The other one, on 6/5, the stock tried to breakout on higher volume, could be considered a distribution day as the stock ran up on high volume and closed in the bottom of that days range. Notice also the large amount of spikes in volume on down days. The last six days alone have logged 3 distribution days.

Intel the leader in AMD's category has come under heavy distribution lately too. The report on slowing PC sales, doesn't help the stock either, as its micro processor division makes or breaks the company. The breakdown in the SOX is a further negative and could be the final straw that breaks this camels back.

Anyone who reads Investors Business Daily should've taken notice that even as the stock was approaching its highs, the accumulation/distribution rating, which measures institutional buying or selling interest, was a D, signaling that institutions were unloading their shares. This rating and the volume spikes on down days gave you two of the best clues that the stock was resting only to go lower. It looks like the institutions were unloading the shares while the news was good, and amateur investors were scooping it up not to miss the next leg up. It looks like their not going to enjoy the next leg down as it kicks them in the balls. Maybe the big boys know something we don't. Hmmmmm? Only time will tell.

This stock look like a short under 76.5. The stock is just on the edge of breaking down below its 2 month up-sloping trend line. It actually broke the trend line today on heavy volume, but managed to close just on the border. Look for a continuation move down tomorrow, and enter if you can handle the potential volatility. Conservative short players may want to wait for the stock to take out its July low of 72 1/2, as this level could act as initial support from the trend line breakdown. The next support level is 66, the May low, after that the stock could fall to 61, and finally the 200 day moving average at around 48. Follow the SOX index for clues as to when and where the stock may find a bottom.

Just to let you know, I shorted the stock today at 76 1/2.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Tuesday, July 25, 2000

Hewlett Packard - HPQ

Mother Russia is going to be proud of me. Tonight's daily setup, HWP, another one of America's darlings, has set up as a short.

Fundamentally the stock has gotten some bad news from outside itself. The stock sold off on heavy volume on Friday when Agilent warned of a shortfall in earnings for the quarter, and adding to the pressure was the report yesterday showing that PC sales are slowing down.

Technically this chart is just sickening. Ever since the stock peaked on 6/5 it has logged 7 distribution days. 4 of those distribution days came on volume spikes. The last attempt at its high came on waning volume, signaling that the stock maybe tired, and forming the second top in the double top formation. The stock is a short under 115 1/2, which was broken today on heavy volume. The stock also closed below its 50 day moving average, and is pretty close to making a lower low on its relative strength line (it actually made a lower low on the weekly chart below) further enhancing the bearish scenario. An island top will be created, if, over the next several days the stock were to gap down in this area on heavy volume to go along with its gap up on heavy volume on 6/5.

Looking at a longer term chart (see below), there are two major support lines. The stock has been trending higher since the stock bottomed at the end of October last year. During the last sell off, the stock found support, and bounced higher off of this trend line, which corresponded with the stocks breakout out of a cup and handle pattern earlier this year (man those long term charts can be helpful).

Conservative short players may want to cover off the trend line support currently at around 106, unless the stock slices through there on heavy volume. The next stop if that happens is 92 1/2, the area of the cup and handle breakout, and currently around the 200 day moving average. If you do cover at 106, and the stock bounces higher watch the volume. If the bounce comes on low volume then keep your eye on the stock as a possible re-entry short if it breaks the trend line. Also keep in mind that the 200 day moving average is trending higher, and could act as support before the stock reaches 92 1/2.

One more thing. The stock is due to report earnings in early August, so this breakdown in the stock could be a preview of a possibly poor report. But, if the stock starts to show accumulation over the next few days, don't over stay your welcome on the short side.
Just to let you know, I shorted the stock today at 115 1/2.


Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Monday, July 24, 2000

Microsoft - MSFT


This is going to be my communist pick of the year. Short Microsoft. Did I say that? Yes, short Mr. Softee!!! Why? It stinks, the chart is a mess, the fundamentals are a mess, and all this points to no where but down.

I wasn't this bearish on the stock a few days ago. In fact I was looking to go long, but how things change over the course of just a few days. The stock had put in an Island bottom, followed by a gap up on heavy volume into a flat base to consolidate its move from the low 60's, and looked like it was getting ready to attack the high 80's. But all that came crashing to a halt when the stock sold off and broke down out of its base on heavy volume after reporting earnings on 7/19. The stock has now formed an intermediate island top. The sell off today through the 50 day moving average and the declining relative strength make the stock an even better short and most likely will force MSFT to test its support level in the low 60's. I would be a short seller of the stock under 71.

The companies fundamentals aren't looking good either. For a stock that is supposed to be dominating the world, 13% revenue growth is quite paltry. Earnings? What a joke those are. The company has used realized gains from sale of investments to make them look good. So what you say? Your not buying the company because they are in the business of making investments for you. You buy them for their operations in software, which doesn't seem to be growing so fast anymore. Think about it this way, if the market were to crash, devaluing their investments, or MSFT sold out of all their investments, they would have nothing left to hide the poor performance of their software business. Realized gains are one time events. Once they are gone, they are gone unless you can keep making good investments. If that is what MSFT has become, then let them tell us that, and we'll value them as if they were a mutual fund, or an incubator, rather then a software company. Think about it another way. If the use of realized gains to make earnings look good was ok, then why weren't analyst pounding the buy recommendations on 7/19? Why weren't the mutual funds scooping it up at these bargain basement levels? The chart says it all, they want out. Don't believe the guest on CNBC when he says he loves MSFT at these levels. What is he supposed to say? I hate the stock I own 10,000,000 shares of and I want you to sell it so I can get killed. I don't think so.

The Justice Department is another thorn in their side. As long as the anti-trust case goes on, it will distract the company from doing what they have to do to stay as the top software company. There is no way they will be permitted to bundle any other critical piece of software with their operating system or make an acquisition that may strengthen them. Joel Klein will see that doesn't happen.

If you're skeptical about initiating a short right now, wait and see what happens. If the market turns northward, the stock may attempt to rally to the bottom of the base it broke down from at around 76. Watch the volume. If the stock does rally, but on light volume, then initiate the short on the day it stops moving higher and reverses.

Here is a chart lesson for some of you. Notice on the chart below how the low 60's, the exact spot the stock found support at during its prior sell off, happens to be a resistance level the stock ran into back in 1998. It is always important to look back in time to see if you can identify spots where the stock will find some buying support, this will help you identify the potential fall after the stock has broken down. For long term investors, it could identify a spot to initiate a new position. For short seller it identifies a spot they may want to cover at. For traders it identifies a spot where the stock can bounce for a few point gain.

What if the stock breaks the support in the low 60's? Well if it comes on heavy volume, their is a minor support at around 55, the middle of a double bottom the stock formed in 1998, and a major support at 47, the bottom of the double bottom formed in 1998. Long term investors, good luck. Hey, you never know, I might just join you if the chart changes. That's the beauty of technical analysis, love them one day, hate them the next. And it's not always in days, in can be in minutes.

Just to let you know, I shorted the stock today at 71.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Sunday, July 23, 2000

Cisco Systems - CSCO



I got to say, CSCO is looking good here. It is in the process, actually at the end of forming a head and shoulders bottom pattern. Notice the spikes in volume on price surges, signaling accumalation. The bullish bottoming formation and the accumulation signals make CSCO a potential buy if it can break 69 7/8, the neckline of the head and shoulder pattern, on heavy volume, at least 50% greater then the 50 day moving average. Also, notice how the neckline acted a resistance back in February and March. This indicates there was/were a big player(s) that wanted out at these levels. Now the question remains, is/are those player(s) done selling here. If it does breakout, that'll be your signal that they're done for now and the stock should challenge its all time high of 82, at which time it would have completed the cup of a potential cup and handle pattern. At that point the stock should pause and form a handle that consolidate its gains, and wedges lower for a few weeks to shake out the remaining weak holders.

Of course CSCO moves with the market, and if the market fails to advance it will take CSCO down with it. If this happens I can see CSCO testing its low of 50, as it proceeds to form a double bottom pattern. So don't overstay your welcome on the long side if the market starts to look weak over several days.

If you're a long-term investor looking to initiate a position, I would like the stock to head down and test its long term trend line, dating back to its IPO, at approximately $42/share. But remember, this line is sloping upward, so everyday that passes, the area I would like CSCO to test is rising. If the market were to tumble over the next few weeks, this line may move into the high 40's to low 50's strengthening the support for the stock in that area. Long term investors may want to watch this area as a place to initiate a position. A prolonged breakdown below this level, could signal that good days for CSCO are over.


In conclusion, I'm looking to go long right now at above 69 7/8, but, if the market turns I will look to short. In either case I have a plan, now it's time to execute.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Friday, July 21, 2000

Semiconductor Index - SOX & Applied Materials - AMAT


One of the leading index's over the past year has been the Semiconductor Index, a.k.a "The SOX". This index over the past several weeks has become more volatile as several leading stocks in the index have broken down from their bases.

One indicator that traders look at heavily is the industries book to bill ratio, which indicates the amount of orders coming in compared to the amount of merchandise being shipped out. A ratio above one is positive as it indicates that the companies are getting in more orders then they are shipping out. In the June quarter the book-to-bill ratio was 1.26, which is down from the previous month of 1.46. Although the indicator is over 1.00 it is starting to decelerate. This indicator has to be watched very closely, as it is usually a predicator of what to expect from these companies as far as earning and sales are concerned going out several months.
Another thing that is very disturbing is that the indexes relative strength made a lower low. The relative strength gauges the strength of the index compared to the S&P 500. It's breakdown is usually a precursor to future down moves in the index. This will be confirmed if the index breaks its key support level of 1065.64. Also watch the leading stocks in the index such as; AMAT, NVLS, TQNT, and others.

Let's take a look at the chart of AMAT, one of the leading stocks in the index. First, let me note that the stock has broken its uptrend and it seems to be in the process of rolling over. Second, the relative strength has already broken one low, and is on its way to breaking its lowest low that was set back in April. If this is broken in the next week or two, it will confirm the downtrend and the possibility of continued lower prices.


In additon, earnings and sales are great for this company and the industry. Expectations are running high, so any disappointment or lack of phenominal surprise, will be disastrous for the stocks in this index.

One final note, the weakest part of the year is coming, August - October. Investors should be very cautious on what they buy, monitoring the markets and their stocks carefully, and honor thy stops religiously!!!

Thursday, July 20, 2000

FTI Consulting - FCN

If you were looking for a micro-cap stock that has the potential to run, then FCN is the company to do it.

The stock has been trending higher since November 1999 with pauses in between. The stock is currently in a 9 week cup and handle pattern. Volume has steadily dried up since the stock peaked on May 22nd, indicating that there aren't many sellers. During the course of the nine week consolidation there have been three price surges on above average volume, indicating heavy accumulation.

The stocks pivot point, breakout point, is 10 7/8. Look for a breakout on above average volume. If it can clear this pivot point, it should head higher to 14, where it may encounter resistance from some overhead supply left there after its early 1998 collapse. It will be healthy to see the stock pause at that level, and shakeout out the remaining weak holders, if any are left, and then attack and take out the old high at 19 3/8. Notice on the chart below, how the current resistance level coincides almost exactly with a former support level. It's always a good idea to look back at a long term chart to see if anything could be standing in your way.
But be careful with this one. The daily volume is thin, so the volatility could shake you out quite quickly. If it does, so be it, but don't let it piggy back you down with it if it turns down.


Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Wednesday, July 19, 2000

Siebel Systems - SEBL



Here is a stock for those looking to enter an aggressive short position. Siebel Systems had formed a 14 week cup with a handle pattern, and broke out on 7/7 on average volume, which was the first sign that the stock was doomed to fail. Typically you'd like to see the stock break out on volume that is at least 50% higher then its 50 day moving average. The next two days it proceeded to pullback into the handle base on below average volume. On 7/12 the stock broke out again, but this time on below average volume. It continued higher for the next two days with no sign of volume pick up, which translated into a lack of conviction by the institutions to accumulate the stock. The second sign the stock was going to fail. Without the buying power of the institutions, stocks typically will not have enough power to move higher by themselves. On 7/17 the stock reversed course and started heading lower. The volume started to pick up as the stock headed lower, and today as the stock came back into the handle base, the stock fell 7 7/8 on volume that was 50% greater then the 50 day moving average. It looks like the stock wants to form a longer handle which will shakeout the rest of the weak holders, setting up for a future possible breakout.

The stock is a good short anywhere just under 170 1/2, which is the breakout point. The stock should head lower to approximately 147, which is it's 50 day moving average and bottom of the handle. If the stock breaks through this point on heavy volume, the bottom is anyone's guess, but I would say it would be around 120.

Keep your stop loss at 7% of your purchase price or right above the breakout point of 170 1/2 (for more conservative traders). This stock is volatile and may try to breakout again. If it does, be prepared to enter on the long side. If the volume is not above average look for the stock to pull back into the base, and become a short candidate once again. This stock tends to follow the market, so make sure you take that into consideration when deciding where to cover the short.

Remember: 7% stop losses from your buy point on all trades, or whatever you're comfortable with. Preserve your capital, and you will live to fight another day. Lose it, and back to mutual funds you go.

Can You Feel The Pain

This day couldn't end any sooner. In fact, I would've pulled the plug myself, if they let me. No, better yet, I would've thrown myself on the transformer if I knew it would blow out the power.
I couldn't pick a winner over the last two days, if you gave me tomorrow's paper. Actually, everything I bought, broke out on heavy volume, except they ended up failing. But that's what trading is about. You win some, you lose some, but in the end the dollar amount of winners exceeds the dollar amount of losers, hopefully.
The NASDAQ ate alot of us for lunch over the last two days after a somewhat confusing CPI report. After last weeks phenominal run, on heavy volume, it looked like maybe the market would throw us a bone, and let some of the new breakouts run or at least hold above their pivot points. Wrong!!!! It actually decided to pull back to its 50% retracement area on lighter volume, and have most of the recent breakouts fail (For me, this means all). The lighter volume, and the good breadth yesterday, was actually quite consoling. These two indicators, make me believe that the market is just taking a well needed breather, and continues to confirm that large caps are weighing down the averages. If we're going to have down days, these are the type you want to see.
Even though I believe that we're almost ready to resume the uptrend, I will be fishing through the charts tonight to find some shortable candidates. My buy list is pretty long, but most of the stocks on it have retreated some from their breakout points.
This is not the time to get emotional. Don't try to show up the market by doubling down or moving down your stops. Let your stops hit, and look for other opportunities, whether long or short. You may even get a chance to re-enter the stopped out stocks on a re-breakout or breakdown. If I'm right and this is only a pause, the breakouts will come again.
Tomorrow Alan Greenspan speaks, and everyone will be listening. If his speech hints toward more interest rates hikes the markets will fall back into it's most recent base. If the volume increases, and the market can't hold inside that base, we're headed for the May low, in my opinion of course.
If this rally proves to have been a bear market rally, then the market has formed the left side of what I believe will be a double bottom pattern. In any case, I'll be ready after tonight, even though I should've been ready already, to capitalize on the downturn.

If you have to remember anything, remember the following:
Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.

Friday, July 14, 2000

Exodus Communication - EXDS



This was one of the hottest stocks from October 1998 through March of 2000. The stock ran 2,976% in that time period, before peaking in Mid March 2000. As the Nasdaq dropped nearly 40%, EXDS crashed 70%. Since then the stock has managed to recover some of its losses but is still well below its all time high. So is this the time to buy?
Looking at the chart pattern, I can't say anything positive about this once upon on a time leader. Some investors would say the stock is in the process of forming the handle of a cup and handle pattern, but I beg to differ. One, the stock is still running into resistance at its mid level of 57 1/2, and second, the stock needs to be closer to its high. However, if the stock were to move through 58 on a short term basis, it may rally to 65, it's next resistance level. After that the stock may run into more resistance at 73 and 85, as disgruntled investor who bought at the peak, start to unload their shares at the first chance to break even.
If the stock can continue to 85 or just below, and consolidate their for a few weeks, then I would call it a cup and handle, and be looking for a breakout on high volume to new highs.
Investors can put their alerts at 57 1/2 for a potential breakout to the next level, but keeping their stops 7% below their purchase price, as this stock is very volatile, and I'm not yet convinced that it can make it to the top to form a handle, just yet.

Wednesday, July 12, 2000

That's What We Were Looking For

What a beautiful day on Wall St. Today. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and the market took off like a rocket from Cape Canaveral.
After yesterday's major distribution day on the NASDAQ, doubt was starting to cast in if the NASDAQ was going to be able to pull itself out of this congestion to the upside. The market opened higher on high volume, proceeded to move higher after Greenspan's comments, but reversed course and headed lower to close down for the day on heavy volume. The only saving grace, again, was the breadth, which was positive on the NYSE, and slightly negative on the NASDAQ, suggesting underlying strength. As has been the case since the bottom in May, the market was being supported by small and mid cap stocks, while, unfortunately for the heavy weighting, the large caps were putting pressure on the indexes.
On Wednesday, volume and price increased on all 3 major indexes from the prior day, logging a day of accumulation. New high's and up volume significantly outpaced new low's and down volume.
The NASDAQ cracked it's 50% retracement area with a vengeance, which we needed to do to clear the skies for take off. Next destination, 4,500.


The question now is, can we follow through with price and volume tomorrow or Friday. Don't be surprised if the market takes a breather or pulls back, hopefully on lower volume. If the NASDAQ acts well, and Friday's economic numbers are favorable, 4,500 may come quicker then we all think. But don't forget, there still is a downside. And the market can just decide to show us what the basement looks like.
Friday's economic release's are going to be critical, and will set the markets mood for the rest of the month. The PPI, capacity utilization, and retail sales are scheduled to be released in the morning. The markets comfort with the soft landing scenario could spell trouble if there are any signs of a pick-up in strength or inflation.
Earnings season is in full swing, and there is no reason to expect anything but strong reports. Unlike the last earnings season, the market is set to rally and take every stock that reports good earnings higher with it. But don't be the company that disappoints, or you know the drill, off with the head!!! Even as expected earnings will receive a reception on the street. The cops busted up the party in March/April, and now we want to party again!!! Only the economic reports could change this mood.
Use tomorrow as a preparation day for Friday. Prepare two lists, stocks setting to breakout or breakdown. Come Friday, whip out the list that favors the direction of the market, and execute your plan.

If you have to remember anything, remember the following:
Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.

Monday, July 10, 2000

NASDAQ - Where To Now?

Well, the unemployment report, coupled with the flat base the NASDAQ has formed over the last 3 weeks, provided the powerful move we saw in the index on Friday. Now the question remains, can the NASDAQ continue to move forward?
Friday's move came on heavier volume than Thursday's, so another day of accumulation, a day in which a major index or stock closes higher and is accompanied by heavier volume than the prior day, occurred. But the volume action wasn't as spectacular as was the action after the last unemployment report on June 2nd, where volume registered 2 billion shares. Several reasons can account for this. First, we're in the midst of summer and allot of traders and portfolio manager take their vacation time during these 3 months. Second, many of the speculators that were around earlier in the year were either wiped out by the March/April correction, or are just to afraid to re-enter the market.
The NASDAQ is also having trouble getting through it's 50% re-tracement area of 4,088, measured by taking the all-time high, subtracting the low reached during this correction and dividing by 2. This is now the critical area to watch. If we can break the this level decisively on heavier volume, the NASDAQ should be able to proceed to the 4,500 area, the site of the breakdown from the double top it formed in March.
If anyone has been paying attention, there has been a rotation out of large cap stocks to small and medium sized companies. The problem with this type of rotation is that even though the underlying market is healthy, the indexes can still go down, since these companies do not have the market weighting to drive the market significantly higher. Any major move in the market is typically driven with the help of large caps. Advancers beating out decliners, and new highs outstripping new lows have accompanied the last few down days in the NASDAQ. This is healthy as it shows that smaller to middle cap stocks are outperforming the large caps. Also, check the performance of the Russell 2000. The index is up for the year, which confirms what I'm saying. If anyone remembers, the move the NASDAQ made from last year through March, the majority of the time decliners outpaced advancers by a wide margin. The large caps command such a high weighting, less of them have to advance for the market to move.
The point: don't let a minor market downturn scare you. Keep looking for stocks that are basing particularly in the small and mid cap area, but don't overlook the large caps. They could come roaring back at anytime. The market is buying stocks that are reasonably valued and have earnings to back up the valuations. The days of 'buy the story' are over for now. If you're still in a story stock, that's free falling, get out. There's no reason why it can't keep falling.

If you have to remember anything, remember the following:
Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.

Friday, July 07, 2000

Quaaaaaaalcommmmmmm!!!!

No that's not the call of praise, that's what the company sounds like falling off a cliff. So what happened to Qualcomm? Suddenly it's not worth the paper the certificates are printed on. The so called King of wireless looks more like king of peasants. Korea is reported to be choosing a rivals CDMA technology, China's biggest telecom is delaying the use of CDMA, & Brazil may be going to GSM. This isn't the way it was supposed to happen. CDMA is the best? Isn't it? Remember, the best doesn't always win. Just ask Sony or Xerox. No longer does it look like QCOM will take the world by storm and garner 80% of the market tomorrow. Suddenly the company needs to go through the growing pains every other company goes through to deserve a high market cap and multiple. I told you!!!!! Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah!!!! Had to get that out to all those investor who called me stupid when I told them at 200, even 150 that QCOM will crash, and crash hard. These investors were telling me that QCOM was worth every penny at 200, and that the stock would triple from there. It was the next Microsoft or Cisco. Hello, anyone home? At it's high's the stock was trading at a market cap of $150 Billion. Yes, Billion. That was 1/2 of MSFT and 1/3 of CSCO market cap. Are you kidding me? Those stocks took over a decade to reach those market caps, and have steady revenues and earnings to back it up. Enough, my blood pressure is rising over how much money these individuals lost. If you plan on holding on to those shares, good luck. But I think it'll be several years before you see your investment back. What lesson should we learn from this? Learn to recognize when the stocks price no longer reflects the reasonable value of a company. At that point trade it accordingly. But don't make excuses for why you should hold as it starts to fall of the cliff.
If you have to remember anything, remember the following:
Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.

Keithley Instruments - KEI

The stock of the week is Keithley Instruments (KEI). Back in early March to Mid April the Nasdaq fell close to 40%. A bright star on the horizon was setting up one of the most explosive set ups, the famous William J. O'neil cup with handle. As the market rallied on 4/19/00 institutions bid up KEI almost 6 points (A) on over twice the average volume (B). As the market began tradeing sideways for four weeks, KEI gaps (C) out of it's base on over triple average volume (D) to a new record high. The stock then ran 221% over the next four weeks, until it reversed course on 7/5/00 (E) on heavy volume (F), and followed through to the downside on 7/6/00 on even heavier volume. This reversal is interesting as KEI is the leader in the Electronic - Instruments group. This breakdown could be a precursor to the action of other stocks within this group. Either new leadership will evolve within this group or a new group will come to the forefront.

Thursday, July 06, 2000

NASDAQ - Exhausted Market, But Ready To Take Off

Of course the market is exhausted. It had run 33.88% from its' May Low's. The sideways movement is healthy for the market. It's allowing it to work off the excess part of the run (a.k.a Shakeout the weak holders) before possibly resuming its' way up.
After experiencing the March and April drops, you'd think investors would be happy with the sideways movement, rather than a sudden drop, that disintegrates their portfolio's in a matter of days. But they complain when the market is down, they complain when the market moves sideways, and they only cheer when the market is up. All part of human nature. What these complaining investors are missing, is the opportunity to be on the lookout for new breakouts or breakdowns. As this market moves sideways, various stocks, from old to possibly new leaders, are completing their bases. Either to explode to the upside or downside.
Today's action was positive as the market marked another day of accumulation, after yesterdays distribution day. The market is set up for tomorrow's unemployment report. The three week base the NASDAQ has formed, will act as a launching pad either up or down, depending on what the unemployment report has to say. Tonight is a good night to review your portfolio for stocks that might be on the verge of breaking down, in case the report is negative. It's also a good night to look for stocks ready to breakout or breakdown. If you make this list, no matter which way the report goes tomorrow, you'll be ready to take advantage of the move.
If you have to remember anything, remember the following:
Cut you losses short. Let your winners run, not your losers.