OptionsZone.com's Daily Market Outlook with Sam Collins

Bulls Should Be on the Defensive

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:58:52 GMT

A decisive break of a possible head-and-shoulders neckline would likely lead to minimum downside targets of 7,620 for the Dow and 820 for the S&P 500.

Bulls or Bears: Who's Really in Charge?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:11:34 GMT

The bulls have succeeded in holding off any heavy liquidating, but it is very difficult to determine whether the bulls or the bears will lead the market in the near future.

Nasdaq May Be In For a Tumble

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:58 GMT

The Nasdaq is looking very tired and barely able to hold above its 20-day moving average.

Bulls Will Struggle Without Higher Volume

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:14:38 GMT

The Nasdaq underperformed the other indices for the first time in two weeks, and the Dow and S&P 500 are moving into some areas of heavy overhead.

Market Showing Signs it May Head Lower

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:47:52 GMT

Volume continues to shrink, and this sort of disinterest is usually the sign of a market that is rolling over and about to slide lower.

Trend Still Down Despite Rally

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:06:08 GMT

The S&P 500's gain yesterday was expected and doesn't change the near-term trend.

A Strategy for a Confounding Market

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:15:43 GMT

The near-term downtrend is intact, but the markets' unpredictable responses to news yesterday, threw a monkey wrench into the works.

Market Offering Opportunities for All Investors

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:00:01 GMT

The market's failure to stage a reflex rally following Monday's broad sell-off was not what the bulls needed. However, this near-term reversal offers something for every kind of investor.

Look to Play a Reflex Rally

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:11:20 GMT

Stocks finally signaled the near-term direction of the market -- and it's down. But look for a reflex rally following the worst day for stocks in more than two months.

Waiting on Word From the Market

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:08:35 GMT

At times like these, it's best to wait it out and let the market tell you which way it's headed next.

Runaway Market Needed a Breather

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:12:34 GMT

The bull is not dead. What we're seeing now is a basic correction.

Bank Stocks - Know When to Fold 'em

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:13:08 GMT

It may be time to offload some of those bank stocks that have been so kind to investors since March.

Correction or New Bear Market?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:16:23 GMT

Some are saying that the bull market is over, and that we are most certainly headed to a full test and even a break of the March lows.

Failed Breakout May Lead to Sell-off

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:20:44 GMT

The SPX's failed breakout could result in a reactive sell-off that quickly takes back all of the gains of the prior short-term advance.

Investors Need to Pump Up the Volume

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:08:10 GMT

Volume on the Big Board has been declining steadily, and with it the likelihood of a significant upside breakout.

Can the Bulls Close the Week Higher?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:53:59 GMT

With yesterday's new intraday high on the SPX, then the sell-off on the close, the focus is on the bulls' ability to close out the week on a high note.

The Bull's Not Dead, But It Needs a Rest

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:10:41 GMT

There aren't enough buyers at the current level to sustain the breakout the SPX made in early June, and signs point to a modest pullback ahead.

Semis Not Succumbing to Summer Doldrums

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:16:05 GMT

Everything seems to be stuck in the dreariness of an early summer trading pattern except Nasdaq, and particularly semiconductor stocks.

Stay Away From the Banks

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:16:29 GMT

The banks could only take so much new capital in the form of equity offerings before prices collapsed, and it will take some time for them to absorb it.

SPX Fails to Breach Important Moving Average

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:47:51 GMT

The S&P 500's (SPX) repeated failure to cross over its 210-day exponential moving average (EMA) is not a bullish sign.

Time to Grab the Bull by the Horns?

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:41:53 GMT

It appears the longer-term trend has turned bullish, but there's one more thing I need to see before I'm entirely comfortable calling the overall change to a bull market.

Time to Call the Defense to the Field

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:49:58 GMT

The markets came off recent highs after a four-day run hit a wall of profit-taking, but on light volume. If volume increases, though, watch out below.

Market Flat on Good Housing Stats

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:31:25 GMT

Technically, the market has broken out, but it's alarming to have such a tepid response to good news.

Expect Market to Continue Move Up

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:43:50 GMT

Stocks should continue to move higher, so we'll remain on the bullish side with a bias toward emerging markets and energy stocks.

Signs of a Recovering Economy

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:02:00 GMT

ChangeWave Alliance research showed a huge jump in sentiment, reinforcing the case for a recovering economy.

What's Ahead for the Markets

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:39:44 GMT

Looking into June, the market should begin refocusing on upcoming earnings reports for evidence the economy is gaining momentum.

Watching the Treasury's Actions

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:19:00 GMT

In the short-term, the government's bond auction is likely to be a key driver of stocks.

Treasury Auction Boosts Market

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:26:44 GMT

The Treasury's auction of two-year notes brought an upside surprise which should alleviate fears of a lack of demand for U.S. paper.

Credit Markets Point to Upturn

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:44:27 GMT

The credit market, a reliable indicator of equity direction, suggests we will break out of the SPX's trading range to the upside.

Market Cooling Down

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:29:05 GMT

The market seems to be saying that a 30% move up from the lows is ahead of the real economy and the market needs to allow the economy to catch up.

The Start of a Rocky Summer

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:13:09 GMT

With the battle between the bears and bulls raging, we expect lots of ups and downs during the summer months.

What the Debt Markets Can Tell Us

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:16:14 GMT

Equities have rallied but the debt market is telling us they could go even higher.

The Trend Remains Bullish

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:13:30 GMT

We are in a bull move until the market says we are not.

U.S. Weak, But Global Markets Booming

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:27:48 GMT

Despite weak U.S. and European economies, so far, global growth looks good.

Anything Could Happen

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:23:06 GMT

Today is May options expiration, so we should expect virtually anything to happen as traders cover their positions.

Financials' Fall Could Boost Profits

Thu, 14 May 2009 13:05:53 GMT

It's time to short the financials for a 20% fall from grace.

Stocks Suffer After New Issues

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:57:53 GMT

Banks and others are flooding the market with new stock that dilutes the price of current holdings.

Looking for a Leader

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:46:43 GMT

While the market decides on its next leaders -- which it will need if a bull is to emerge -- expect at least a mild pullback.

Is There Safety in Numbers?

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:40:53 GMT

The SPX broke above its first Fibonacci number, and we'll also be watching its moving average to signal any reversals.

Watching and Waiting

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:44:09 GMT

Thursday's reversals could all be corrected in short order -- but, for now, I'd rather sit out until the big buy signal is given.

Market Putting up Obstacles

Thu, 07 May 2009 13:01:46 GMT

The bulls have their work cut out for them because they must overcome a massive supply zone from SPX 920 to 1,000.

The Best is Yet to Come

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:04:57 GMT

There's a turnaround coming, but it won't occur overnight.

Bulls Still in the Pen

Tue, 05 May 2009 13:04:54 GMT

Intermediate- and short-term trends are bullish, but until the January highs are taken out, the bear will still be with us.

Buying Slows -- will Market Tumble?

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:29:08 GMT

Our momentum indicator shows that buying is dramatically slowing -- if it continues, the chance of a correction increases.

Market Getting 'Testy'

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:39:01 GMT

After almost seven weeks of solid buying, a correction -- and therefore a 'test'-- is overdue.

Market's Path Unclear for Now

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:36:40 GMT

The major averages are deeply in resistance; we'll soon know if the recent run up was merely a bear-market rally or the start of a new bull market.

Financials, Treasury Foul Up Market

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:38:44 GMT

Investors should stay out of the financial stocks until these markets become less volatile and a fair place to do business.

Will Swine Flu Throw Mud on Market?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:47:12 GMT

Swine flu could be the trigger that terminates one of the most energetic bear-market rallies on record.

Caution is King

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:42:21 GMT

Until S&P 875-900 is penetrated, it is time to be very cautious.

Can the Bulls Take Charge?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:36:40 GMT

For the bulls to turn the market positive, the S&P 500 must close above the 875 and the Dow above 8,250.

What the MACD Can Tell Us

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:17:17 GMT

My analysis turned up a major short-term sell signal from a reliable indicator -- the Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD).

The Selling May Not Be Over

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:43:04 GMT

A quick run of the Dow's performance in the past 10 days shows a pattern that would make any bull perspire.

Indices Giving Sell Signals

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:45:52 GMT

More weakness should trigger profit-taking and drive stocks to around DJI 7,450 and SPX 800.

Is the Market Losing Steam?

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:40:49 GMT

The market is up six consecutive weeks for a 29% gain from its March 9 low, but signs of exhaustion are appearing in many sectors.

Market's Climb Puzzling Analysts

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:49:35 GMT

The market's tenacity to drive upward and move ahead in the face of bad news continues to confound technicians.

Expect a Correction

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:50:03 GMT

Traders and investors should position themselves for a quick correction (down) within the next week or so.

What Does the Selling Tells Us?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:35:53 GMT

Unless Dow 7,750 is crushed, don't look for a meaningful sell-off just yet.

Financials' Follies Thump Short Sellers

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:20:44 GMT

While manipulation of bank stocks goes unchecked, traders should avoid the short side of financials.

Financials in the Spotlight

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:35:39 GMT

By attempting to manipulate the market, WFC made its stock more vulnerable than ever to serious selling.

Can Nasdaq Breakaway and Reverse?

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:51:53 GMT

While the more senior averages have been slugging it out, the NASD has been moving at a faster pace.

Back Out of the Banks

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:50:12 GMT

If you've ridden the financial sector's recovery to the current level, it's time to take profits or lighten up.

Market Top Could Have Bulls Scrambling

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:46:48 GMT

Momentum has topped and is falling -- an early warning that a temporary market high could have finalized.

How Far Will the Rally Run?

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:49:05 GMT

With uncertainty surrounding the duration of the rally, most investors should use the opportunity to lighten up on their losers.

Volume Key to a Rally

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:36:41 GMT

Unless volume builds quickly as prices move into the major five-month resistance zone, the rally will fail.

Market Remains in Bear Country

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:36:41 GMT

Even though the past couple of weeks have been tough on bears, there's no technical reason to give up on the major market downtrend.

A Sell-off is in the Works

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:36:41 GMT

With the new quarter upon us, every internal indicator is saying to expect a modest to moderate sell-off.

Expect More Downside

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:47:34 GMT

The SPX's close below 800 and the DJI's failure to surmount 8,000 signal that prices are headed lower.

A Correction's Coming

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:59:08 GMT

Once the correction starts, Fibonacci numbers supply the targets, with SPX 752 as the most likely number.

Bad News Good for Bears

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:54:22 GMT

For the first time in this bear market, bad news was ignored and the market rallied by almost 175 points. Are we ready to turn bullish?

Strong Sell-off Likely

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:49:26 GMT

With renewed selling likely, it would be wise to cover shorts and wait for the signal of the next move.

Bears Are Still Hungry

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:44:18 GMT

The rally appears to be running out of steam and the ball is now passed back to the bears.

Does the Rally Have Legs?

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:51:04 GMT

Uncertainty about the government's plans and impending earnings tell me we'll see many days of angst before the bear retreats.

Indices Following the Financials

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:46:44 GMT

With the financial stocks in full retreat again, it looks like they will become bear meat and lead the way down.

Market Due for Sell-Off

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:48:43 GMT

As the market becomes more overbought and due for some serious selling, gold and oil are establishing new bull markets.

The Bears are Still in Charge

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:38:07 GMT

Despite all of the hoopla, the market still belongs to the bear.

Has the Rally Run Its Course?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:46:58 GMT

Buying could continue for a day or two more but all indications are that the rally is nearing its upper limit.

Dow, S&P Reverse

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:45:58 GMT

With reversals recorded yesterday for both the DJI and the SPX, bulls must move quickly to get back on course.

Economic Reports Loom Over Market

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:52:05 GMT

As the SPX approaches resistance this week, the market will also encounter important economic and earnings reports.

Enjoy the Rally While It Lasts

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:51:29 GMT

Chances are high that, after a short run, the bear will still be with us.

Rally Already Fizzling

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:42:59 GMT

Unless the major indices can put together several strong days, this rally has already failed.

Where is the Market Headed?

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:52:03 GMT

A target of 560 on the SPX is what many analysts have been looking at as the final bear-market target.

Oversold Market Vexes Traders

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:55:50 GMT

Normally, with the market so oversold, we would expect a rally -- but not lately.

Market's Downswing Continues

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:46:55 GMT

All rallies seem doomed to fail, and our strategy is to buy into Ultra ETFs and other contra funds to ride the bear down.

Market Sour Until It Finds Support

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:53:26 GMT

Until the market finds new support, either take a vacation or jump onto your favorite Ultra ETF and try to make lemonade from lemons.

No Bottom in Sight

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:54:13 GMT

Even with the major indices down more than 50%, there appears to be no bottom yet in sight.

Will Market 'Agree' to Rally?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:42:16 GMT

After five days down, many are saying that the market is bound to get a rally since it is so 'oversold.' Will the market agree?

Beware the Falling Knife

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:31:52 GMT

Even though there may be sharp rallies, the trend is down and those who ignore it will be sliced with the falling knife.

Obama Speech Spooks Market

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:42:41 GMT

Since Obama's inauguration, the market has responded negatively to his rhetoric -- Wednesday was no exception.

Nationalization Talk Could Douse Dow

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:54:10 GMT

As long as politicians don't react with more talk of nationalizing the banks, the Dow should be able to continue its rally.

Nasdaq Under Attack

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:43:17 GMT

Only the NASD is holding support, but if that gives way, an attack on its November low seems inevitable.

Will a Rally Materialize?

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:31:45 GMT

If a rally doesn't materialize this week and the SPX and the NASD fall to new lows, a new leg will be added to the bear market

Market Deja Vu

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:35:33 GMT

Will the market rally and reverse -- creating a perfect mirror image of the November bottom -- or will it be buried in new lows?

Shorts Suffering Ahead of Expiration

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:34:37 GMT

A short squeeze prior to Friday's expiration of the February options seems to be developing.

Don't Get Caught 'Short'

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:46:55 GMT

The group at greatest risk at this low point in the major indices is the shorts.

Market Taking Sideways Stance

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:30:58 GMT

The short-term future looks to have more boring, sideways movement.

Bulls Holding Strong on S&P

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:43:15 GMT

The market's major support zone is still intact with the bears wondering what it will take to penetrate the bulls' final stronghold.

Consumers 'Not Buying' Market Support

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:49:44 GMT

The market will likely continue holding at the support zones but the consumer will be an area of continued weakness.

An 'Aye' for Details

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:36:46 GMT

Many hope the Treasury Secretary's vague lecture resulted from inexperience. If so, then we should see more details -- and quickly.

Will Geithner's Guidance Move the Market?

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:47:17 GMT

All eyes will be on Treasury Secretary Geithner today, as the major indices appear to be waiting for the catalyst.

Money Returns to the Market

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:54:18 GMT

Savvy investors with lots of cash appear ready to put some money to work -- and so should you.