George Leong writes: The S&P 500 is at a crux, following its recent move to 1,502 on Thursday, the first time it was above 1,500 since December 2007. The index is up nearly 12% since July 24, 2012. The fear is that the index may be testing its third top at 1,500 since 2000, something I have discussed in the past.

The overall U.S. stock market is trending higher. About 75.2% of U.S. stocks are above their respective 200-day moving averages (MAs), versus 59.3% a month earlier. On a short-term basis, 86.2% of U.S. stocks are above their respective 50-day MAs, versus 63.6% a month earlier.

Take a look at the upward move of the S&P 500 stocks to above the 200-day MA; the move represents an 86% increase as of January 24, versus the 47% level in mid-November.

Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com

And there could be more to come, based on the seasonal trends. The November–April period has resulted in the biggest gain for the S&P 500, according to the Stock Trader’s Almanac. In the near term, watch to see if the S&P 500 can hold at 1,500 and move toward its record of 1,565 on October 9, 2007.

The chart indicates some concerns, in my opinion. Since its first top at 1,500 in 2000, the S&P 500 made another top in 2007; now we are precariously at a possible third top. The moving average convergence/divergence (MACD), as shown on the chart, shows a downward trend. Volume has also been declining, so we are seeing a bearish divergence between a higher S&P 500 and declining volume.

Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com

Technology has been better, with stocks advancing in the eight months from November to June, according to the Stock Trader’s Almanac.

In technology, the NASDAQ was displaying a bearish “death cross” with its 50-day MA below its 200-day MA; but with the recent moves, the NASDAQ is currently showing a bullish “golden cross” with its 50-day MA moving above its 200-day MA, based on my technical analysis. In my view, technology stocks will continue to be a top-growth area going forward.

Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com

The safe money will be with the blue chips, given the global uncertainties.

The charts are showing promise and potentially more gains to come. The NASDAQ, Dow, S&P 500, and Russell 2000 are all showing a bullish golden cross.

So while there is the market risk and volatility, if you trade the historical patterns, ride the gains, but make sure you also take some money off of the table.

The ability of stocks to hold is encouraging; although, any major upside move will be met with resistance. However, a strong break could make 2013 another decent year of returns.

Source: http://www.investmentcontrarians.com/stock-market/...

By George Leong, BA, B. Comm.
www.investmentcontrarians.com

Investment Contrarians is our daily financial e-letter dedicated to helping investors make money by going against the “herd mentality.”

George Leong, B. Comm. is a Senior Editor at Lombardi Financial, and has been involved in analyzing the stock markets for two decades where he employs both fundamental and technical analysis. His overall market timing and trading knowledge is extensive in the areas of small-cap research and option trading. George is the editor of several of Lombardi’s popular financial newsletters, including The China Letter, Special Situations, and Obscene Profits, among others. He has written technical and fundamental columns for numerous stock market news web sites, and he is the author of Quick Wealth Options Strategy and Mastering 7 Proven Options Strategies. Prior to starting with Lombardi Financial, George was employed as a financial analyst with Globe Information Services. See George Leong Article Archives

Copyright © 2013 Investment Contrarians- All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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