The gap down on Monday filled on Wednesday, then stocks sank into the close. This was a very bearish event.
What is a Gap?
Sunday, January 26, I commented US Futures Poised to Gap Down on Coronavirus Scare: What Then?
Here is the chart I posted.
Sunday Evening Mish Recap
In this case, S&P 500 futures are at 3257 with the low on Friday at 3281.53.
The close on Friday was 3295.47, but that is irrelevant. This gap down, assuming there is one, will close at any time in the future when the S&P 500 trades at or above 3281.53.
Gaps Act Like Magnets
I am a firm believer that Gaps fill sooner or later but typically sooner.
However, gaps can take days, weeks, months or even years to fill.
All the while, they act like magnets.
Best Bear Case
The best bear case is if this gap down fills quickly then the market collapses as soon as it does.
Mind the Gap
Until a convincing new stock market high is in place and backtested we are at a potential market top.
Yes, one could make similar comments at any time.
But from a trading observation, one has a relatively low-risk stop out point when placing a trade.
Gap Magnets
I now expect those gaps to close sooner rather than later.
Those wishing to play the long side can think about a buy order in that lower gap with a convenient stop close by.