The Russell 2000 (IWM) had galloped ahead on a week of strong gains, only to gallop too far and balk at the last fence. The big inverse hammer and spike high on Monday reflected the indecision at new all-time highs.
Yesterday was a bit of a pause (in either direction), and while it didn't trade the volume of yesterday, technicals remain net bullish. What I liked was the lack of follow-through lower on what should have been a powerful reversal candlestick.
One index I hadn't mentioned much in recent days was the Dow Industrial Average. And while the Russell 2000 is doing its best to point downwards, the Dow cleared new highs and maintained that form yesterday. We are looking at a solid bull market for the Dow.
The bullish response in the Dow should be good news for the S&P 500. It actually edged a new all-time closing high, but hasn't really kicked on.
However, we have a big acceleration in the bullish trend in On-Balance-Volume and a new MACD trigger 'buy'. This is good news for bulls.
The Nasdaq is doing its best to keep a lid on action.
I find it hard to believe - given the uptick in volume trading - how it has managed to be so restrained. Technicals still have a MACD trigger 'sell' to work off, but this is heading in the right direction.
For today, watch the Russell 2000 ($IWM). It has done well to repel the machinations of sellers, but it's not out of the woods yet. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has enjoyed steady gains, and if it continues, it should offer a catalyst for the other indices to post gains. If there is a "coiled spring" trade, it's the Nasdaq. I'm looking for a big move higher, but nobody knows what comes next.