Weekly outlook  — S&P 500 cash index

The S&P 500 cash index ($SPX) closed at 2168.27 last Friday, up 3.58 points for 0.16% net weekly gain. But for September, it was down 2.68 points for 0.12% net monthly loss. The last two months have formed doji patterns at the top end of the range.

Last week: The SP500 index had a little whipsaw move, resulting from the end-of-quarter rebalance from fund managers. Eventually, the bulls remained in the driver’s seat.

This week: The last quarter of the year begins this week. The SP500 index could repeat last week’s range before it goes for new high level.

Technical analysis

a) Monthly

Three quarters of the year is now past. The last quarter begins this week. So far the index is up more than 6.5% from last year’s closing and there is still no sign for long-term correction. The long-term supports remain intact and strong.

b) Weekly

Take a close look at the SP500 index weekly chart. Despite a choppy week the price still closed above its 20-week moving average line (2133.75) and didn’t break below its intermediate-term first support line. That means that the intermediate-term trend also remains up.

Even though the index was in an unfavorable season and in overbought condition, the bulls managed to defend their support levels quite well last month.

There was a rectangle pattern formed in the weekly chart. The index broke the top of that pattern and has been holding the price above the broken resistance line even while the index pulled back into 2133-35 zone for testing last month.

Now as long as 2135-37.50 zone holds the index up in the short term, the market could pump and dump to kill time until after the US presidential election.

c) Short term

There is not much changed in the short term. The Index remains inside its three-month sideways zone from 2190 to 2120. Daily PMO indicator tried to give a short-term buy signal several times before, but it got killed by the price whipsaws. But last Friday, the indicator got both lines overlapping, and today it may give a clear short-term direction signal.

I still expect that we can get a whipsaw move this week. The index can dance along its 20/40 day moving average if the price holds under 2190. A move below the 20/40 day moving average could still lead ES down to 2135-37 zone for testing.

Only a break below 2125 will be bearish, and can squeeze out the weak-hand buyers quickly, but the 2100 psychology support will continue to hold the index up.

Recently bad news about Schedule Bank influenced the overnight trading. But Deutsche bank is not Lehman … yet. The worse investment outside the US become, the more attractive the US market looks. Buyers will continue to help hold up US stocks.

Daily outlook – S&P 500 mini futures (ES)

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ES gapped up at open and managed to hold above the gap for a high closing. The price action was bullish, but volume was lighter than the prior day. This could be the result of window dressing of the last day of the month and the quarter.

Today the 2148.50 gap will be the key line to watch. As long as ES holds the price above it, odds favor the upside.

2170.50-73.50 will be a first resistance zone. On a failure to move above it during overnight trading, ES still can move back down and attempt to fill 2148.50 gap.

2135-33 will be a key support zone.

Sell the early rallies and buy later weakness should be our strategy today.

Support and Resistance

Major support levels: 2135-33. 2123-21.50, 2112-13.50, 2103.50-01.75
Major resistance levels: 2171-72.50, 2181.50-78.50 , 2188-90.50, 2200-01.50

Outlook

Short-term —- Bullish
Medium term —–Bullish
Long term —- Bullish