And the winner is China PMI. The Dow ended lower for a third consecutive session dropping 78 points as concerns mount over China’s manufacturing index being down for the 5th month in a row. The S&P 500 lost 10 points today and the NASDAQ lost 12 points. This was despite the fact that new jobless claims fell more than expected last week, while an index of leading economic indicators for February rose more than forecast.
China’s manufacturing activity shrank in March for the fifth straight month, while manufacturing in the 17-member euro zone contracted more than expected, led by declines in France and Germany. This took toll on sectors such as energy, materials and industrial.
But despite all this we are still in bull as long as we hang onto 1370 in S&P 500. This current mild weakness in the averages is not unexpected given the magnitude of the market move from October of last year. It would not surprise me to see continued short term sideways action over the near term or even a drop of 2% points.
So if you look at charts above 1370 will act as pivot point. The reasons are – you have previous high support, 50 DMA and the trend line support. Moreover the breakouts did not disappoint today – look at LNKD, WDC, ALLT and GNC. Surprisingly LULU reversed even after not so weak guidance. LULU might have lost it’s momo status.
Good Reads. Tons of them today –
China & Eurozone factories shrink (REU)
Another day of Copper beating (BL)
Keystone XL – Again! (BL)
US Economy and Sentiment (BL)
Hunger Games (MW)
Oil lower amid talk of tapping reserves (FIN)
Gold in tandem with China as well! (REU)
MidasReturns 