The Death Cross Sell Signal Analyzed
Moving averages are used by many traders to identify trends as they smooth out price action and act as key support on the way up, and resistance on the way down. In fact, it is one of the most widely used technical indicators and extremely popular among high frequency traders because it is so clear cut and easy to program. It allows the trader to ride a trend higher and to cut losses short.
The death cross is a popular signal that when used properly can cut massive losses short. The death cross is so popular because many institutional investors use the 50 day moving average as a medium term average and the 200 day as the long term moving average. Basically, the crossover method signals a sell signal when the shorter term moving average crosses the longer term moving average to the downside. A buy signal is identified when the short term moving average crosses the long term average on the upside.
Crossover methods are easy to program into a computer. However, I must warn that one must use additional clues to create a sell signal. There are frequent whipsaws and failures when you use the crossover method in isolation.
Chart reading is an art that requires discipline, experience and study. Crossover methods used exclusively, such as by a computer program, will not produce the same results of an experienced technician who looks for other pieces of evidence to confirm the bearish crossover.
Similarly, back testing the results of the death cross using a computer program will not produce optimal results, since technicians look for additional signs of the breakdown than just the cross. I was recently interviewed by the Toronto Globe and Mail on this topic and explained that one must be aware of this crossover and its implications.
Although some believe this signal is nonsense, and show back-tested data with computer models, it does not show the crossovers used in conjunction with other technical signals.
If the crossover signal is confirmed with a head and shoulders breakdown, a cross into new lows, and poor price volume action, which is occurring now, I will patiently wait on the sidelines and look for prudent short points when I see a price reversal and as the price comes up to certain resistance. If all these signs are coming together the probability of a whipsaw is significantly reduced.
It is also important to note that a death cross is further confirmed if the 200 day begins sloping downwards after the break. This will act as resistance on the way down.
A look at the death cross of the Dow in January of 2008 showed many of the signs of a market top and trend change.
The 200 day which acted as previous support was violated on high volume and was followed by three failed rallies at the 50 day moving average before crossing over. If not followed investors would have lost more than 60% of their portfolios.
Now is not the time to look for bargains but to protect your portfolio by selling on any bear rallies.
I believe that this rally will be shortly coming to an end and we will continue to trend lower in equities. Use these rallies to prepare for shorting opportunities.
Disclosure: Not currently shorting or investing in inverse etf's at the time of writing this article.
Tweet
Author: Jeb Handwerger
Jeb Handwerger
http://goldstocktrades.com
I started reading charts at eleven years old. One day my father, a market trader and technician found his library of books on technical analysis mysteriously disappearing. He later found the textbooks under my bed. For many years day and night I studied technical analysis and charting, working and learning from my father who has over 50 years of trading experience. Technical analysis is my passion and love.
In 2001, I started noticing the junior mining stocks and gold as having a tremendous upside. For the past 9 years I have researched many juniors and have identified the major winners using technical analysis and finding top management.
I earned a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree. I learned most of my technical analysis from the school of hard knocks, managing real money for myself and for my family.
Constantly perfecting my craft, I have traded for two decades of success in many different markets. I have been asked to post ideas to some of my students who have taken my course in charting and technical analysis. I have made an excellent living trading stocks for myself.
Investing in stocks is risky and could result in losing money.
I am offering ideas for your consideration and education. I am not offering financial advice. Please do your own due diligence. I am not an investment adviser. I invest my own money in the stocks I suggest. I am an investor communicating my opinion of the markets with other investors. I will be straight-forward and honest.
I am not a promoter cloaked as an analyst. Unlike some other "advisory" services I do NOT accept payment in ANY form from the stocks that I mention be it in cash, options or equities. I am free and independent of any taint or conflict of interest. Simply check their disclaimer statement as mandated by the SEC for your protection. It might be a revelation to you or at least "let the buyer beware".
Sign up for my free newsletter where I will post my "up to the minute" ideas and analysis of the markets. Comment and ask questions as we are all learning and growing. Empower yourself and learn how to anticipate opportunities.
All material on my newsletter and blog is copyrighted. I do not mind you sharing my information and work as long as you cite Gold Stock Trades.
Copyright © 2010-2012 Jeb Handwerger
Circle Us