Back on January 19, 2011, we made some projections regarding the market's
extended technical state and the possible onset of a correction; from that
post:
The extended technical state of the markets will need to be cleared at
some point over the coming weeks. Our market models, along with historical
market data, enable us to make some guesstimates regarding when a pullback
may begin. Recently, we used the CCM Bull Market Sustainability Index (BMSI)
and some back-of-the envelope calculations to project future BMSI levels,
based on current BMSI levels and recent trends in numerous technical indicators.
This type of projection is not used to make decisions today, but it does
help us better prepare for possible chess moves over the next few weeks.
This is a planning exercise, not an execution exercise.
The market did get a pullback, or more aptly referred to as a period of consolidation
in mid-to-late January, which reset the correction clock. We did some very
limited buying as conditions improved again.
Last night we updated the correction watch calendar using the BMSI and recent
trends.
The yellow portion of the calendar above could come into effect in as little
as eight trading sessions. Therefore, any new investments made with cash need
to be very flexible and easily converted back to cash. The bulls remain in
control, but this market could give back some gains in a rather rapid fashion
sometime in the coming weeks or months.
In terms of strategy, we are happy to hold our current long positions for
now. We may be willing to invest relatively small amounts of cash should a
decent entry point present itself. As we outlined in Is
The Market Extremely Overbought? - extended and overbought markets
can continue to advance. With the Fed's eighteen primary dealers still getting
cash injections via the second Quantitative Easing Program (see Who
Gets The Fed's Printed Money?), the market may hold up quite a bit longer
than we expect. We have to pay attention with an open mind about both bullish
and bearish outcomes.
Chris Ciovacco is the Chief Investment Officer for Ciovacco
Capital Management, LLC. More on the web at www.ciovaccocapital.com.
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