The major stock indexes traded back and forth the unchanged level today, with a mixed close run on increasing volume.
Officially, the Dow Industrials fell a scant 0.1% on NYSE volume of 5.7 billion shares, while the NASDAQ rose an even scanter 0.01% on 2.4 billion. The leadership profile continues to accelerate its positive tone, with 754 stocks making new highs versus 76 making new lows.
The short term momentum oscillators remain positive, confirming the bullish stance of the AlphaKing Trading Indicator. We have no new trades at this time.
The good news today was the return of many traders who had previously been sitting things out - as volume starts to expand - as well as an increasing number of stocks making new highs - which means stocks themselves are rallying even as the stock indexes meander. The other good news is the absence of bad news, as the trend remains the bulls to lose till we see signs of heavy volume distribution selling, and that so far remains missing in action.
While risk of a reversal remains high - and will remain high till we see a correction that sticks - stocks have a lot of potential to run before cycles turn down going into a potential March peak. The bears would suffer a royal pounding under such a scenario, which remains the most likely outcome while heavy selling remains MIA, and a parabolic melt-up advance remains very much on the trading cards.
401K investors should have ½ of their portfolio invested in a stock index, or aggressive growth, mutual fund, with the other ½ remaining in a money market fund.
The Index portfolio is ½ invested in QQQQ with the other ½ remaining in cash.
Kevin Wilde, Chief Trading Strategist AlphaKing.com.