The stock market is in a precarious spot. In some cases, it is relatively easy to argue that stocks could rise or fall sharply from their current levels. It was just the other day I thought we could be on the cusp of a significant global stock market rally. But then yesterday, I noted that a storm could be brewing, because of a bearish pattern potentially forming in the housing sector. The stock market is sure hard to read these days.

When we dig a bit deeper into the housing index, HGX, we can see a couple of interesting points. They suggest the index is on the verge of a breakout and not likely to form that horrible bearish triple top pattern I mentioned yesterday.

Housing (HGX)

First, the chart does show there is a substantial level of resistance at 269, which is the cause for my concern. But when we look closely at the relative strength index (RSI) below, we can also see the RSI is now trending higher, which is the first positive sign. The second positive sign is that RSI has yet to reach overbought levels of 70 or higher. The third positive sign is that the RSI appears to be breaking out and is rising above a level of resistance at 60.

S&P 500 (SPX, SP500)

The S&P 500 shows how close the index is to breaking out, and 2,630 is the critical level to watch. Again the setup for the RSI points to a bullish formation. The index reached very oversold levels dipping below 30 two times in December. Additionally, the RSI has been in a long-term downtrend since January when it reached severely overbought levels well above 70.

If the RSI can rise above 60 it would signal a break out. Should that happen it would be the start of a new upward trend for the index and broader market.

NASDAQ (IXIC, QQQ)

When we look at the NASDAQ composite we can see something similar happening with the RSI. However, in this case it is even close to breaking out.

Semiconductor (SOXX, SMH)

The semiconductor stocks are also flashing positive signs which would suggest higher prices are likely on the way. The PHLX Semiconductor index is nearing a potential break out from a downtrend. It could send the index on to around 1,270.  Additionally, the RSI is also flashing bullish signs as it tries to break free of a long-term downtrend.

International Markets

Hong Kong (HSI)

Hong Kong is an example of an international index that is in the process of breaking out, having increased above resistance at 26,200. The chart suggests the index could go on to rise towards 27,400. The RSI, after months of being flat, has started trending higher in recent weeks and has plenty of room to rise before reaching overbought levels at 70.

Together both would indicate that stocks in Hong Kong can rise further.

Tencent (700 HK)

A very bullish stock in Hong Kong is Tencent. It is on the verge of a big breakout at price of around 333 HKD. Should it breakout it could rise towards 367 HKD in the coming weeks.

South Korea (KOSPI)

Korea is also pointing to higher equity prices, with a the formation of a bullish divergence. In this case the RSI has been trending higher since the end of October despite the KOSPI retesting the lows.  The index could rise to around 2,140, and a break above that level sends the index even higher trying to fill the gap at 2,220.

German (DAX)

The DAX managed to find support around 10,400. The chart doesn’t look as hot as the others, but there is potential for the index to rise. I think it can work its way towards 11,500. The RSI is consolidating nicely and looks like it is ready for a breakout.

Despite some uncertainty for the stock market over the next few days, the longer-term outlook taking shape seems to be positive.

To ignore the warning signs is not the right thing to do. That is why you need to always be on the look out. Which is what I try my hardest to always do!

Hang in there, better days are coming!

-Mike

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