sp 500 daily outlook fri 02 june 2016 risk of a bull trap below 2110 but needs to break below 2099 1

(Click to enlarge charts)

What happened earlier/yesterday

The U.S. SP 500 Index (proxy for the S&P 500 futures) has a daily close above the 2100 descending trendline resistance at 2105 but it remained below the 2110 pivotal resistance which is the upper limit of the medium-term neutrality range set for this week.

Please click on this link to recap our previous daily short-term outlook/strategy.

The 2100 level is indeed a significant level both in terms of psychological and technical analysis perspective as this level has been reported across major media outlets (social and print/TV). A daily close above 2100 is considered bullish accompanied by a healthy market breath. But will it be a bull trap? More about this below as we highlight the key elements to look out. Now let’s us recap some key economic numbers/event.

The private ADP employment data that released before Nonfarm payrolls saw employment grew by a solid number of 173K (consensus @ 175K) in May which is above April revised reading of 166K.

This uptick in ADP employment data is likely to be a strong number for the official government Nonfarm Payrolls out later at 1230GMT where consensus is set at 164K above the previous April reading of 160K.

OPEC meeting has ended without an agreement on oil production ceiling but the cartel’s “leader”, Saudi Arabia has promised not to create any shock to the market by flooding it with extra oil supplies in the press conference.

Today other key U.S. economic data release will be as follow

• Markit Services & Composite PMIs (final) for May @1345GMT
• ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI for May @1400GMT
• Factory Orders for Apr @1400GMT

 Key elements

• Despite a close above the 2100 level yesterday, the S&P 500 has a similar close above the 2100 level on 20 April 2016 at 2102 but failed to make any follow through the next day as it recorded a close of 2091 which lead to a decline of 3.14% to print a recent low of 2040 on 19 May 2016.
• The daily (medium-term) RSI oscillator has remained below their resistances.
• The recent rally seen last week from 19 May 2016 low of 2040 (the failure breakout of the bearish “Head & Shoulders” pattern) of the S&P 500 has moved in similar “lockstep” with the WTI crude oil. The direct correlation between S&P 500 and WTI has started to take shape again as seen on last chart between S&P 500 E-mini futures and the WTI crude oil futures and most interestingly, yesterday recovery seen in the S&P 500 occurred at the same time on the WTI at 1400 GMT.
• Today, it will be a key day for the S&P 500 which coincides with the release of the Nonfarm payroll data and yesterday’s clearance above 2100. Right now, in most media space (social & print/TV) have started to paint a positive picture on the S&P 500 but if the current direct correlation between WTI crude oil and S&P 500 continues to hold, we should be cautious on the S&P 500 for a potential bull trap as the WTI crude oil futures has not break above its 49.42 resistance (refer to the 3^rd chart).
• The potential downside trigger for the U.S. SP 500 Index rests at 2099 which is broken short-term descending trendline now turns pull-back support and also coincides with the ascending trendline support in place since 19 May 2016 low (see 2^nd chart).   

Key levels (1 to 3 days)

Pivot (key resistance): 2110

Supports: 2099 (downside trigger), 2085 & 2065/58

Next resistance: 2138

Conclusion

Therefore, we are not going to jump into the “bullish bandwagon” yet and we adopt a more cautious stance at the moment given the above mentioned technical elements. Price action now needs to break below 2099 to revive the short-term potential bearish pressure to retest the 2085 support and a break below it is likely to add impetus for a deeper slide towards the next support at 2065/58.

Only a clearance above the 2110 pivotal resistance is likely to invalidate the expected bearish scenario to see a further upside movement to retest the current all-time high/52-week high at 2138.

Disclaimer

This report is intended for general circulation only. It should not be construed as a recommendation, or an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any financial products. The information provided does not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Before you act on any recommendation that may be contained in this email, independent advice ought to be sought from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment product, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. All queries regarding the contents of this material are to be directed to City Index, a trading name of GAIN Capital Singapore Pte Ltd.

Trading CFDs and FX on margin carries a high level of risk that may not be suitable for some investors. Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits. If in doubt, please seek independent expert advice. Visit cityindex.com.sg for the complete Risk Disclosure Statement.