S&P 500: Just Pausing Before Another Leg Up?
2022.06.02 17:40
Stock prices are fluctuating following their last week’s rally. Is this just a pause before another leg up or a short-term topping pattern?
The S&P 500 index lost 0.75% on Wednesday as it retraced its Friday’s advance after bouncing from the local high of around 4,150. On Tuesday, the broad stock market went sideways following the long holiday weekend, as investors took short-term profits off the table.
On May 20, it went to the medium-term low of 3,810.32, and it was 1,008.3 points or 20.9% below the Jan. 4 record high of 4,818.62. So technically, the broad stock market entered a bear market territory. There’s still a lot of uncertainty and worries about inflation data, tightening Fed’s monetary policy, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The S&P 500 index broke above its downward trend line recently, as we can see on the daily chart. The nearest significant resistance level is now at around 4,150-4,200, marked by the previous consolidation and the recent local highs. On the other hand, the support level is approximately 4,050-4,100.
S&P 500 Daily Chart
Futures Contract – Just a Downward Correction?
Let’s take a look at the hourly chart of the S&P 500 E-mini futures contract. On Monday, it reached the 4,200 level before retracing more than 100 points from the short-term local high. For now, it looks like a correction within an uptrend.
S&P 500 E-Mini Futures 1-Hour Chart
Conclusion
The broad stock market may extend its short-term consolidation. For now, it looks like a flat correction following last week’s rally. Investors will be waiting for tomorrow’s monthly jobs data release and June 15 FOMC’s interest rate decision. This morning we’ve seen worse than expected ADP Non-Farm Employment Change release.
Here’s the breakdown:
- The S&P 500 index will likely extend its short-term consolidation this morning
- The resistance level remains at around 4,150.
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