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Staying in touch with current events and market action is important for trading success. This blog contains topics of interest that relate to individual stocks, market indices, market sectors/industries, and ETFs. 

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Market Tumbles and Erases Gains

Charles Schaap -

On Thursday, the market did a nose dive, erasing all of Wednesday's gains and more. As alluded to in yesterday's email, the Nasdaq tested its 50 EMA today (from below) and was summarily rejected. Both the S&P and Dow blasted down through their 50 EMAs after having closed above them on Wednesday. 

The key to today's decline can be traced back to yesterday's volume which was lower despite gains of over 1% in each of the three major indices. Strong moves should be accompanied by strong volume if the BIGs (big institutional guns) are actively buying. Yesterday's upside move was more likely due to shorts covering and taking profits.

The Nasdaq plummeted -129 points (-3.10%), a bigger loss than last Friday's -110 points. Two strong down days this close together is strong evidence of dumping by the BIGs. The S&P tumbled down for -39 points (-2.09%). The Dow choked, falling -266 points (-1.62%). 

Volume was higher for all three indices. The decliners led advancers by over 3-to-1 and down volume dominated up volume by an eye-popping 6-to-1. 

Losing sectors today included Biotech, Healthcare, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary.

Tomorrow's Economic Reports: PPI and Michigan Sentiment

September Could Be Worse than August
Charles Schaap - August 30, 2013

Historically, August is one of the 4 worst performing months for the S&P 500 (source: Stock Trader's Almanac). This year, the S&P's performance in August fit the history, falling -2.8% during a market correction. The large, blue arrow represents the month of August....keep reading