Picking up the threads

VIX_-_weekly_chart
VIX – weekly chart

If, like me you have had to take a break from trading and the markets, it can sometimes be difficult to pick up the threads and re-orientate yourself to the emotional state of the market.  And perhaps the best place to start is with the major indices, in particular the VIX, the Dollar Index and the NASDAQ.

Starting with the VIX, we are now entering an extremely interesting phase of price action with the index finally breaking below the strong platform of support which has held firm at the 12 region for over a year. The index broke through this key level last Friday with a wide spread candle on the weekly chart to end at 11.36 – a dramatic move.

The significance of this move cannot be underestimated and perfectly encapsulates the current market mood, which is essentially deeply complacent. If this technical breach is validated in this week’s trading we can expect to see equity markets continue firmly higher in contradiction to the broader economic landscape.

Such a strong signal of market complacency has, of course, implications for all other asset classes and makes trading (particular intra day trading) very tricky as volatility ebbs away and markets simply drift.

From a technical perspective the key is patience and understanding how the inter-relationship between price action, volume and time will deliver the necessary signals when this current period of market doldrums decides to come to an end.

In many ways the age old trading chestnut of “Sell in May and go away” may be appropriate this time around.

By Anna Coulling

About Anna 2009 Articles
Hi – my name is Anna Coulling and I am a full time currency, commodities and equities trader. I have been involved in both trading and investing for over fifteen years and have traded many different financial instruments, from options and futures to stocks and commodities. I write and publish articles ( mostly for free ) for UK and international publications on a wide variety of financial issues, and in particular I enjoy helping others learn how to invest and trade.

2 Comments on Picking up the threads

  1. Great analysis. A am anxious to join your commodity trade room. When will be the next one and what time will it start? also, what platform do you use for trading commodities? I see you have volume at price indicator displayed on your charts.

    Thanks.

    Weijun

    • Hi Weijun – many thanks for your kind comments which are much appreciated and glad you liked my analysis. With regard to the futures trading room, this is starting up later this week, and is due to start at 2pm UK time – 9 am EST, 30 minutes before the open of the US markets. In the room we look at commodities, currencies and indices, both on a longer term basis and also intraday using tick charts. If you have any problems registering for the room please just let me know at annaat(@)anncoulling.com and I can send it to you. All best wishes and many thanks again and look forward to seeing you in the futures trading room – regards – Anna

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