S&P 500, Dow Jones, Trader Positioning - Talking Points
- Is retail positioning favoring more gains in US equities?
- IG Client Sentiment, a contrarian indicator, suggests not
- Breakouts in the S&P 500, Dow Jones lack confirmation
US equities have climbed these past few weeks, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones pushing into all-time high territory against the backdrop of positive Covid vaccine developments. Over the past 24 hours, they have pulled back cautiously however. Are the latest trends in retail positioning supporting the case for setting new highs? One way to gauge this is through IG Client Sentiment, which is typically a contrarian indicator.
S&P 500 Sentiment Outlook - Mixed
The IGCS gauge implies that about 38% of retail investors are net long the S&P 500. Upside exposure has increased by 8.06% from yesterday while decreasing 1.48% over a weekly basis. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes offers a further mixed trading bias despite the push higher in the index.
S&P 500 Technical Analysis
While S&P 500 futures have pushed above the 3541 – 3587 resistance zone that has held since September, confirmation of a breakout seems lacking. Moreover, on November 9th the index left behind a fairly large upper shadow, establishing a potentially important price level at 3668. A drop back under the resistance zone exposes the 3198 – 3260 floor, opening the door to more consolidation.
S&P 500 Futures – Daily Chart
S&P 500 Chart Created in Trading View
Dow Jones Sentiment Outlook - Mixed
The IGCS gauge implies that about 31% of retail traders are net long the Dow Jones. While upside exposure has increased by 13.02% over a weekly basis, downside bets have climbed by 19% over the same period. From here, the combination of current sentiment and recent changes offers a further mixed trading bias despite the push higher in the index.
Dow Jones Technical Analysis
Dow Jones futures have closed above the key 29263 – 29523 resistance zone and into all-time highs. However, confirmation of the breakout is lacking. Rising support from late October could maintain the near-term uptrend. But, a close under and back through the former resistance zone opens the door to facing the 25881 – 26407 floor. Negative RSI divergence also shows that upside momentum is fading. That may precede a turn lower, reinstating consolidation.
Dow Jones Futures – Daily Chart
Dow Jones Chart Created in Trading View
*IG Client Sentiment Charts and Positioning Data Used from November 18th Report
--- Written by Daniel Dubrovsky, Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com
To contact Daniel, use the comments section below or @ddubrovskyFX on Twitter
