Major averages finished mixed with a notable divergence between the Dow Industrials which finished down -0.54% while the small cap Russell 2000 finished up +0.7%. Breadth as measured by the advance/decline lines on both the NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges also diverged markedly, by 1.8 to 1 on the NYSE and 1.8. to 1.1 on the NASDAQ.
The VIX Volatility Model noticed how breadth continue to improve throughout the day, thus switched back to a sell signal (on volatility) which implies a bullish market.
The market recovered from weakness earlier in the day to finish at or near its intraday highs. Apple (AAPL) then reported strong earnings after the close which sent NASDAQ futures higher by 0.29%.
The Fed (FOMC) will release its latest policy decision and statement this afternoon at 2:00 pm ET. While no change in policy is expected, the wording of the directive will be important with regard to the number of potential rate hikes this year. Interestingly, a larger number of hikes implies a strong economy so could be bullish for the market.
Futures are up more than 0.5% on a strong earnings report from AAPL. Facebook (FB) will report after today's close. Technology juggernauts continue to act well as noted by market index leaders NASDAQ-100 and NASDAQ Composite.
Focus List Review
AGX has pulled into its 10-day moving average on light volume.
BABA has pulled back to its 10-day line in a successful retest of the 99.94 intraday low of last week's buyable gap-up day.
BOX is holding tight along its 10-day moving average.
CUDA retook its 50-day moving average following a big shakeout on Monday. It also posted its second five-day pocket pivot in five days yesterday.
FB is expected to announce earnings today after the close.
GKOS posted a big-volume pocket pivot yesterday at the 10-day line. It successfully tested its 20-dema on Monday on light volume, presenting buyers with a lower-risk entry at that point ahead of yesterday's pocket pivot.
JD is holding tight along its 10-day moving average as volume dries up.
MOMO has found support at its 20-dema over the past two days, and volume dried up to -56% below average yesterday as sellers disappeared and the stock rebounded into positive territory.
MOS is sitting at its 20-dema where it found minor support yesterday. This might put it in a lower-risk entry position using the 20-dema as a selling guide.
NFLX is holding tight along its 10-day moving average as voliume dried up to -39.5% below average yesterday; constructive action.
NVDA held tight at its 10-day moving average as volume dried up to -48.9% below average.
YELP successfully tested and held its 20-dema yesterday as volume dried up to -41.7% below average.
X announced earnings after the close yesterday and held roughly flat in after-hours trading. Watch to see whether this can regain its 50-day moving average.
ZION is near its 50-day moving average. Its industry group is ranked #2 so keep an eye on a possible bounce.