Consult a chart of any of the major indices and it’s not difficult to identify the primary trend. Currently, every US market is above the 200-day moving average, is up double-digits year-to-date, and is trending from the bottom left of the chart to the top right.

Savvy investors know the value of following the trend because they understand that roughly 75% of a stock’s move is attributed to the overarching direction of the general market. In other words, in 2022, if you were buying stocks into a downtrend, you likely lost money. Conversely, in 2023 investors who understood and acted on the trend change profited handsomely.

Timing Matters

Though price-focused investors understand that the market is in an uptrend, they need to remember that timing is absolutely critical, regardless of the underlying trend. In other words, it’s vital for investors to stay disciplined and avoid getting sloppy and “throwing spaghetti against the wall and hoping it sticks.

On Wall Street, seasoned investors understand the value of “looking left” on a price and volume chart to identify crucial levels that can significantly impact a market’s trajectory. You’ll find that price has “memory.” By analyzing historical price action, market participants gain insights into key support and resistance levels that have played significant roles in the past and are likely to again in the future.

Current Market Analysis

The worst thing an investor who missed a bull market move can do is suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) and recklessly chase stocks. Instead, investors should pay attention to left-side markers to enhance their decision-making process and position themselves strategically to time the market to the best of their ability.

Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA)

Though the old economy, value stock index has underperformed in 2023 it has come on strong recently. In 12 of the past 14 sessions, the index has produced gains. While the recent price action is impressive, its best not to chase moves. If you scan your eye to the left side of the DIA chart, you’ll find that the index has hit resistance in the mid $340 zone 6 times in 2023. In other words, if DIA pulls back after its recent breakout, the high $340s is an area where the index should find buyers.

Russell 2000 ETF (IWM)

Thus far in 2023, small caps have lagged behind large caps. Unfortunately for IWM holders, the ETF has significant exposure to the ailing regional banking sector. That said, the Regional Banking Index (KRE) looks to have put in a bottom, and the IWM is up more than 10% over the past two months as a result. The critical level to watch on IWM February’s $199 breakdown zone. Thursday’s action underscored the importance of the level. IWM was green early in the session but put in an ugly reversal late in the day. Until buyers can retake the level, ample supply exists above.

S&P 500 Index ETF (SPY) and Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ)

Like the other major indices, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 sold off in response to the 11^th rate hike in 14 months. A nasty reversal like the one we saw Thursday indicates a market environment that requires patience. Should they retreat further, look for QQQ & SPY to find support at their previous breakout zones and their rising 50-day moving averages

Conclusion

After the massive bull run equities have experienced thus far in 2023, the rising interest rate environment is not supportive of stocks in the short-term. Look left on your chart and mark up important support levels so you can be prepared to take advantage of a potential “buy the dip” opportunity. Remember, timing is everything.

Invesco QQQ (QQQ): ETF Research Reports

SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY): ETF Research Reports

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA): ETF Research Reports

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM): ETF Research Reports

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