💵 One AI-picked stock is already up 24% this month...See full list >>

TF is the Weak Cousin to the YM, ES & NQ

Published 02/27/2012, 11:31 PM

Further to my post of February 11th, the YM, ES & NQ have advanced above the minor support levels that they had formed just before the latest unemployment data was released during pre-market hours on February 3rd. These e-mini futures indices rallied strongly (on high volumes normally seen during market hours, not during the pre-market session) immediately after that data was released before cash markets opened.

The TF also rallied on higher than normal pre-market volumes, but it has failed to advance above pre-market highs set that day.

As shown on the 4-Hour charts below, the uptrend remains intact for the YM, ES & NQ, while the TF is stuck in a trading range. The TF has re-tested the lows of this pre-market high-volume area five times now and rallied today, along with the YM, ES & NQ...all four e-minis rallied on increased volumes today.

Until such time as each of these four e-minis breaks and holds below this pre-market high-volume level, they have a chance of continuing their upward trek. The 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level is approximately in line with the highs of the pre-market high-volume rally on the YM, ES & NQ, and it is in line with the lows of the pre-market high-volume rally on the TF (the Fibonacci retracement begins from the lows of this year).

CHART 1

Below is a 1-Hour comparison chart of the Dow 30, S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Russell 2000, Dow Transports, and Dow Utility Indices. It begins on February 3rd. As can be seen, the Nasdaq 100 is the leader in the rally from that date, with the Russell 2000 in negative territory, and Transports the laggard.

I'd look for any developing weakness in the Russell 2000, and a break and hold on the TF of its February 3rd pre-market high-volume level as a signal that the YM, ES & NQ may follow suit. Additionally, I'd look for a resumption of selling in Transports, as a confirmation (any further advance in Oil may have a negative impact on this index). Alternatively, a strengthening of the Russell 2000 and Transports should provide support for any further advance in the Dow 30, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 Indices.

CHART 2

As an aside, markets are watching to see whether the Dow 30 can recapture and remain above 13000 (which was hit again today but not held), and whether the S&P 500 can recapture and remain above its May 2011 high of 1370.58 (which was hit today but not held).

3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads.

Which stock should you buy in your very next trade?

AI computing powers are changing the stock market. Investing.com's ProPicks AI includes 6 winning stock portfolios chosen by our advanced AI. In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. Which stock will be the next to soar?

Unlock ProPicks AI
Read Next

Latest comments

Loading next article…
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.