Fund Rankings Update, 12/28/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Investors' pessimism about a deal can be reached by year end to avoid the fiscal cliff drove the market down 5 days in a row. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1402, down 1.94%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.923%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 2.01%.  Hopefully President and congressional leaders, in their last effort, can strike a deal over the weekend to lessen the blow from drastic tax hikes and spending cuts. The deal will have smaller scope but investors will look at any deal as a positive development to solve government's debt problem while avoid a recession. 

The S&P 500 index started this year at 1257, went up to 1422 in April before giving them all back in May and June due to European debt crisis. The index close at 1266 in June at the low of the down cycle. After some relief in Europe's debt situation, the index climbed back up and made a second attempt to reach a new high of 1474 in September. However, due to weak company earnings, the index experienced a correction in September and  October. The index reached the low of 1343 two weeks after the presidential election. With Fed's help, housing and construction industries made a comeback in the later part of the year and economy looks to be improving if not for the anxiety of fiscal cliff.  The S&P 500 index rebounded from the November low and close the year at 1402 with a gain of 11.5% for the year.

This year, our sETF, ETF, and SELECT model portfolios are outperforming the general markets with sETF gaining a whopping 65 %. The FEMKX timing model is about on par with the market, while SSPP and RSP model portfolios' performance are a bit lagging the market.  HSA and iETF are the two bottom performing portfolios with iETF model portfolio, due to weak international stock markets and high volatility, gave a negative return for the year. All the trading records and the trading performance can be found in the trading log pages.

Fund Rankings Update, 12/21/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Trading signal occurs in FEMKX model portfolio: Sell Cash Buy FEMKX.

After surviving the end of the world, will we survive the fiscal cliff? S&P 500 index closed down almost one percent Friday after republican cancelled the vote for plan B to avoid the fiscal cliff.  However, S&P 500 index still closed the week at 1430, up 1.17%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.43%, and Nasdaq composite increased 1.67%. With fiscal cliff negotiation in jeopardy, the trading next week will be more volatile than ever.

After the last sell signal, the momentum indicator, STO[15,1], of FEMKX has never dipped below 50. Instead, its momentum came back up above 80 and the price has broken above its resistance at $22.40. In this case, the last sell signal is treated as a false signal and a buy signal is issued again after 30 days. In the past, we have had a couple of false buy signals, but this is the first false sell signal in the more than 5 year history of the FEMKX timing system. It just shows that no system is 100%, but follow it with discipline is the way to achieve longer term success. 

Fund Rankings Update, 12/14/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Trading signal occurs in SELECT model portfolio: Sell FBMPX Buy FSHOX.

As we getting closer to "Fiscal Cliff", investors grow more and more cautious.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1413, down 0.32%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.15%, and Nasdaq composite, dragged down again Apple, decreased 0.23%.

Cyclical sectors in the US have been gaining momentum partly due to the lower oil prices. In the SELECT ranking table, automotive and air transportation sector funds have climbed up fast through the ranks.  FBMPX is pushed down below 7th rank and a Trading signal was issued to sell FBMPX and buy the number one ranked FSHOX.

Fund Rankings Update, 12/7/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Stock markets closed mixed on good job report, bad consumer sentiment and no progress on "Fiscal Cliff" talk. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1418, up 0.13%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.99%, and Nasdaq composite, dragged down by Apple, decreased 1.07%.

Technically, S&P 500 index is in a good shape. The index has closed above its 28 week moving average consecutively for three weeks. Its stochastic momentum index has climbed above 50 this week. I would expect the market to keep trending higher if not for the prospect of "fiscal cliff." We have learned in the past few years that the stalemate and failure in the political process regarding the fiscal health of the country can disrupt the market violently in a short time. As we get closer to the cliff (23 days left), we should see the market volatility increases in the coming weeks. 

Fund Rankings Update, 11/30/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Stock markets were greatly influenced by whether progress has been made in negotiation to avoid "Fiscal Cliff."  The index closed the week at 1416, up 0.5%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, and Nasdaq composite increased 1.46%.

As US markets are focusing on the outcome of the "Fiscal Cliff" negotiation, global markets have gaining momentum. More and more international funds in European regions and Pacific rim area have higher AMIs than US sector funds. In the US, housing and construction sector is still holding the top rank, but automotive, air transportation and retail sectors are coming up strong.  

Fund Rankings Update, 11/23/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in  iETF model portfolio: Sell INP, Buy EWH.

Relief that two sides of the political spectrum may be willing to compromise to avoid "Fiscal Cliff" and a technical rebound powered S&P 500 index back above 1400. The index closed the week at 1409, up 3.62%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.35%, and Nasdaq composite increased 3.99%.

Black Friday appeared to give retailers some hope for this holiday season. However, the coming weeks will be all about "Fiscal Cliff" and to some extend, Europe's debt crisis. Whether congress and officials can rise to the challenge will greatly influence the direction of the markets.  

Fund Rankings Update, 11/16/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal in FEMKX timing system: Sell FEMKX, Buy Cash (or income fund).

Investors' sentiment is very negative. S&P 500 failed to hold its critical 1370 support and 200 day moving average. The index closed the week at 1359, down 1.45%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.77%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 1.78%.

The momentum indicator of FEMKX (STO [15,1]) fell below 75 and a sell signal was issued for FEMKX timing system.

Fund Rankings Update, 11/9/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

There was no celebration after presidential election on Wall street. Investors turn their attention right on the "fiscal cliff" and fear of the replay of the political gridlock last year.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1379, down 2.43%.  Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.12%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 2.59%.

SP 500 index has fallen below the minor support of 1400, and is testing the support at 1370 level.  Holding this support level is very important as it is also near the 200 day moving average. The best scenario for the index is to find a support at this level for the next couple of weeks and rebound from here. However, as the momentum of the index is deteriorating, it will take a lot of good news to reverse the slide.

Fund Rankings Update, 11/2/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in ETF model portfolio: Sell IBB, Buy EWW.

Stocks tried to stage a rebound this past week but late selling Friday afternoon wiped out all the gain from Wednesday and Thursday.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1414, up 0.16%, Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.11%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 0.19%. 

SP 500 index closed this week near its short term support of 1400 again. In the weekly chart below, the index has broken its rising trend line although it is still above its 28 week moving average. A few weeks ago, I have pointed out that there is a minor support at 1400 and a stronger support at around 1370. Holding the support is key for trend continuation. Next Tuesday is the presidential election, it will be very interesting to see how markets react to the election outcome.

This week, ETF model portfolio has issued a trading signal to sell biotech index, IBB, and buy Mexico index fund, EWW. We can see from the ranking table that the momentum of international funds have gotten stronger while momentum of US sectors (except home construction sector) have gotten weaker in the past two weeks. We have held IBB for 290 days with a gain of 15.56%.

Fund Rankings Update, 10/26/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in RSP model portfolio: Sell 05084  (PYR SM CP CORE POOL), Buy ARGFX.

Disappointing company earnings push the stock markets down for another week.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1411, down 1.48%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.77%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 0.59%. 

S&P 500 index closed this week near the short term support of 1400. Judging from the price action on Friday, we may see S&P 500 index rebound at this level next week even though we have not yet through with the company earning reports. 

The recent market correction has weaken the US markets' momentum and affects more on the technology sectors than on the major industrial sectors. In the RSP ranking table, we can see the momentum indexes of international funds getting stronger, and the small cap funds and small cap indexes weakening more than those of large cap funds, which causes a trading signal in our RSP model portfolio. 

Fund Rankings Update, 10/19/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Worst than expected company earnings from Google, GE, McDonald, ...etc. plunged Dow Jones Industrial Average for more than 200 points on Friday and wiped out the gain from the first four days of the week.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1433, up 0.32%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 1.26%. 

S&P 500 index closed this week at the lower end of the trading channel again. The index tried to break through the top of the channel early in the week but did not succeed as the momentum is declining. More companies will report earnings next week. Judging from the earning news so far, we may see more volatility on the downside.

As many companies' stock prices are punished by the bad earning news, weekly chart of Apple which everyone is talking about these days turns interesting. Since 2009, stock price of AAPL has bounced off its 28 week moving average every time it touched or dipped below. We can see that this happened a couple of times in 2010 and 2011 from the chart below. Apple's price has come down from the recent high of $705 to $609, a bit below its 28 week MA right now. This may turn out to be an opportunity for people who have been wanting to get into Apple. 

Fund Rankings Update, 10/12/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in iETF model portfolio: Sell EWN, buy INP

Weak company earnings and worries about Europe (agian!) handed stocks the worst week in four months. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1428, down 2.21%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.07%, and Nasdaq composite decreased 2.94%. 

S&P 500 index closed this week at the lower end of the trading channel between 1475 and 1425. Its momentum decreased a bit but is still above 80. It will be interesting to see if the index can bounce back from this lower boundary next week. On the down side, there is a minor support at rounded number of 1400 and a stronger support at 1370. 

We have discussed about the sub-par performance of iETF model portfolio being influenced by the volatility of international ETFs, and this week is another example.  INP takes the number one rank spot this week and EWN has been pushed below the 7th rank in the iETF ranking table.  After holding EWN for a short 32 days,  iETF model portfolio issues a trading signal to change its holding to INP with only 0.2% gain. 

Fund Rankings Update, 10/5/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Stocks continued their consolidation but encouraged by the home construction and job reports. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1460, up 1.41%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.29%, and Nasdaq composite increased 0.64%. 

As shown in the weekly chart below, S&P 500 index has been in consolidation for the past 3 weeks trading between 1425 and 1475. Breaking the channel on the upside will resume the rally while breaking on the low side can take us to the 1360 support level. Judging from its high momentum, I see more upside from here than downside. 

Fund Rankings Update, 9/28/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Stocks continued their consolidation for the second week. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1440 down 1.33%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.05%, and Nasdaq composite deceased 2%. 

Mixed economy news, higher consumer confidence and consumer spending in August, lower manufacturing activity in mid-west, and slower 2nd quarter GDP, .etc., did not provide direction to this market. Technically, stocks are still in the uptrend movement. S&P 500 index is well above the support with high momentum. Stocks will resume its rally, if we can get some good economy news in the coming weeks. In US sectors, multimedia, biotech and home construction are still very strong. In the global regions, we still see a lot of short term rotation. India and Hong Kong and coming strong while some European countries faded a bit. Because of this short term churning, iETF model portfolio is having trouble holding the top ranked funds for a long period of time to develop the profit, and its performance has been suffering. On the contrary, the home construction sector has been stably strong since last year, and the sETF model portfolio is benefiting from this stable trend in ITB. 

Fund Rankings Update, 9/21/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Stocks took a break this paste week to digest the gain since September. S&P 500 index closed the week at 1460 down 0.38%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.1%, and Nasdaq composite index decreased 0.13%. 

Fund Rankings Update, 9/14/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in RSP model portfolio: Sell 42627, Buy 05084(PYR SM CP CORE POOL).

Stocks aided by the QE3 announced Thursday by FED chairman Ben Bernanke continued their advance.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1485 up 1.94%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.15%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 1.52%. 

This stock rally has been very impressive. The S&P 500 index broke above its 28 week moving average in early June. The move was confirmed in mid-June when the momentum indicator STO[15,1] climbed above 50 in mid-June. The index then took out its previous high last week and grows more than 17% since its low of 1266 in May. With high momentum and good participation, the rally looks to take the stocks higher.  Accompany the stock rally is the sector rotation. Most of our model portfolios have changed holdings in the past month.  The latest change occurs in the RSP model portfolio, which switches from SSGA REIT index fund to PYR small cap core Pool due to momentum ranking change. The two portfolios that have not changed their holdings since beginning of the year are ETF and sETF model portfolios. ETF model portfolio has held Biotechnology index fund, IBB, for 25% gain and sETF has been holding home construction sector fund, ITB for 61% gain. Both funds have been very strong and continued to be strong.  

Fund Rankings Update, 9/7/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in SSPP model portfolio: Sell FRESX, Buy FIEUX.
Trading Signal occurs in HSA model portfolio: Sell MDDVX, Buy JLVIX
Trading Signal occurs in iETF model portfolio: Sell EWW, Buy EWN

After 2 weeks of consolidation, stocks broke through on the upside.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1437 up 2.23%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.65%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 2.26%. 

A couple global economy news have boosted stock markets to the 3 year high this past week. European central bank announced unlimited bond buying program to help stabilize Euro zone sovereign debt crisis this past Thursday, and China announced new infrastructure projects to stimulate its slow economy. On Friday, the weak US August job report provide hope to investors that Federal Reserve will soon announce QE3 to boot US economy. Due to market's strong move, we have observed momentum rotations in our ranking tables especially in global regions.  Fidelity Europe Fund (FIEUX) ranks number one for the second week In SSPP ranking table, and ishares Netherlands fund (EWN) took the number one rank from ishares Singapore (EWS) in iETF ranking table this week. In US general markets, growth funds are back in fashion while income oriented funds faded away. As S&P 500 index just broke above the resistance at 1420, we expect it will come back to test the support sometime in the future and continue the rally. 

Fund Rankings Update, 8/31/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Stocks continued to consolidate for the second week.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1406 down 0.32%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.51%, and Nasdaq composite index decreased 0.09%. 

On Friday, Fed chairman Bernanke hinted on more quantitative easing to boot US economy, although provided no definitive action plan. The speech was enough to provide a relief rally on stock markets Friday. From the weekly chart of S&P 500, the momentum is still in the high range, and the index still managed to close above the psychological barrier of 1400. The key now is whether it will break the resistance at 1425 to head higher. 

Fund Rankings Update, 8/24/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


After six weeks of consecutive gains, stocks finally took a break for consolidation.  S&P 500 index closed the week at 1411 down 0.5%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.88%, and Nasdaq composite index decreased 0.22%. 

Hints of US and Euro central banks to take action to stimulate the economic growth has kept this rally going. Sector rotation is also underway during this summer rally. Technology and energy sectors have come up strong in the past month. In the international front, Australia (because of it natural resource), and some European countries (France, Sweden, Netherlands) have been gaining momentum. As summer is coming to an end, and investors and traders are coming back from their summer vacation, we expect the trading volume will pick up in the Fall to give more conviction to the direction of the markets.

Fund Rankings Update, 8/17/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in SELECT model portfolio: Sell FSUTX, Buy FBMPX.
Trading signal occurs in FEMKX market time system: Sell Cash, Buy FEMKX.

Better than expected economic news  in retail sale and consumer confidence keept the rally going. Stocks continued marching higher for the sixth week. SP 500 index closed the week near the April high at 1418, up 0.87%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.51%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 1.84%. 

With increasing momentum, S&P500 index is expected to continue treading higher. Even with a lot of uncertainty about the slow growth in US economy and debt crisis in Euro zone, stock markets have turned out a nice rally this summer.  The  S&P500 index is 12% higher than its June low of 1266 and NASDAQ composite index is 12.8% higher. If you moved to side line in May as the old saying "sell in May, come back in September", you would have missed the whole rally this summer. 

With the rally continue its course, our SELECT model portfolio and FEMKX timing system have move to offensive positions this week. In the SELECT ranking table, Multimedia Fund (FBMPX) is holding the top AMI ranking for the second week, and Utility Growth Fund (FSUTX) has dropped out to the top 7 rankings. According to the trading rule of SELECT model portfolio, we will sell FSUTX and buy FBMPX.  In FEMKX timing system, a buy signal has been issued as the momentum indicator, STO(15,1), climbed above 50 this week. FEMKX timing model has been in cash position since April 30 for more than 100 days. Although it missed the summer rally, it also avoided the sharp drop in May.  The trading histories for SELECT portfolio and FEMKX timing model can be found in https://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings/selecttradinglog.

Fund Rankings Update, 8/10/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Stocks continued marching higher and produced gain for the fifth week. SP 500 index closed the week at 1405, up 1.07%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.85%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 1.78%. 

With increasing momentum, S&P500 index is expected to march higher. However, the index has just reached the rounded number of 1400 and near its April high of 1420.  A couple weeks of consolidation at this level may be in the making before it heads even higher.  

Fund Rankings Update, 8/3/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Trading signal occurs in iETF model portfolio: Sell Cash, Buy EWW


US Economy added 163,000 new jobs in July according to Friday's job report. This surprised Wall Street on the upside and ended four days of slide in stock prices. SP 500 index closed the week at 1390, up 0.36%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.16%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 0.33%. 


Rising tide lifts all boat. After few weeks of slow rally, the global indices also turn positive. The negative AMI in iETF was pushed out below the 7th rank in the ranking table, and a trading signal was issued for our iETF model portfolio to move from cash position to EWW (Mexico). For US domestic sectors, telecom and consumer staple sectors are gaining momenta. As S&P 500 index's technical picture is still in bull's favor, we will see this rally continues.  

Fund Rankings Update, 7/27/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings

Consumers and companies affected by worries about European financial crisis and slow job growth in US reduced their spending in the second quarter.  The second quarter US GDP slowed to a growth of 1.5% less than the 2.0 % growth in first quarter and 4.1% in the fourth quarter of 2011. However, boosted by the hope that the slow economy growth will prompt FED's stimulus action and the comment from European Central Bank president about preserving euro, stocks shook off the bad economy reports and advanced higher. SP 500 index closed the week at 1385, up 1.71%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.97%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 1.12%. 


The technical picture of S&P 500 index stayed the same as previous weeks. The index is above its 28 week moving average and trending higher. The momentum indicator is above 50 and gaining strength. 

  

Fund Rankings Update, 7/20/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Trading signal occurs in HSA model portfolio: Sell IUTIX , Buy MDDVX.


Even with Friday's sell-off due to worries about Spain's debt situation, stocks still manged to post small gains for the week.  SP 500 index closed the week at 1362, up 0.43%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.36%, and Nasdaq composite index increased 0.58%. 


As I pointed out last week that the major indices are flirting around their 28 week moving averages and gaining momenta. Stocks may continue grinding higher as their technical pattern stay the same. Next week, investors will focus their attention to the earning reports from major companies such as McDonald, Apple, Facebook, etc.. Depending on their earning  and revenue outcomes, stocks are expected to experience higher volatility than normal.

Fund Rankings Update, 7/13/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Effects from European debt crisis have impacted company performance as reported in the company earning announcements. Most of the companies also expect the slow down to last to the end of the year. This negative outlook caused 6 consecutive down days in Wall Street before Friday's big rally to save the week.  SP 500 index closed the week at 1356, up 0.16%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.04%, while Nasdaq composite index decreased 0.98%. 


The silver lining in this market full with negative sentiment is that in the weekly chart, the momentum of S&P500 index is still above 50 and rising. The index, after spending most of the week below its 28 week moving average, closed the week above the support. As the support holds, it may grind higher from here.

Fund Rankings Update, 7/6/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Weak US jobs report Friday wiped out the gains from previous 3 days. SP 500 index closed the week at 1354, down 0.55%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.84%, while Nasdaq composite index  increased 0.08%. 


Earnings season for the second quarter started this coming Monday. We will know how companies performed during this global slowdown period and what to expect for the next couple quarters.  Stock markets tend to be more volatile during the earning report seasons.


We had a vacation trip this past week and here are some pictures from our 6-day trip (Home-->Kingston/1000 thousands-->Boston-->Albany-->Niagara Falls-->Home):

City Hall, Kingston

Thousand Island Boat Tour

The smallest international bridge between US and Canada

Boldt Castle, 1000 Islands

Boldt Castle, 1000 Islands

Old State House, Boston

Quincy Market, Boston

The famous Lobster Roll and Clam Chowder

Long line outside Mike's Pastry for cannoli, North End Boston

Boston Streets

We took a tour on USS Constitution

USS Constitution sailed at Boston Harbor

Air show for July 4th at Boston Harbor

Whale Watching Tour

We saw a mother humpback whale and her cub

 NY State Capital, Albany

The egg (performance art center) at Empire State Plaza, Albany

Niagara Falls viewed from Table Rock Center, Canada

Maid of Mist 

Niagara Falls

Fund Rankings Update, 6/29/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Friday's relief rally after European leaders reached a deal to aid their troubling banks turned the major stock indices around. SP 500 index struggled for the first four day of the week but closed the week at 1362, up 2.03%. Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.89%, while Nasdaq composite index  increased 1.47%. 


In the past few weeks, stock markets have slowly turned around. In the weekly chart below, S&P 500  has been gaining momentum  although still flirting around 28 week moving average. The index is about 100 points above the low 4 weeks ago. The close of 1362 is right at the short term resistance of 1360 level, which can be see in the daily chart. If the index can hold at this level, the next short term target will be 1390. 


On the sector front, the defensive sectors, such as utility, health care, and real estate are still dominating the ranking tables. Rotation from defensive sectors to more aggressive sectors will happen after the uptrend is more established. 


In case you did not notice, last week was the 8th anniversary of this website. You can see from SSPP model trading log that the Dow Jones Industrial Average went from  10395 on 6/24/2004 to 12880 last Friday with only 23.9% gain, and Nasdaq composite index went from 1994 to 2935 with 47.19% profit. Our momentum ranking system outperforms both indices handily with 98.39% gain, averaging 12.96% a year! 

Fund Rankings Update, 6/22/2012

Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, sETF have been posted at http://sites.google.com/site/ycprankings


Weak economy news and rating downgrade of all the major US banks spooked investors and plummeted stock markets on Thursday. All major stock indexes lost more than 2% on Thursday wiping out the gain since Monday. SP 500 index closed this week at 1335, down 0.58%. Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.99%, while Nasdaq composite index still managed to increase 0.68%. 


As seen in the weekly candle stick chart below, bulls and bears are fighting for control around the 28 week moving averages at 1338 with bears had the upper hand last week. The last candle shows the price action during the week: The index opened the week above the 28 week MA, bulls pushed the index to the high of 1370 while bears pulled it down to the low of 1325. Finally bulls came in but still failed to push the index back up and the index ended up closed at 1335, a bit below the 28 week MA. This type of candle (with long wick and short body) indicates the indecision of the market, and sometimes the short term pause or direction change.