E-mini S&P 500: Another Week, Another Reversal Top

For the second time in a week, the December E-mini S&P 500 formed a potentially bearish closing price reversal top on the daily chart. The chart pattern was triggered by worries over the U.S.“fiscal cliff”.  It seems as if investors may be feeling the need to pare positions, a move that could trigger a substantial decline over the near-term.

Although the rally from the November 16 bottom at 1340.25 to the December 3 top at 1424.00 has been impressive, the main trend on the daily chart remains down since no major swing charts have been crossed. At this time, the chart pattern fits the classic definition of a downtrend – lower tops and lower bottoms.

Trend trading theory suggests that a breakout through the last main top from November 7 at 1431.75 will turn the trend higher. This does not mean the market will accelerate to the upside from there and may actually hesitate and pullback before doing so. At this time, the conditions are ripe for a similar move also since a closing price reversal top often indicates the start of a 2 to 3 day break equal to at least 50% of the last rally.

Closing price reversal tops are most likely to form following major retracements. In addition, the best typically occur following prolonged moves of 7 to 10 days. Based on the top at 1468.00 to the bottom at 1340.25, a major retracement zone was established at 1404.25 to 1419.25. Although upside momentum triggered a move through the upper boundary to 1424.00, the failure to follow-through to the upside and the subsequent close back inside of the retracement zone casts a negative pall on the market.

In summary, overnight the daily December E-mini S&P 500 followed through to the downside to confirm the closing price reversal top. Although the market may “ping-pong” between the 50% price level at 1404.25 and the 61.8% percent level at 1419.25 over the near-term, the potentially bearish pattern will remain intact as long as the top at 1424.00 is not violated.

In the best case scenario, the market will form a solid top and allow for ample distribution before heavy selling pressure creates a cascading break. Since this market is being news driven, traders should look for increased volatility in both directions. If the reversal top fails then investors should look to reverse direction in anticipation of a huge acceleration to the upside.