A correction? An opportunity!

With the significant selldown of the US markets last friday, what will happen to the STI? There are proponents of the decoupling theory and that the STI now takes its lead from the HSI and the SSE instead of the Dow.  So, maybe, the STI will be spared? Let's take a look at the STI's chart.

The STI closed at 2974.61 last, forming a spinning top. This indicates indecision. Indecision as the index is trying to move higher?  No good.  To be sure, the STI is in a down channel and has been so since mid April. The MACD has been declining and is pulling away from the signal line. The MFI has been forming lower highs. All looking very bearish.

The 20dMA which served as support until three sessions ago is now at 2,980. To resume the uptrend, the STI has to re-capture this support.  However, seeing how it failed in its attempt in the last session, this is looking less likely. Instead, a continuing move downwards is more probable.  The Bollinger bands are squeezing and this suggests an impending increase in volatility of the index.

One bright spot, the OBV turned up sharply in the last session. This suggests that there is strong accumulation activity even as the buying momentum declined.  In other words, there is some underlying support.  So, any decline in the STI should meet with some support as people who have missed out on the rally earlier buy on weakness.

In the event of a continuing move downwards, the rising 50dMA provides support at 2,900 while the rising 100dMA provides support at 2,860. I see a strong support at the 2,790 level (previously a strong resistance).  Yes, there is a chance that the STI might go that low.  Never say never, right?

I would refrain from purchasing any stocks for now, especially index linked stocks. Wait and see.

Related post:
Markets are going higher in time.

Charts in brief: 30 April 10.

STI rises 0.5% to 2,974.61 at closing
Friday, 30 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia: Closing at $2.19 on high volume on a white candle day confirmed a reversal.  The MACD continues moving upwards towards the signal line and could form a bullish crossover if the momentum continues.  MFI has turned up sharply but is still in the oversold region.  OBV has turned up sharply indicating increased accumulation.  Immediate resistance is at $2.23 and $2.27.

AIMS AMP Capital Ind REIT: This is the second session in a row where price closed at 23c.  The 50dMA is crossing 100dMA to form a golden cross. MACD continues to pull away upwards from the signal line.  MFI continues to rise but is not overbought.  OBV continues to climb upwards in a steplike fashion. This counter is unlikely to rocket upwards in price but it is a steady performer with limited downside.

Golden Agriculture: Another black candle day on heavier volume, with price closing unchanged. MACD is still in decline while the MFI and OBV are flattish. This counter seems to be stuck in a slow drift downwards and it has been forming lower lows.

Courage Marine: Buying momentum is still on the retreat as the MACD continues to pull away from the signal line on the downside. MFI continues its decline. However, OBV has turned up which probably resulted in today's white candle. Volatility has reduced somewhat and the Bollinger bands are beginning to narrow.  22c has been established as the immediate support.

Saizen REIT: Very high volume sell down today as units traded at only one price, 16.5c. Technically, things look bearish.  The MACD continues to decline towards zero.  MFI has entered the oversold region.  OBV has gone below what I identified as a critical support. Momentum oscillators have not been so bearish in a while.

Although the uptrend is intact, continuing sell down might see the price pushed to as low as 15.5c, a support provided by the rising 200dMA. It seems that the declining 100wMA is creating a tempest.

Of course, Saizen REIT is announcing its results on 12 May. Would that provide a positive catalyst for price to leapfrog the 100wMA? We will just have to wait and see.


Related post:
Charts in brief: 29 April 10.

Charts in brief: 29 April 10.

STI climbs 0.9% to 2,959.01 at closing
Thursday, 29 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia: On 26 April, I said that "when the MACD starts closing the distance with the signal line, that is when we are closing in on a genuine reversal".  The MACD has flattened today while the signal line continues to fall.  A white hammer is formed today.  This is the third reversal signal in a row. It is also the first day that price action has detached from the lower Bollinger band. Even if a reversal does not happen, this suggests that the downward momentum is weakening.  The stochastics continues to rise within the oversold region while the MFI pushes deeper into the oversold region. Mixed signals are more positive than negative in a downtrend. Immediate resistance are at $2.23 and $2.27.

Golden Agriculture: A bearish candlestick setup today as the black candle travelled half the distance down the previous day's white candle. All momentum oscillators are down.  OBV is also down. Saving grace? Reduced volume. Immediate resistance is now provided by the 20dMA at 60.5c while immediate support is still at 57.5c. Weakness is very much obvious and the counter might move to test supports before moving higher.

Global Palm Resources off 6.5% on SGX debut
Thursday, 29 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

Courage Marine: A strong Baltic Dry Index (BDI) might be the reason for a levitation act here plus the fact that the counter is trading CD. The BDI is up almost 4% today at 3,329.  This is a boon to Courage Marine, for sure. Counter closed at 22c today, the support provided by the 20dMA.

Even though I really like the fundamentals and I like this company, the technicals are a tad weak and I would not chase it. Momentum oscillators are down.  The MACD continues to pull downwards away from the signal line. The OBV has turned down for two sessions in a row.

However, for someone who is looking for exposure to the counter, the current price should have limited downside with a cluster of supports at 20.5c to 21.5c. Any entry at this level should be considered a hedge. I won't break the piggy bank.

Mercator Lines charters out 2 vessels
Thursday, 29 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

Genting SP: A dramatic reversal today after spotting five reversal signals in a row: black hammer, black spinning top, doji, white hammer, white hammer.  This is a good example of how a counter might have multiple reversal signals before the reversal is confirmed in the usual way.

Extremely high volume up day as two resistance levels were blown away. Next resistance levels are at 97c and $1.02. Momentum oscillators have all turned up strongly. Chances of a follow through are good. Not vested.

Marina Bay Sands resort had 36,000 visitors in first 24 hours
Thursday, 29 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

Related post:
Charts in brief: 28 April 10.

Charts in brief: 28 April 10.

Straits Asia Resources posts 68% fall in Q1 net profit to $15.4m
Wednesday, 28 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

STI drops 2% to 2,932.04 at closing
Wednesday, 28 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia: A white spinning top formed today on lower volume.  This is a reversal signal, again. The MACD has stopped increasing its distance from the signal line.  This suggests that the downward movement in price has slowed down somewhat in intensity. Stochastics and MFI are going deeper into oversold territory and the OBV turned down slightly.  All in, the technicals are still bearish. If the reversal signal delivers, immediate resistance are at $2.24 and $2.27, provided by the declining 20dMA and 50dMA respectively.

Golden Agriculture: Despite gapping down initially, a white candle was formed today as the counter closed at 59.5c.  However, unable to close higher than the closing price of the previous session is still rather bearish.  OBV is down. MFI is flat which suggests a lack of positive buying momentum. Initial support is still at 57.5c.

Healthway Medical: A gravestone doji formed today as price closed at 15.5c. A dead cross formed as the descending 20dMA cuts the 50dMA from the top. Technically, things look grave, pardon the pun.  However, the more or less flat OBV plus the fact that the Stochastics is in the oversold region suggest that any downward movement is likely to be a slow drift rather than a crash.

Courage Marine: The MFI continues to move lower away from the overbought region.  OBV dips down slightly as the price action formed a doji today. Price touched a low of 22c for the second day in a row, supported by the rising 20dMA.  Perhaps, this counter needs to see the longer term MAs catch up with the 20dMA before its price could move higher. A correction using time, perhaps?

Saizen REIT: It is worth reminding ourselves that the longer term uptrend is intact as the descending 100wMA plays havoc with sentiments. Look at the daily chart and we see the MFI has formed a higher high and a higher low.  Buying momentum has been positive.  In fact, the MACD has turned up slightly today towards the signal line while still above zero.

16.5c is still the support to watch. 17.5c is still the resistance provided by the descending 100wMA.

 
In the weekly chart, it is quite clear that the OBV has been trending up which suggests that steady accumulation is happening over time. Any further weakness in price is likely to bring out more buyers, as such.
 

Singapore’s central bank says inflation could hit 4% in Q4
Wednesday, 28 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

Even the 4% being earned in our CPF Special Accounts is just keeping pace with inflation by Q4 this year.  A scary thought. Bungee jumping, anyone?

Be Patient ... Big Jobs Gains Are Coming,
Chris Rupkey Says
Posted Apr 28, 2010 09:00am EDT by Heesun Wee



Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson tells Yahoo! SEA's Ion Danker what he thinks of Resorts World Sentosa, 28 April 2010.

What do you think of the competition from Resorts World Sentosa? @ Yahoo! Video

Related post:
Charts in brief: 27 April 10.

Charts in brief: 27 April 10.

STI drops 0.4% to 2,991.68 at closing
Tuesday, 27 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT: This counter has formed two dragonfly dojis in a row.  Look at the OBV and we see steady accumulation as steps are formed upwards. The MACD continues to pull away upwards from the signal line.  This is a REIT with strong numbers and technically, it has limited downside as well.  Still one of my favourite high yields.

CapitaMalls Asia: A white hammer! Another reversal signal! Dare I believe it? $2.12 support identified in earlier TAs was hit today.  Closing at $2.15 is actually closing at resistance.  So, if this is indeed a reversal signal, there should be confirmation tomorrow.  Let's see.

Golden Agriculture: Volume expanded on a black candle day as price closed at 60c, the support provided by the 20dMA. If this support breaks, the next support is at 57.5c. The many times tested resistance at 62.5c remains the immediate upside target.

Healthway Medical: The declining 20dMA has made contact with the 50dMA. A dead cross is imminent. Price touched a low of 15.5c, a price the counter has not seen since 3 Mar this year.  That this happened on much higher volume is ominous. MACD is under zero which suggests that the positive momentum is over. This is confirmed by the declining MFI, forming lower highs. The positives? OBV is flat which suggests a lack of accumulation AND distribution.  Stochastics shows a deeply oversold situation. So? I do not expect any crash in price but a gradual drift downwards is probable, in the absence of any positive catalyst.

China Hongxing: Much lower volume.  OBV flattened.  Price unchanged. MFI and Stochastics are still declining and seem ready to move into oversold territory.  For now, it seems that the selling pressure has abated but the technicals are definitely more negative overall. Any upside will meet with resistance at 15c, provided by the 20dMA.

Courage Marine: OBV turned up ever so slightly on a white candle day. It could very well have been a doji since only 2 lots were done at 23c at closing, seemingly in an effort to form a white candle. That price action has detached from the upper limits of the Bollinger band is obvious.  This usually suggests that the uptrend has lost momentum. In case the price does continue moving higher, 23.5c remains the initial resistance, followed by 25.5c and 27c.  Initial support is at 22c.

Suntec REIT achieves DPU of 2.513 cents for 1Q
Tuesday, 27 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

U.S. Finally Starts Dumping Citigroup
-- Smart Move, Tim Geithner!
Posted Apr 26, 2010 03:30pm EDT by Henry Blodget

 
Related post:
Charts in brief: 26 April 10.

Charts in brief: 26 April 10.

Singapore recovery becoming broad-based, entrenched, Lim says
Monday, 26 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

STI gains 0.5% to 3,002.62 at closing
Monday, 26 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia: Reversal signal from the last session was negated today.  This is becoming a habit for this counter. Price closed at $2.15, a 123.6% Fibo support.  Further weakness would bring in $2.12, $2.10 and $2.07 as supports as suggested by Fibo lines.  MFI and Stochastics are firmly in oversold terrritories. MACD is still moving downwards away from the signal line.  It is my guess that when the MACD starts closing the distance with the signal line, that is when we are closing in on a genuine reversal.

Golden Agriculture: The move up today was unconvincing.  Lower volume formed a hangman. The lack of volatility in recent sessions is obvious as the Bollinger bands begin to converge.  Price will have to move in one direction soon.  OBV shows continuing accumulation while the MFI has been exhibiting higher lows and higher highs.  MACD is above zero but is somewhat sluggish.  The leaning is towards a move upwards and any retracement should find initial support at 60c, followed by 57.5c.

Saizen REIT: Price action is trapped between the 20dMA and the 50dMA at 17c and 16.5c, respectively. Nothing exciting is happening.  OBV is flat.  MFI is declining.  Stochastics has flattened. Longer term uptrend is still intact.

Courage Marine: MFI has emerged from the overbought region. OBV is flat. MACD has made a bearish crossover with the signal line. All signs suggest that we are seeing weaker holders giving up their positions.  Initial support is at the 20dMA, 22c.  For the more cautious, waiting to see if the 20dMA is able to hold up is a good idea as the next support in case the 20dMA gives way is at 20c which is some way to fall.  Of course, it might be a good idea to hedge, as usual.

NOL says container shipping volumes up 32% and average revenue up 12% in Period 3
Monday, 26 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

China Hongxing: It seems that the sell call in my last TA was spot on.  OBV down.  MFI down although not oversold yet.  MACD formed a bearish crossover with signal line and is beneath zero. Volume expanded enormously on a black candle day. The lows of 27 April and 23 June 09 which were at 12c might soon be tested if the selling momentum persists.  Any rebound in the meantime would find a cluster of resistance at 15c, 15.5c and 16c.  Not for the faint hearted.

Related post:
Charts in brief: 23 April 10.

Genting SP: Downward drift continues.

STI gains 0.4% to 2,980.69 at closing
Thursday, 22 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

I am getting somewhat bored with saying more or less the same things everyday for a while now.  The market has not been very exciting either way.  So, I am giving myself a break from doing a "Charts in brief" post today.  However, Genting SP's price caught my eyes as it touched a low of 85c before closing at 86c today.  I am not vested in this counter but the amount of interest it has generated as the biggest story in Singapore's entertainment and hospitality industries in recent times got me looking on as well.

Technically, it would seem as if a test of the previous low at 83.5c achieved on 4 March is on the cards. The 20d, 50d and 100d MAs are all downtrending.  The MACD is still below zero and has formed a bearish crossover with the signal line.  OBV shows distribution taking place.  MFI shows a lack of buying momentum.  Stochastics has just dipped into oversold territory. 

A bearish picture is obvious, no doubt. However, the selling down lacks strong conviction, in my opinion.  If we look at 18 Feb which was the day the $1.02 support gave way completely, the volume was extremely high.  Volume has been relatively low since that day as price retreated.  I am not saying that price could not go lower but I am saying that the current selling pressure does not seem as great as it was earlier this year.  Having said this, price could go lower and I see 80c as a significant support level.

What if 80c gives way? Well, a look at the weekly chart shows the 100wMA at 75c and this should provide a stronger support.

Related post:
Genting SP: Stale bulls' second chance?

Charts in brief: 21 April 10.

STI drops 0.5% to 2,967.65 at closing
Wednesday, 21 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia: The technical picture looks decidedly bearish.  OBV continues to decline as distribution continues.  MACD is pulling away downwards from the signal line. MFI is hovering above the oversold region while the Stochastics is deep in the oversold region.  Price is now testing the previous low of $2.19.  Continuing downward movement should see the next support at $2.12 tested.  If price starts basing at the current level, we might see the formation of a double bottom.

Golden Agriculture: Another doji.  I still see support at the 50dMA at 56.5c and would accumulate if price descends to that level.  By next week, the rising 50dMA would be at 57c.  100dMA is at 54.5c.  Price has not been able to break 62.5c in three separate sessions in recent memory.  So, that is likely to be an important psychological resistance.  I might sell some of my remaining shares at that level, therefore.

Saizen REIT: An extreme low volume day. We have a buy signal on the MACD. MFI bounced off 50% and OBV rose slightly. All MAs are still rising.  Price is still above the 20dMA which is at 16.9c currently.  In another few sessions, the 20dMA would be at 17c.

China Hongxing: Price closed at 15c, the support provided by the 20dMA, on reduced volume.  20dMA is still rising.  50dMA is still falling.  A golden cross in the making, it seems.

Courage Marine: Volume expanded and price traded at the gap resistance of 23.5c the whole session.  MACD is rising.  OBV shows keen accumulation.  MFI pushes higher into the overbought region. 25.5c is next if 23.5c is taken out convincingly. Positive momentum is very much present.

SPH: This elephant is flying. Another strong white candle day as volume expanded with price closing at $4.12.  OBV shows unabating accumulation. $4.12 was a resistance level in June 2008 that proved too strong.  If this is taken out, price could go on to test $4.33 but before that, another resistance could be found at $4.21.  This was a support level that finally gave way in May 2008 and was not recaptured since.

Related post:
Charts in brief: 20 April 10.

Charts in brief: 20 April 10.

The STI clawed back 20.44 points today to close at 2,981.31 on respectably high volume. U.S. Futures are all showing an upward bias as of now.  This bull has legs.

Despite guarded sentiment, Phillip Securities says longer-term outlook for market still positive: “The reaction to Goldman’s fraud charges could eventually be trumped by what has been very positive S&P 500 earnings results.” Written by The Edge, Tuesday, 20 April 2010 13:30.

CapitaMalls Asia: Another black candle day as price closed at the support identified at $2.20.  My overnight buy queue was done.  Will the counter retest the low of $2.19 made in February this year or would price bottom here and start a basing process to form a double bottom?  Only time will tell.  Stochastics is suggesting that the counter is very oversold and further downside should see the next significant support at $2.12.

Golden Agriculture: Another doji as price stays above the rising 20dMA.  Volume has reduced. All MAs are trending upwards. From the MFI, it is obvious that positive buying momentum is lacking. Hard to say which way this might go.  So, no fresh positions for now.  Would buy some if price retraces to 56.5c.

China Hongxing: Closing at 15.5c, it formed a gravestone doji as price touched a high of 16c today.  Although it is a gravestone doji, I think it more positive than negative here as price did not touch 15c the whole day.  This means that, for the first time since 26 January, China Hongxing managed to trade at or above the 50dMA the whole day. The MACD continues to rise and seems to be sneaking a peek above zero, heralding a return of positive momentum. However, volume is anaemic and this will have to expand for a convincing move up.

Courage Marine: Low volume day as MFI and OBV both turned up slightly. Not much to say here. I would accumulate on pullbacks. Overcoming the gap resistance at 23.5c should test the immediate target of 25.5c.  Eventual target is still 27c.

Saizen REIT: Someone sold down 3m warrants and 1m shares at 7.5c and 16.5c respectively, rather late in the day.  This caused the OBV and MFI to both turn down.  16.5c is now the new floor for Saizen REIT.  This is a support level provided by the 50dMA.  My overnight buy queue for more warrants at 7.5c was filled.

Healthway Medical: 16c is still holding up nicely as the support.  OBV is flat.  No obvious distribution.  MFI is declining gently, which is logical. This counter might just be basing at 16c for a while. Further downside will find support at 15c.

NOL: Formed a higher low yesterday as it closed at $2.24 today, forming a wickless white candle.  Nice.  Uptrending OBV suggests continuing accumulation. Taking out the recent high of $2.35 would suggest an immediate target of $2.50.  Eventual target is still $2.60.  A rising 20dMA and candlestick supports should limit downside in the near term to $2.11 but a stronger support is found at $1.96.

Goldman Sachs reported first-quarter earnings of $3.3 billion, or $5.59 a share, on revenue of $12.78 billion. Earnings nearly doubled from a year ago and the results were well ahead of consensus expectations. Posted Apr 19, 2010 05:16pm EDT by Aaron Task.





Related post:
Charts in brief: 19 April 10.

Charts in brief: 19 April 10.

Most of my portfolio hardly budged as the STI retreated 1.5% today.  The exceptions are the likes of CapitaMalls Asia and SPH.  AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT, LMIR, First REIT and Saizen REIT are holding steady.  I believe that any further weakness would bring out the buyers as the problem in the USA with Goldman Sachs should not have any material impact here in Asia.  It is not a financial meltdown or anything like it.  It is a legal matter and the proceedings are domestic in nature.

STI drops 1.5% to 2,960.93 at closing
Monday, 19 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitalMalls Asia: Closed at $2.21.  I have put in my buy queue for tomorrow at $2.20.  In the last three sessions (today inclusive), the volume has been reducing as price retreated.  Stochastics has dipped into oversold territory.  MFI is declining fast and OBV shows some distribution.  Overall, not a pretty picture.  Any purchase of shares in this company is now based on fundamentals, not technicals as expectations of a feisty reversal is out the window for now.

Golden Agriculture: Price closed at 59c, supported by the rising 20dMA.  A doji is formed.  This is, of course, a possible reversal signal.  The MACD has just completed a bearish crossover.  Further weakness will see support at 56.5c, provided by the rising 50dMA.  I might reload then.

Healthway Medical: >2.6m shares sold down at 16c at 5.05pm, creating a gravestone doji in the process.  This is the first time the counter has closed at 16c since 3 March 2010.  The MACD has gone under zero, suggesting an end of positive momentum.  16c remains a critical support.  If this goes, the next support is at 15c.  That would be a nice price to accumulate some.

Saizen REIT: Some profit taking continues. MFI has formed a lower high but the OBV is flat, suggesting that although the buying momentum has stalled, there is no heavy selling down going on. The rising 50dMA is at 16.5c which coincides with my believe that 16.5c is the new floor for the counter and should be a strong support.  Uptrend is intact.

SPH: A big black candle day as price managed to close just 1c above $4.00.  Any further weakness will see support at $3.89 where we find the rising 20dMA.  The rising 50dMA is at $3.82.  I would accumulate on weakness.  Uptrend is intact.

Courage Marine: Down 1c, MFI is dipping out of overbought territory.  Any weakness should find support at 21.5c.  The flat 200dMA should provide support at 20c in case of further weakness.  I would accumulate on weakness as I like the fundamentals over the next few months at least.  Uptrend is intact.

China Hongxing: Closed 0.5c lower on lower volume. Signs are still good that this counter is probably prime for a breakout. Price action is now trapped between the 50dMA (15.5c) and the 20dMA (15c) in a crab-like pincer.  Going by the rising MFI and OBV since 30 March, the chances are good that price is likely to move higher.

Related post:
Charts in brief: 16 Apr 10.

Charts in brief: 16 Apr 10.

STI retreated today on lower volume to close at 3,007.19.  The market is digesting its gains and this is not something I would worry about for now.

STI down 0.5%, struggling to hold above 3,000
Friday, 16 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

China Hongxing: Coincidentally, DMG & Partners issued a buy call at 2.50pm, approximately an hour after my post about how the counter might present a trading opportunity this afternoon.  Their target price is 22c.  Just like their target price of 30c for Healthway Medical, it is a 12 months target.  So, I would stick to my earlier chart reading, recognising that if 15.5c is cleared, the next resistance levels are at 17.5c and 18.5c.  For the report by DMG & Partners, please see: 16 Apr 10 China Hongxing: Buy.

 

Healthway Medical: Technically, the weakness is obvious as the support at 16c has been tested four out of five sessions this week.  This support is provided by the flat 50dMA.  If 16c goes, the rising 100dMA should provide the next level of support at 15c.  OBV is flat and this should be viewed positively as it suggests that there is no heavy selling down of the stock.  So, downward pressure is somewhat limited.

Golden Agriculture: Closed down 1c at 59.5c on heavier volume. MACD has made contact with the signal line and is poised for a bearish crossover.  Things are looking somewhat bleak but let's see if the rising 20dMA will be able to push up the price next week.  The higher high on the MFI does suggest a return of positive buying momentum. This would confirm that the counter is doing a correction using time.  If the 20dMA fails to hold up as the support next week, the rising 50dMA is at 56.5c and the rising 100dMA is at 54.5c.  These two longer term MAs would provide stronger supports then.

CapitaMalls Asia: Price has broken down from the sideways movement. I see strong support at $2.20 and that's where I would buy more. Upside eventual target remains at $2.55.

Courage Marine: Demolished the gap resistance at 23.5c in early morning trading to touch a high of 24c.  The gap resistance soon reasserted itself and the counter ended the session at 23.5c.  The white candle day took place on the back of much increased volume.  OBV turned up sharply, suggesting heavy accumulation. MFI continues pushing higher into overbought territory but if the bullishness continues, the index could stay overbought for much longer.

SPH: Price pushed higher to close at $4.07 but volume has reduced significantly. MFI has pushed higher into overbought territory. OBV continues its upward trajectory, suggesting continuing accumulation. Upside target is still $4.20 but it remains to be seen if this could be achieved.  Volume should expand as price pushes higher for the upmove to be sustainable.

Saizen REIT:  Extreme low volume day.  Volume has not been so low in more than two weeks.  There has been some profit taking going on but price has stayed firmly above the 20dMA.  MFI shows a decline in buying momentum and OBV shows that some distribution has been taking place.   Despite all this, price has stayed at 17c and this shows strong support.  If 17c gives way, we should find a stronger support at 16.5c, provided by the rising 50dMA.  It is my personal believe that 16.5c is the new floor for Saizen REIT if it is ever tested.
Please see: Saizen REIT: A symmetrical triangle?

Related post:
Charts in brief: 15 April 10.
China Hongxing: Prime for a breakout?

Charts in brief: 14 April 10.

A most sterling performance by the STI today as it surged 48.14 pts to end the session at 3,019.74 on heavy volume. People vested in NOL, DBS, UOB and SembCorp, just to name a few, would have made quite a bit of money.

Singapore shares end near 2-year high on surge in 1Q GDP
Wednesday, 14 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

CapitaMalls Asia:  Despite an impressive 1Q 2010 report, its share price barely moved and closed up 1c at $2.30 as it went XD.  Consolidation continues.
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were $110.9 million for 1Q 2010, 174% higher than the $40.5 million for 1Q 2009.

CapitaMalls Asia records 1Q net earnings of $97m
Wednesday, 14 April 2010

© 2010 - The Edge Singapore

NOL: An impressive white candle day as price shot past the recent high of $2.24 to close at $2.30 after touching a high of $2.34.  We have a buy signal on the MACD.  OBV and MFI have both turned up. With such strong momentum, it is likely to power ahead.  Closing above $2.30 convincingly would give an eventual target of $2.60.

Golden Agriculture:  Another higher low formed on the MFI. Price action formed an inverted white hammer, another reversal signal.  Signals continue to be mixed for Golden Agriculture.  Will the improving buying momentum push the price higher?  Initial support has been established at 60c.  Channel resistance is at 64.5c.

Courage Marine: OBV turned up sharply as volume increased significantly.  Price closed up 0.5c at 22.5c, forming a long legged doji, a reversal signal, as it touched 23c, the previous high.  If the reversal signal is valid, price should find initial support at 21c.  If the chart pattern plays out (neckline at 21.5c), we should see gap resistance at 23.5c taken out and the chart pattern resistance at 25.5c tested with a possibility of a push to the eventual target of 27c.  Could we be seeing a beautiful symmetry in the making?

SPH: Volume expanded as price touched a high of $3.99, just 1c shy of the target of $4.00.  MFI has pushed deeper into overbought territory and OBV has turned up sharply.  Forming a white spinning top today as price closed at $3.97, will it push higher tomorrow?  $4.00 remains the resistance to watch.  If this is taken out, the next target is $4.20.  A retracement would find initial support at $3.84.

AIMS AMP Capital Industrial REIT: Buy signal seen on the MACD.  Price touched a high of 23c before closing at 22c on much higher volume. OBV turned up.  MFI has formed a higher low.  22c is still the resistance to watch but if price closes decisively above 22c in the near future, it would be resistance turned support.  23c is the immediate target.  Immediate support is at 21.5c.

 Related post:
Charts in brief: 13 April 10.

Charts in brief: 16 Mar 10

The STI defied gravity to add 22.1 points today, closing at 2,896.43, it is only a bit more than 100 points away from the magic number 3,000.  However, today's volume of 1,143,954,590 and total value of  $989,019,766 suggest that the upward movement is weak.  Volume is low and the value is lower.  Activity has clearly reduced and moved to the pennies.

It would not be wrong to lock in some gains for anyone vested in index linked counters. For anyone looking to add to their positions, waiting for a pullback might be prudent.  However, if in doubt, my strategy is always to hedge.  For the person who is vested, divesting half of his position might be a good idea.  For the person looking to add to his position despite the technicals, adding a smallish position would be less risky.

Saizen REIT: 469 lots sold down at 16c towards the closing bell pushed the MFI further into oversold territory.  Stochastics has also dipped into oversold territory.  That buying momentum is lacking is quite obvious.  Any further weakness would be an opportunity to load up.

Golden Agriculture:  Price closed unchanged on lower volume today. It has formed higher highs and higher lows since early Feb.  Uptrend is intact and I am still waiting to collect at supports.

Healthway Medical: A black candle day on increased volume.  Since mid January, this is a rare black candle day with such high volume.  A decline in the OBV indicates that distribution is underway.  A lower high and a lower low on the MFI confirms weaker buying momentum. The MACD is closing in on the signal line which might result in a bearish crossover.  Initial support is still at 16c and it looks like it will be tested.

STI and AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial REIT.

STI's movement today shows indecision as it started the day higher, see-sawed a bit and closed almost unchanged at 2839.54. What we can say for sure is that the 50dMA at 2810 provides initial support and the rising 100dMA at 2780 provides a stronger support. It remains to be seen if it could overcome the gap resistance at 2850. If it overcomes 2850, it is good news for the bulls.


I know many out there are turning cautious and even bearish but the higher lows and the higher highs on the MFI are encouraging. We see that in the OBV as well. Failing to move higher, the STI should not come crashing down either. Please see my earlier post on how the STI might behave in March: STI: Marching in place in March.

Turning defensive, I bought more units in AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial REIT today at 21c. Fundamentally, I like the numbers. Please see:AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial REIT. This is probably the best value for money industrial property REIT in Singapore right now. Increasing the weightage of this REIT in my portfolio diversifies away from an emphasis I've had on Saizen REIT in recent months.
Technically, the price looks like it has bottomed at 20.5c and has begun to move up. The MACD did a bullish crossover with the signal line and the stochastics has started to move up from the oversold region. 21.5c is the resistance provided by the flat 50dMA. It might take a while for the counter to move up in price but the limited downside makes it technically attractive to increase my investment here.

STI: Marching in place in March?

TA is not about predicting price movements.  TA always presents two possible scenarios.  To most people, this immediately means it's as good as not saying anything.  Well, if we had a tool that could tell us if a security was definitely moving up or down, ..............; you fill in the blanks.

Then, why do we still have TA?  Well, knowing the trends, supports and resistance levels could help us make certain decisions when certain numbers are hit.  Is that it?  I am probably not doing the subject justice but for my purpose, in a nutshell, yes.

OK, on to what you are waiting for.  What do I see in STI's charts?

On the daily chart, we see that the MFI is clearly downtrending with lower highs and lower lows.  The stochastics is turning down from the boundary of the overbought region.  These are momentum oscillators and their current patterns indicate weakening buying momentum in the near term.

That the STI re-entered its uptrending channel is quite obvious and it is currently supported by the upturning 20dMA.  This is a positive.  That the rising 100dMA was taken out a few sessions ago suggests that this is not a strong resistance.  Instead, the resistance to watch would be the 50dMA which is still descending, albeit gently, and is at 2,813.  Immediate support is at 2,737.  In case of a breakdown, a stronger support is provided by the rising 200dMA at 2,615. 

If we look at the weekly chart which presents a longer term picture, we see the stochastics upturning.  This is quite different from what we get in the daily chart.  What does this mean?  To me, it means that the probability of a large downward movement in the index is low over the longer term.  The STI has weakened but is showing resilience and is more likely to move sideways for a while than to decline dramatically. 

The bearish divergence observed between index value and volume up to two months ago was corrected as the index retreated for three consecutive weeks accompanied by increased volume.  Subsequent black candle weeks were on lower volumes.  This supports the view that the STI is less likely to decline dramatically.

Remember, technical analysis provides probabilities and not certainties.  Good luck to us all in the month of March.

STI shows relative strength

The STI exhibited relative strength today, declining 0.44%, even as the HSE crashed 2.59%.  Closing at 2,757.14 keeps the STI within its uptrend channel.

Genting SP held its ground amid a high volume sell off which pushed its price to touch an intra day low of 90c.  Closing at 94c, it's only 1c lower than yesterday's close.  The decline's rapid pace has been thwarted for now.  Almost a black hammer, there is a chance of a rebound next week for this counter.  Resistance is at $1.01, provided by the 38.2% Fibo line.  I see a stronger resistance at $1.04, a candlestick support turned resistance.  It is also the 50% Fibo line.  Any such rebound is an opportunity to reduce exposure.

AusGroup has a black candle day.  The good news is that it happened with much reduced volume.  MACD has formed a bullish crossover but being still below zero, positive momentum has not returned.  MFI has turned down which shows a slowing of buying momentum.

On the weekly chart, we have an inverted white hammer which suggests a probability of price closing higher next week.  The bugbear?  Volume is very low and this does not make any upmove in price sustainable.  A continuing rebound would allow stale bulls to reduce exposure and is likely to meet with resistance for this reason.  The weekly chart confirms that the target of 64c I have identified for AusGroup in the event of a continuing rebound is plausible.  Any long position in AusGroup taken this week is a punt at best.

With the continuing decline today, Golden Agriculture's price action has formed a lower high at 57c.  However, the pullback is on relatively lower volume which leads to a reasonable suggestion that any decline will not be severe.  Having said this, the lack of buying momentum could see the counter drifting lower.  Critical support remains at 50c thereabouts.  It will most likely hold as the rising 100dMA reaches 49c today.  I continue to like the company's fundamentals and will accumulate at supports.

STI, AusGroup, Golden Agriculture and Healthway Medical

STI closed at 2,769.19, down 24.87 points.  It is still within the uptrend channel and above its 100dMA.  Volume is somewhat reduced and the downwards adjustment in the index is nothing alarming at this stage.

AusGroup looks interesting as volume continues to expand for a second day with price moving up to close at 58c today.  MFI is rising strongly and is almost at 50%.  MACD turned up and a bullish crossover with the signal line seems inevitable.  Currently, the declining 20dMA is providing resistance at 59.5c.  If the price action overcomes this, it could move to 64c which is the resistance provided by the 50% Fibo line.  This is also the price level which the descending 50dMA seems on track to meet in the next few sessions.

Golden Agriculture experienced a down day closing at 55c on the back of reduced volume.  MACD is poised to cross above zero which would herald the return of positive momentum.  Gap support at 54c.  My target price for this counter remains unchanged at 59c if the upmove should continue in the near term.

Healthway Medical's price action formed a gravestone doji today.  This is a bearish candlestick. With the MFI and MACD turned up, the expectation is for some continuing push upwards but these momentum oscillators are lagging indicators.  So, we have to take this with a pinch of salt.  If price action does not close above the resistance provided by the descending 20dMA at 15.5c, we want to at least see the rising 50dMA confirmed as a support at 14.5c.  All we can do is to wait and see.

A rebound or something more lasting?

A reader, CT, posed some questions in response to my post yesterday:

"i was wondering why u would reduce ur exposure at this point in Goldenagri and STI. do u think that there will be another correction soon? or are u just afraid of high volatility? could u expand ur thoughts on that? i ask because it seems to me that after this correction, the entire mkt seems poised for a steady uptick."

The STI broke the uptrend channel's support on 5 Feb before re-joining the channel on 9 Feb.  Of note is that the support broke on very high volume while rejoining the channel took place on relatively lower volume.  This is more bearish than bullish.  Incidentally, the support broke on the same day that the declining 20dMA formed a dead cross with the 50dMA.  The declining 20dMA seems poised to form another dead cross, this time with the 100dMA.  The 50dMA has stopped rising and is drifting lower.  The 200dMA is still rising strongly and should provide a stronger support at about 2600 points.  All these do not mean that the STI is going to crash to the 200dMA but it does indicate more weakness.

In the near term, the MFI is rising and this indicates positive buying momentum.  The MACD has risen above the signal line which is a positive as well.  There is probably some room to move up as the MFI is far from being overbought.  However, keep an eye on volume as without any meaningful expansion in trading volume, the upmove in the STI is likely to be no more than a technical rebound.

Yesterday, while chatting with LP in his blog, Bully the Bear, he mentioned that he is vested in SGX.  I took a quick look at the chart as I was curious and saw SGX clearly in a downtrending channel.  In such a situation, the probability of a counter forming lower highs and lower lows is higher.  It would be prudent to reduce exposure if the price moves to retest the channel resistance.  I mention this as a quick reminder becaue if the charts of counters you are vested in show a similar trending, you might want take this into consideration.

As for Golden Agriculture, I am just doing what I have always done.  As price moves up, I divest gradually at every resistance level.  I hedge against the risk of any sudden reversal in such an instance but I will also never maximise my returns.  Given that the market usually lapses into a stupor after the Chinese New Year period, I am not optimistic that the recent high of 65.5c could be bested.  If you look at the chart, 62c was a resistance level in August 2008 which sealed the fate of this counter as the price plunged after that.  That it was punctured for a couple of days last month in January was a positive but it happened too soon.  59c is a many times tested resistance in recent memory and is psychologically more important.  Hence, I have chosen it as a more realistic target price this time round.  The important thing is to make money.  Greed is not a bad thing but beyond a point, it is.

TA cannot predict what will happen for sure in future.  It simply gives us clues and we can choose to be conservative and wait for confirmation before acting or hedge to reduce risk (which could also reduce rewards).  I have a preference for hedging as I am not a pure TA practitioner.