The markets opened lower after earnings reports from International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC). Both reports were slightly shy of Wall Streets expectations. As those stocks dropped, so did the markets. While down, the markets are only hovering slightly lower with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:SPY)  trading at $138.78, -0.31 (-0.22%). Fears from Europe have calmed in the last two days. This was the major reason for the monster rally…

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The markets are down once again, falling for the third day in a row. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:SPY) is trading at $139.28, -1.15 (-0.82%). This recent rally has been a monster, blasting the SPY from $120.00 in December to the recent 52 week high of $141.83. The move has seen little to no down days and has even pushed the retail investor into full on bullish mode.



While the pull back is solid today, the daily S&P 500 20 moving average is getting tagged. That level must…

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The Dow Jones Industrial Average is once again battling the 13,000 level. This is the third consecutive trading day it has been above that level on an intra-day basis. The big question is, will it finally close above that master level? As it battles this level, psychologically it becomes bigger and bigger. All signals point to this day being the final chance for the Dow to close above 13,000.



The market is clearly being headed by technology. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), which makes up…

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These days the technology sector is predominantly dominated by Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Amazon.com Inc (NYSE:AMZN). When an investor wants to know if the tech stocks are trading higher they will usually just look at one of these market leaders; however, it is the semiconductor sector that is still the technology barometer. Traders can simply follow the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (NYSEARCA:SMH) for a good indication of the sector. When this sector…

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The semiconductor sector is a very important group of stocks that traders should follow closely. Often the semiconductor stocks will lead most technology stocks higher and lower. Since December 19, 2011 the Semiconductor Holders ETF (NYSEARCA:SMH) has rallied higher by $2.47 a share. This morning, the SMH is trading higher by 0.72 cents to $31.15 a share. Traders must watch for very important daily chart resistance around the $32.00 area. Since October and November 2011 this has been…

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This morning, the Semiconductor Holders Trust (NYSE:SMH) is coming under some selling pressure as the SMH is trading lower by 0.54 cents to $31.39 a share. When the semiconductor stocks decline it is usually a sign that most technology stocks will be weak. Often the semiconductor sector will lead the NASDAQ Composite on the daily and intra-day charts. Many traders and investors believe that the NASDAQ cannot trade higher without a strong semiconductor sector. Short term traders can…

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The markets continue to see uncertainty and it is getting worse. The Federal Reserve just released their FOMC Policy Statement and there was no direct mention of QE3. In addition, there is now talk Greece will not get their next bailout payment until after the referendum vote.  If they do not get the next payment shortly, a hard default is likely. The referendum vote is likely to derail the Greek bailout that gave the markets a 20% run in the last month. This has caused a major uptick in…

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This afternoon, many of the semiconductor stocks are trading in positive territory. This is usually considered a positive for the NASDAQ Composite and the major stock indexes. Today, the Semiconductor Holders Trust (NYSE:SMH) is trading higher by 0.07 cents to $26.25 a share. The bounce in the SMH is somewhat feeble when you think about it. There looks to be a much better support level around the $25.00 for the SMH.



Some leading semiconductor stocks that are… Continue

While most of the market has been under recent pressure, three stocks have stood out and defied the market downturn. They have pushed higher and are all heading towards master levels. These levels will be revealed and should they hit, will be a long term pivot top according to proprietary technical signals.



Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is soaring today, trading at $235.16, +10.95 (+4.88%) . This is a monster gain as the company is set to unveil its iPad-like device. Amazon.com has… Continue

This afternoon, the major stock indexes are coming under selling pressure once again. Most leading commodity, energy, and financial stocks are trading lower across the board. The one area of strength in this market is coming from the semiconductor stocks. These stocks are not trading higher by all that much, however, they are continuing to hold up well in a very tough stock market environment.



The Semiconductor Holders Trust (NYSE:SMH) is trading higher by 0.18… Continue

The stock market continues to hover on the downside but with minimal losses. Europe took a major blow today again as continued fears of default rattle the chains of stability. The September 6th low is holding today thus far at $114.50, on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:SPY). This is the major pivot point for the day. One of the key reasons why this level is so important to technical traders, is because a break of $114.50 would cease the high low moves in the market. Once a lower low is made,… Continue

All of the semiconductor equipment makers are under sharp selling pressure this morning. Novellus Systems Inc.(NASDAQ:NVLS) reported earnings last night and the stock is not being well received by the markets. The company reported better than expected earnings but the outlook was very weak. The stock is trading lower by $2.71 to $33.06 a share. NVLS stock has a lot of daily chart support around the $32.50 area. This weak outlook is putting pressure on the rest of the leading stocks in the… Continue