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September 18, 2009

The Dollar Index: The Trend Is Your Friend
by Guy Lerner

In identifying the Dollar Index (symbol: $DXY) as the key asset class to watch, I relied upon two strategies for guidance to make the call on June 19, 2009 that that this was a "Very Dangerous Time For The Dollar Index". So far, things are working out as expected.

The first strategy sold the Dollar Index short on any close below 3 pivot low points. Positions were covered on a close above 3 pivot lows or a close greater than the 40 week moving average. The second strategy sold the Dollar Index short on any close below a positive divergence bar. Positions were covered on a close above a positive divergence bar or a close above the 40 week moving average. In both strategies, weekly data were utilized.

Both strategies identified price patterns that suggested the Dollar Index would fall and there would be a high likelihood that that fall would be significant. In the first strategy, the average trade lasted 23 weeks, and in the second strategy the average trade lasted 14 weeks. The discrepancy in the average trade length was due to the fact that prices really accelerated lower on closes below positive divergence bars as traders looking for a bottom throw in the towel to cover losing positions. This trade or the second strategy made its gains, which were almost equal to strategy 1, over a much shorter time frame.

With regards to the first strategy (i.e., close below 3 pivots), the sell signal has been in effect for 8 weeks. For the second strategy (i.e., close below positive divergence) the sell signal has been in effect for 4 weeks. So what is my point? This weak dollar trade has yet to reach an average duration in time. In the Dollar Index, the trend is still your friend until it ends.

Reinforcing this notion that this trend in the Dollar Index could persist for longer than most expect comes an editorial from Bloomberg entitled, "Hedge Funds' ATM Moves From Tokyo to Washington: William Pesek". The writer basically argues why the Dollar Index will remain lower than many of us think. Essentially, a higher Dollar risks another episode of deleveraging. As Pesek points out:

"Think about the turbulence that would be unleashed by the dollar suddenly shooting 5 percent or 10 percent higher with untold numbers of traders around the globe on the losing side of that trade. It could make the "Lehman shock" look manageable."

In essence, the Federal Reserve and Treasury have a lot at stake and will likely continue the policy of devaluing the Dollar.

I want to thank Trader Mark at FundMyMutualFund for bringing this article to my attention.

Guy M. Lerner
http://thetechnicaltakedotcom.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: Guy M. Lerner is the editor and founder of The Technical Take blog. His commentary on the financial markets is based upon information thought to be reliable and is not meant as investment advice. Under no circumstances does the information in his columns represent a recommendation to buy or sell stocks. Lerner may on occasion hold positions in the securities mentioned in his columns and on the Web site; in all instances, all positions are fully disclosed at http://thetechnicaltakedotcom.blogspot.com/. However, their positions may change at anytime. For more information on any of the above, please review The Technical Take's full Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (link below). While Lerner cannot provide investment advice or recommendations, he invites you to send your comments to: guy@thetechnicaltake.com.

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