8/26/2008 9:29:11 PM

August is normally the most difficult month to trade.

Stock Barometer Analysis

We remain in Buy Trend Mode. Obviously the recent action of the barometer has us concerned. A continuation of this move lower and we will likely move into sell mode. But I'm thinking we have a little more upward action to go through...

The Stock Barometer is my proprietary market timing system. The direction, slope and level of the Stock Barometer determine our outlook. For example, if the barometer line is moving down, we are in Sell Mode. A Buy or Sell Signal is triggered when the indicator clearly changes direction.

Stock Barometer Cycle Time

Today is day 36 in our Up Cycle.

The Stock Barometer signals follow 5, 8, 13, 21 and sometimes 34 day Fibonacci cycles that balance with 'normal' market cycles. Knowing where you are in the current market cycle is important in deciding how long you expect to maintain a position.

Potential Cycle Reversal Dates

2008 Potential Reversal Dates: 12/31, 1/11, 2/1, 2/13, 3/6, 4/5, 4/22, 5/23, 6/6, 6/27, 7/13, 9/2. We publish these dates up to 2 months in advance.

We expect the markets to move higher into 9/2.

My Additional timing work is based on numerous cycles and has resulted in the above potential reversal dates. These are not to be confused with the barometer signals or cycle times. However, due to their past accuracy I post the dates here.

2007 Potential Reversal Dates: 1/10, 1/14, 1/27, 1/31, 2/3, 2/17, 3/10, 3/24, 4/21, 5/6, 6/15, 8/29, 10/19, 11/29, 12/13, 12/23, 12/31, 1/11/08. 2006 potential reversal dates: 1/16, 1/30, 2/25, 3/19, 4/8, 5/8, 5/19, 6/6(20), 7/24, 8/20, 8/29, 9/15, 10/11, 11/28. 2005 Potential reversal dates based on 'other' cycle work were 12/27, 1/25, 2/16, 3/4, 3/14, 3/29, 4/5, 4/19, 5/2, 6/3, 6/10, 7/13, 7/28, 8/12, 8/30-31, 9/22, 10/4, 11/15, 11/20, 12/16.

The following work is based on my spread/momentum indicators for the QQQQ, GLD, USD, USO and TLT. They are tuned to deliver signals in line with the Stock Barometer and we use them only in determining our overall outlook for the market and for pinpointing market reversals. The level, direction, and position to the zero line are keys in these indicators. For example, direction determines mode and a buy signal 'above zero' is more bullish than a buy signal 'below zero'.

QQQQ Spread Indicator (NASDAQ:QQQQ)

The QQQQ Spread Indicator will yield its own buy and sell signals that may be different from the Stock Barometer. It's meant to give us an idea of the next turn in the market.

Gold Spread Indicator (AMEX:GLD)

To trade Gold, utilize the Gold ETF AMEX:GLD. This gives us a general gage to the overall health of the US Economy and the markets, as well as to assists us in the entry of positions in our stock trading service.

US Dollar Index Spread Indicator (INDEX:DXY)

To trade the US Dollar, I'd utilize the Power Shares AMEX:UUP: US Dollar Index Bullish Fund and AMEX:UDN: US Dollar Index Bearish Fund.

Bonds Spread Indicator (AMEX:TLT)

To trade Bonds, I recommend Lehman's 20 year ETF AMEX:TLT. Note that the direction of bonds can have an impact on the stock market. Normally, as bonds go down, stocks will go up and as bonds go up, stocks will go down.

OIL Spread Indicator (AMEX:USO)

To trade OIL, utilize AMEX:USO, the OIL ETF. We look at the price of oil as its level and direction can have an impact on the stock market.

Supporting Secondary Indicator

In the EIOVR Chart, it shows when the individual traders have taken themselves out of the game, which is normally indicative of a bottom. The premise is that small traders trade mostly equity options. And large institutional traders utilize index options. The indicator is low, which means individuals have backed off of trading equity options, which is indicative of a bottom.

If you're interested in Stock Equity Options, we have a weekly top 10 list each and every week with our Stock Options Speculator service. If you haven't tried it in a while, I'd encourage you to give it a try. We've incorporated some impressive software and images to guide you through trading options. Click Here for a 4-week No Cost Trial.

I monitor over a hundred technical indicators, some that are widely followed and some that are proprietary. These indicators break down the market internals, sentiment and money flow and give us unique insight into the market. I feature at least one here each day in support of our current outlook - and to give you an education on what professional traders utilize.

Summary of Daily Outlook

We remain in Buy Trend Mode, looking for the market to move higher into 9/2.

That being said, in hindsight, it's easy to see that the NYSE markets have been moving sideways for some time now. These are not easy markets to trade - better to have taken most of this month off. But we don't have the luxury of trading in hindsight. I either predict an upward move or a downward move, and sometimes I'll be early, sometimes I'll be right on or even late. And sometimes I'll be entirely wrong. That's why you trade with a sound plan on what to do if you're right and what to do if you're wrong.

We have no way we can profit from sideways markets, unless we were to throw in some options. So we'll just grin and bear these types of markets and wait for more significant market trends to develop and lead us to profits.

If you have any questions or comments, email me at Jay@stockbarometer.com.

Regards,