Every day, the number of stocks reaching New Lows is posted on the New York Stock Exchange. Most of the time, following the number of New Lows is a pretty boring exercise.
However, if you know what levels have been historically important, then it becomes more interesting to watch.
For example ... for a healthy market, I want to see New Lows below 28.
The next important level to watch is above 50. Above 50 is where you want to start keeping your eyes open, because the market is normally experiencing higher duress above that level. Many times, above 50 becomes a "tipping point" where fear levels increase, and investors begin selling.
The higher the number that the New Lows rise when above 50, the higher the VIX typically rises and investors sell as fear levels increase.
Normally, I don't bring the New Lows to your attention ... but today I will because of the jump in numbers between last Friday and yesterday. Last Friday, the New Lows were still at a healthy number of 16. Yesterday, they jumped up to 47.
Yes ... the number of New Lows are still below 50 right now, but a jump up to 47 should at least put it on your radar screen to start watching.