Stocks ended mixed in Friday's action. For the third consecutive session blue chip stocks demonstrated relative strength against the broader market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 0.4%, while the S&P 500 tacked on 0.2% on Friday. The S&P MidCap 400, the Nasdaq and the small-cap Russell 2000 fell 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% respectively. Weakness among tech stocks continues to weigh on the market.

Volume varied dramatically between the NYSE and the Nasdaq. Volume increased by 5.5% on the Big Board, but decreased by 17% on the Nasdaq. The advancing to declining volume ratio also diverged between the two indices. The NYSE saw advancing volume outpace declining volume by a ratio of 1.4 to 1. On the Nasdaq, declining volume held the upper hand by a factor of 1.6 to 1. Even though internals were mixed, market leaders continued to struggle on Friday.

Yesterday we sent an intraday alert that we purchased an additional 300 shares of UNG at market (6.45). We now have 1,300 shares total, with a stop at 5.83 for the full position. Based on Friday's price action, we are removing PIE from the watchlist. We were stopped out of the remaining 1,000 shares we held in PBW last Thursday. We exited at $10.52 which resulted in a small loss of $130.00. Overall the trade was a scratch since we sold 600 shares of PBW on January 13 for a $192.00 profit. PBW is a good example of why it can be a good practice to sell part of a position into strength even if the target is not hit.

Our position in the iShares MSCI All Peru Capped Index ETF (EPU) has been acting well and is now on the cusp of losing major support. If EPU loses Friday's low of $45.87, it could plummet quickly. From August 24 until October 15, EPU made a parabolic move to new highs. However, when this type of move occurs, by definition, there are no levels of support formed. Consequently, the retracements can be as powerful as the rally. If EPU does fall below this key mark, we may add to the position. Caution is still warranted as EPU could easily reverse off this level. There is no place for anticipatory euphoria in the world of trading. If EPU finds support here, the declining 20-day EMA and 50-day MA should provide formidable resistance.



In the January 19 newsletter we discussed The Guggenheim Frontier Markets ETF (FRN) as a potential short setup. We stated, "(it) is exhibiting signs of relative weakness and may soon present a shorting opportunity. Yesterday (January 19), FRN sold off on a sizeable increase in volume. Further, since mid-November, FRN has been consolidating while the Accumulation/Distribution line has been in a significant downtrend. This bearish divergence suggests institutional selling. A break below $23.50 could provide a short entry trigger for this ETF". Since that time FRN lost support at $23.50 but did bounce yesterday. This ETF now presents two possible short entries. The first would be a rally back into resistance (just above $23.50) on light volume. The second potential short trigger would be a break below Friday's low. We like the setup and will be watching it closely for a possible entry.

January 19 chart of FRN:





The damage done to market leaders over the past three sessions will likely take several weeks to repair in order to create a new base for another potential rally. When market leaders lose relative strength caution is warranted. It appears as if money has been flowing out of the Nasdaq, the small-cap Russell 2000 and the S&P MidCap 400, and into blue chip issues. Technology stocks are almost always a leading indicator to market direction. It is generally not a good sign for bulls when money begins moving in this manner after a protracted advance.

Deron Wagner is the Founder and Head Trader of both Morpheus Capital LP, a U.S. hedge fund, and MorpheusTrading.com, a trader education firm.