US equities closed down on Monday on mixed trade. All five major indices ended the day in the red. The small-cap Russell 2000 realized the biggest loss as it fell just over 1.1%. The S&P MidCap 400 shed 0.8% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.7%. Both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 dropped 0.6% yesterday.

Market internals ended the session mixed for a second consecutive day. Volume fell by 3.4% on the Nasdaq but rose by 3.9% on the NYSE. However, declining volume outpaced advancing volume on both exchanges. By the closing bell the spread ratio stood at 3.5 to 1 on the NYSE and 1.9 to 1 on the Nasdaq in favor of down volume. The combination of higher total volume and higher declining volume suggest that institutions were actively involved in Monday's selling activity on the NYSE. However the light volume on the Nasdaq eliminates the possibility of distribution on the tech rich index.

Since finding its footing in late June the United States Oil Fund ETF (USO) has spent the last three sessions consolidating at resistance near the 200-day MA. In this timeframe USO has formed two distinct reversal candles as it has probed above the 200-day MA. A move below the three-day low of $38.46 may provide a short entry trigger for this ETF.



Since undercutting its 200-day MA six days ago, the iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund ETF (EWS) has quickly rallied back into key resistance at $14.29. A volume assisted move back below yesterday's low of $14.14 could provide a shorting opportunity in this ETF. Since EWS is in a long-term uptrend this trade involves higher risk and if entered would only be intended as a two or three-day reversal play.



Given the stalemate in Washington it is somewhat surprising how resilient the market was on Monday. However, similar to Friday's action, Monday's trade also seemed to be mired in confusion. Markets don't like uncertainty and until the budget, debt and deficit matters are resolved we expect more of the same in the coming days. Again, we recommend caution as Congress tip toes its way forward.

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.