S&P 500 Adds to Gains as Volume Rises Across The Board

IBM weighed heavily on the Dow Jones Industrial Average today helping keep the index in negative territory while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ close in the green. Volume on the exchanges was heavier across the board thanks to earnings trading from INTC and IBM. Both stocks were able to find buyers, but failed to get back into positive territory. More trouble for leading growth stocks in the after-hours session with MLNX and ALGN disappointing the street. Banks and homebuilders continue to be the leading sectors of this market in our new uptrend. We have mentioned before with the Federal Reserve propping up the mortgage market thru its mortgage backed QE forever program it is going to help the banks and homebuilders. While this may be good for banks and homebuilders leading growth stocks continue to get hurt. MLNX and ALGN are just two examples where growth stocks are simply not in favor in this market. AAPL a bellwether growth stock remains below its 50 day moving average. A new iPad Mini may help sales, but for now buyers aren’t jumping head over heels for the stock. QE trading is supposed to lift all boats, but for now just the banks are benefiting from the program. Today marked day 3 of an attempted rally. BWT Model is back in buy mode after Monday and Tuesday’s action, but for those who follow IBD methods we have yet to confirm a new uptrend. Thursday will mark Day 4 when we would see the market confirm a new rally. We’ll need to see volume swell above the previous day and strong price action. Despite the lack of IBD confirmation we are paying close attention to the stocks that are leading. Leading growth stocks are having their trouble here and it is a sign slower growth is upon us. Stick with stocks that are leading.