The Nasdaq Takes a Tumble

[Trading With Larry Benedict]( The Nasdaq Takes a Tumble My name is Larry Benedict. I’ve been trading the markets for over 30 years. I got my start in 1984, working in the Chicago Board Options Exchange. From there, I moved on to manage my own $800 million hedge fund, where I had 20 profitable years in a row. But these days, rather than just trading for billionaires, I spend a large part of my time helping regular investors make money from the markets. My goal with these essays is to give you insight on the most interesting areas of the market for traders right now. Let’s get right into it… By Larry Benedict, editor, Trading With Larry Benedict Just over a month ago, we took [a deep dive into the Nasdaq 100]( It’s an index that tracks the 100 largest non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq – including stocks like Facebook, Apple, and Tesla. Because of that, it’s a great way to trade the technology sector. [To Any American Who Owns a Cell PhoneÂ]( One exchange-traded fund (ETF) I watch that tracks the Nasdaq 100 is the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). When we looked at QQQ last month, it had been struggling to make new highs. At the same time, the relative strength indicator (RSI) was trending down, showing a decline in momentum. That action was warning me about a potential change in direction. Because of that, I wrote that I believed QQQ was looking vulnerable. Let’s see how things turned out in the chart below… QQQ Price Chart [Image] Source: eSignal The two red lines show the divergence between the share price and the RSI. In other words, while the share price moved higher, the RSI moved lower. When you see this type of pattern, it can often indicate a potential reversal. At first it might seem a bit contradictory... After all, a rising share price should be a good thing. Although the share price was ticking higher, the RSI was telling us that QQQ was doing so with declining momentum. That meant buyers were losing their conviction to buy and hold the stock. When that conviction to hold a stock goes away, it often results in the share price falling. And that’s exactly what happened with QQQ… QQQ rolled over and began falling towards its 50-day moving average (MA) – the dark blue dotted line. If QQQ had broken through the 50-day MA, that could have seen a fresh wave of sellers coming into the market, pushing QQQ’s price even lower. That’s when I wrote that QQQ was looking vulnerable (the green arrow on the chart). As you can see, QQQ made another move higher before once again running out of steam… Throughout the first week of September, QQQ traded sideways. This coincided with the RSI indicating an overbought position. As momentum subsequently fell (falling RSI), that brought the QQQ share price down. QQQ has been trending down since September 7 – even before the further falls this week. The big difference between this fall and the one I wrote about last month, however, has to do with the 50-day MA. Back in August, QQQ bounced and rallied higher before it touched the 50-day MA. However, on Monday this week, QQQ gapped straight down below its 50-day MA. Now, it’s right around the same price as when I wrote about QQQ back on August 19. When you get a big down move like that, you can be sure there will be plenty of swings. The next test for QQQ, however, lies with the RSI… For QQQ to rally from here, we’ll need to see an upturn in the RSI. Meaning, the RSI forming a ‘V’ from an oversold position. We’ll also need to see QQQ trade back above, and hold, its 50-day MA. Right now, both are hanging in the balance… If the RSI doesn’t bounce, and the 50-day MA starts to trend lower, then QQQ could be in for a substantial move lower. So, the falls we saw at the start of the week could be a sign of further things to come. Stay tuned… Regards, Larry Benedict Editor, Trading With Larry Benedict Reader Mailbag I’m grateful to hear from some more happy subscribers… I very much enjoy your rationale and comments, this e-letter is very informative. Thanks. – Kevin L. Hi there, thank you so much for writing with lots of meat and potatoes AKA “good schooling info.” I’m new and learning. Thank you so much and keep schooling me… – Nestor F. I like this format and I can tell that your experience has framed your outlook. I look forward to your building of useful information, laying a good foundation on that, and pointing out windows of opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to show us your thoughts and insights Larry. As a new trader/investor, you have my attention. – John B. And, we hear from an Opportunistic Trader subscriber who made a quick profit from one of my Quad Witching trades last week… Great trade! I traded the calls… When I saw the market move, I pulled up my account and I almost had a double. By the time I closed the trade, I was up around 70%. – Robert L. P.S. We’re excited to hear what you think of your new eletter, Trading With Larry Benedict. Let us know at feedback@opportunistictrader.com. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… [[URGENT] Confidential Briefing TONIGHT AT 8 P.M. ET]( Join Jeff Brown, Silicon Valley insider, for a confidential briefing. He will reveal investment research information from a former vice president of a key Apple iPhone supplier regarding the launch of the new iPhone… Tonight at 8 P.M. ET, Jeff will reveal how to make 5X – 21X or more from Apple’s new iPhone launch if you act before September 30th. This is extremely time-sensitive, do not miss the opportunity. [Reserve your spot NOW!]( (By clicking the link, your email address will automatically be added to Jeff’s RSVP list.) [image]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Get Instant Access Click to read these free reports and automatically sign up for daily research. 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