Market Wrap for August 19, 2010

The Market took off to the downside right after the negative Jobless Claims number was released at 8:30 EST. Prices traded heavy all day and in an impulsive manner. I have provided a chart tonight showing two possibilities. I realize that there is allot going on in the chart so let me explain. If anyone has any questions,please e-mail me.

First there is a base channel drawn from the top of wave 2 blue. It provided structural resistance at 1098.5. There is also another channel draw which is a corrective channel. Notice the upper boundary crosses 1100.75 (more on that in a minute).

I have depicted two possibilities here:

1. That we are working wave i blue of wave (iii) purple of 3 (blue). If this is the operative count, then we should see further selling in the overnight session or into the first part of Friday's trade.

2. I also have labeled the chart for a W-X-Y, "Double Three" flat pattern that would complete around 1100.75 whereas wave W=Wave Y. This aligns well with the upper boundary of the corrective pattern. I would look for the channel to provide resistance! Should this scenario play out, I'd expect trade to turn tail quickly from today's close as trade can't go beyond 1066.25 for a regular flat correction.

Here's the tricky part. If price exceeds 1066.25, there is still another alternative labeling (not shown) that would call for an expanded flat correction. Under this scenario, trade would make a new low, then retrace up beyond 1100.75.

In conclusion, we have two scenarios calling for a new low and one that calls trade higher. Tomorrow is Options expiration. Let's see.

Best of Trading