Singapore Market

First half track record of two 9.5% and 12.8% corrections on top of sudden 3-4% drops twice in June does not augur well for a smooth ride if STI continues to approach year’s 3038 high

Investors and traders may wish to remind themselves of first half’s sudden volatility which could reappear this quarter especially since the STI is barely 50 odd points from 3000 psychological level and at yesterday’s latest intra-day high of 2955.62, only 82 points below year’s 3038 mid-April high.
The record is thus stacked against any outright bullish view. With corrections in each of the first 2 quarters plus sudden 3-4% intra-day falls in June, traders are expected to be extra careful with the approach of 3000.
Moving average behaviour is also perplexing with the 50 and 200 DMAs (2825 and 2816) moving parallel and avoiding a bullish cut. In early April a 2-week rally to 3038 from 2900 had taken place thanks to a golden cut between 50 and 100.
The latter then made a neutral cut in late June causing a 4% 2-day plunge from near 2900 to 2770.
But that was a golden buy chance despite our concern that a test of this low could be seen if we ape the Dow’s sudden earlier 1000-point intraday plunge.
With the STI only in second week above all 3 DMAs (100 at 2868) and looking at the similar situation in March-April which lasted some 2 months, the bullish view would hold sway especially if a bullish cross takes place in coming days which should usher in a run-up for at least 1-2 weeks.
But of course traders won’t be carried away and pullbacks can be expected on any test of 3000 and 3038. How sharp the falls would be have to depend on the majors’ earnings reports as well as the macro environment in the upcoming treacherous Aug-Oct period.
Even during the great market recovery last year intra-month movements for the 2 months were volatile with swings of 5.5% to 6.6%.
2008 crash was of course devastating for the Aug-Oct time but even in 2007, there was a huge plunge in August followed by a sharp reversal in Sept and a record 3831 peak in Oct.
So traders have to brace themselves for renewed volatility in the next 2-3 months even as the market’s subdued reaction to record GDP growth numbers and forecasts may be a tell-tale sign of what’s coming up in next few months.

However, having made a double bottom of 2666 and 2648 in the first 2 quarters, the index should be well-supported at 2700-2750 if the present support at around historic 2900 area gives way.
The trend does not suggest a break of 2650 support and a return to a prolonged bear market. In fact a wider gap between 2750 and 3000 would throw up good trading chances before the market settles the potential shocks in coming months and embark on the traditional yearend rally from around mid-Nov.
If the macro situation permits the STI could end the year at a new high just as it did last year when it finished at 2898.