How to Save your way to greater Wealth

Why do people invest their savings? That's a simple question, and should have a simple answer - like "For a rainy day." Turns out, it doesn't.

Just ask around. You will hear answers ranging from "To get rich", "To retire early", "To travel the world", "To buy an apartment", "To buy a BMW", and so on. The answer that makes most sense is: "To build wealth." 

It goes without saying that wealth building requires a meaningful amount of savings every month, which in turn requires adequate earnings. 

If someone is earning only Rs 15000 per month then he will barely be scraping through, and won't be able to save much. What will he do then?

Find ways and means of increasing his earnings. Acquire some new skills. Start a home-based business, or take up a second (part-time) job. It will be tough, but not impossible.

If someone is already earning a decent amount of money, life becomes a lot easier. Or, does it? Often spending tends to increase in proportion to earnings.

Priority is given to better furniture, a bigger TV, a foreign holiday. Whatever savings are left get invested in ELSS funds at the end of the year.

Wealth building requires availing the full power of compounding. That means starting early, having a financial plan, and staying true to the plan for the long-term.

Haphazard buying of mutual funds, stocks, fixed income instruments, insurance policies will provide inadequate returns, even if earnings and savings are substantial.

Check out the advertising in print, online or TV media. They are all screaming 'buy', 'buy', 'buy more'. Consuming may be good for the economy. But buying clothes and jewellery and gadgets won't help you to build wealth.

Having discipline and self-control to buy only what you absolutely need - except for the occasional indulgence in a movie or dining out - can help you to meet your financial goals and enable you to retire in comfort.

Nifty chart: a midweek technical update (Mar 29 ‘17)

FIIs were net buyers of equity worth a huge Rs 74.5 Billion during the first three trading days this week. DIIs were also net buyers of equity - worth Rs 10.4 Billion, as per provisional figures.

Despite all the buying, Nifty has been stuck in a range between 9000 and 9150 after an intra-day move above 9200 on Fri. Mar 17.

NDA government is facing flak from opposition parties by trying to introduce a large number of amendments to the Finance bill. The GST bill has also been tabled in Parliament. Transition of power in UP has caused a lot of turmoil so far.

The daily bar chart pattern of Nifty has so far received good support from the 85 points 'gap' formed on Mar 14. 

The index dropped inside the 'gap' (marked by grey rectangle) twice - on Mar 22 and Mar 27 - but bounced up on both occasions.

Part filling of the 'gap' should have been followed by a resumption of the up move from the Dec '16 low. F&O expiry on Thu. Mar 30 may be the reason for a bit of caution among market players.

All three technical indicators are in bullish zones after correcting overbought conditions, but are not showing much upward momentum. Some more consolidation or correction can't be ruled out.

The index is trading above its three EMAs in bull territory. The distance between the index and its 200 day EMA is almost 650 points - which is not a 'healthy' condition technically.

Nifty's TTM P/E has inched up to 23.74 - much higher than its long-term average, and limiting index upside. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) is in neutral zone. 

The Rupee is strengthening against the US Dollar - thanks to FII and FDI inflows. With DIIs also turning buyers, the index can move higher. 

This is a good time to think about asset reallocation by booking partial profits in equity holdings.

Gold and Silver charts: bulls stage smart recoveries after strong bear attacks

Gold chart pattern

The following comment was made in the previous post on the daily bar chart pattern of Gold: "If bulls manage to prop gold's price above 1200, they may be able to regroup and mount another rally."

Gold's price had corrected down to 1195 after rallying from 1125 (Dec '16 low) to 1265 (Feb '17 top) - which was an exact 50% Fibonacci retracement of the rally. So, there was a good chance of a recovery by bulls.

After re-testing the 1195 level - and forming a small 'double bottom' reversal pattern in the process - gold's price rallied above its three EMAs into bull territory.

By touching a high of 1260 on Mar 27, gold's price has recovered almost all its losses from the Feb '17 top of 1265. Bulls need to rally past the Feb '17 top soon. Otherwise there is a possibility of forming a 'double top' reversal pattern.

Daily technical indicators are in bullish zones, but not showing much upward momentum. That could lead to some consolidation or a pullback to the 200 day EMA.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), gold’s price climbed past its 20 week and 50 week EMAs but is facing resistance from its 200 week EMA. The long-term bear market is intact. Weekly technical indicators are looking bullish, and showing upward momentum. Any further rally may face strong resistance from the zone between 1280 and 1300.

Silver chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of Silver formed a small 'double bottom' reversal pattern at 16.80, and rallied past its three EMAs into bull territory. 

The 'death cross' of the 50 day EMA below the 200 day EMA was prevented - keeping bullish hopes alive. 

Silver's price has climbed past 18. A convincing move above 18.50 - where multiple tops were formed in Feb '17 - is required if bulls wish to retain control.

Daily technical indicators are looking bullish, and showing upward momentum. Some more upside is possible. Resistance can be expected from the zone between 18.75 and 19. 

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), silver’s price crossed above its 20 week and 50 week EMAs, but closed below its sliding 200 week EMA in a long-term bear market. Weekly technical indicators are looking bullish and showing upward momentum.

S&P 500 and FTSE 100 charts (Mar 24 '17): retracing last 4 months rally?

S&P 500 index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of S&P 500 shows that good sense is dawning among bulls. The 'Trump rally' has not only come to a halt, but may have started retracement of the entire 320 points rally from the Nov 4 '16 low of 2084.

A 38.2% Fibonacci retracement may take the index down to 2280. A 50% Fibonacci retracement can take the index down to 2240.

The index had a sharp break down below the small 'symmetrical triangle' pattern within which it was consolidating after touching its lifetime high of 2401 on Mar 1.

The 50 day EMA has provided good support so far. But that support is unlikely to hold. Failure to pass the healthcare bill has raised market concerns that Trump may not be able to deliver on many of his other election campaign promises.

There is a technical reason why the index may breach support from its 50 day EMA. Note that all three technical indicators are showing negative divergences by falling lower than their Feb '17 lows, while the index touched a higher bottom.

Technical indicators are looking bearish and hinting at some more correction. But the index is trading well above its rising 200 day EMA. The long-term bull market is intact.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed below 2350 but well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are correcting overbought conditions, and showing downward momentum. Expect some more correction.

FTSE 100 index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of FTSE 100 had been trading within a large 'rising wedge' pattern for the past two months. The index managed to cling on to the lower edge of the 'wedge' last week.

However, at the time of writing this post, the index has fallen sharply below the 'wedge'. (The possibility of such a downward break out was mentioned in last week's post.)

Daily technical indicators are looking bearish and showing downward momentum. Some more correction is likely.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed 1.2% lower for the week but well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are correcting overbought conditions, and showing downward momentum.

Sensex, Nifty charts (Mar 24, 2017): pause after touching new highs

FII net buying in equities was lower than the previous week at Rs 37.1 Billion, as per provisional figures. DII net selling in equities was higher than the previous week at Rs 25.9 Billion.

However, both indices closed lower for the week - Sensex by 0.8% and Nifty by 0.6%. Some profit booking after both indices touched new highs was only to be expected.

India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) for Q3 (Dec '16) rose to four-quarter high of 1.4% of GDP (at US $ 7.9 Billion) against 0.6% of GDP for Q2 (Sep '16). CAD for Q3 (Dec '15) was also 1.4% of GDP (at US $7.1 Billion). 

BSE Sensex index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of Sensex shows how news can affect market technicals in the short term. 

There was a downward breach on Mar 8 '17 of the blue up trend line drawn from the Dec 26 '16 low (marked 1). An upward 'gap' on Mar 14 '17 - following announcement of state election results - took the index back above the up trend line '1'.

After touching a new 52 week high of 29825 (and closing at a lifetime high of 29649) on Mar 17 '17, the index corrected on profit booking. Trend line '1' was breached on the downside again - on Mar 21 '17.

Note that the mere breach of a trend line may not necessarily indicate a trend reversal. Some times it is a warning of an impending reversal.

A second up trend line (marked 2) has been drawn through the Dec 26 '16 and Mar 22 '17 lows. Any downward breach of trend line '2' may not indicate a trend reversal either. But it will be a second warning.

As per 'corrective fan principle', only a breach of a third up trend line - should it need to be drawn after a downward breach of trend line '2' - will confirm a reversal of the up trend (or a much deeper correction).

Since the index is trading above its three rising EMAs in a bull market, there is no need to panic and sell. Neither should any one go on a buying spree.

Daily technical indicators are in bullish zones but giving conflicting signals. MACD and Slow stochastic are showing downward momentum. ROC and RSI are showing upward momentum.

If you can't control your urge to buy, choose safer large-cap stocks. Better still, let your asset allocation plan be your guide.

NSE Nifty index chart pattern

Attention is being drawn to the following comments in last week's post on the weekly bar chart pattern of Nifty: "Nifty is trading more than 700 points above its rising 50 week EMA. The last time it did that - in the week ending on Sep 9 '16 - a sharp correction had followed." 

Therefore, last week's correction - albeit a small one - should not have come as a surprise to regular readers of this blog.

Has anything changed in the technical structure of the chart? Not yet. Last week's upward 'gap' has been partly filled. The index may correct a bit more to completely fill the 'gap'.

Either way - i.e. partial or complete filling of an upward 'gap' - should be followed by a resumption of the up move.

Since the index is trading well above its rising 20 week and 50 week EMAs in a bull market, a slightly deeper correction will improve the technical 'health' of the chart - enabling Nifty to climb to new highs. But wishing for a correction doesn't make it happen.

Weekly technical indicators are still looking overbought. ROC is showing the first sign of a correction by dropping down to its rising 10 week MA.

Nifty's TTM P/E remains much higher than its long-term average at 23.65. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) has fallen sharply inside its neutral zone. Any further index upside may push TRIN inside its overbought zone.

Bottomline? Both Sensex and Nifty charts are pausing after touching new highs. Q4 (Mar '17) earnings need to catch up as both indices are looking overvalued. Downside risk appears higher. Investors should be thinking about booking profits and buying fixed income instruments.

How to become a better investor by avoiding mental mistakes

Bulls are on a roll. The stock market is touching new highs. Every one seems to be making money. How can you stay away when exciting things are happening all around you?

You jump in and buy 1000 shares of a Rs 80 stock, expecting to turn a quick profit in a few days. Your friend said it was a 'sure shot' winner. Experts are recommending it. The price is moving up daily.

The day you buy, the stock starts falling. It falls Rs 3 on day 1, then Rs 4 on day 2 and again Rs 3 on day 3. You're down Rs 10000 in 3 days. What is going on?  What to do now?

You have three options: 
1. Sell, and take the loss. 
2. Buy more to 'average' your 'buy' price.
3. Wait hopefully for the price to go back up so you can recoup your losses.

Chances are, you will choose option 2 or 3. Why? Because no one likes to book a loss - particularly if it is a substantial sum. What will you tell your friends? Won't they laugh at you? 

Now, imagine another investor in a slightly different situation. He buys 500 shares of a Rs 100 stock. The stock catches market fancy after a recommendation by a popular expert, and quickly rises to Rs 140 in 2 days.

He feels proud about his smart choice and plans to book profit at 150. But the stock price dives to 120 on the following day. In one day, his profit of Rs 20000 is halved to Rs 10000. What will he do now?

Again, there are three options:
1. Sell, and book the smaller profit.
2. Buy more because the price may rise up again.
3. Wait for the price to rise back to 140 so that the full profit of Rs 20000 can be booked.

Chances are, either option 2 or 3 will be chosen again. 

In both instances, selling would have been the smarter option. Small investors get mentally 'anchored' to a price - either the price at which they bought or the price to which a stock's price has moved up or down. It prevents them from making a rational decision.

An entire field of study - called Behavioural Finance - has evolved because of apparently irrational behaviour of human beings when money is involved in decision making.

Some familiarity with Behavioural Finance concepts can help small investors avoid mental mistakes that prevent them from getting superior returns from their investments.

In a recent article in investopedia.com, Cathy Pareto has discussed a few common mental mistakes that small investors make. Knowing about and learning from these mistakes will help you to become a better investor.

Nifty chart: a midweek technical update (Mar 22 ‘17)

FIIs were net buyers of equity worth Rs 20.8 Billion during the first three days of trading this week. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 21.1 Billion, as per provisional figures.

Nifty had touched a lifetime high of 9218 on Fri. Mar 17, but has been in a corrective mode this week. Today, the index opened with a downward 'gap' and closed below 9050, partly filling the 85 points upward 'gap' formed on Tue. Mar 14.

There were a few technical and fundamental signs of worry for bulls that were mentioned in last week's technical update on the daily bar chart pattern of Nifty.

Though a bull market is supposed to climb a 'wall of worries', the index rarely moves in one direction. Corrections do occur, and are necessary to improve the technical 'health' of charts.

The good news for bulls is that the index is trading above its three EMAs in a bull market, and the long-term bullish structure of Nifty's chart is intact.

Daily technical indicators are in bullish zones and showing downward momentum after correcting overbought conditions. Some more correction may be on the cards.

There is a good possibility that the index will completely fill the 85 points upward 'gap' formed on Tue. Mar 14, and test support from the 8950 level.

In case 8950 gets breached on the downside, expect stronger support from the zone between 8700-8800. 

Note that the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the entire rally from the Dec '16 low (of 7894) to the Mar '17 top (of 9218) is 8712. 

Remember that after correcting down to fill an upward 'gap', an index typically resumes its up move. If you were waiting for a correction to enter, this is the one to do so.

Can Nifty fall below 8700? There is no rule which says it can't. So, it may be a good idea to wait for the index to find some support and bounce up before entering.

Nifty's TTM P/E remains high at 23.45. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) is rising in neutral zone - hinting at some more correction.

WTI and Brent Crude Oil charts: break down sharply below consolidation patterns

WTI Crude Oil chart

The following comments were made in the previous post on the daily closing chart pattern of WTI Crude Oil: "Oil's price is likely to correct downwards from the 'wedge'. Stronger volumes on recent down days are indicating that bears are sensing an opportunity to attack."

Daily technical indicators, which were looking bearish and showing negative divergences, had also signalled a correction. 

Oil's price broke down below the 'rising wedge' pattern and plummeted below its 200 day EMA in the space of three trading sessions - wiping out all gains made in the previous three months. 

After a brief pullback above the 200 day EMA, oil's price has once again dropped into bear territory below its three EMAs.

Daily technical indicators have corrected oversold conditions, but remain in bearish zones and are not showing any upward momentum. 

Bears have regained control of the chart. Expect some support at 47.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), oil's price has dropped below its 20 week EMA and is seeking support from its 50 week EMA. It closed well below its falling 200 week EMA in a long-term bear market. Weekly technical indicators are looking bearish, and showing downward momentum.

Brent Crude Oil chart

The daily closing chart pattern of Brent Crude Oil broke down sharply below the 'symmetrical triangle' pattern within which it was consolidating for the previous 10 weeks.

All gains made in the previous three months were erased in three trading sessions. Oil's price has bounced up after finding good support from its 200 day EMA.

The respite from a strong bear attack may be short-lived for bulls. Daily technical indicators are close to their respective oversold zones and showing downward momentum.

Some more correction - towards 49 - is likely.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), oil's price has dropped below its 20 week EMA and is seeking support from its 50 week EMA. It closed well below its falling 200 week EMA in a long-term bear market. Weekly technical indicators are looking bearish, and showing downward momentum.

S&P 500 and FTSE 100 charts (Mar 17 '17): bears getting ready to mount another attack?

S&P 500 index chart pattern

The following was the concluding comment in last week's post on the daily bar chart pattern of S&P 500: "Weekly technical indicators are still looking overbought, and hinting at some consolidation."

The index dropped down to test support from its rising 20 day EMA for the second time in two weeks, bounced up with good volume support but drifted sideways to close with a modest 6 points gain for the week.

The rate hike by the US Fed was expected, but the dovish stance on future rate hikes disappointed bulls. The US Dollar index slipped down.

After touching a lifetime high of 2401 on Mar 1, the index has been consolidating sideways within a small 'symmetrical triangle' pattern, while trading above its three rising EMAs in a bull market.

The logical breakout from the triangle should be upwards. However, triangles tend to be unreliable patterns. The sharp volume spike on Fri. Mar 17 raises concerns of another bear attack.

Daily technical indicators have corrected overbought conditions, but giving mixed signals. All three are in bullish zones, but MACD and RSI are showing downward momentum. Slow stochastic is showing upward momentum.

Wait for a breakout above 2400 or a correction below 2350 to decide whether to buy or sell.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are still looking overbought, and not showing any upward momentum. Expect some more consolidation or correction. 

FTSE 100 index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of FTSE 100 moved convincingly above its previous (Mar 2) top on Thu Mar 16, and touched new lifetime intra-day (7447) and closing (7425) highs on Fri Mar 17. 

The index gained more than 1.1% for the week, and is trading well above its three rising EMAs in a bull market.

Daily technical indicators are in bullish zones, but showing negative divergences by failing to touch new highs with the index. A correction may be on the cards. (The index is trading about 15 points lower at the time of writing this post.)

The entire trading for the past two months has been within a large 'rising wedge' pattern from which the likely breakout is downwards. Maintain a stop-loss at 7300.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are looking overbought and their upward momentum has stalled.

Sensex, Nifty charts (Mar 17, 2017): FII buying propels both indices to new highs

The US Fed increased interest rate by 25 bps (0.25%) last week, but hinted at only one or two more hikes this year. The dovish stance caused a dip in the US Dollar index. FIIs made merry and piled into emerging market stocks.

In a truncated trading week, FII net buying in equities crossed Rs 81.2 Billion. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 21.9 Billion, as per provisional figures.

Both Sensex and Nifty opened trading with big upward 'gaps' on Tue Mar 14, and continued to trade above the 'gaps' for the rest of the week.

After BJP's big wins in UP and Uttarakhand state elections, the government has stepped up economic reform activities, and is considering relaxation of rules for FDI in multi-brand retail. 

BSE Sensex index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of Sensex formed a 280 points upward 'gap' on Tue. Mar 14 (Mon. Mar 13 was a holiday) on the back of heavy FII buying that took the index above the blue up trend line.

The index continued its upward march for the rest of the week, touching a new 52 week high of 29825 on Fri Mar 17, but fell 200 points short of its lifetime intra-day high of 30025 (touched on Mar 4 '15). 

The index ended the week at a lifetime closing high of 29649, gaining nearly 2.5% for the week. Time to celebrate for bulls?

Not yet. The index has closed at a lifetime high. That means it is likely to move even higher. However, technical indicators are hinting at a pause in the rally. All four are looking overbought, and showing negative divergences by touching lower tops. A correction or consolidation is likely.

The index is trading 2200 points above its 200 day EMA. The last time the index was trading so far above its 200 day EMA was on Sep 8 '16. Technical indicators had shown negative divergences then, and a sharp correction had followed.

FII buying may take the index even higher. But some times one needs to choose between capital appreciation and capital preservation. 

Bravehearts can maintain a trailing stop-loss and enjoy the ride. Conservative investors can book partial profits.

NSE Nifty index chart pattern

The weekly bar chart pattern of Nifty formed a rare weekly upward 'gap' (of 82 points) and rose to touch a new lifetime intra-day high of 9218. The index closed at a lifetime high of 9160 - gaining more than 2.5% for the week. 

Nifty is trading more than 700 points above its rising 50 week EMA. The last time it did that - in the week ending on Sep 9 '16 - a sharp correction had followed.  

Weekly technical indicators are overbought and showing negative divergences by failing to touch new highs with the index. Nifty's TTM P/E is almost at 23.8 - way higher than its long-term average. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) has dived back inside its overbought zone. 

An overbought market can remain overbought for long periods - specially with FIIs buying heavily. Sometimes you need to turn your paper profits into cash. This may be such a time. 

Bottomline? Bulls are in complete control of Sensex and Nifty charts. Bears have been brushed aside in an avalanche of liquidity flows. Both indices are looking quite overbought. That doesn't mean they can't move even higher. But as Falstaff had said: "The better part of valour is discretion..."

Stock Chart Pattern – SpiceJet (An Update)

Let's start with the good news first. Two years ago, Ajay Singh, the original promoter of SpiceJet, reportedly bought the debt-laden and about-to-be-shut-down company from Kalanithi Maran (of Sun TV) for Rs 2. 

The company has seen an upswing in its fortunes since then. Singh engineered a turnaround that moved the company back into the black after several years of losses. Capacity utilisation and on-time performance is one of the best in the domestic airline industry.

Lower oil (and ATF) prices helped in the turnaround. Govt's decision to revamp 50 under-utilised airports and announcement of 100% FDI in domestic airlines should further boost the growth of domestic airlines.

Now, the bad news. All is not well between Maran and Singh, with the former taking the latter to court for transgressions of their sales agreement. An adverse judgement could prove costly for the company.

More importantly - for existing and potential investors - the company's net worth is negative. It may take several years of profitable operations to clean up the balance sheet - which can be a chimera in the airline industry.

The daily bar chart pattern of SpiceJet shows that all the good news has already been discounted in the price. After touching multiple bottoms around 17 during Apr-Jun '15, the stock price shot up to touch a high of 95.30 on Jan 28 '16 - gaining a whopping 460% in 7 months.

All four technical indicators reached their overbought zones. Three of them - ROC, RSI, Slow stochastic - showed negative divergences by touching lower tops (marked by blue arrows). MACD formed a head-and-shoulders reversal pattern.

Bears used the opportunity to attack. The stock corrected more than 40% from its top, but found support at 55 near its rising 200 day EMA. That was a year ago.

Since then, the stock has been consolidating sideways in a 30 points range within a 'rectangle' pattern. The price has moved up to the top edge of the 'rectangle' for the first time since May '16. However, technical indicators are looking overbought. ROC and RSI are showing negative divergences by touching lower tops.

A 'rectangle' is usually a continuation pattern. Since the stock's price entered the 'rectangle' after a correction, the breakout should be downwards. However, a 'rectangle' is an unstable pattern. A breakout can occur in either direction. 

Since the stock is trading above its three rising EMAs in bull territory, the breakout can occur upwards as well. In fact, an attempted upward breakout today was thwarted by bears.

There is a saying about the airline industry: If you want to be a millionaire in the sector, start with a billion. Mallya and Maran have already proved the veracity of that adage.

If you are planning to enter the counter - don't. If you are an existing holder - book out. There are far better sectors to invest in. Which ones? Check out the link below:

Which sectors should you invest in?

Nifty chart: a midweek technical update (Mar 15 ‘17)

FIIs were net buyers of equity worth Rs 52.3 Billion during the first two days of a holiday-shortened trading week. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 13.9 Billion, as per provisional figures.

Excellent performance of the ruling NDA in the state elections ensured that Nifty opened with a huge upward 'gap' on Mar 14 and touched a new lifetime high of 9123 - just managing to cross above its Mar '15 top of 9119.

However, the index failed to close above the 9100 level and formed a 'doji' candlestick pattern that indicates indecision among bulls and bears. Today, the index touched a lower top and closed slightly lower - showing a lack of follow-up buying.  

The daily bar chart pattern of Nifty is trading well above its three rising EMAs in a bull market. The 85 points upward 'gap' formed on Mar 14 is looking like an 'exhaustion gap' that can trigger a correction.

There are several signs of worry for bulls - both technical and fundamental.

All three daily technical indicators are looking overbought, and showing negative divergences by touching lower tops when the index touched a new lifetime high.

Nifty's TTM P/E has crossed above the 23.5 mark - much higher than its long-term average. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) is in neutral zone. 

Both WPI and CPI inflation are rising. WPI rose to 6.55% in Feb '17 - its highest level in three years - from 5.25% in Jan '17. CPI rose to 3.65% in Feb '17 from 3.17% in Jan '17.

Pent-up demand due to demonetisation can increase upward pressure on prices. RBI may be forced to maintain status quo on interest rates.

US Fed's likely interest rate hike announcement should boost the US Dollar index. That may induce FIIs to book profits.

Bull markets are supposed to climb a wall of worries. But Nifty has already climbed 1220+ points (15%+) from its Dec '16 low of 7894. It may be better to err on the side of caution.

Stay on the sidelines till there is clear evidence of follow-up buying that can take Nifty to a convincing close above 9119. (Note that Sensex is still 500 points short of testing its lifetime Mar '15 high.)

Gold and Silver charts: bulls retreat after facing strong bear attacks

Gold chart pattern

In the previous post on the daily bar chart pattern of Gold, technical indicators were looking overbought and showing negative divergences. The combination usually triggers a correction or consolidation.

A sharp correction ensued. Gold's price dropped 70 points (to 1195) in the space of 9 trading sessions - wiping out all the gains made during Feb '17. Is the bull rally over?

It certainly appears so. All three daily technical indicators have fallen inside bearish zones. Slow stochastic is trying to recover from its oversold zone, and may initiate an upward bounce.

Note that the rally from the Dec '16 low (of 1125) to the Feb '17 top (of 1265) covered 140 points. By falling 70 points, gold's price shows an exact 50% retracement of its recent gains. 

That happens to be a Fibonacci retracement level that often demarcates a battle line between bulls and bears. In other words, a fall below 1195 will hand the advantage back to bears.

Gold's price is trading below its three EMAs in bear territory. If bulls manage to prop gold's price above 1200, they may be able to regroup and mount another rally.

An impending interest rate hike by the US Fed, which is expected to boost the US Dollar index, can put a spanner in the works.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), gold’s price formed a 'reversal bar' (higher high, lower close) and has closed below its three weekly EMAs in a long-term bear market. Weekly technical indicators are looking bearish, and showing downward momentum.

Silver chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of Silver attempted to cross above the 18.50 level on four consecutive trading sessions but failed.  All four daily technical indicators were inside their overbought zones.

That was just the opportunity that bears needed. Silver's price dropped sharply below 17 before recovering a bit. 

Silver's price is trading below its three EMAs in bear territory. The 'death cross' of the 50 day EMA below the 200 day EMA will technically confirm a return to a bear market.

Daily technical indicators are in bearish zones. Slow stochastic is well inside its oversold zone, and may trigger an upward bounce. Expect bears to use the opportunity to sell again.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), silver’s price faced resistance from its 200 week EMA, and dropped to close below its three weekly EMAs in a long-term bear market. Weekly technical indicators are looking bearish and showing downward momentum.

S&P 500 and FTSE 100 charts (Mar 10 '17): corrections out of the way - new highs in sight

S&P 500 index chart pattern

The daily bar chart pattern of S&P 500 had its first decent correction in more than a month. The index received good support from its rising 20 day EMA after correcting 2% from its lifetime high of 2401.

The upward 'gap' formed on Mar 1 has been completely filled. The index is trading above its three rising EMAs in a bull market. The next leg of the up move should resume soon.

Daily technical indicators have corrected overbought conditions. MACD has crossed below its falling signal line. RSI has dropped from its overbought zone but is showing a bit of upward momentum. 

Slow stochastic has fallen below its 50% level into bearish zone, and showing negative divergence by touching a lower bottom than its Feb '17 low.

A likely increase in interest rate by the US Fed should propel the index higher.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed lower after six straight weeks of gains, but is trading well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are still looking overbought, and hinting at some consolidation. 

FTSE 100 index chart pattern

The following comments appeared in last week's post on the daily bar chart pattern of FTSE 100: "The formation of a 'doji', followed by a lower close may trigger a pullback towards the top of the 'symmetrical triangle'. The likely dip can be used to buy."

As if on cue, the index started a pullback. On Thu Mar 9, the index fell sharply below its rising 20 day EMA to touch an intra-day low of 7264 but bounced up to close 50 points higher.

Smart traders used the dip to buy. The index closed at 7343, losing just 0.4% for the week. (At the time of writing this post, the index is showing clear signs of having resumed its up move.)

Daily technical indicators have corrected overbought conditions, but remain in bullish zones. The index is trading above its three rising EMAs in a bull market.

On longer term weekly chart (not shown), the index closed well above its three rising weekly EMAs in a long-term bull market. Weekly technical indicators are looking overbought.

Sensex, Nifty charts (Mar 10, 2017): look poised for corrective moves

As per provisional figures, FIIs were net buyers of equity worth Rs 59.6 Billion last week. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 32.9 Billion. 

Both Sensex and Nifty made weekly gains, but could not convincingly move above their respective Sep '16 tops.

The IIP number was 2.7% in Jan '17 against -0.1% in Dec '16, indicating that demonetisation woes are behind us. However, for the Apr '16 to Jan '17 period, cumulative IIP was only 0.6% against 2.7% a year ago. 

Car sales rose 9% in Feb '17 while 2-wheeler sales remained flat. Direct tax collections grew 10.7% YoY - thanks to RBI allowing payment of taxes in old demonetised currency.

BSE Sensex index chart pattern

The following remarks appeared in last week's post on the daily bar chart pattern of Sensex: "Some more consolidation or correction can be expected before Sensex attempts to cross above its Mar '15 lifetime high."

On Mon Mar 6, the index closed above the 29000 level for the first time since Sep 8 '16. Next day, the index touched a higher top of 29098 but closed exactly on the 29000 level - forming a small 'reversal day' bar. 

On Wed Mar 8, Sensex breached the blue up trend line and closed below it. On Fri. Mar 10, the index pulled back to the blue up trend line, where it faced strong resistance and dropped to close below 28950.

Throughout the week, the index consolidated sideways within a 300 points range and traded above its three EMAs in bull territory. However, the breach of a trend line is a red flag.

Daily technical indicators are beginning to look bearish. Three of them - MACD, RSI, Slow stochastic - are in bullish zones but showing downward momentum. ROC has dropped to seek support from its '0' line in neutral zone.

The US Fed is likely to hike interest rates again - which should propel the US Dollar index higher. That won't be good news for emerging markets, including India. 

BJP's stunning wins in UP and Uttarakhand elections and decent performance in Manipur may lead to an upward 'gap' when trading resumes on Tue. Mar 14 after Holi. That can be a good opportunity to take some profits home.

NSE Nifty index chart pattern

The weekly bar chart pattern of Nifty closed 0.4% higher for the week, but with lower volume support. For the third week in a row, the index failed to close above the 8950 level.

Weekly technical indicators are looking overbought. MACD is rising above its signal line in bullish zone. RSI and Slow stochastic are moving sideways inside their overbought zone. ROC is above its rising 10 week MA but has started correcting inside its overbought zone.

The index is trading well above its two rising weekly EMAs in a bull market. Nifty's TTM P/E is above 23 - much higher than its long-term average. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) has emerged from its overbought zone.

News of BJP's election victory in UP and Uttarakhand may lead to an upward bounce and a possible test of the lifetime high of 9119 touched two years ago. But remember the old market adage: "Buy the rumour, sell the news."

Bottomline? Bulls are in control of Sensex and Nifty charts. But bears are expectedly putting up a fight to defend the previous (Sep '16) tops. A likely upward bounce due to BJP's good performance in recent state elections may provide the trigger for corrective moves in both indices.

How to be a successful Contrarian Investor

To be a successful contrarian investor, you need to follow Buffett's simple philosophy: Be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy.

In other words, a contrarian investor will look for opportunities to buy when there is blood on the streets and experts are advising that the economy will get a lot worse before it gets any better.

Likewise, a contrarian will look to book profits when the stock market is rising to new highs and everyone and his brother-in-law is offering tips on what to buy.

Simple, right? But almost impossible to follow when it is your own money on the line. The human brain seems to function irrationally when monetary transactions involve uncertain outcomes - like in the stock market.

Doing the exact opposite of what a consensus view is suggesting requires training and discipline. Knowledge of basic technical analysis tools can be of great help.

Here are some typical contrarian signals that even novice investors can learn to spot:

1. A stock's price is touching new highs, but volumes are falling
2. An index keeps rising but technical indicators are flat or falling
3. A stock's price touches a new low, but technical indicators touch higher bottoms
4. Widening distance between a stock's price and its 200 day EMA
5. An index is moving up but the number of declining stocks is more than the number of advancing stocks

The above list is not meant to be exhaustive - just indicative. 

Being able to spot certain chart patterns that indicate the opposite of what the price action is suggesting can also help a lot. E.g. a stock's price is falling but trading within a 'falling wedge' pattern indicates a likely breakout upwards.

Similarly, if a stock's price is rising but trading within a 'rising wedge', it is a signal for a correction.

Needless to say, buying or selling a stock just based on price patterns and contrarian indications is not enough. Adequate research about a company's financials and investment-worthiness should be carried out before taking any buy/sell decisions about its stock.

Also, refrain from buying or selling just because a stock has risen 20% or an index has fallen 20%. A rising stock can rise even higher, and a falling index can fall even lower.

How does one know beforehand how far a falling index will fall? What if it falls first, then rises again before falling even further?

One really can't tell beforehand. Again, some knowledge of technical analysis can be helpful. 

Those who have been regularly reading my posts know about long-term 'support-resistance' levels and Fibonacci retracement levels - and the roles these levels play time and again.

Most important of all, to be a really successful contrarian investor, you need to have oodles of patience. Waiting for the right price to buy or sell - without trying to catch the exact market bottom or top - will add several percentage points to your eventual returns.

Nifty chart: a midweek technical update (Mar 08 ‘17)

FIIs were net buyers of equity worth Rs 50.6 Billion during the three days of trading this week. DIIs were net sellers of equity worth Rs 32.9 Billion, as per provisional figures.

Steel exports in Feb '17 (at 0.75 MT) was up by 150% over Feb '16, but declined by 15% over Jan '17. Imports in Feb '17 (0.49 MT) was down by 46% over Feb '16 and by 19% over Jan '17.

The government is talking to almost 300 Indian and foreign companies for proposed investments of US $62 Billion, of which nearly half is expected from Chinese companies.

The daily closing chart pattern of Nifty is clearly hesitating near its previous (Sep 8 '16) top of 8953. Proximity to the psychological level of 9000 and uncertainty about the upcoming state election results on Mar 11 have kept bulls in check.

All three EMAs are rising, and the index is trading well above them in a bull market. However, for the past two weeks, the index has touched higher tops while the three daily technical indicators have touched lower tops.

The combined negative divergences can lead to some correction or consolidation. A sharp correction (4-5%) can occur if the BJP does not fare well at the polls - particularly in UP.

Nifty's TTM P/E continues to hover above 23 - well above its long term average. The breadth indicator NSE TRIN (not shown) has emerged from its overbought zone. Index upside appears limited.

(A friend - to whom I had recommended a textile exporting company back in Nov '16 - called me yesterday to say that the stock has gained 40% and asked whether it would be OK to buy at the current price. Such queries often indicate an intermediate top!)

If you are ready to jump into the market feet first, take another look at the chart. The index has gained 1100 points (~14%) in less than 3 months. This is a time for cautious optimism and partial profit booking, not euphoria.