Newport
Corp (NASDAQ: NEWP)
Market Call™ for January 8, 2001
Contributed by Mark Seleznov, TrendTrader.com.
The purpose of this Market Call section is to
educate readers in technical analysis patterns and indicators. As with all investment
information, you need to research information and consult your financial advisor before
initiating any strategies that are contained in Market Call.
Also, you must realize that as with all trading strategies,
opinions can change quickly depending on market conditions and developments.
This column tries to present historical examples, potential set
ups, and examples of entry and exit strategies.
Some people believe day trading is more risky than other types of market
timing. When I see the volatility we have seen lately, I am glad I have the
ability to react faster.
A shorter time frame generates more signals, but can get you out of fake
breakouts and failed signals much faster than long term trading.
Let’s look at the recent volatility in Newport, NEWP.
Combining our indicators for confirmation
Two of my favorites trading indicators are Moving Average Crossovers and
MACD. When these two indicators in sync, trading signals tend to be more
reliable.
I also use and watch channel breakouts of support and resistance.
As always, we need to manage risk and use stops.
Moving Averages and Moving Average Crossovers
The moving average crossover method calculates two moving averages, each
based on a different number of periods of trading data. When the
shorter-term (fewer period) average crosses above the longer-term average
from below, this is a buy signal. When the shorter-term average crosses
below the longer-term average from above, this is a sell signal.
Moving averages are used to smooth prices, dampening the distractions of
short price movement so that the underlying trend is clearer. Moving
averages always lag the market and, therefore, will never buy market bottoms
or sell market tops. Like any other trend-following system, the moving
average crossover will perform best when markets are trending because it
automatically places the trader on the right side of every extended move.
When markets are moving sideways, however, the lack of extended moves will
cause losses.
MACD “Moving Average Convergence/Divergence”
The MACD is a trend following
momentum indicator that shows the relationship between three moving averages
of prices.
This method can be used for any time frame. It could be 5 minute bars, 15
minutes bars or daily bars. Many traders will also trade in multiple time
frames using a longer time frame for trend, and the shorter period for entry
and exit.
The MACD is the difference between a 26-period and 12-period exponential
moving average. A 9 period exponential moving average, called the “signal”
(or “trigger”) line is plotted on top of the MACD to show buy/sell
opportunities. On the charts below, the MACD line is the green colored
line, and the trailing, slower moving line is the signal line. Some
technical analysis programs will show the MACD as a histogram bar.
There are three popular ways to use the MACD: crossovers,
overbought/oversold conditions, and divergences.
The most common use is as a crossover method. Using this interpretation,
the trading rule is to sell when the MACD falls below its signal line.
Similarly, a buy signal occurs when the MACD rises above its signal line. It
is also popular to buy/sell when the MACD goes above/below zero.
Some traders will use MACD as an overbought and oversold indicator. When
using the indicator in this manner, when the shorter moving average pulls
away dramatically from the longer moving average (i.e., the MACD rises), it
is likely that the security price is overextending and will soon return to
more realistic levels. MACD overbought and oversold conditions vary from
security to security.
The other way some traders use MACD is to spot divergences from an
anticipated movement. Since there are no indicators or patterns that work
all the time, reactions against the anticipated move can signal a major
move. A bearish divergence occurs when the MACD is making new lows while
prices fail to reach new lows. A bullish divergence occurs when the MACD is
making new highs while prices fail to reach new highs. Both of these
divergences are most significant when they occur at relatively
overbought/oversold levels.
Let’s look at Newport Corp. (NASDAQ: NEWP).
Since its most recent market peak in mid December, the sell signals in Newport
have produced solid profits as each Buy signal was a false reversal of Newport's
long term down trend.
Once again on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve came to the rescue, Newport
moved up from a low of 60 � to a high of 92.
Someone will have to explain to me how a companies market cap can increase
50% just because of a interest rate reduction. But that is another story,
we are traders and we trade what we see.
An intra day Buy on Wednesday would have produced small profits if exited
like it should at the end of the day Wednesday as indicated by both the MACD
and Moving Average methods we follow here.
Newport looks like its major down trend is continuing.
Hopefully you exited longs in Newport and many companies with similar patterns
that have now failed.
Stay short Newport until a new signal develops.
Many stocks are exhibiting similar patterns. Set up your TORS software with
the standard parameters used here and look for similar trades with good risk
vs. reward characteristics.
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Call Information
Mark A. Seleznov is a General
Securities Principal and Managing Partner of Trend Trader, LLC, a NASD, SIPC broker/dealer firm located in
Scottsdale, Arizona. A professional trader for over 25 years, Mark was a Market Maker on
the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, a Retail Registered Representative, and futures trader.
Mark is an author and recognized expert in equity Day Trading. He conducts seminars in
Equity Day Trading and offers his firm traders training and support. If his firm holds any
positions in the public companies he writes about, it will be noted at the bottom of his
article.
Market Calls is a daily syndicated column on trading by Mark A. Seleznov, Managing Partner
of Trend Trader,
LLC. For information on obtaining Market Calls for your web site,
newspapers, or publication, contact Trend Trader, LLC at 602-948-1146
Disclaimer: Trading in securities may not be suitable for
all individuals. Consult your broker or other professional to determine your suitability.
This is not an offer to buy or sell securities. The advice given above is of a general
nature and should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell the referenced security.
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1998-2000 Tulips and Bears LLC.
All Rights Reserved. Republication of this material,
including posting to message boards or news groups,
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is strictly prohibited.
Last modified: January 07, 2001
Published By Tulips and Bears
LLC
