The SLIX indicator (whose definition is contained here) is sure looking bearish for the market, because this blog's popularity is on the wane big-time. The peak popularity – February 5th (tinted in green) coincided exactly with the bottom of the market. Current traffic, highlighted in magenta, is the pits – – the lowest non-holiday weekday traffic for as long as I have data (all those very low data points are Saturdays and Sundays, with a few holidays too).
Slope of Hope Blog Posts
Slope initially began as a blog, so this is where most of the website’s content resides. Here we have tens of thousands of posts dating back over a decade. These are listed in reverse chronological order. Click on any category icon below to see posts tagged with that particular subject, or click on a word in the category cloud on the right side of the screen for more specific choices.
Finding Your Inner Genius (by Leisa)
This post may be a little of "postcards from the edge"–and it is a retread from my blog. I'm a big believer in the importance of creativity and non-linear thinking. One of my favorite books is How to Think like Leonardo Da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day, by Michael Gelb. From his website:
Michael J. Gelb, is the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development. He is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership.
I count this book as one of the cornerstones in my own personal/professional development. In this book, Gelb lays out what he calls Seven Davincian Principles—a distillation of the seven things that are common to genius–and exemplified by our acclaimed geniuses. I believe that there is genius within all of us. Why not give that genius a little fresh air?
To give you a kick start, I wanted to present the Seven Davincian Principles. In resurrecting my former post, I was reminded that I used to have these by my desk as a reminder to integrate these principles into my everyday matters I will post them in a conspicuous place again, for I believe that they are that important:
The Seven Davincian Principles
Curiosita—An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest
for continuous learning.Dimostrazione—A commitment to test knowledge through experience,
persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Sensazione—The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the
means to enliven experience.
Sfumate (literally “Going up in Smoke”)—A willingness to embrace ambiguity,
paradox, and uncertainty.Arte/Scienza—The development of the balance between science and art, logic
and imagination. “Whole-brain” thinking.Corporalita—The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise.
Connessione—A recognition of and appreciation for the interconnectedness
of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking.
Source: How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Everday, Michael J. Gelb, p. 9.
It's not a large jump to see how these principles can operate within our own personal and professional lives. These principles present for us a personal "balanced score card" providing avenues of development that we may not have traveled previously.
After reading this book, I was inspired to get an artist's sketch pad. I then forced myself to do something that I've never done beyond stick figures: draw. My first subject was my ancient cat, Kip. In trying to draw him, I was forced to do something that I had never done before–SEE him–his contours, his shades of gray and the perfect curvature of his eyes.
If any of these principles resonate with you and you want to see your own genius like I saw my cat, then I hope that this post inspires you to explore your own creativity and find a means to give voice to it. In a future post, I'll introduce you to mind mapping.
Elliott Wave Theory Spotted @ Bike Rack
SPX Contest Reminder by Market Sniper
Slopers! Today (Wednesday March 31, 2010) at 4:00 EDT sharp, the contest entries will be closed. For a quick review, see http://slopeofhope.com/2010/03/spx-guessing-contest-and-slopefest.html
A few additional words:
1) Contest is open to ALL Slopers. You do NOT have to be at proposed Slopefest to win! (Editor's note: although you're obviously a lot cooler if you are going)
2) Winners will be contacted by email for a postal address so prizes can be delivered.
3) In the highly unlikely event that the market is closed on May 7, 2010, the close of the first market day thereafter will be used as the closing number.
Submit all entries to: slopefest@gmail.com
Good luck to all!
Comprehensive Assessment (by George)
This post contains a comprehensive assessment of the stock market, based on many of the indicators I follow. The conclusion is that it is weak and a correction is due; however, some more strength can be expected in the next trading sessions. Let's take a look:
SPECIAL OSCILLATOR
This proprietary oscillator is being developed by David Corna and I. You have not seen it before. Consider it a measure of market rhythm. During an uptrend, the rhythm is steady and during a down trend, the rhythm is more erratic and volatile. The time period of this chart is January to present. Notice that the two recent spikes, circled, are higher than seen during the designated "up trend". This suggests that the market is, literally, tired. A useful analogy is that of a heart whose rhythm becomes irregular during stressful periods.
VOLUME OSCILLATOR
The oscillator above was developed by Terry Laundry. I have boxed two similar periods as well as a projection. This calls for a few more up days before another drop in the indicator and stock market prices occurs. Also, it recently fell below the zero-line, suggesting that it may need to reach an oversold level before a sustained up trend can resume.
VXV:VIX
This indicator is of relative fear. I have circled two bars that indicate panics on a daily level. The panic of four days ago was high on an absolute basis, as well as relative to the fact that the sell off in equities was mild. This suggests that a few more up days are due. However, the trend for this indicator is beginning to anticipate market weakness.
SHORT TERM T
This T expires April 1st, at 11:30 AM. In theory, the market will rise until the T expires. This also suggests some strength in the coming days. However, the payroll report is coming out, which is very important, and will probably command the time and price at which the market makes its short term peak.
SENTIMENT
The media has turned from bearish to neutral in the last couple of days. It has yet to be bullish but a little more strength will probably be enough. Recall that Dow 11,000 is near.
The 10 day MA for "All Securities ISEE" is approaching 140, a level at which the market usually peaks.
The equity put/call ratio is already at a level signaling a short term top.
The total put/call ratio needs more time to signal a top.
Well, that about covers it. To repeat the conclusions, it seems like the market is topping out, preparing for a correction, but it is possible that a few more days of upside remain. For frequent market updates and projections, please visit my site .
