Stock prices go sideways – Are they forming a bottom?

The stock market extends its week-long consolidation – is this still a potential bottoming pattern?

The S&P 500 index lost 0.40% on Tuesday, as it bounced from the 3,800 level once again. Last week on Thursday it reached new medium-term low of 3,764.49, before bouncing back above 3,800. Overall it extended a week-long consolidation following the decline from 4,100 level. Recently the S&P 500 has been negatively reacting to the December 14 FOMC interest rate hike, among other factors.

Today the S&P 500 will likely open 0.1% higher and we may see more uncertainty and a consolidation along the 3,800 level. In early December the S&P 500 index broke below its two-month-long upward trend line and recently it moved sharply lower after getting back to that line, as we can see on the daily chart:

Futures Contract – Still close to 3,850

Let’s take a look at the hourly chart of the S&P 500 futures contract. This morning it is trading within a relatively narrow price range. The resistance level remains at 3,900-3,920, and on the other hand, the support level is at 3,800.

Conclusion

The S&P 500 index keeps extending its consolidation following mid-month sell-off. Today we may see a quite neutral opening of the trading session. There have been no confirmed positive signals so far. However, stocks may be forming a bottom here.

Here’s the breakdown:

• The S&P 500 index extended its short-term consolidation on Tuesday.

• There have been no confirmed positive signals so far, however, stocks may be forming a bottom.

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