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SECONDARY DELINEATOR

(SPY daily time scale, determines direction of trades identified by the Primary, all times Eastern)

 

Closing May 1, 2009

Primary Trend=Up

Age of current cycle=35 days (originated 3/12 @ 75.48)

1st target level=78.30 Achieved 3/17 (78.29)

2nd target level=80.76 Achieved 3/18

3rd target level=86.87 Achieved 4/16

 

 

 SW= +904

SLOPE= +161

CHANGE= +3

 

PM Update May 1:  Signal weight spent most of the day modestly positive despite the slope change on the Primary.  The Secondary gained 3 ticks to 161.  The Secondary is now in that position that it will take more and more positive signal weight to keep it rising, else it will change slope ending the current cycle.  The same processes that we use to predict the motion of the Primary is also used on the Secondary.

 

AM Update May 1:  Weak negative signal weight at the opening has the Secondary flat.  Negative signal weight of -2400 is needed to turn the Secondary down today.  A slope change down on the Primary is expected today.

 

PM Update Apr 30:  The Secondary lost 11 ticks to +157.  The very strong signal weight has added to the value of the Secondary making it more resistant to changing slope.  However, most cycles on the Secondary last 4-6 weeks and the current cycle is old by that measure.  The downward slope of the divergent indicator also suggests a slope change at some point relatively soon.  BUT, a slope change isn't a slope change until it is a slope change.  For a new downtrend to establish itself on the Secondary, first it must change slope down (on a closing basis) and the Slope needs to have a value of -80 or more.

 

AM Update Apr 30:  The Secondary is gaining 25 ticks to +194.  The strong positive signal weight over the past two days has added to the negative weight needed to turn the Secondary down.  To turn over today negative signal weight of -2620 is needed.  

 

Chevrons are used to identify target levels.  Click HERE to open a chart window and continue reading.  When the current Secondary up cycle originated on March 12, 3 target levels were identified by simply looking to the levels of the chevrons earlier in the year.  The target marked 'a' in the chart represents the 3rd target.  Further expansion of Secondary now identifies a 4th target marked as 'b' above, SPY 94.44.  The divergence indicator has been removed from the chart so that the levels can be clearly seen.

 

PM Update Apr 29:  The Secondary gained 103 ticks to +169.  A long signal was issued by the Primary this morning which achieved its profit target later in the day.

 

AM Update Apr 29:  Negative signal weight of -880 is needed to turn the Secondary down today.  The estimates last night were incorrect.  At the opening, the Secondary is gaining 46 ticks to +112.  A long signal may be generated on the Primary this morning.

 

PM Update Apr 28 (2):  No slope change either on the Secondary or Primary.  Signal weight closed flat as did the Secondary.  Negative signal weight of -1300+- can turn the Secondary down tomorrow.

 

PM Update Apr 28:  Signal weight has improved late in the day and as of this posting is +827.  A slope change up and another long signal on the Primary is expected shortly.

 

AM Update Apr 28 (2):  Signal weight has turned weakly negative at -232 and the Secondary has not changed slope and is still up as of 10:20am est.  For a slope change to be confirmed on the Secondary, signal weight will need to close the day at -1380 or more.

 

AM Update Apr 28:  The Secondary can turn down today if signal weight is -1380 or more.  If this happens, a middle short signal will be issued on the Primary.  As of 9:40am the Secondary has in fact turned down but we cannot say the trend has changed until the close.

 

PM Update Apr 27:  The Secondary lost 119 ticks to close at +95.  It may be possible for the Secondary to turn down tomorrow but it will take very strong negative signal weight to do it and then there would still be the possibility for it to close tomorrow back up.  If it does turn down tomorrow, a "middle" short signal will be issued on the Primary.

 

AM Update Apr 27:  The Secondary is losing 123 ticks to +90.  The Secondary cannot turn down today as it will take -3420 signal weight to turn it lower.  Several days of negative signal weight is needed to turn the Secondary down.  A slope change down on the Primary is expected this morning.

 

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PRIMARY DELINEATOR

(SPY 30 minute timeframe, identifies trades, all times Eastern)

 

May 1:  Closing Read

During the last hour, signal weight turned back to being moderately positive, the Change basically zero.  If you look at the last 3 slope changes down on your software, especially Apr 13, today's doesn't look much different.  With positive signal weight, the Change is zero.  We can expect the current downcycle to last 2-3 days with a slope change back up late Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

If the Primary should turn up on Monday, it would be one of those times when the Primary bends up on itself from an already extended position.  Further price gains are made but are not sustained, and this sets up much larger declines.  This type of behavior often occurs at the conclusion of a cycle on the Secondary.  You can see an example of this on the Secondary from the final high in January.  There was negative divergence from late November to December, then a breakout and failure.  (Keep this in the back of your mind for awhile.)  

 

For the week, a full Primary set of cycles--slope change down on the 27th, a slope change up and a successful long signal on the 29th, and another slope change down today.  Each time, the same process repeats itself because the Primary changes slope in the same way every time.  The model then sets up our long and short trades in a repeatable way and enforces a profit taking discipline.

 

 Primary= +10,782

 SW= +913

SLOPE= -72

CHANGE= +2.1

 

 

 

May 1:  3pm

Very little change from the previous post.

 

 Primary= +10,917

 SW= +1037

SLOPE= -56

CHANGE= +6

 

 

May 1:  2pm

Signal weight has turned strongly positive at +1166, the Change +16 during the last two bars.  At the current level of signal weight, an early slope change up could be projected in 4 bars (Slope/Change=# of bars).  SPY during the last bar rose to 88.20 but no Lead Balloon yet today as we needed negative signal weight and a counter trend move to trigger it.  We got the counter trend move but not the negative signal weight or strongly negative Change. But the potential for a good Balloon setup seemed worth the effort today.  You never know if they will present themselves after a slope change or not and this is a good exercise for new users to follow along in the process.  The day isn't over just yet and our expectations should still be that price will resolve back in the direction of the Primary.

 

 Primary= +10,995

 SW= +1166

SLOPE= -65

CHANGE= +16

 

 

May 1:  1pm

Signal weight is now +831 and the Change number is positive +2.  While it nearly impossible for the Primary to turn up today (needing +3100 SW), with the Change number now positive, we could project a small up move to 88.40 before price resolves back in the direction of the Primary.  Using the motion of the Primary to predict price behavior is what it's all about.  Don't react to price, react to signal weight and it's affect on the Change and Slope numbers.  Focus on the behavior of the Primary and then view price behavior within that context.

 

Some cycles start fast, some start slowly.  Intuitively, we know that if the Secondary is up, all things being equal, there will be more bullish than bearish surprises.  Wouldn't it also follow that when compared, down cycles would under perform up cycles?  Of course, and this is why the trading model only trades in the direction of the Secondary.  We need to have a break in signal weight to the downside to get this cycle moving.

 

 Primary= +11,129

 SW= +831

SLOPE= -113

CHANGE= +2

 

 

May 1:  12:00pm

Signal weight continues weakly positive at +514, the Change -15 and the Slope -127.  To turn back up today signal weight will need to be +3060, near it's positive extreme.  Any attempts by price to rally will resolve back to the direction of the Primary.  As soon as signal weight turns more negative, price will accelerate lower.

 

 Primary= +11,347

 SW= +514

SLOPE= -127

CHANGE= -16

 

 

May 1:  11:30am

Signal weight at +729, the Change -7.  No changes from the prior posting.  The trading model is neutral because the Secondary is still up and not confirming the direction of the Primary (gray color).  We can expect price to make a series of lower highs and lower lows until the next slope change.  Possible downside targets are identified in last night's closing read.  To turn the Primary up this bar would take +2840 signal weight.

 

 Primary= +11,482

 SW= +729

SLOPE= -104

CHANGE= -7.3

 

 

May 1:  11:17am

Signal weight has turned modestly positive at +756, the Change -7.  Per the post below, we really need the Change number to be in double digit negative numbers for the Lead Balloon scenario to be fully realized.  It would still be very difficult to the Primary to turn back up today.  Allow SPY room on the upside to lay out shorts if you're doing that.

 

 Primary= +11,589

 SW= +756

SLOPE= -98

CHANGE= -7

 

May 1:  11:00am

Signal weight is now weakly positive at +268, the Change -32 and the Slope -122.  For the Primary to turn back up, positive signal weight of +2720 is needed.  Any move by price back to just under 88 while signal weight remains weakly positive or negative would be an opportunity for experienced traders to start laying out shorts.  HOWEVER, new users are encouraged NOT to do this and instead stick to the trading model which is neutral (no positions).

 

 Primary= +11,562

 SW= +268

SLOPE= -122

CHANGE= -32

 

May 1:  10:30am      EXIT LONG / SLOPE CHANGE DOWN CONFIRMED AT SPY 86.91

It was very obvious to users that the signal was going to confirm.  Signal weight never reached very much above zero during the last bar.  We can see by looking at the Slope and Change numbers that the Primary wants to drop.  With signal weight at -236 and the Change -63, if signal weight dropped to -1000, the Change number will be +150+ or more providing a very strong push to the downside on the Primary.  The first double chevron up is 86.85.  Once price falls below that, we can expect signal weight to become more strongly negative.  As soon as the needed signal weight to turn the Primary back up exceeds +2000, we will have a Lead Balloon scenario, but we'll also need strongly negative signal weight as well.

 

 Primary= +11,658

 SW= -236

SLOPE= -116

CHANGE= -63

 

 

May 1:  10:00am

Signal weight only reached -300+- during the last bar and closed at +225 so the slope change did not confirm as it needed to be -160 to confirm.  However, now notice that the Slope is -30, the Change -50.  The signal will now confirm at 10:30am if signal weight is less than +860!  Signal weight will have to rally to prevent a slope change down.

 

 Primary= +11,791

 SW= +225

SLOPE= -30

CHANGE= -50

 

 

May 1:  Opening Read     EARLY EXIT LONG / EARLY SLOPE CHANGE DOWN SIGNAL ISSUED

At the opening, an Early exit long / early slope change down signal has been issued.  To confirm at 10am, negative signal weight of -160 is needed.  With signal weight at -121, the Slope -1.7, and the Change is -76, a big number.  So if we don't get a slope change this bar we will shortly unless signal weight turns very strongly positive...which will only delay the slope change as described in last night's closing post.

 

 Primary= +11,807

 SW= -159

SLOPE= -1.7

CHANGE= -79

 


 

Apr 30:  Closing Read

Signal weight closed weakly positive at +515, the Change -51 and the Slope only +78.  Looking at the STATS window, we see -1060 signal weight needed to XSlope.  That can easily occur within the first half hour on Friday.  Strong positive signal weight will simply extend the boredom as no additional price gains could be sustainable.  This would set up a Lead Balloon scenario--the opposite of a balloon underwater.  We haven't seen one of these for quite some time.  (one of these days one of these will show up when I'm not playing golf)

 

Following the slope change we can then expect a 2-3 day down cycle where the value of the Primary should fall to -8000+-.  Identifying the levels of the next down cycle (assuming a slope change down tomorrow) look to the chevron up's.  Use your horizontal crosshairs to find the first double chevron up from today's close-- 86.91 from yesterday.  The next double chevron up is on the 28th at 85.60.  Notice how this also aligns the single chevron's on the 27th?  So those are the 1st and 2nd targets in price for the next down cycle on the Primary:  86.91 and 85.60.  To find upside targets, use the same technique finding down double chevrons.

 

Many new users should, however, watch as this next down cycle plays out and stick to the discipline.  Since the Secondary is still up, a short signal cannot be issued.  Watching and projecting the most likely price behaviors based upon our knowledge of the motion of the Primary is how one uses a leading indicator.  Once that becomes second nature, the opportunities present themselves.

 

 Primary= +11,808

 SW= +515

SLOPE= +78

CHANGE= -51

 

Apr 30:  3pm

Signal weight is now below +1000, the Change -37.  It's very unlikely we'll see a slope change today, but most likely in the morning depending on signal weight.  The trading model is neutral so from that perspective today is really a non-issue as we're flat with no positions.

 

 Primary= +11,750

 SW= +957

SLOPE= +148

CHANGE= -37

 

 

Apr 30:  2:30pm

Signal weight is now +1133, the Change -32 and the value of the Primary +11,603.  Given the current level of signal weight, we can project an early slope change /early exit long signal in 5.8bars (Slope/Change=# of bars).  If signal weight drops below +1000 or goes negative, the signal will come in sooner.

 

 Primary= +11,603

 SW= +1133

SLOPE= +189

CHANGE= -32

 

Apr 30:  12:30pm

Signal weight continues to decline and is now +1450, the Change -44.  The value of the Primary is +10,625 and only increasing signal weight can extend this cycle, otherwise we can expect to see a slope change down either late today or by mid day tomorrow.  Notice that the color of the Primary has returned to light green indicating signal weight is below +1500.

 

I'm off to the gym, next post at 1:30pm.

 

 Primary= +10,625

 SW= +1450

SLOPE= +407

CHANGE= -44

 

 

Apr 30: 12:00pm

Signal weight has declined somewhat to +1640, the Change increasing to -38.  The value of the Primary is now +10,235 and in that region where further price rises will be unsustainable.  Users of the software should carefully monitor the Change number.  As soon as it gets to -60, we can start predicting a slope change down.

 

 

 Primary= +10,235

 SW= +1640

SLOPE= +452

CHANGE= -38

 

 

Apr 30:  11:00am

No big changes from the prior post.  The Primary continues to rise, price making new highs on the day, signal weight continues extremely strong, the Primary now at +9293.  Any moderation in signal weight from here will turn the Change more strongly negative.  In another bar or two, the Primary will be at +10,000 and in that area where further price rises will be unsustainable for the current cycle.  

 

 Primary= +9293

 SW= +2014

SLOPE= +525

CHANGE= -22

 

 

Apr 30:  10:00am

Signal weight remains very strongly positive at +1780, the Change -36.  The Slope is now +561 which means that the value of the Primary is rising by +561 ticks each bar.  Given no great change in signal weight, the Primary should be at +10,000 in a couple of hours.  The darker green color of the Primary means that signal weight is in excess of +1500 and is simply a visual aid.

 

 Primary= +8212

 SW= +1780

SLOPE= +561

CHANGE= -36

 

 

Apr 30:  Opening Read

Strong positive signal weight at the opening of +1339 has the Change at a negative -60.  Greater and greater positive signal weight will be needed to keep the Primary rising, else it will begin to fall.  The value of the Primary at +7626 is not yet extended, hence even with the negative Change, it is still way to early to project a slope change just yet.  However, if the Primary gets up to the +10000 level on strong weight, any rises in price at that time will be unsustainable for the current cycle on the Primary.  The trading model is neutral having achieved its profit target yesterday.

 

 Primary= +7626

 SW= +1339

SLOPE= +575

CHANGE= -60

 


 

Apr 29:  Closing Read     TRADING MODEL ACHIEVED PROFIT TARGET

Extremely strong signal weight characterized today.  The trading model achieved its profit target at 88.04 during the 3pm bar.  Signal weight closed at +2515, the Change +1.64.  The value of the Primary is now back to the previous high of +7051 and is rising by 636 ticks each bar.

 

With the Change number essentially zero, any moderation in signal weight will cause the Change to turn to a strongly negative number and the process of another slope change will begin anew.  Looking back at today's activity, there weren't any pullbacks in price described in the 10:30am post that would have created a secondary trading opportunity.  This is why if a user is going to follow the Plus a Buck strategy (plus a percent), it is essential to make the initial transaction at the time of confirmation of the enter signal rather than wait for a pullback to enter then.  We can now expect a slope change late Friday or mid-day on Monday.

 

 Primary= +7051

 SW= +2515

SLOPE= +636

CHANGE= +1.64

 

Apr 29:  10:30am     ENTER LONG SIGNAL CONFIRMED AT SPY 87.24

The enter long signal has confirmed.  The trading model is long SPY at 87.24 with a GTC sell limit at 88.04.  Over the next two hours, as long as signal weight remains at least strongly positive (>+1000) any move back in price will be an opportunity to trade back to the highs of the day.  Such secondary trades must have a reasonable range in them to be successful ie:  a pull back of .80 to 1.10+- on SPY would generate a reasonable range back to the highs of the day (a move back to 86.60 for example)

 

This is my last post until well after the close as I must leave for the day (sorry).  Users have their software new readers to this journal should consider getting a software trial set up on their computers.  Email me for details.

 

 Primary= +1691

 SW= +2311

SLOPE= +240

CHANGE= +85

 

 

Apr 29:  10:23am

Signal weight is +2184, the enter long signal will confirm in 7 minutes at 10:30am.

 

 

Apr 29:  10:00am   SLOPE CHANGE UP CONFIRMED, EARLY ENTER LONG SIGNAL ISSUED

Extremely strong positive signal weight of +2012 has the Change +86 and the Slope is now +141.  The slope change up has confirmed as expected and an early enter long signal has also been issued that will confirm at 10:30am if signal weight is greater than +785.

 

Users should be prepared to enter their trades for the Plus a Buck model at approximately 5 minutes prior to the end of the current bar.  Assuming signal weight remains strongly positive and users can predict that the signal will absolutely confirm, making the trade as close to the 10:30 actual bar is important as that is where the model executes.  You will see the price of the signal on the Trade Window on the program.  The model is still using +80 cents due to the current level of SPY.

 

I have appointments again today so my last post until after the close will be at 10:30+- following the signal.

 

 Primary= +1436

 SW= +2012

SLOPE= +141

CHANGE= +86

 

 

Apr 29:  Opening Read   EARLY SLOPE CHANGE UP SIGNAL ISSUED

Signal weight of +1174 has generated an early slope change up that will confirm at 10:00am if signal weight is +880 or more.  If it confirms, an early enter long signal would be the next possible signal.

 

Update 9:50am:  Signal weight is +1851, the Change +92, the Slope +48.  Change + Slope = approx. next bar's slope=140+- above +80 needed for an early enter signal.  So we can clearly see that the early slope change will confirm in at 10am, and an early enter long signal should be issued also at 10am that may confirm at 10:30.

 

 Primary= +1255

 SW= +1174

SLOPE= +15

CHANGE= +60

 


 

Apr 28:  Closing Read

Today I posted entries all day long.  I encourage new readers to the site to review the entire day's posts by scrolling down to the beginning of today and read up.  Pay special attention to the values of Signal weight, Slope and especially the Change.  While nothing of any significance happened today, it is a good study of how to predict the motion of the Primary and what signal weight is needed to affect a slope change.  Understanding these concepts is key to learning how to use my software.

 

Projecting what might happen to the Primary tomorrow, it's an easy answer.  If signal weight opens strongly positive, we'll see a slope change followed by a long signal.  If signal weight opens strongly negative, we'll see a continuation of the current down cycle, the Secondary could turn over and the middle short signal described earlier today would be triggered.  Notice that at the close, with signal weight essentially zero, the Change is also nearly zero.  Very much like the motion of the Primary on the 23rd.  Whichever way the winds blow the tree bends.

 

 Primary= +1240

 SW= -50

SLOPE= -43

CHANGE= -3.0

 

Apr 28:  3:30-3:45pm

Users watching their software over the past half hour have no doubt watched in complete boredom as signal weight slowly leaked low enough to avoid triggering an early slope change.  It will now take weight of +840 to turn the Primary up this bar but since no signal can be issued at the close, the day is over from the perspective of the Delineator.  

 

Also notice that price could not sustain a move above 86.27 as predicted in the 2pm post as signal weight could only get to around +750, then quickly declined.  Why did I pick 86.27?  Right click on the mouse opening up the cross hairs and connect the double chevron down from the 4/22 and the single chevron down from yesterday's (the most recent) close.  You might want to turn off the orange line (chart options/uncheck Delin Fast Indicator) to line the highs of those bars.  You'll see 86.27-86.40 as the level of SPY that would have the first initial resistance.  Since signal weight didn't reach the +1000 level, we knew that price would resolve back in the direction of the Primary.

 

If you further use the same technique to identify the potential range back to the downside and determine whether it was sufficient to trade.  Personally, unless I can obtain 1% from a range, I won't bother.  And I also won't trade unless the Change number is big.  So, whether there was 1% in it or not today, I wouldn't be trading because the Change number was low and because it was positive.  (And besides, I've been posting all day long.) 

 

 Primary= +1252

 SW= +198

SLOPE= -31

CHANGE= +9

 

Apr 28:  3pm

Notice the Slope and Change numbers?  If signal weight is greater than +1180 this bar, an early slope change will be issued.  Otherwise, given no change in signal weight, an early slope change up will be issued next bar at 3:30pm.  A signal cannot confirm at the end of the day, so if we get an early slope change during the 3:30 bar, it cannot confirm until tomorrow 15 minutes AFTER the opening.

 

 Primary= +1300

 SW= +701

SLOPE= -24

CHANGE= +37

 

 

Apr 28:  2:30pm

Signal weight has bumped up to +776, the Slope -56, the Change is now +47.  We can now expect an early slope change up during the 3-3:30 bar (Slope/Change=# of bars = 1.1

 

 Primary= +1330

 SW= +776

SLOPE= -56

CHANGE= +47

 

 

Apr 28:  2pm

Signal weight remains weakly positive at +374, the Change +33 and the Slope -117.  A sustainable break above 86.27 would only come if signal weight increased to +1000, and a break below the lows of the day would also need strong negative signal weight.  So, we're locked in a narrow range for the day unless signal weight turns strongly in either direction.  

 

 Primary= +1373

 SW= +374

SLOPE= -117

CHANGE= +33

 

 

Apr 28:  1pm

Signal weight has turned a bit more positive but is still quite weak at +446, the Change +44.  At the current level of signal weight, an early slope change up may be issued in 4 bars (Slope/Change=# of bars = 3.8).  Each bar is of course 30 minutes, so about 2 hours from this post.

 

 Primary= +1649

 SW= +446

SLOPE= -170

CHANGE= +44

 

 

Apr 28:  12:00pm

No real change from the previous post.  Signal weight remains weakly positive at +170, the Change +43.

 

 Primary= +2023

 SW= +170

SLOPE= -274

CHANGE= +43

 

 

Apr 28:  11:30am

A common pitfall for all of us is that we want to trade too often.  We see a big price swing and wonder after the fact whether we could have traded that swing or not.  But the fact remains that we cannot expect to trade every swing or even most of the swings we see during an average cycle on the Primary.  It's a mental trap that we need to be wary of.

 

This is what the Plus a Buck strategy represents.  We know we can initiate a transaction with confidence when the enter signal is generated if it is a pure signal (not middle).  And we also know we can confidently trade a counter trend move in price back in the direction of the Primary if signal weight and the Change number are strongly in our favor.  The best time to do this is during the first several hours following a slope change.  As the cycle matures, the risks increase.  Limiting your trading to periods immediately following a slope change, and taking the rest of the time off, will increase your productivity and lower the risk of making mistakes.

 

Signal weight remains weakly positive at +87, the Change +48 and the value of the Primary is now +2301.  We wait.

 

 Primary= +2301

 SW= +87

SLOPE= -314

CHANGE= +48

 

 

Apr 28:  11:00am

Signal weight remains weakly positive at +249, the Change +58.  If signal weight continues positive, and builds to stronger positive numbers, the timing of the slope change up will be moved forward (earlier) and we may yet see a long signal today...but of course we will wait to see if this develops.

 

 Primary= +2624

 SW= +249

SLOPE= -344

CHANGE= +58

 

 

Apr 28:  10:30am

Signal weight has turned weakly positive at +123, the Change +57.  The process of a slope change has now begun and we can estimate that, given the current signal weight, an early slope change up will occur in 7.1 bars (Slope/Change=# of bars).

 

 Primary= +2964

 SW= +123

SLOPE= -408

CHANGE= +57

 

 

Apr 28:  10:15am

Signal weight has moderated substantially and is now only weakly negative at -483, the Change +33.

 

 Primary= +3342

 SW= -483

SLOPE= -494

CHANGE= +33

 

 

Apr 28:  10:00am    EARLY ENTER SHORT SIGNAL HAS NOT CONFIRMED

Signal weight has moderated and the early enter (middle) short signal has not confirmed.  The early enter will remain in effect until the next slope change on the Primary.  So if signal weight today closes any bar at -1380 or more, the middle short signal will confirm at that time.

 

Notice that with signal weight at -1008, the Change is +5.6, hence half of the down cycle of the Primary is now completed.  Any moderation in signal weight from here will begin the process of the next slope change up on the Primary.  This is why the best time to trade is during the period immediately following a slope change when the Change number is very large.

 

 Primary= +3326

 SW= -1008

SLOPE= -510

CHANGE= +5.6

 

 

Apr 28:  9:53am

Signal weight is -1208 and the signal is back out of confirmation.

 

Apr 28:  9:50am

Users should watch their signal weight number on their programs carefully over the next few minutes to determine if the signal will confirm IF they're planning on taking the middle signal.  The trading model will take the signal regardless because it's the model.  As of this post signal weight is -1403.

 

Apr 28:  9:43am

Signal weight has already moved back to -1323 from -1385 and the Secondary is no longer down.  This is the big problem with middle signals as signal weight can easily move back out of the area where a signal can be confirmed.  As of this post, the signal will not confirm.  

 

Apr 28:  Opening Read    EARLY ENTER SHORT SIGNAL ISSUED

Signal weight has opened strongly negative and an early enter short signal has been issued.  Negative signal weight of -1380 is needed to turn the Secondary down, bringing it into confirmation with the Primary.  This is a middle signal (described in yesterday's Closing Read).  Along with the normal risks, additional risks are associated with middle signals the biggest being that the Secondary can come out of compliance with the Primary if signal weight moderates and falls below the level needed to turn the Secondary down.  The early enter short signal will confirm at 10am IF signal weight is greater than -1380.

 

 Primary= +3819

 SW= -1385

SLOPE= -545

CHANGE= -11

 


 

Apr 27:  Closing Read

The Primary changed slope today and began its down cycle which should be completed either late Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.  If signal weight opens the day tomorrow strongly negative, a middle short signal will be issued on the Primary.  A middle signal occurs when the Secondary comes into confirmation of the Primary AFTER the Primary has already changed slope.  Middle signals are only 50/50 reliable because the Primary is already well into its cycle by the time such a signal is generated.  The last 4 middle signals have achieved their profit targets and were successful, but this is not the long term result.

 

Signal weight closed at -1527, the Change -27.  The Slope is quite large at -535 so the Primary will continue lower tomorrow reaching near zero within 4 hours if signal weight is modestly to strongly negative.  The gray dots indicate that the trading model is neutral (no positions).

 

 Primary= +4365

 SW= -1527

SLOPE= -534

CHANGE= -27

 

Apr 27:  3pm

Signal weight remains strongly negative at -1520, the Change is now -38, the Slope -492.  We can predict the value of the Primary for the next bar by adding the Slope to the Primary.  4900-492=4408.  We can see that the Primary is losing almost 500 ticks per bar.

 

Normal cycles on the Primary last 2-4 days.  Since we really don't care about price, focusing on the value and level of the Primary is important as we want to always know 1) when a slope change can occur, 2) how much signal weight is needed to generate a signal, 3) where the Primary is within its cycle.  Focusing on these points and waiting for the trading model will allow more time away from the market and make the time you spend in front of your screen more productive.  Over the past several months (and years) the typical trading model trade lasts only a few hours, then you have days off until the next signal.

 

 Primary= +4900

 SW= -1520

SLOPE= -492

CHANGE= -38

 

 

Apr 27:  2pm

Signal weight remains strongly negative at -1615, the Change -59.  Per the previous post, price has tested the lows of the day identified by the single chevron up at 85.61.  The chevrons identify levels where we can expect price to move and are useful in setting specific targets.  The next chevron up is from the 22nd at 85.08.

 

 Primary= +5877

 SW= -1615

SLOPE= -426

CHANGE= -59

 

 

Apr 27:  1:30pm

Signal weight has remained modestly negative until the 1pm bar when it turned more strongly negative at -1400.  As mentioned in the previous post, once the Primary cannot turn back up following a slope change down, any attempt to rally will fail and price will resolve back in the direction of the Primary.  This is an essential feature of the Delineator that is very dependable.  The trading model is still neutral (flat) because the direction of the Primary is not confirmed by the Secondary.  We can expect to see price test the opening lows of the day and continue to make lower lows and lower highs in its range until the Change number gets close to zero.

 

 Primary= +6313

 SW= -1430

SLOPE= -359

CHANGE= -62

 

Apr 27:  11:45am

To turn the Primary back up this bar, signal weight of +1640 will be needed. In another half hour, it will be impossible for the Primary to turn back up today.  Any attempt to take out the highs will fail if signal weight remains strongly negative as price will resolve back in the direction of the Primary.  

 

I have a meeting and will be away for 1.5 hours.  The next post will be around 1:30pm

 

Apr 27:  11:30am  EXIT LONG / SLOPE CHANG DOWN SIGNAL CONFIRMED

The Exit Long / Slope change down signal has confirmed.  Users of the program knew well before the close of the last bar that the signal was going to confirm because the signal weight was well below +360.  We can now expect the Primary to go through a down cycle which should last 2-3 days unless signal weight turns so strongly positive that it truncates the length of the cycle as it did on 4/20-4/21.  But we will wait and watch.

 

The trading model, plus a buck, is flat and no short signal can been generated because the slope of the Secondary is up and is not confirming the direction of the Primary.

 

 Primary= +7356

 SW= -638

SLOPE= -113

CHANGE= -62

 

 

Apr 27:  11:00am  EXIT LONG NOT CONFIRMED.

Signal weight became less negative during the previous bar, dropping below -1100 and hence the exit long signal did NOT confirm.  For the current bar, if signal weight is less than +360, the exit signal will confirm.

 

The value of the Primary is now +7469.  Most cycles on the Primary have ranges of -8000 to +8000.  Higher or lower ranges are a function of the relative values of signal weight during that cycle and have very little, if any, relevance for future cycles.  Users should focus on the current level of the Primary and the current level of signal weight needed to sustain or reverse the Primary.  In other words, if the high of the last Primary was +11,000, there is no reason to expect that the next high will be +11,000.  It simply is what it is.

 

 Primary= +7469

 SW= -687

SLOPE= -52.6

CHANGE= -75

 

 

Apr 27:  10:30am   EARLY EXIT LONG / EARLY SLOPE CHANGE DOWN SIGNAL ISSUED

An Early Exit Long /Early slope change signal has been issued that will confirm at the end of this bar (11am) IF signal weight is -1260 or more.  If signal weight is -1100, for example, the signal will not confirm.  However, due to the large Change number, it will be very likely the signal will confirm at the following bar.

 

 Primary= +7492

 SW= -1342

SLOPE= -4.34

CHANGE= -121

 

Apr 27:  10:00am

Understanding how the Primary changes slope is KEY to understanding how to use the Delineator.  Slope changes initiate new trends and can only confirm at the close of a bar.  The Stats window on the program generates two lists, one for the Primary and one for the Secondary, that show what signal weight is needed for the current bar to affect a slope change.  Knowing when a slope change or enter signal can confirm before it happens is central to understanding how to use the program effectively.

 

Looking at the numbers below we can see that the Slope is +110, the Change -146.  Slope/Change=# of bars to the next early slope change.  110/146=.75.  This is telling us that if signal weight remains at -1450, at the opening of the next bar, 10:30am, an early exit long / early slope change down signal will be issued.  The Stats window tells us that for the current bar, negative signal weight of -3660 is needed to generate an early slope change this bar (which is unlikely since +-3400 is about the maximum signal weight.)

 

 Primary= +7492

 SW= -1450

SLOPE= +110

CHANGE= -146

 

 

Apr 27:  Opening Read

Very strong negative signal weight is present at the opening.  An early slope change down / exit long signal is expected during the next bar (Slope/Change=# of bars=1.3).  New readers should read the Manual section to understand the sequence of signals that the Delineator generates.

 

Since the Secondary is still up, no short signal will be generated assuming we get a slope change down this morning.  The trading model is flat having achieved its profit target on Friday.

 

 Primary= +7370

 SW= -1667

SLOPE= +245

CHANGE= -182

 


 

Apr 24: Closing Read

Both long signals this week, Tuesday and today's, achieved their profit targets.  Nice week.  Looking back at this week's up cycle on the Primary we can see a two part move.  Typically, during cycles that bend back on themselves, the second part has more risk because we already know that it cannot last as long as a normal cycle.  Also, the Change number is small relative to a normalized up or down cycle origination, hence sustainability is clearly reduced.  

 

From the model's point of view, it doesn't matter--but from ours it does because we are risk averse.  It's in most of our natures.  So how can we use this where we don't end up avoiding profits more than losses.  Is there a rule of thumb when we can logically avoid a "bad" signal.  I'll write more about this next week.  For now, please read the Archive section for the week ended Jan 9th and Mar20 for some insights to this.

 

Signal weight closed extremely strong at +1997, the Change now in single digits at +5.  Signal weight determines the motion of the Primary.  Any moderation in signal weight on Monday will cause the Change to turn strongly negative pulling the Primary down towards the next slope change either on Monday or Tuesday.  Today's strong signal weight will add to the Secondary making it more resistant to a slope change early next week.

 

 Primary= +7124

 SW= +1997

SLOPE= +426

CHANGE= +5.29

  

e quantus exactus

copyright 2009, HCMI, all rights reserved.

The purpose of the Delineator Journal is to introduce you to the Delineator Analytic so you may evaluate your level of interest. You are welcome to view these pages for that purpose.  The manner in which I present information does not purport to be investment advice or an advisory service.  The Journal and the "Plus a Buck" strategy described herein are intended to introduce you to the concepts and manner of application of the software so that you may evaluate its purchase for your own use.  There are many more applications of the Delineator than are described on these pages.

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