Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBMKLCI): Stronger resistance

The market was awakened by the news from Dubai Monday after a holiday last Friday for the Aidil Adha celebration. The market took a small plunge on Monday after Dubai World, an investment company which manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai government across a wide range of industry segments, seek delay in debt payments. This caused fear across markets and investors were seen selling finance and construction stocks relating to Dubai as they were afraid that this may fuel another financial crisis.

On Monday, the benchmark FBMKLCI opened 13.73 points lower at 1,256.88 points. Market was volatile and uncertain that day with the FBMKLCI trading in a range between 1,248.58 and 1,268.98 points before settling slightly higher than the open at 1,259.11 points. The market rebounded in the next three days and closed at 1,272.35 points Thursday, covering Monday’s losses and back to the same level as the previous week. Volume on Monday was relatively higher than the average at 1,100 million shares but the daily average for last week was 906 million shares, just slightly lower than the previous week.

Technical indicators readings were almost the same as last week despite a bearish start on Monday. The FBMKLCI went below the 30-day moving average, which has been supporting the index since April, on Monday but managed to climb and stay above it when the market rebounded. The 30-day moving average is currently at 1,265 points while the longer term 90-day moving average is at 1,221 points. They were no changes in the characteristics of the moving averages.

However, momentum indicators seem to be a little bearish. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) decline below 50 on Monday but managed to rebound slight above it. The MACD indicator continues to slide and the Momentum indicator is currently below the mid-level. All these indicators are suggesting a weakening momentum in the uptrend and this means that resistance is getting stronger.

As the FBMKLCI continue to trade sideways around the 20-day moving average, the Bollinger Bands continues to tighten further. The volatility is getting lower as the market is not moving into any clear direction. The daily average trading range is pegged at 6.6 points, based on the Average True Range indicator. The Ichimoku Cloud indicator continues to stay sideways but slightly thinner. This means that the support for the current up trend is getting weaker.


Daily KLCI chart as at 3 December 2009 using NextVIEW Advisor

The index has already tested the 1,260 points support level because of the Dubai news but went back above it again. With the stronger resistance and lack of catalysts, the FBMKLCI may test the 1,260 points support level again this week and possibly move into the next support level at 1,230 points if the first support level is broken. Be prepared to also face another week of low volatility and liquidity. The crucial support level, which determines the current up trend is maintained at 1,200 points. Resistance level remains between 1,290 and 1,300 points.

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Article contributed by Private Trader, Market Expert, Trading Coach and Chief Market Strategist of Nextview, Mr. Benny Lee. For more articles and commentaries from Benny, click HERE.