Major averages fell on lower volume. The S&P 500 has been trading sideways for the last 4 weeks which is perhaps an expression of cross currents between full quantitative easing which helps the markets tip toe higher vs. the eventual tapering of QE once the economy recovers as the markets are forward looking. Futures were lower ahead of the opening bell as gross domestic product for Japan came in at 2.6%, well below the 3.6% estimate.
Cree (CREE) had an extended pocket pivot on Friday. It has been in an uptrend and earnings and sales have accelerated as it has managed an earnings turnaround. It is due to report earnings Tuesday.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) had a couple of pocket pivots on the basis of buyout rumors which is generally not a reason to buy a stock. That said, its recent earnings report was strong with earnings accelerating to 55% in the most recent quarter. Pretax margin is strong at 42% and group strength is 3, having been in the top 5 for many weeks.
Stratasys (SSYS) had a lower volume pullback so is still actionable, but expect volatility in this name as that is its nature, so position size accordingly. Should it pull back into its base in a market that is moving higher, it may be indicative of a breakout failure. It has done this in prior breakouts.
Lightinthebox (LITB) broke below the low of its buyable gap up by 5.6% so one would have sold. If you still have a piece of this stock, sit tight for a volatile ride as it is a Chinese IPO as we pointed out in our recent report. If this stock is a true leader, it will issue additional buy points as it rises.
Priceline (PCLN) closed near the low of its buyable gap up, thus risk at current levels is 1-2% below the low of its gap up day.
Tesla Motors (TSLA) and Linkedin (LNKD) both are near the lows of their gap up days so there is less risk at current levels since once would sell should either fall 1-2% below the low of their gap up day. LNKD is looking to gap up slightly on an analyst upgrade from buy to hold at Needham, and TSLA is looking to gap down slightly due to an analyst downgrade from buy to hold at Lazard Capital. Remember that price/volume action leading up to, during, and after an upgrade or downgrade is far more important than the upgrade or downgrade itself. Analysts generally have a spotty track record when it comes to predicting the future performance of a company.