NAS100 Moves into Downtrend on Weekly Timeframe

Weekly Chart Analysis

Similar to yesterday's article, the NAS100 is also showing worrying signs of technical weakness. Like the SPX500, the NAS100 has charted a lower peak followed by a lower trough. This puts the growth index into a defined downtrend. Its weekly RSI has also dipped below 50, which is on the bearish side of the indicator. If it maintains below 50 for an extended period, the NAS100 will be under pressure.

The next level of support that we are watching is the black 30-week EMA. If the NAS100 candlesticks cross below the 30-week EMA, and the EMA turns down this will be regarded as a further bearish development.

The downtrend's momentum may also be monitored with reference to the candlesticks and the down sloping black trendline. If the index can push above it, the downtrend's momentum will be waning. However, if the black trendline's gradient steepens, the downtrend will be accelerating.

High Yields are Pressuring the NAS100

Source: www.tradingview.com

It is not surprising that the NAS100 has come under pressure. The downtrend coincides with much higher US 10-year real yields. Since Monday 17 July (the week of the NAS100's reference peak), until this week (the completion of the NAS100's lower trough), the real yield has appreciated by around 45%, and is currently at 2.175%.

The NAS100 is a growth index, which means that its is particularly sensitive to yields, as per its time value of money characteristics. The question now is just how high yields can rise. The higher they go the more pressure will be applied to the NAS100.

We have previously seen that the real yield is overbought. If this results in a pullback in the yield, the NAS100 is likely to benefit. However, this still remains to be seen.