I usually refer again to the work of monetary pioneer and “Father of Technical Evaluation” Charles Dow, whose work within the early twentieth century formed how generations of traders have tried to make sense of market actions. The inspiration of Dow’s work was primarily based on the evaluation of value developments, evaluating swing highs and swing lows to outline and observe the developments over time. An preliminary take a look at the chart of Microsoft (MSFT) might recommend a constant uptrend of upper highs and better lows. And whereas this short-term uptrend is a sound commentary, this additionally means Microsoft could also be forming the dreaded “bear flag” sample, which frequently precedes a significant downdraft. A bear flag sample happens when you might have an preliminary downtrend, on this case, the drop from $470 to $385 from early July to early August of this yr. We are able to then see a short-term uptrend channel fashioned by the highs and lows in August and September. September has been a good month for MSFT, having gained about 5% from the tip of August. In reality, the August and September swing lows are proper across the 200-day transferring common, including additional conviction to a short-term bullish thesis. Draw back goal Whereas the short-term pattern is optimistic, the danger now’s that Microsoft would swing again decrease to verify a bear flag sample, indicating a broader breakdown on this Magnificent 7 identify. If MSFT would drop under $410 within the coming weeks, that will full the bear flag sample, and would additionally push the worth again under the 200-day transferring common. This is able to additionally recommend a minimal draw back goal of round $370, which might characterize a 61.8% retracement of the October 2023 to July 2024 rally section. From a seasonal perspective, given the weak point often skilled in September, this might set MSFT up for a traditional This fall rally into year-end energy. Whereas charts like Microsoft are nonetheless able of energy, they’re starting to point out indicators of weak point which have been widespread in earlier bearish rotations. One of many nice advantages of technical evaluation is to put out an “if-then” assertion as we have outlined as we speak, serving to traders handle danger whereas they establish potential alternatives. -David Keller, CMT marketmisbehavior.com DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Professional contributors are solely their opinions and don’t replicate the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their guardian firm or associates, and should have been beforehand disseminated by them on tv, radio, web or one other medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click on right here for the total disclaimer.