This week’s stock market action has likely signaled a short-term turning point from bullish to bearish.

The S&P 500 gapped above the 2800 resistance level early on Monday. The index ran as high as 2813 before a last-hour decline pushed the index back down below 2800.

The S&P 500 still closed in positive territory on Monday. So, we can’t really call it a reversal day. But the action was weak. And, that sort of weakness, following a long, nearly-one-way move higher often marks at least a short-term top.

Here’s something else to consider… Look at this chart of the Volatility Index (VIX)…

The VIX has formed a bullish falling wedge pattern with positive divergence on the MACD momentum indicator. This pattern most often resolves with a breakout to the upside. If that happens here, then the VIX could run up towards the 19 level. And a rising VIX most often occurs with a falling stock market.

The last time the VIX displayed a similar pattern was in late May last year. That led to a very fast, 100-point decline in the S&P 500 in June.

The S&P 500 closed yesterday more than 6% above its 50-day moving average. The index rarely strays more than 5% away from the line before reversing course and heading back.

So, the market is certainly ripe for a pullback. The question is “When will the pullback start?”

As I’ve written repeatedly, we can’t get too bearish until the S&P closes below its 9-day exponential moving average (EMA) – now at 2775.

But, with the chart of the VIX on the verge of breaking its falling wedge pattern to the upside, I suspect the pullback may start as soon as today.

Best regards and good trading,

Jeff Clark

Reader Mailbag

Today, an Delta Report subscriber reflects on Jeff’s Open Line Q&A, and lends their insights…

I enjoyed your webinar. It adds a lot to experience you “face-to-face.”

I’ve used short uncovered calls on trades when conditions were opposite of those you use uncovered puts, but I haven’t seen you mention that possibility. If the stock is in a downtrend and the current move looks exhausted to the upside, that’s the setup.

I’m ok, worst case, ending up short the shares. Uncovered puts are subject to surprise melt-downs which in general are nastier than melt-ups, yes?

– Barry

Are uncovered put sells part of your trading strategy? What big winners have you booked?

Let us know at [email protected], along with any other comments or questions.