Technician Michael Ashbaugh expects a "cooling off period" before stocks again test their all-time highs. Yet, he remains bullish, with a particular focus on the oil services sector. In his MarketWatch Technical Indicator he explains, "The Dow was recently trading 206 points from all-time highs while the S&P 500 was 26 points from all-time highs."
He suggests, "Looking ahead, that's where the tension rests. The U.S. markets are facing significant resistance at record highs, and are extended near-term after a massive two-day spike. That means a cooling off period is likely due before they make a legitimate run at record territory."
Regardless of any short-term pullback, he adds, "The market's recent decisive break atop the 50-day moving average is distinctly bullish. The U.S. markets also confirmed their uptrend with a 24-to-1 positive volume session last Tuesday, meaning the longer-term path of least resistance is higher."
Meanwhile, one of his favored sectors, based on their technical positions, is the oil services stocks. He explains, "The Oil Services Index remains among the strongest sectors. We have selected several names to highlight as they are well positioned technically. And, their relative strength makes them better bets longer-term."
The advisor points to Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT); Cameron International (NYSE: CAM); Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB); National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV); and FMC Technologies (NYSE: FTI).
Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.










