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Solar Stocks Ready For A Big Move

Posted: Oct 26, 2009 16:19 PM by Joey Fundora

Tickers in this Article: YGE, ENER, FSLR, TAN

The solar stocks continue to be one of the more volatile groups in the markets. Traders often fear high levels of volatility, but if these are properly planned for, volatile stocks can offer outstanding trading opportunities. The solar stocks have been in a large range over the past year, and many of these stocks actually set their lows in November rather than March. This group has often been cited by the current administration as a focal point in helping to reduce the U.S. dependence on oil-rich countries, and while it has threatened to fall apart several times, it has continually found a floor.

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This group is once again under pressure as a poor earnings report from SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq:SPWRA) kicked off this earnings season, as the markets reacted poorly to the company's guidance number. While this stock individually came under pressure, as a group there wasn't major technical damage done. In looking at the Claymore/MAV Global Solar Energy Index ETF (NYSE:TAN), which can be used as a proxy for the sector, you can see that TAN held up last week, despite the weak report by SPWRA. In looking at the chart, there is an interesting pattern developing. Overall, TAN remains in a trading range, but it was able to clear a descending wedge in September, and is currently trading in a small symmetrical triangle. Both of these patterns are simply consolidation patterns, but with TAN clearing the first to the upside, it may hint at a break to the upside from the second pattern as well. The descending trendline touching the last two price highs should be watched as a level of importance.

Source: StockCharts.com

The largest component in TAN is First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:FSLR). With FSLR reporting on Wednesday, it could be the catalyst for a move in either direction for the group. The company's last earnings report was met with steep selling, as FSLR pulled back from $176.05 to $112.09 in a few weeks' time. FSLR did stabilize, and rallied back to a declining trendline, marking the tops of prior rally attempts. It recently cleared this trendline, and it continues to trade in a tighter consolidation leading into the earnings report. More than likely, FSLR will have a large move this week, but with earnings coming out, which direction it's headed is anyone's guess. However, this stock will likely impact the entire sector, so it is worth watching to help gauge the direction for the next quarter. (For related reading, check out Spotlight On The Solar Industry.)

Source: StockCharts.com

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENER) is another solar that has been showing weakness for a few months, but recently cleared a declining trendline that halted recent rally attempts. It just cleared this area, and has been experiencing an uptick in volume. Earnings are not due until November, so this is a stock that could benefit from a positive FSLR report. A move above $13.62 could signal a test of $14.21 and possibly a test of the 200-day moving average near $16. (For related reading, check out Track Stock Prices With Trendlines.)

Source: StockCharts.com

Another stock worth watching is Yingli Green Energy (NYSE:YGE). This stock has shown relative strength compared to its peers, and has been in a consolidation pattern for a few months. It's currently looking a little weak, and is resting on its 50-day moving average, but if it can get back over $13.85 it could be ready for a test of the June high near $16.35.

Source: StockCharts.com

Bottom Line
The solar stocks could really go in either direction at this point, but they are worth watching with FSLR reporting this week. They often set the trend for this group, and there could be some great trading opportunities setting up. The levels noted in the charts above are starting points for watching the action objectively. Regardless of the headline news or numbers, the important thing to watch is what the stock price does moving forward. If any of these stocks starts to climb above key levels, there is a good chance they can experience a sharp rally. If they start to lose these levels, the opposite would hold true. With volatile groups like these, it's worth watching regardless of which direction the move goes. (For related reading, check out Clean Or Green Technology Investing and Top 10 Green Industries.)

At the time of writing, Joey Fundora did not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article.

By Joey Fundora

Joey Fundora is an independent trader located in South Florida. Joey focuses on using technical analysis techniques to uncover supply and demand imbalances in equities. To see more of his work, visit his site on Stock Chart Analysis.

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