Breadth Chart Analyst

This skill should be used when analyzing market breadth charts, specifically the S&P 500 Breadth Index (200-Day MA based) and the US Stock Market Uptrend Stock Ratio charts. Use this skill when the user provides breadth chart images for analysis, requests market breadth assessment, positioning strategy recommendations, or wants to understand medium-term strategic and short-term tactical market outlook based on breadth indicators. All analysis and output are conducted in English.

No API

Download Skill Package (.skill) View Source on GitHub

Table of Contents

1. Overview

This skill enables specialized analysis of two complementary market breadth charts that provide strategic (medium to long-term) and tactical (short-term) market perspectives. Analyze breadth chart images to assess market health, identify trading signals based on backtested strategies, and develop positioning recommendations. All thinking and output are conducted exclusively in English.

2. When to Use

Use this skill when:

  • User provides S&P 500 Breadth Index (200-Day MA based) chart images for analysis
  • User provides US Stock Market Uptrend Stock Ratio chart images for analysis
  • User requests market breadth assessment or market health evaluation
  • User asks about medium-term strategic positioning based on breadth indicators
  • User needs short-term tactical timing signals for swing trading
  • User wants combined strategic and tactical market outlook

Do NOT use this skill when:

  • User asks about individual stock analysis (use us-stock-analysis skill instead)
  • User needs sector rotation analysis without breadth charts (use sector-analyst skill instead)
  • User wants news-based market analysis (use market-news-analyst skill instead)

3. Prerequisites

  • Chart Images Required: User must provide one or both breadth chart images:
    • Chart 1: S&P 500 Breadth Index (200-Day MA based)
    • Chart 2: US Stock Market Uptrend Stock Ratio
  • No API Keys Required: This skill analyzes user-provided images; no external data sources needed
  • Language: All analysis and output conducted in English

4. Quick Start 

Read: references/breadth_chart_methodology.md

5. Workflow

Step 1: Receive Chart Images and Prepare Analysis

When the user provides breadth chart images for analysis:

  1. Confirm receipt of chart image(s)
  2. Identify which chart(s) are provided:
    • Chart 1 only (200MA Breadth)
    • Chart 2 only (Uptrend Ratio)
    • Both charts
  3. Note any specific focus areas or questions from the user
  4. Proceed with systematic analysis

Language Note: All subsequent thinking, analysis, and output will be in English.

Step 2: Load Breadth Chart Methodology

Before beginning analysis, read the comprehensive breadth chart methodology:

Read: references/breadth_chart_methodology.md

This reference contains detailed guidance on:

  • Chart 1: 200MA-based breadth index interpretation and strategy
  • Chart 2: Uptrend stock ratio interpretation and strategy
  • Signal identification and threshold significance
  • Strategy rules and risk management
  • Combining both charts for optimal decision-making
  • Common pitfalls to avoid

Step 3: Examine Sample Charts (First Time or for Reference)

To understand the chart format and visual elements, review the sample charts included in this skill:

View: skills/breadth-chart-analyst/assets/SP500_Breadth_Index_200MA_8MA.jpeg
View: skills/breadth-chart-analyst/assets/US_Stock_Market_Uptrend_Ratio.jpeg

These samples demonstrate:

  • Visual appearance and structure of each chart type
  • How signals and thresholds are displayed
  • Color coding and marker systems
  • Historical patterns and cycles

Step 4: Analyze Chart 1 (200MA-Based Breadth Index)

If Chart 1 is provided, conduct systematic analysis:

4.1 Extract Current Readings

From the chart image, identify:

  • Current 8MA level (orange line): Specific percentage
  • Current 200MA level (green line): Specific percentage
  • 8MA slope: Rising, falling, or flat
  • 200MA slope: Rising, falling, or flat
  • Distance from 73% threshold: How close to overheating
  • Distance from 23% threshold: How close to extreme oversold
  • Most recent date visible on the chart

4.1.5 CRITICAL: Latest Data Point Detailed Trend Analysis

This step is MANDATORY to avoid misreading recent trend changes.

Focus intensively on the rightmost 3-5 data points of the chart (most recent weeks):

For 8MA (Orange Line) - Analyze the very latest trajectory:

  1. Identify the absolute latest position: Where is the 8MA at the rightmost edge of the chart?
  2. Trace back 3-5 data points (approximately 3-5 weeks):
    • What was the 8MA level 1 week ago?
    • What was the 8MA level 2 weeks ago?
    • What was the 8MA level 3 weeks ago?
  3. Calculate the directional change:
    • Is the latest value HIGHER or LOWER than 1 week ago?
    • Is the latest value HIGHER or LOWER than 2 weeks ago?
    • What is the trend: consistently rising, consistently falling, or mixed?
  4. Determine the CURRENT slope (not historical slope):
    • Rising: Latest data point is higher than previous 2-3 points AND shows upward curvature
    • Falling: Latest data point is lower than previous 2-3 points AND shows downward curvature
    • Flat: Latest data point is approximately equal to previous points (within 2-3%)

Critical Questions to Answer:

  • Is the 8MA currently moving UP or DOWN at the rightmost edge?
  • If there was a recent trough, has the 8MA sustained the upward move, or has it rolled over?
  • Count consecutive periods of increase: How many consecutive periods has 8MA risen? (Need 2-3 for confirmation)
  • Count consecutive periods of decrease: How many consecutive periods has 8MA fallen? (Indicates failed reversal if declining after trough)

For 200MA (Green Line) - Analyze the very latest trajectory:

  1. Identify the absolute latest position: Where is the 200MA at the rightmost edge?
  2. Trace back 4-6 weeks:
    • What was the 200MA level 2 weeks ago?
    • What was the 200MA level 4 weeks ago?
  3. Determine the CURRENT slope:
    • Is it rising, falling, or flat in the most recent period?

Failed Reversal Detection (CRITICAL): If an 8MA trough (purple ▼) was recently identified:

  • Did the 8MA rise for only 1-2 periods and then turn back down?
  • Did the 8MA fail to reach 60% before turning down?
  • Is the 8MA currently declining again after the bounce?
  • If YES to any: This is a FAILED REVERSAL - DO NOT ENTER, signal is INVALID

Example Analysis Format:

Latest 8MA Data Points (rightmost to left):
- Current (Week 0): 48%
- 1 week ago: 52%
- 2 weeks ago: 55%
- 3 weeks ago: 50%

Analysis: 8MA is FALLING. It rose from 50% to 55% (weeks 3-2), but has since declined to 48%.
This shows a failed reversal pattern - bounce was temporary, downtrend has resumed.
SLOPE: Falling (not rising!)

4.2 Identify Signal Markers

Look for and document:

  • Most recent 8MA trough (purple ▼): Date and level
  • Most recent 200MA trough (blue ▼): Date and level (if visible in timeframe)
  • Most recent 200MA peak (red ▲): Date and level
  • Days/weeks since most recent signals
  • Any pink background shading (downtrend periods)

4.3 Assess Market Regime

Based on readings and patterns, classify the current market as:

  • Healthy Bull Market
  • Overheated Bull Market
  • Market Top/Distribution Phase
  • Bear Market/Correction
  • Capitulation/Extreme Oversold
  • Early Recovery

Support the classification with specific evidence from the chart.

4.4 Determine Strategy Position

Apply the backtested strategy rules with STRICT confirmation requirements:

Check for BUY signal (ALL criteria must be met):

  1. ✓ Trough Formation: Has 8MA formed a clear trough (purple ▼)?
  2. ✓ Reversal Initiated: Has 8MA begun to move upward from the trough?
  3. ✓ Confirmation Achieved: Has 8MA risen for 2-3 CONSECUTIVE periods after the trough?
  4. ✓ No Recent Reversal: Based on Step 4.1.5 analysis, is 8MA CURRENTLY rising (not falling)?
  5. ✓ Sustained Move: Has 8MA maintained the upward trajectory without rolling over?
  6. ⭐ Optional but Strong: Is 8MA below or near 23% (extreme oversold) at trough?

BUY Signal Status:

  • CONFIRMED: All 5 required criteria met → ENTER LONG
  • DEVELOPING: Trough formed, but < 2-3 consecutive increases → WAIT, MONITOR
  • FAILED: Trough formed, but 8MA has rolled over and is declining → DO NOT ENTER, WAIT FOR NEXT TROUGH
  • NO SIGNAL: No trough formed → WAIT

Check for SELL signal:

  • Has 200MA formed a peak (red ▲)?
  • Is 200MA near or above 73%?
  • Is this an active sell signal requiring position exit?

Current position determination:

  • Long: BUY signal confirmed, position entered and held
  • Preparing to Enter: BUY signal developing (trough formed, watching for confirmation)
  • WAIT / Flat: No valid signal OR failed reversal detected
  • Preparing to Exit: SELL signal developing (200MA approaching peak)

4.5 Develop Scenarios

Create 2-3 scenarios with probability estimates:

  • Base case scenario (highest probability)
  • Alternative scenario(s)
  • Each scenario includes: description, supporting factors, strategy implications, key levels

Step 5: Analyze Chart 2 (Uptrend Stock Ratio)

If Chart 2 is provided, conduct systematic analysis:

5.1 Extract Current Readings

From the chart image, identify:

  • Current uptrend stock ratio: Specific percentage
  • Current color: Green (uptrend) or Red (downtrend)
  • Ratio slope: Rising, falling, or flat
  • Distance from 10% threshold: How close to extreme oversold
  • Distance from 40% threshold: How close to overbought
  • Most recent date visible on the chart

5.2 Identify Trend Transitions

Look for and document:

  • Most recent red-to-green transition: Date and ratio level at transition
  • Most recent green-to-red transition: Date and ratio level at transition
  • Duration of current color phase: How long in current trend
  • Days/weeks since most recent transition

5.3 Assess Market Condition

Based on current ratio and color, classify as:

  • Extreme Oversold (<10%)
  • Moderate Bearish (10-20%, red)
  • Neutral/Transitional (20-30%)
  • Moderate Bullish (30-37%, green)
  • Extreme Overbought (>37-40%)

Support the classification with specific evidence from the chart.

5.4 Determine Trading Position

Apply the swing trading strategy rules:

Check for ENTER LONG signal:

  • Has color changed from red to green?
  • Was the transition from an oversold level (<15%)?
  • Is the transition confirmed (2-3 days of green)?

Check for EXIT LONG signal:

  • Has color changed from green to red?
  • Was the transition from an overbought level (>35%)?
  • Is momentum weakening?

Current position: Long, Flat, Preparing to Enter, or Preparing to Exit

5.5 Develop Scenarios

Create 2-3 scenarios with probability estimates:

  • Base case scenario (highest probability)
  • Alternative scenario(s)
  • Each scenario includes: description, supporting factors, trading implications, key levels

Step 6: Combined Analysis (When Both Charts Provided)

If both charts are provided, integrate the strategic and tactical perspectives:

6.1 Alignment Assessment

Create a positioning matrix:

  • Chart 1 (Strategic): Bullish / Bearish / Neutral + signal status
  • Chart 2 (Tactical): Bullish / Bearish / Neutral + signal status
  • Combined Implication: How do they align or conflict?

6.2 Scenario Classification

Determine which of the four scenarios applies:

Scenario 1: Both Bullish

  • Chart 1: 8MA rising, 200MA not yet peaked
  • Chart 2: Green (uptrend), ratio rising from oversold
  • Implication: Maximum bullish stance, aggressive positioning

Scenario 2: Strategic Bullish, Tactical Bearish

  • Chart 1: 8MA rising, 200MA not yet peaked
  • Chart 2: Red (downtrend), ratio falling or elevated
  • Implication: Hold core long positions, wait for tactical entry

Scenario 3: Strategic Bearish, Tactical Bullish

  • Chart 1: 200MA peaked or declining
  • Chart 2: Green (uptrend), ratio rising
  • Implication: Short-term tactical trades only, tight stops

Scenario 4: Both Bearish

  • Chart 1: Both MAs declining
  • Chart 2: Red (downtrend), ratio falling
  • Implication: Defensive positioning, cash or shorts

6.3 Unified Recommendation

Provide integrated positioning guidance for:

  • Long-term investors (based primarily on Chart 1)
  • Swing traders (based primarily on Chart 2)
  • Active tactical traders (based on combination)

Address any conflicts between charts and explain resolution.

Step 7: Generate Analysis Report in English

Create a comprehensive markdown report using the template structure:

Read and use as template: skills/breadth-chart-analyst/assets/breadth_analysis_template.md

IMPORTANT: All analysis and output must be in English.

The report structure varies based on which chart(s) are analyzed:

If Chart 1 only:

  • Executive Summary
  • Chart 1 full analysis sections
  • Summary and Conclusion
  • Omit Chart 2 and Combined Analysis sections

If Chart 2 only:

  • Executive Summary
  • Chart 2 full analysis sections
  • Summary and Conclusion
  • Omit Chart 1 and Combined Analysis sections

If Both Charts:

  • Executive Summary
  • Chart 1 full analysis sections
  • Chart 2 full analysis sections
  • Combined Analysis section (mandatory)
  • Summary and Conclusion

File Naming Convention: Save each analysis as:

  • Chart 1 only: breadth_200ma_analysis_[YYYY-MM-DD].md
  • Chart 2 only: uptrend_ratio_analysis_[YYYY-MM-DD].md
  • Both charts: breadth_combined_analysis_[YYYY-MM-DD].md

Step 8: Quality Assurance

Before finalizing the report, verify:

  1. ✓ Language: All content is in English (thinking and output)
  2. ✓ Latest Data Trend Analysis: Step 4.1.5 was thoroughly completed - the most recent 3-5 data points were analyzed to determine CURRENT trend direction
  3. ✓ Trend Direction Accuracy: The stated 8MA slope (Rising/Falling/Flat) accurately reflects the RIGHTMOST data points, not historical movement
  4. ✓ Failed Reversal Check: If a trough was identified, explicitly verified whether the reversal sustained or failed by analyzing latest trajectory
  5. ✓ Specific Values: All readings include specific percentages/levels, not vague descriptions
  6. ✓ Signal Status: Clear identification of active signals (CONFIRMED BUY / DEVELOPING / FAILED / SELL / WAIT)
  7. ✓ Strategy Alignment: Recommendations align with backtested strategies and confirmation requirements
  8. ✓ Probabilities: Scenario probabilities sum to 100%
  9. ✓ Actionable: Clear positioning recommendations for different trader types
  10. ✓ Context: Historical comparison and reference to similar past situations
  11. ✓ Risk Management: Invalidation levels and risk factors clearly stated

6. Resources

References:

  • skills/breadth-chart-analyst/references/breadth_chart_methodology.md