Lululemon Athletica (LULU) rose 3.24% to close at $232.86 in the latest session, marking a recovery attempt after recent volatility. The analysis below applies technical methodologies to assess the stock's trajectory, with key observations grouped by indicator category.
Candlestick Theory
The June 24 bullish candle closed near its high ($233.49) after testing support around $227.55, suggesting potential buyer conviction. This follows a hammer pattern on June 23 (low: $219.97), signaling rejection of lower prices. Resistance is evident near $235–$240, where multiple recent rallies stalled, while support solidifies at $220–$225. The June 6 "plunge candle" ($275.60 to $265.27, –19.80%) established a major supply zone overhead. A confirmed close above $240 would invalidate this bearish structure.
Moving Average Theory
The 50-day MA (currently near $285) crossed below the 100-day ($305) and 200-day ($320) in late May, confirming a bearish trend. Prices remain 18% below the 50-day MA, indicating sustained downward momentum. However, the sharp deviation may foreshadow a mean-reversion bounce. The 200-day slope has turned negative for the first time in 12 months, reinforcing long-term bearish pressure. Sustained recovery would require reclaiming the 50-day MA.
MACD & KDJ Indicators
MACD (12,26,9) shows a bullish convergence: the histogram has ascended for five consecutive sessions despite lower prices, signaling waning bearish momentum. KDJ’s %K (69) crossed above %D (62) on June 24, exiting oversold territory (<30) for the first time since early June. While both oscillators suggest momentum recovery, MACD remains below its signal line – warranting caution until a crossover occurs. The KDJ/MACD alignment implies weakening selling pressure.
Bollinger Bands
Volatility expanded dramatically during the June 6 selloff (bandwidth spike >30%) but has contracted 40% since, indicating declining market panic. Price rebounded from the lower band on June 23–24 and now tests the 20-day middle band (~$235). A close above this level would signal short-term strength. The bands’ narrowing profile suggests a potential volatility breakout, with upside targets near $248 (upper band) if bullish momentum persists.
Volume-Price Relationship
June 6’s breakdown saw record volume (16.1M shares), validating bearish conviction. Recent recovery volume is unconvincing: the 3.24% gain on June 24 occurred on below-average volume (3.37M vs. 10-day avg: 4.2M), raising sustainability concerns. However, the June 23 hammer pattern saw elevated volume (4.67M), supporting the $220 support thesis. Bullish confirmation requires higher volume on upside breaks.
Relative Strength Index
The 14-day RSI (38) exited oversold territory (<30) this week but remains below neutral (50), reflecting residual weakness. It reached an extreme low of 18 on June 12, coinciding with the capitulation low. While the RSI climb suggests diminishing downside momentum, it lacks overbought (>70) warning signs. Historically, rallies have faltered near RSI 60 during this downtrend, making that level a key watchpoint.
Fibonacci Retracement
Using the April 9 peak ($287.21) and June 23 trough ($219.97), key retracement levels emerge: 23.6% ($235.50), 38.2% ($246.20), and 50% ($253.60). The June 24 close at $232.86 stalled just below the 23.6% resistance. This level aligns with the June 18 swing high ($235.69), creating a confluence zone at $235–$237. A decisive break above this barrier would expose the 38.2% retracement.
Confluence and Divergence
Confluence exists at $235–$237 (Fibonacci 23.6% + previous resistance + Bollinger midpoint), making it a critical inflection point. Bullish alignment is seen in MACD/KDJ momentum reversal signals and Bollinger contraction, though weak volume during recovery creates divergence with price action. A breach of $240 would align multiple indicators (RSI >50, MACD crossover) and target $248–$253 (Bollinger upper band + Fib 38.2–50%). Failure to hold $220 support risks retesting June lows.
Lululemon Athletica exhibits nascent recovery signals, but confirmation necessitates overcoming $235–$237 resistance with volume expansion. While oversold conditions suggest near-term upside potential, the dominant bearish trend – evidenced by moving average alignment and high-volume breakdowns – requires structural reversal confirmation before trend-change assumptions.
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