HCP - Traders Looking for a Bottom

Published on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 04:36 Written by Danny Miller

New York, January 10th (TradersHuddle.com) - Shares of HCP, Inc. (NYSE:HCP) ended the trading session higher by $0.06 or 0.15% from its previous close. HCP's price action in today's session formed what is considered to be a Hammer, where bears drove prices lower intraday. However, the strong finish indicates that bulls regained control forming a trend reversal.

HCP, Inc. (NYSE:HCP) is a real estate investment trust. The Trust invests in health care related real estate throughout the United States. HCP's properties include senior housing, life sciences, medical offices, hospitals, and skilled nursing homes.

HCP's stock has been trading in a well defined range with support at $40.18 and resistance at $42.42, this range is also being used by traders to plan their positions.

Traders wanting to establish a position in HCP or traders that are already holding the stock can use the hammer formation to their advantage, since the pattern signal a potential bullish trend reversal.

Hammers are important candlesticks as they mark bottoms and support levels. Further buying pressure, and preferably on expanding volume, is needed before acting, as heavy volume will serve to confirm the validity of the reversal.

In the case of HCP, traders who want to add to their positions or start a new position, need to watch for confirmation of the reversal. Below a Hammer illustration: