After trading within a range of 150 or so points during 2015, the S&P 500 Index (IVV) fell off a cliff in late summer, decisively breaking the 50-week moving average but holding support at the 1870 level. Within the last month it has rebounded decisively though, back up to resistance at the breakdown point at the 2080 level. New highs are in the cards if we can get and stay above that level. The S&P 500 is now back in positive territory, up 2.49% year-to-date.

The EMU Index ((EZU)), or the European Economic and Monetary Union, fell more gradually over a longer period of time when compared with its US counterpart. It finds itself right at long-term support at the 37 level. The index is up 4.47% for all of 2015.

After a huge “irrationally exuberant” run into April, the Chinese markets ((FXI)) plunged over 35%, breaking both long-term MAs. The index formed a wedge technical pattern, meaning that another big move is in the cards: looks like the direction is up. The China Large Cap index is now down only 2.50% in 2015.

The Russian Index ((RSX)) has been hit pretty hard by the collapse in the price of crude oil and by the US-EU-imposed sanctions. It is mired in an ugly downtrend line and after once-again failing at resistance; this time at the 200-day MA. RSX is now up 18.32% in 2015 after a spectacular first half of the year.

A stronger US dollar, civil war affecting just about the whole region, and crashing crude oil prices are just a few of the things the Middle East Index ((GULF)) has to contend with. The index may be looking at new lows in the near future. The supply of crude oil is probably the biggest driving factor of this market, and that is still a net negative for the index, especially with Iran coming to the market soon. The index is down 7.31% since the beginning of the year.

Another region hit hard by the commodity bust. The Latin American market ((ILF)) broke down in May and again in August after an impressive recovery from its March lows. It now finds itself just above support at the 50-day MA. It has moved concurrently with the crashing commodities market and is still struggling to hold any support. The index has recorded a loss of 22.96% this year.

Africa’s market ((AFK)) has managed to grind higher for most of 2014. But continued upheaval in Northern Africa, coupled with a weak global economy, has finally dampened Africa’s run. It is down 18.89% for 2015 after a tough summer.

Japan ((EWJ)) is holding onto gains that were made after the BOJ unexpectedly eased monetary policy in the beginning of the year. Japan is up 11.86% YTD, the second best performing market.