Morgan Stanley (MS) Shares Rise 6.45%, Setting Historic High

Morgan Stanley (MS) reported its third-quarter results:
→ Earnings per share: actual = $1.88, forecast = $1.59
→ Gross revenue: actual = $15.38 billion, forecast = $14.35 billion

According to Barron’s, Morgan Stanley’s profit increased by 32% compared to last year, driven by heightened activity in investment banking, which had previously been pressured by the Federal Reserve's high interest rates.

Market participants reacted positively to Morgan Stanley’s success, with MS shares rising 6.45% in a day, reaching an all-time high. Will the rally continue?

A technical analysis of the daily MS stock chart indicates:

→ The price action has formed a long-term channel (shown in blue), and in October, the price broke through its upper boundary. A strong price movement (indicated by an arrow) occurred at this resistance level around $110, influenced by strong reports from other banks. Bulls demonstrated dominance here, and this level may now serve as support.

→ In 2024, a steeper price growth trend is observed, providing anchor points for constructing an upward channel, shown in purple. Today, the MS stock price is positioned in the upper half of this channel, nearing its upper limit.

→ The RSI indicator is at its highest since January 2020.

→ Yesterday's candle closed well below the highs, with the price unable to hold above the psychological level of $120.

Given these factors, it is reasonable to suggest that the MS stock price is vulnerable to a correction as the initial reaction to the strong report may wane. If a correction occurs, it’s possible the price may retreat to the $110 level, where two channel lines converge, potentially providing support.

Analysts’ forecasts also indicate a likelihood of a pullback. According to TipRanks, the average price target for MS shares is $112 over the next 12 months, with 4 out of 12 analysts recommending buying Morgan Stanley (MS) shares.