Charting an extended technical test, major U.S. benchmarks press first support

By Michael Ashbaugh, MarketWatch

U.S. stocks are mixed early Friday, treading water as the major benchmarks continue to digest a decisive November breakout.

Against this backdrop, the S&P 500 has thus far maintained first support — the 3,100 area — though an extended late-week retest remains underway. Friday’s early session low (3,099) has matched the inflection point.