As a background, I do this type of analysis daily to gauge sentiment in the market. The reason for this analysis is to be on the right side of the market whenever I put on new trades. Have you even tried to run with the wind behind your back? Going long a stock when the general market supports a bullish sentiment is what it means to trade with the wind behind your back. Generally, 80% of stocks follow the general market direction therefore, although that stock you've been watching has a beautiful breakout pattern, if the general market is breaking down, that breakout pattern will probably end up being a fake out.
The markets this week have been a complete roller coaster. If you went long one day, you probably got stopped out the next day and vise versa. This is precisely what happened to me today as markets gapped down 3% today but closed strong and this is what occurs in high volatility market conditions. This type of price action is a day traders dream but a nightmare for swing traders like me. The best thing to do right now, if you are a swing trader, is simply not participate.