The S&P 500 just broke out of trend-line resistance from late January, and apparently spent tons of energy in doing so. Near-term, the options market is reflecting elevated optimism. Unwinding is likely. US stocks enjoyed a nice rally in the … Continued
There are some interesting dynamics in play in the small-cap sector – encompassing both fundamentals and technicals. Post-tax cuts of last December, earnings estimates were sharply revised higher. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law … Continued
Intraday over seven sessions, SPY rallied 5.4 percent. If not an outright reversal, at least a breather is the path of least resistance near term, creating opportunity to earn premium in options. The 1Q18 earnings season is nearly over. As … Continued
Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of May 8, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 408.6k, down 37k. The 10-year Treasury rate (2.97 percent) once again is hammering on three percent. On April 25, yields retreated after rising intraday … Continued
Here is a brief review of period-over-period change in short interest in the April 16-30 period in nine S&P 500 sectors. XLB (SPDR materials ETF) Since peaking at 64.17 on January 26, XLB (58.49) has persistently made lower highs. A … Continued
There are some signs US consumers are beginning to save up a little and cut down on credit card debt. If – big IF – sustained, this will have consequences for the economy, not to mention stocks. In general, a … Continued
First-quarter earnings are coming in strong, but stocks are stuck in a rut. There is room to rally near term, with tons of overhead resistance. One common complaint among the bulls is that US stocks of late have failed to … Continued
Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of May 1, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 445.7k, down 16.5k. US inflation of late has firmed up. Core PCE – the Fed’s favorite measure of consumer inflation – jumped 1.88 percent … Continued
Once again, spot gold ($1,305.60/ounce) is testing crucial support. The US dollar can help, at least near term. The yellow metal has pretty much been range-bound for two years now – between $1,300 and $1,360-70. Most recently, the upper bound … Continued
Recent inflation readings have firmed up, although remain subdued historically. As have inflation expectations. What happens with crude oil, which rallied big the past couple of years, is worth watching. Later today, the FOMC concludes its two-day meeting – the … Continued