R2K Faces 161.8% Fib-Extension Resistance – Repercussions For Non-Commercials Plus IWM/IJR Longs

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Helped along by massive short squeeze and healthy flows into ETFs, small-caps have broken out to 161.8-percent Fibonacci-extension resistance. Most recently, the Russell 2000 small cap index bottomed on August 18, and has gone on to rally 12-plus-percent since.  In … Continued

CoT: Peek Into Future Through Futures – How Hedge Funds Are Positioned

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of Oct 3, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 232.2k, down 24.5k. December looks like a lock.  The odds in the futures market of a 25-basis-point hike in the 12-13th meeting that month … Continued

Spread Between S&P 500 Dividend Yield And 10-Year Yields Can Potentially Hurt Stocks If Rates Rise Under Proposed Tax Regime

posted in: Equities | 0

The spread between the dividend yield of S&P 500 companies and 10-year Treasury yields has gone negative the last four quarters, albeit not by much.  This could exacerbate if – big IF – the White House’s proposed tax cuts pass … Continued

Proposed Tax Cuts Passing Congress Hardly A Given

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

On September 27, the White House unveiled its proposal for changes to the tax code, which would drop the corporate rate from 35 percent to 20 percent.  For individuals, the top tax bracket drops from nearly 40 percent to 35 … Continued

R2K Breaks Out – Breakout Retest Matter Of Time, And Will Test Rally’s Sustainability

There is a new-found spring in U.S. small-caps’ step.  What changed all of a sudden?  More importantly, are there ingredients in place for the rally to sustain itself? The Russell 2000 small cap index just broke out.  It has been … Continued

CoT: Peek Into Future Through Futures – How Hedge Funds Are Positioned

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of Sep 26, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 256.6k, down 13.5k. The Treasury yield curve widened this week.  The spread between 10- and two-year notes went from 78 basis points on Monday … Continued

Z.1 — 2Q17 Household Assets At New High, Several Other Metrics At Nosebleed Territory

posted in: Credit, Economy, Equities | 0

The financial accounts of the U.S. for 2Q17 was published last Thursday.  Better known as the Z.1 report, the massive quarterly publication contains tons of useful data – thus highly recommended. The seven charts below try to highlight where things … Continued

Long And Short Of Short Interest

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Here is a brief review of period-over-period change in short interest in the September 1-15 period in the Nasdaq and NYSE Group as well as nine S&P 500 sectors. Nasdaq Since reaching an all-time high of 6477.77 in a spinning … Continued

Gold At Crucial Spot – Heavily Net Long Non-Commercials Better Not Cash In Gains

After rallying 13-plus percent in a couple of months, gold has come under pressure the past couple of weeks.  Non-commercials may end up deciding what happens next. Once again, the yellow metal sits at a crucial juncture. On July 10, … Continued

CoT: Peek Into Future Through Futures – How Hedge Funds Are Positioned

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of Sep 19, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 270.1k, up 18.4k. Americans’ love for leverage needs no elaboration.  The debt culture began in earnest in the early ’80s.  Leverage remains high – … Continued