BLS’ January oil-and-gas-extraction data gives false sense of security Challenger survey shows 20k energy job-cuts in Jan, more than in all of 2014 Boom bust normal in U.S. oil patch, but shale boom of last five years like no other … Continued
Growth rate of U.S. exports decelerating since 2Q14 At north of 13 percent, exports’ share of GDP remains very high Surging $ no good news for exports; some signs of fatigue, but buck’s momentum intact The advance estimate of real … Continued
The following are futures positions of non-commercials as of February 3 (Tuesday). Change is week-over-week. 10-year note: The 10-year yield has risen from 1.65 to 1.94 in five sessions. But it also dropped 52 basis points in January, and that … Continued
U.S. consumer confidence has surged since July 2014 Decent inverse correlation between gas price and consumer sentiment No correlation between personal consumption expenditures and consumer sentiment Consumer confidence is soaring in the U.S. Since July 2014, the Thomson Reuters/University of … Continued
10-yr Treasury yield rises, diverging from loads of weaker-than-expected macro data recently There is no shortage of reason to argue for lower yield, even so sentiment can get extended Levels bond bulls will be drawn to if they believe rates … Continued
Signs late last week WTI itching to move higher play out perfectly Oil as much a physical commodity as it is for investment/speculative purposes After 20-plus-percent move in four sessions, healthy if it retreats and finds support at 47 Some … Continued
U.S. stocks shake off early weakness before carving out major reversal Bulls step up to plate, refuse to give away support zones on major indices VIX and ISEE index suggest stocks’ path of least resistance probably up N/T If you … Continued
Major U.S. indices approaching/sitting on/slightly under critical technical levels U.S. indices give back Eurozone QE gains; key would be if European bourses do so U.S. bulls probably swimming against tide for now, but technical damage not irreparable U.S. equity indices … Continued
The following are futures positions of non-commercials as of January 27 (Tuesday). Change is week-over-week. 10-year note: Can we say squeeze? Since the end of December, net shorts have dropped 59 percent, even as the 10-year yield has collapsed 50 … Continued
Disinflationary/deflationary pressures intensifying globally Fed favorite core PCE inflation persistently under two percent despite three QE’s Bonds do not see inflation as far as eye can see, signal slowdown in activity; stocks continue merry way Monday morning, investors will learn … Continued