OPEC/shale oil brinkmanship begins — who will blink first?

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

2014 on track for 3rd successive year of $300bn-plus high-yield issuance; energy 15% of junk market By not cutting 30mn bpd production target, OPEC ready to lock horns with shale oil As both sides play game of ‘who will blink … Continued

Small-caps continue to hang back, RUT at important level

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Small-caps continue to lag their larger brethren RUT sitting on three-month resistance, breakout could be crucial Breakout not probable as bulls have already used up plenty of energy past five weeks Enough ink has been spilled over the issue of … Continued

Fade or embrace gold rally? Metal action thus far favors latter

posted in: Currency, Derivatives, Technicals | 0

Gold continues to show improved price/volume action Not-so-good news on Swiss vote probably overcome by Dutch repatriation news Trend-following hedge funds added to net longs in gold futures, by both raising longs and cutting shorts As suggested a week ago … Continued

VIX says sky is clear, SKEW says institutions getting ready for clouds

posted in: Derivatives, Equities | 0

VIX:VXV itching to move higher, which could put stocks under pressure VIX suggests calm, but SKEW points to institutions buying tail-risk protection Put-to-call ratios have had extreme readings past several sessions on both CBOE, ISE The S&P 500 Large Cap … Continued