Apathy Toward Small-Caps Will End At Some Point – Key Support Levels Can Provide Clues

Small-caps get no love, even as large-caps rally to new highs.  Non-commercials’ bearish position in Russell 2000 mini-index futures is near an 11-year high.  At some point in the future, these holdings can provide a tailwind to the cash, as … Continued

With Fresh Highs, Indices Getting Extended, But Momentum With Bulls – Their Ball To Lose

posted in: Credit, Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

The sell-side customarily has lowered estimates going into the 2Q earnings season.  Stocks have rallied since early June, thanks also to an impending rate cut by the Fed later this month and resumption of trade talks between the US and … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of July 9, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 288.8k, down 48. In the first stare down with markets since his appointment in February last year, Jerome Powell, Fed chair, blinked.  In this … Continued

Post-June Jobs, Powell Has Chance This Week To Show Markets Rate Expectations Are Aggressive

June’s stronger-than-expected payroll print has the potential to change the Fed’s interest-rate outlook for the remainder of the year.  Markets still expect at least two 25-basis-point cuts this year, including one later this month.  Should Chair Jay Powell wish to … Continued

Stocks Price In Much Easier Monetary Policy, Will More Accommodation Work This Time?

Stocks have rallied big on hopes of even easier monetary policy.  In the very near term, bulls carry the momentum ball.  Medium- to long-term, a daunting task likely awaits them.  The Fed’s toolkit is inadequate.  Plus, its stimulative measures may … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of June 25, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 281.1k, down 121.9k. Since peaking at 3.25 percent last October through the intraday low seven sessions ago of 1.98 percent, the 10-year Treasury yield … Continued

Gold Stages Major Breakout, Breakout Retest Likely N/T

Gold is regaining its lost luster.  Last week, it staged what could turn out to be a major breakout.  If genuine, the metal in due course could head toward retracing 61.8 percent of the September 2011-December 2015 decline. Gold ($1,400.10) … Continued