Draghi handout — or lack thereof — this AM to decide euro’s N/T fate

FXE breaks one more crucial technical support Large speculators’ euro net shorts at 26-mo high, but flattish in recent weeks Market reaction to Draghi’s asset-purchase plans will be a tell regarding euro’s near-term direction Still a wait-and-see on the euro … Continued

Probable spike-peak buy signal from VIX near-term

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

VIX action yesterday constructive for equity bulls Medium- to long-term, equities have much more to go on the downside Near-term picture beginning to change, as beaten-down junk bonds and small-caps attract bids The morning gap-down in U.S. equities yesterday was … Continued

IWM seeks to stabilize around support; probably tradeable short-term

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Large speculators in Russell 2000 futures showing aggression, net shorts highest since June 2011 IWM short interest gradually on decline since end-July, stock seems to find support at 110 Too early to say support will hold medium-term, but a trade … Continued

US $ technicals strong, but bullish sentiment looking too lopsided

Expectations of higher US interest rates and stronger economy acting as tailwind behind resurgent $ Sentiment too bullish, reflected in non-commercials’ near-record net longs in US $ futures Safe bet probably is to wait to take the other side of … Continued

Momo favorite until not too long ago, small-caps get no love

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Having lagged large-caps since March, small-caps have very weak technical underpinnings, and are getting close to a make-or-break level.  Non-commercial futures traders have astutely taken advantage of the decline.  Watch what they do. It has been a while this blog … Continued

FXI accelerates decline, breaks six-month trendline

FXI is caught between weak macro backdrop, the Chinese government’s unwillingness to open up stimulus wallet, and deteriorating technical conditions.  There is probably more to go on the downside. It has been a month and a half since we last … Continued

Draghi surprises; FXE downtrend accelerates, nears support

As discussed last week that non-commercial futures traders might just once again be ahead of the curve in anticipating market reaction to Thursday’s ECB decision, they indeed were.  By Tuesday (last week), they had raised net shorts in euro futures … Continued

Small-cap shorts getting squeezed?

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

The answer to the question above is a probable yes. Twice since early March this year, small-caps have come under decent amount of pressure.  The first was a nine-week, 11-percent decline that began early March, followed by a nine-percent drop beginning … Continued