Amidst Range-Bound WTI Crude, Lesson From Hypothetical XLE Trade

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda!  What could have been $9.93 in profit in a hypothetical XLE trade is now only worth $1.83.  Culprit?  Trying to play it too cute plus greed. Since peaking on January 25 at $66.66/barrel, spot West Texas Intermediate … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of February 27, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 342.9k, up 128.4k. On February 5 when Jerome Powell took over as Fed chair the S&P 500 large cap index dropped 4.1 percent, and … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of February 20, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 214.5k, down 82.5k. Three percent on the 10-year Treasury note is a closely watched level by many.  If it is surpassed, stops likely get … Continued

Ten-Year T-Yields Give Out Early Signs Of Fatigue – TLT Buy Write

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

After a big rally in recent months, 10-year Treasury yields are giving out signs of fatigue – at least near term. Interest rates have suddenly become the talk of the town. Ten-year yields rallied from 2.03 percent on September 7 … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of February 13, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 296.9k, down 30.6k. If 10-year Treasury yields (2.88 percent) reach three percent – or even where they are currently – would/could that be used … Continued

Amid Rout In Stocks And Some Signs Of Stability, SPY Short Put

It is a top.  But is this the top? All of a sudden, it is not a crazy question to ask.  The ferocity by which U.S. equities have dropped in recent sessions, one has to wonder if this marks a … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of February 6, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 327.5k, up 111.9k. The bond market is worried. Yes, beginning last October the Fed has been curtailing its bloated $4.5-trillion balance sheet.  Yes, foreigners’ … Continued

Equity Bulls Put Foot Down Near Feb ’16 Trend Line

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

U.S. equity bulls stepped up near important support Tuesday.  Those lows have now taken on significance.  Should there be no violation, the path of least resistance is up – duration and magnitude notwithstanding. In the early months of 2016, stocks … Continued

Amidst Rout In Stocks, Things/Levels To Watch For Signs Of Stability

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

Risk happens fast.  All of a sudden, no one is buying the dip.  Rather, the quest for protection has skyrocketed. In mere six sessions, VIX went from 11.08 to 38.80, closing Monday at 37.32.  This was the highest since August … Continued