Sentiment Is Giddy, But Small-Caps Not Getting Fair Share

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Driven by tax-cut optimism and favorable seasonality, trader/investor sentiment is giddy, but small-caps are not getting their fair share. The latest Investors Intelligence numbers will be out later today, but as of last week, bulls have been 60 percent or … Continued

Short Put For XLF Shorts To Repair Damage

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

XLF shorts who are slightly underwater can use options to repair the damage. Hypothetically last Thursday, XLF ($28.06) was shorted intraday at $27.96 ($27.84 adjusted for dividends). Here was the thought process. The ETF remains overbought on nearly all timeframe.  … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 12, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 44.7k, up 30.4k. The Fed and the Administration are not on the same page when it comes to expected growth in the U.S. economy.  … Continued

Traders Prepare For Santa Rally, But With Defensive Bias

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Traders are positioning for a Santa rally, but they are trying to play it safe. Intraday over the last six sessions, VIX (9.58) collapsed five points, in the process also losing shorter-term moving averages, as well as the 50- and … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 5, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 14.3k, down 109.6k. On Tuesday next week, a two-day FOMC meeting begins.  This is the eighth – and last – meeting this year.  A … Continued

Credit Call Spread To Take Advantage Of Potential Downward Pressure On QQQ N/T

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Unless momentum changes swiftly, the tech-dominated Nasdaq 100 index once again is beginning to lag, creating opportunities for nimble traders. The Nasdaq 100 has come a long way.  It is up nearly 29 percent this year – much more than … Continued