7 Weeks After 1600-plus Breakout, Russell 2K Trying To Force Another Breakout

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

Once again, small-caps are at a crucial juncture.  The Russell 2000 slightly retreated three weeks ago after rallying hard post-1600+ breakout.  Wednesday, bulls rallied past that high, but barely.  A convincing takeout of this level brings the index one step … Continued

Investor Optimism Giddy Going Into 4Q19 Earnings Season

Elevated multiples have not bothered equity bulls.  In recent months, the Fed too has come to their aid.  Investor optimism is dangerously elevated going into the 4Q19 earnings season. The 4Q19 earnings season kicks off this week.  Banks and brokers … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of January 7, 2020. 10-year note: Currently net short 179.2k, down 55.5k. The 10-year Treasury yield (1.83 percent) was rejected at 1.95-1.97 percent in both November and December.  The drop since found support … Continued

2019 Corporate Bond Issuance Up 5.8%, Outstanding Corporate Debt Elevated

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

US corporations issued 5.8 percent more bond last year than they did in 2018.  The $1.41 trillion in issuance is still lower than the 2017 record high of $1.64 trillion.  It is possible corporations are pulling in horns because they … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 31, 2019 (data was published Monday instead of last Friday due to New Year’s holiday). 10-year note: Currently net short 234.8k, down 33.9k. Last week, the 10-year T-yield (1.81 percent) essentially … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 24, 2019 (data was published Monday instead of last Friday due to Christmas holiday). 10-year note: Currently net short 268.7k, up 23.3k. Last Tuesday’s intraday high of 1.95 percent was yet … Continued

Despite Record S&P 500 Dividends, Yield Stagnant But Better Than 10-Year T-Yield

posted in: Credit, Economy, Equities | 0

S&P 500 companies are doling out record dividends.  Because the index has rallied massively, the dividend yield continues to linger around two percent.  This is still better than what the long end of the sovereign bond market is yielding, helping … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 17, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 245.3k, up 66.4k. Bond bears (on price) keep hammering on a potentially crucial level.  The 10-year Treasury yield (1.92 percent) dropped to 1.43 percent … Continued

Amidst Mixed Macro Signals Plus Other Divergences, New Highs In Major US Equity Indices

posted in: Commodities, Credit, Economy, Equities | 0

Amidst mixed signals in the economy and divergences with the bond market and crucial metals, among others, US stocks continue to rally to new highs. US inventories are building – again. In October, manufacturing and trade inventories rose 0.2 percent … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 10, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 178.9k, down 43k. As expected, the Fed stood pat.  This week’s FOMC meeting – the year’s eighth and last – left the fed funds … Continued