Offensives’ performance last wk trend change or passing Dec phenomenon?

Inability of offensives to take the lead has been a thorn in the side of rally since Oct 15th low Outperformance last week of XLY vs. XLP and HYG vs. LQD sign of trend change? Duel on between seasonally favorable … Continued

2015 S&P 500 earnings estimates far from reflect oil reality

posted in: Economy, Equities | 0

Facing lower earnings, several oil companies already plan to cut 2015 capex U.S. energy sector accounts for whopping one-third of S&P 500 capex Given drop in oil price, ‘15 S&P 500 EPS estimates too optimistic Oil’s sharp drop can reverberate … Continued

Small-caps continue to hang back, RUT at important level

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Small-caps continue to lag their larger brethren RUT sitting on three-month resistance, breakout could be crucial Breakout not probable as bulls have already used up plenty of energy past five weeks Enough ink has been spilled over the issue of … Continued

VIX says sky is clear, SKEW says institutions getting ready for clouds

posted in: Derivatives, Equities | 0

VIX:VXV itching to move higher, which could put stocks under pressure VIX suggests calm, but SKEW points to institutions buying tail-risk protection Put-to-call ratios have had extreme readings past several sessions on both CBOE, ISE The S&P 500 Large Cap … Continued

Duel between year-end seasonality (+ve) and QE end (-ve)

posted in: Credit, Economy, Equities | 0

Economy was probably not reason why QE2/3 got launched, stock sell-off was One month after QE1/2 ended, stocks began to act sick, prompting Fed into action Year-end rally may or may not happen; impending sell-off to test Fed’s pain threshold … Continued