Recent equity advance probably squeezed shorts, who could get active again

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Shorts continued to raise bets, with short interest at multi-year highs October 15th reversal followed by sharp advance probably caused short-covering With QE gone and broken trendline resistance on S&P 500 intact, shorts could get active again Bulls probably took … Continued

Non commercials net long VIX futures first time in three years — what implications?

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Spot VIX has had topsy-turvy ride this month First time in three years, hedge funds went net long VIX futures last week On three other occasions past five years, this preceded lower VIX in outer weeks/months The VIX has done … Continued

Gold probably wants to go lower near-term

posted in: Currency, Derivatives, Technicals | 0

James Bullard’s recent dovish comments fail to ignite interest in gold Possibility of triple-bottom reversal, but needs confirmation With recent thrust waning, near-term bias is down Since its peak in September 2011 at $1,924/ounce, gold has been trapped in a … Continued

Looking for opportunities to short again

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Post-October 15th reversal, equities have come too far too soon Sentiment less frothy, but in worse-case scenario has room to go a lot lower Having expended lots of energy past several sessions, bulls lack buying prowess for now Phew!  Some … Continued

Healthy if greenback tests early-September breakout, probably will

posted in: Currency, Derivatives, Technicals | 0

In wake of early September breakout, U.S. dollar in limbo Too soon to say if breakout is reversal or continuation of prior downward trend Sentiment too bullish, reflected in large speculators’ futures position, raising odds of mean reversion The U.S. … Continued

Bulls have baton, bears hot on heels

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Bulls desperately need to retake 200-dma on S&P 500 Potential unwinding of oversold technical conditions can act as tailwind Failure to build on Wednesday’s hammer reversal pattern will mean rockier times down the line Last week, we discussed the significance … Continued

Options market waving green flag to stocks, for now

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Options market at levels consistent with bottom in stocks, at least near-term Signal in midst of several other grossly oversold technical indicators Tone of rally to decide if it is investable or tradable bottom Extreme readings in the options market … Continued

Bulls have opportunity to squeeze shorts near-term, can they deliver?

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Shorts added to already-elevated positions on time to take advantage of latest decline in equities Indices in gross oversold conditions, giving bulls opportunity to try to squeeze shorts If shorts resist these pressures well, that signals rockier time ahead for … Continued

Bulls on back foot, bears have spring in step

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

200-day moving average perceived by many as demarcation line between bull and bear market VIX surges past 17-18 and nears two-year-plus 21-22 resistance, but yet to retreat (Re) action at/near previous breakdown points to decide who wins out Defensive sectors … Continued