Newsletter writers continue to defy gravity, yet have so far been on the right side of trade. The latest edition of the Investors Intelligence survey shows bulls at 56.5 percent, essentially unchanged week-over-week. Except for three weeks in February in … Continued
Depending on how mature an economic cycle is, different sectors, and industries within them, act differently. Some lead, some lag, yet others are coincident. Investors gravitate toward sectors such as technology and consumer discretionary when they are more optimistic and … Continued
Small-cap shares are lagging. This is no news. Small-caps have been a topic of discussion on this blog several times before. They have lagged their large-cap brethren, the S&P 500 Index, since early March. That was when money started to … Continued
Enough ink has been spilled on how in recent months major indices – and sectors/industries within them – have been diverging from each other. For two and a half months beginning late February/early March, previously risk-on favorites such as solar, … Continued
The Russell 2000 Small Cap Index fell four percent last week. In the futures market, large speculators could not have ridden it better. They have been net short since early April – by both cutting longs and raising shorts – … Continued
As suggested last week, the Russell 2000 Small Cap Index has met with resistance. The index seems to be putting in a top, at least in the near-term. To refresh, late-February/early March, previously hot, momentum-packed groups such as small-caps, biotechs, … Continued
In many ways, this cycle has been like none other. Equities continue to grind higher. Multiples (valuation) continue to expand. The Fed continues to provide support – both monetary and verbal. Equity bulls continue to throw the caution flag out … Continued
The relentless push higher by U.S. equities is baffling, but it is what it is. All along, there has been no shortage of doubters. As a matter of fact, their ranks have consistently grown particularly this year. At the end … Continued
One of the divergences we have witnessed in recent weeks/months is weak action in small-caps. The Russell 2000 Small Cap Index peaked early March, then suffered a nine-week, 11-percent decline, followed by a rally beginning mid-May. The index still trades … Continued
Crude oil is on the move. Since early April to last week’s high, the Brent has gone up by over 11 percent. The West Texas Intermediate found a trough much earlier – early this year – and until the high … Continued