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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of August 13, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 414.3k, up 23.5k. The 10-year Treasury yield (1.54 percent) shed 20 more basis points this week.  In fact, at the lows rates were down … Continued

Small-Business Optimism Near Record Highs, Several Sub-Indexes Diverge

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

Small-business optimism continues to remain near all-time highs, although several sub-indexes are diverging, including profit trend, which the Russell 2000 closely tracks. The NFIB optimism index rose 1.4 points month-over-month in July to 104.7.  This was the 32nd consecutive month … Continued

Both Bulls And Bears Put Foot Down Last Week, This Week Crucial

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

Arguably, both bulls and bears won last week.  Bears began the week with a big growl.  Monday, the S&P 500 large cap index dropped three percent and the Nasdaq 100 3.6 percent.  Intraday, in fact, there were respectively down 3.7 … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of August 6, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 390.9k, up 7k. The 10-year Treasury yield (1.73 percent) dropped to 1.6 percent intraday Wednesday – the lowest since September 2016.  July that year, … Continued

After Last Week’s Drop, Relief Possible, But Downside Risks Remain

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Stocks took it on the chin last week.  Friday, major US equity indices all tested major averages – successfully.  A relief is possible near term.  Medium term, though, more pain probably lies ahead. Last Wednesday, the day the Fed lowered … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of July 30, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 383.8k, up 3.7k. In the wake of Wednesday’s FOMC meeting in which the fed funds rate was lowered by 25 basis points but the … Continued

Small-Cap Bulls Again Denied 1600 Breakout, 2950s-60s On S&P 500 Next Crucial Level

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

The Fed eased.  This was expected.  Chair Powell suggested it is not going to be a long rate-cutting campaign.  This was unexpected.  US equities took it on the chin Wednesday, and look vulnerable, particularly if bulls are unable to defend … Continued

Breakout In Small-Caps Can Drive Several Metrics Into Dangerously Extended Territory

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

Large-caps keep making new highs.  Should small-caps, which currently sit at crucial juncture, manage to break out, risk-on sentiment can get a tailwind, driving several indicators – already extended – to dangerously extended territory. US equity indices keep making new … Continued