After Several Tries, Russell 2000 Breaks Out Of 1450s, But Bears Not Backing Down Just Yet

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

The Russell 2000 Wednesday broke out of 1450s, although bulls were forced to retest the breakout in the very next session.  Wednesday’s low-volume breakout comes against the background of a collapse in small-cap earnings this year and elevated optimism next … Continued

Both Bulls And Bears Not Ready To Give Up Ground Just Yet – Action Pretty Much Rangebound

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Bulls are not ready to give up just yet.  At the end of last week, bears had a decent opening, as subtle technical weakness developed on major US equity indices.  Before this could morph into something serious, bulls put their … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of February 18, 2020. 10-year note: Currently net short 306.3k, down 92.7k. Once again, bond bears (on price) were having to defend 1.51 percent on the 10-year Treasury yield (1.47 percent).  Most recently, … Continued

US Housing Data Improve; ITB Breaks Out, Possible Breakout Retest N/T Will Be Telling

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

Over the past year, housing data – both survey- and activity-based – have gotten better.  Housing starts and sales of new and existing homes have strengthened since the December 2018/January 2019 lows.  ITB just broke out of two-year resistance.  Possible … Continued

Investors Intelligence Bulls Hit 68-Week High, Even As R2K Clings On To Crucial Support

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Investors Intelligence bulls this week posted the highest since early October 2018 when US stocks were peaking.  This time around, stocks rallied big the last 15 weeks.  Bullish sentiment is way elevated.  The Russell 2000, which currently sits at crucial … Continued

Post-Russell 2000 Breakout, NFIB Survey Shows Big Improvement In Small-Business Profit Trend

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

Two weeks after the Russell 2000 breaks out, November’s data shows big improvement in small-business profit trend.  Job openings is another data point worth watching.  Small-business openings currently are diverging with the national trend. The recent breakout in small-caps is … Continued

Russell 2000 Breakout, Until Proven Otherwise, Deserves Benefit Of Doubt

The Russell 2000 has broken out.  There are many reasons to doubt the breakout – ranging from elevated valuations to falling profit estimates to several soft economic data points.  But as long as the breakout remains intact, bulls deserve the … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 3, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 221.9k, up 76.2k. Next week, the FOMC meets.  It is this year’s eighth and last meeting.  Markets do not expect the Fed to move.  … Continued