Warsh Nomination Sends Rampaging Gold Bulls Into Two-Week Defensive Mode; Continued Fiscal Profligacy Next Possible Catalyst

Following a vertical two-year run, gold just had a very volatile couple of weeks. Bulls failed to hang on to a fresh high $5,608 posted on 29 January, even as bears pushed it all the way down to $4,405 on … Continued

With Bullish Investor Sentiment Elevated, FOMC Delivers Mixed Bag, Blockbuster Tech Earnings Fail To Enduringly Attract More Bids

Going into last week, investors were keenly focused on a couple of things: FOMC meeting and Big Tech earnings. Benchmark interest rates were lowered on Wednesday, but there was no commitment to do so again in December. And, with 5 … Continued

For Equities To Repeat Last Week’s Feat, They Will Need Help From Both FOMC And Tech Earnings This Week

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

In the latter part of last week, tech delivered, helping the major US equity indices rally big. Two issues could make or mar this week. The FOMC meets, and two more tech behemoths report earnings. The FOMC meets this week, … Continued

Hard To Come Up With Scenario In Which Russell 2000 Decisively Breaks Out Of Nearly 2-Year Range

The Russell 2000 had a phenomenal Friday as rate-cut expectations were brought forward to March. Futures traders now expect five cuts next year – unlikely unless the US economy craters, in which case small-caps will take the brunt of the … Continued

S&P 500, Russell 2000 Unable To Meaningfully Build On Recent Breakout, Retest Ahead

Both large- and small-caps have failed to meaningfully build on their recent breakout. They were stopped at important spot and now risk breakout retest. From last October’s low to the July 27th high of 4607, the S&P 500 shot up … Continued

FOMC Meets This Week, With Traders Betting Fed Funds Rate Will End 2023 At 3.63%, Vs Pre-SVB Expectations Of 5.38%

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

It is an FOMC week this week. Fed funds futures expect the one-year tightening cycle to terminate with a 25-basis-point hike this time; by June, the Fed is already expected to ease, with 2023 ending at 3.68 percent and 2024 … Continued

Equity Bulls Later Last Week Used Bad Data To Load Up On Stocks, More Gains Likely Ahead

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

Last Thursday, bulls used initial weakness in major equity indices owed to 4Q22 productivity report as an opportunity to buy. Friday, they bought more. More gains are likely ahead. Fed funds futures are very volatile. Traders are actively reacting real … Continued

Higher Rates Not Helpful In Levered Economy, Raising Hopes Of Easing Late Next Year, But Fed’s Hands Are Tied Given Elevated Inflation

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

The federal government is up to the gills in debt. Interest payments run up in the billions every year. This was not much of an issue in a low-interest-rate environment. But right now, the Federal Reserve is tightening. Higher rates … Continued

Russell 2000’s Mini-Breakout Needs Confirmation From S&P 500 And Nasdaq 100

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

At least a section of markets is behaving as if July’s job gains is sustainable, and the US economy is not on the verge of falling apart. The Russell 2000 has scored some technical wins, but the S&P 500 and … Continued