Major US equity indices declined for the second week in a row. The S&P 500 breached the 50-day last week, albeit slightly. Interestingly, both VIX and small-caps diverged. This is taking place at a time when the FOMC is meeting … Continued
As Jerome Powell indicated imminent tapering but not rate hikes, small-caps were bid up last Friday. The Russell 2000 is rangebound within a rectangle. A breakout can cause short squeeze. Should one occur, bulls need cooperation from the A-D line. … Continued
Ahead of a crucial week in which the FOMC meets and the top six US companies report, large-cap equity indices broke out to new highs last week. The knock on this is that rangebound small-caps are yet to achieve that … Continued
Last week, the FOMC slightly tilted hawkish. Repercussions were felt across assets. Then early this week, dovish members were out in full force, pacifying investors that monetary morphine is here to stay; major equity indices are back at/near their highs. … Continued
Job openings – both non-farm and NFIB – are at new highs. But this optimism is not getting translated into other aspects, such as capex plans. Last Friday’s jobs report was a huge letdown. Versus expectations of a million new … Continued
Equity bulls used the Yellen dip last Tuesday as an opportunity to add to risk, not reduce. The Fed is making sure liquidity remains plentiful, and the short end of the yield curve is cooperative. In this environment, VIX on … Continued
Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of May 4, 2021. 10-year note: Currently net short 7.2k, up 63k. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated on Tuesday that “it may be that interest rates will have to rise somewhat to make … Continued
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pretty much implied on Tuesday that the Fed is behind the curve, although she tried to walk back her comments later. The economy may be “overheating”, but the Fed is not ready to dial back its … Continued
Last week’s excellent earnings results from five of the top six US companies were unable to lift equities, which had rallied big into the reporting season. With major equity indices extended on several timeframes, weakness could be brewing. The Nasdaq … Continued
Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of April 27, 2021. 10-year note: Currently net long 55.8k, up 40.2k. As expected, nothing much of substance came out of the FOMC meeting this week. The fed funds rate was left untouched … Continued