Margin Debt Diverges With Stocks, VIX Maintains At Higher Plateau

The S&P 500 is within striking distance of a new high, even as margin debt is substantially below last May’s record high.  Concurrently, unlike in the past, VIX refuses to sustainably drop to high single digits/low double digits. Margin debt … Continued

Having Rallied Huge For 3 Months, Stocks Likely To Get Reality Check Ahead

Stocks rallied for three months in defiance of deteriorating macro data.  By essentially putting an end to the tightening cycle, the Fed is acknowledging this.  Stocks could be the next. What just happened? Many are probably asking that question after … Continued

Fed Would Like Animal Spirits Unleashed – Would Investors/Businesses Oblige?

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

The sharp decline in US stocks last October-December forced the Fed to do a 360 as relates to its campaign to tighten monetary policy.  The dovish shift apparently wants to unleash animal spirits.  Investors have obliged – thus far.  Will … Continued

After 17-Session, 14% Jump, S&P 500 Frothy

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Bulls are snorting – again.  From the Boxing day bottom, the S&P 500 is up 14 percent.  Last week, it recaptured 2630 as well as the 50-day.  While healthy, the rally has come too far, too fast. Equity bulls deserve … Continued

Bulls, Bears Likely Lock Horns Around 2600 On S&P 500 Next

It is probably not coincidental that US stocks and Treasury yields peaked together early October.  The 10-year rate is right near support and has room to rally near term.  This should bode well for equity bulls who last week put … Continued

Small-Caps Last Week Continued To Bleed But Performed Relatively Better – Signal Or Noise?

US stocks continued to take it on the chin last week.  Amidst this rout that began early October, small-caps last week performed relatively better.  Bulls hope this is a signal, not a noise, at least near term. US M2 money … Continued

S&P 500 Continues To Try To Stabilize – Stocks Need Major Sources Of Funds To Cooperate

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

US stocks are trying to stabilize after a decent drawdown.  How things evolve will depend a lot on how margin debt, money-market fund assets and foreigners’ purchases evolve in the weeks/months to come. After a seven-session, 7.8-percent decline intraday between … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of September 18, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 684.7k, up 2k. The 10-year Treasury rate (3.07 percent) has once again reached a battle zone.  The last time these notes yielded just north … Continued