Bulls Hiding In Large-Caps And In Just A Few Names Within Large-Caps – Conviction Lacking

Stocks have rallied massively since March lows, but bulls are essentially hiding in large-caps, and in just a few names within large-caps.  If past is prelude, such over-reliance is not lasting. With 47 companies reporting as of last Thursday, 1Q20 … Continued

As Companies Seek To Conserve Cash, Dividends And Buybacks Become Targets – Latter In Particular

posted in: Economy, Equities | 0

The sell-side is beginning to revise earnings estimates lower.  But looking at the disruptions caused by the coronavirus, more downward revisions probably lie ahead.  Company boards will be looking to conserve cash, with dividends and buybacks likely targets – the … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 24, 2019 (data was published Monday instead of last Friday due to Christmas holiday). 10-year note: Currently net short 268.7k, up 23.3k. Last Tuesday’s intraday high of 1.95 percent was yet … Continued

Amidst Mixed Macro Signals Plus Other Divergences, New Highs In Major US Equity Indices

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

Amidst mixed signals in the economy and divergences with the bond market and crucial metals, among others, US stocks continue to rally to new highs. US inventories are building – again. In October, manufacturing and trade inventories rose 0.2 percent … Continued

Frothy Can Get Frothier – Also Means Protection Is Cheap

Yet another week and yet another record in the S&P 500, although the Russell 2000 is not in confirmation.  Sentiment is complacent, some metrics frothy.  But it can get frothier.  This also means buying protection is cheap. The US economy … Continued

Nasdaq 100 Reaches New High Last Fri, S&P 500 Itching To Do So; Left Curveball Could Come From VIX Futures In Due Course

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

The S&P 500 is itching to make a new high.  The Nasdaq 100 achieved that feat last Friday.  Lowered earnings estimates for the third quarter went a long way, among others.  Bulls have momentum right now.  Medium- to long-term, massive … Continued

Bulls Have Momentum, Hope To Cash In On Lowered 3Q19 Earnings Estimates

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Major US equity indices are within striking distance of July highs.  Sentiment took a small hit in recent weeks and has room to rise.  How markets react to lowered 3Q19 earnings estimates will decide if bulls will be able to … Continued

For Several Weeks, Bulls Bought Support, Bears Sold Resistance – Latter Could Get Active N/T

August for the most part saw bulls buy support and bears sell resistance.  This worked out pretty well for both camps.  In essence, after a late-July/early-August brief selloff, both put their foot down.  Last week, major US equity indices rallied … Continued

With Fresh Highs, Indices Getting Extended, But Momentum With Bulls – Their Ball To Lose

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

The sell-side customarily has lowered estimates going into the 2Q earnings season.  Stocks have rallied since early June, thanks also to an impending rate cut by the Fed later this month and resumption of trade talks between the US and … Continued

Markets Not Ready If Fed Throws Curve Ball Wednesday

posted in: Credit, Economy, Equities | 0

The FOMC meets this week.  No change in expected.  But in the remaining four scheduled meetings, markets have priced in at least two cuts.  The Fed has a juggling act in hand.  The unemployment rate is near a six-decade low, … Continued