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

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of November 12, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 148.8k, down 82.7k. TLT (iShares 20+ year Treasury bond ETF) peaked at $148.90 on August 28, ending the week at $137.76.  Since that peak … Continued

Bulls, With Momentum, Need Several Non-Cooperating Metrics To Cooperate Better, Else…

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

With momentum on their side, equity bulls hope metrics such as money-market funds, margin debt and even foreign buying of US stocks begin to cooperate better.  In this scenario, volatility, already suppressed, is vulnerable to another leg lower.  Non-commercials are … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of November 5, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 231.5k, up 115.4k. The 10-year Treasury yield (1.93 percent) bottomed on September 3 at 1.43 percent.  Since then, rates have formed higher lows, followed … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of October 29, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 116.1k, up 31.7k. As expected, the FOMC delivered a 25-basis-point cut in the fed funds rate this week.  This was a third straight cut … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of October 22, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 84.4k, down 15.3k. Next week, the FOMC meets.  Wednesday, the Fed is expected to ease.  Futures traders are betting with a 93.5-percent probability that … Continued

Small-Caps Led Large-Caps Last Week, Bulls Hope This Continues In Risk-On Sign, Should Stocks Come Under Pressure Near Term

Amid continued signs of macro deceleration, next year’s estimates for small-caps continue higher.  The Russell 2000 index, however, is not quite buying this optimism.  Last week, it led its large-cap peers, but remains under crucial resistance.  Should small-caps come under … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of October 15, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 99.7k, down 22.9k. Most US economic data out this week continued to point to sluggish activity.  Retail sales in September fell 0.25 percent month-over-month … 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

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of October 8, 2019. 10-year note: Currently net short 122.6k, down 41.1k. The 10-year Treasury yield (1.75 percent) put in a higher low.  On September 3, rates fell to 1.43 percent, which was … Continued