Amidst Signs Of Excesses, Momentum Intact – Watching Shorter-Term Averages For Clues N/T

A P/E of 17x on the S&P 500 large cap index cannot be called euphoric.  A little above average, sure, but not euphoric.  On forward operating earnings using next year’s estimates, that is what the index is currently trading at. … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of January 2, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 75.8k, down 7.8k. It is on.  Doves versus hawks.  At least for now. FOMC minutes for the December 12-13 meeting highlighted the growing tension … Continued

IWM Ratio Put Spread For Possible Slightly Down Move N/T

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Non-commercial futures traders tend to be trend followers, and do a pretty good job of it except at inflection points. Chart 1 plots these traders’ holdings in Russell 2000 mini-index futures (ICE and CME combined) with the cash.  The two … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 26, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net short 83.7k, up 39.4k. No one said a breakout of this significance would be easy. Last week, 10-year yields closed right underneath a three-decade-old descending … Continued

Sentiment Is Giddy, But Small-Caps Not Getting Fair Share

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Driven by tax-cut optimism and favorable seasonality, trader/investor sentiment is giddy, but small-caps are not getting their fair share. The latest Investors Intelligence numbers will be out later today, but as of last week, bulls have been 60 percent or … Continued

Proposed Tax Measures On Verge Of Becoming Law – ’18 Earnings Estimates For S&P 600 Companies Yet To Stabilize

posted in: Economy, Equities | 0

Even as passage of tax measures in Congress looks like a done deal, 2018 operating earnings estimates for S&P 600 small cap companies are yet to show signs of stability. Post-presidential election in November last year, U.S. small-caps outperformed – … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 12, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 44.7k, up 30.4k. The Fed and the Administration are not on the same page when it comes to expected growth in the U.S. economy.  … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of December 5, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 14.3k, down 109.6k. On Tuesday next week, a two-day FOMC meeting begins.  This is the eighth – and last – meeting this year.  A … Continued

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of Nov 28, 2017. 10-year note: Currently net long 123.9k, up 12.9k. The U.S. economy is in its ninth year of recovery. Post-Great Recession, real GDP has grown at an average 2.2 percent.  … Continued