Non commercials net long VIX futures first time in three years — what implications?

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Spot VIX has had topsy-turvy ride this month First time in three years, hedge funds went net long VIX futures last week On three other occasions past five years, this preceded lower VIX in outer weeks/months The VIX has done … Continued

Looking for opportunities to short again

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Post-October 15th reversal, equities have come too far too soon Sentiment less frothy, but in worse-case scenario has room to go a lot lower Having expended lots of energy past several sessions, bulls lack buying prowess for now Phew!  Some … Continued

Bulls have baton, bears hot on heels

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Bulls desperately need to retake 200-dma on S&P 500 Potential unwinding of oversold technical conditions can act as tailwind Failure to build on Wednesday’s hammer reversal pattern will mean rockier times down the line Last week, we discussed the significance … Continued

Options market waving green flag to stocks, for now

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Options market at levels consistent with bottom in stocks, at least near-term Signal in midst of several other grossly oversold technical indicators Tone of rally to decide if it is investable or tradable bottom Extreme readings in the options market … Continued

Bulls on back foot, bears have spring in step

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

200-day moving average perceived by many as demarcation line between bull and bear market VIX surges past 17-18 and nears two-year-plus 21-22 resistance, but yet to retreat (Re) action at/near previous breakdown points to decide who wins out Defensive sectors … Continued

Bulls have one more opportunity to take crack at resistance

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Equity bulls and bears lock up horns in quest to dictate near-term direction Last week’s lows saved on major indices, amidst very bullish engulfing patterns VIX once again rejected at/near 17-18; one more opportunity for bulls to take out resistance … Continued

Equities hammering out near-term bottom

posted in: Equities, Technicals | 0

Encouraging signs of near-term bottom VIX unable to break past 17; several other indicators grossly oversold Medium-term risks remain; SPX, DOW, RUT, NYSE have broken late-2012 trendline The Dow Industrials and the Nasdaq Composite yesterday successfully tested trendline support going … Continued

Probable spike-peak buy signal from VIX near-term

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

VIX action yesterday constructive for equity bulls Medium- to long-term, equities have much more to go on the downside Near-term picture beginning to change, as beaten-down junk bonds and small-caps attract bids The morning gap-down in U.S. equities yesterday was … Continued

IWM seeks to stabilize around support; probably tradeable short-term

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Large speculators in Russell 2000 futures showing aggression, net shorts highest since June 2011 IWM short interest gradually on decline since end-July, stock seems to find support at 110 Too early to say support will hold medium-term, but a trade … Continued