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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of June 19, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 359.5k, up 23.5k. Volatility remains suppressed – pretty much across the investing landscape.  In US equities, both small-caps and tech – considered risk-on – … Continued

Trump’s China Tariffs Versus China’s Trump Card

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

China’s holdings of Treasury securities fell $5.8 billion month-over-month in April to $1.18 trillion.  It remains the largest holder of these securities.  In China versus the US, if the current trade spat turns into a trade war, these securities could … Continued

Fed Tilts Slightly Hawkish, 10-Year T-Yields/Yield Curve Yawn

posted in: Credit, Economy | 0

The long end of the Treasury yield curve is doing it again.  It refuses to go along with the Fed’s tightening campaign, particularly so Wednesday as policymakers were a slightly more hawkish than previously. Wednesday, the Fed raised the fed … Continued

Small-Cap Momentum Continues – Bulls Focused On Current Profit Trend, Not Revision

posted in: Economy, Equities, Technicals | 0

With bulls latching on to every positive fundamental data, small-caps continue to build on breakout from three weeks ago. From the perspective of how they are acting and how they have outperformed their large-cap peers, small-caps are winning big. After … Continued

Will Small-Caps Pull Large-Caps Higher Or Will High-Yield Drag Small-Caps Lower?

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

US small-caps are outperforming.  Price action is great.  But large-caps are not on the same page.  And high-yield corporate bonds have diverged with small-caps for a while now. In early 2016 when US stocks reached a major low, several other … Continued

SPY Stuck Within Box Last 2 Weeks – Double Calendar Spread For Theta Capture

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

SPY has broken out of late-January trend line, but acts lethargic, even as short-term technicals are in overbought territory.  Options can help. Since the bull market began in March 2009, time and again shorts have lent a helping hand to … Continued

Small-Caps Act Strong – On Verge of Major Breakout Or Triple Top?

There are some interesting dynamics in play in the small-cap sector – encompassing both fundamentals and technicals. Post-tax cuts of last December, earnings estimates were sharply revised higher.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law … Continued

SPY Puts Together 7-Session, 5.4% Rally – Breather/Reversal Path Of Least Resistance N/T

Intraday over seven sessions, SPY rallied 5.4 percent.  If not an outright reversal, at least a breather is the path of least resistance near term, creating opportunity to earn premium in options. The 1Q18 earnings season is nearly over.  As … Continued

Little Too Early To Conclude, But Watch Out If US Consumers Start Saving More

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

There are some signs US consumers are beginning to save up a little and cut down on credit card debt.  If – big IF – sustained, this will have consequences for the economy, not to mention stocks. In general, a … Continued

SPY Bulls Once Again Defend 200-DMA, Room To Rally N/T – Short Put For Premium

First-quarter earnings are coming in strong, but stocks are stuck in a rut.  There is room to rally near term, with tons of overhead resistance. One common complaint among the bulls is that US stocks of late have failed to … Continued