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

Russell 2000 Breakout, Until Proven Otherwise, Deserves Benefit Of Doubt

The Russell 2000 has broken out.  There are many reasons to doubt the breakout – ranging from elevated valuations to falling profit estimates to several soft economic data points.  But as long as the breakout remains intact, bulls deserve the … Continued

Post-June Jobs, Powell Has Chance This Week To Show Markets Rate Expectations Are Aggressive

June’s stronger-than-expected payroll print has the potential to change the Fed’s interest-rate outlook for the remainder of the year.  Markets still expect at least two 25-basis-point cuts this year, including one later this month.  Should Chair Jay Powell wish to … Continued

Several Risk-On Metrics Diverging, But Momentum Ball With Bulls For Now

US stocks rallied strongly last week.  Bulls enjoy momentum right now.  That said, risk-on is not full-on.  What transpires at 2890s on the S&P 500 can be a tell near term. May’s employment report was mixed at best and disappointing … Continued

With Massive Gains Past 3 Months, Bulls Stay Put; Reversal Risks Rising Looking At VIX Futures

Kudos to equity bulls for pulling off an impressive reversal off of late-December lows.  Major indices have now rallied for over three months, pushing them into extended territory.  Looking at VIX futures, a lot of the good news is in … 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

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

Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of March 6, 2018. 10-year note: Currently net short 362.2k, up 19.3k. On February 2, January’s private-sector average hourly earnings were reported, and they rose 2.89 percent year-over-year, to $26.74.  This was the … Continued

Near-Term Fate Of US Dollar Index Likely Rests With Non-Commercials

The US dollar index, pretty much dancing to its own tune since peaking early this year, likely sits at a crucial level technically. The U.S. economy added stronger-than-expected 222,000 non-farm jobs in June.  Friday, the US dollar index pretty much … Continued