Bulls continue to display inspiration.

The apparent progress from the beltway on Tax Reform has raised hopefulness of success.  As a result, the Bulls continue to display inspiration pushing the Dow Futures up more than 50 points.  Personally, I don’t like chasing a gap up to new market highs, but it is undebatable that the overall market is trending up.  Thus, I must continue to trade with the trend and look for new trades showing bullish trends for entries.  Because we have rallied very strongly, I will also be on the lookout of for clues to a pullback or consolidation.

As we trade this trend we have to keep our head on a swivel and expect quick volatility as the tensions with North Korea continue to grow.  Over the weekend the US practiced bombing drills over the Korean peninsula.  I suspect the patients of the White House is beginning to wear thin with the Korean leader continuing to display unstable defiance.  Trade with the trend but have a plan for the potential volatility.

On the Calendar

This week’s Economic Calendar is heavily laden with very important reports, but we began with a light day.  At 10:00 AM eastern is the Housing Market Index which is expected to fall at least 3 points to 65 due, to hurricane impacts.  However, the low estimate sees a very sharp decline all the way down to 53.   At 4:00 PM is the Treasury International Capital which would be very unlikely to move the market.  Other than that we have a couple of bond auctions and a single announcement to fill out the day.

On the Economic Calendar, there are less than 20 companies reporting earnings today, and I don’t expect any market-moving reports.  Keep in mind today is the QQQ Ex-dividend date.  If you are not yet into the habit of check earnings report on the positions that you hold or are thinking about buying now, is a good time to get started.  Before you know it, we begin fourth quarter reports and there will 100’s or reports daily.

Action Plan

We finished last week with all the major indexes showing strength and the DIA’s setting another new record.  Although the market continues to look over-stretched, the Dow Futures are pointing to yet another gap higher due to hopeful news out of Washington D.C.  All of a sudden there seems to be some progress on the beltway in regards to a highly desired tax reduction package.  The FOMC also meets this week, and forecasters see a 60% or better chance of another interest rate increase in December.  It is also expected they begin an unwinding their massive balance sheet in 10 billion dollar increments.  There will be a lot of eyes on this meeting.

The trend of the market is obviously up, and as a result, I will continue to trade long and look for new long trades.  However, I will be sensitive to the fact that market could soon require a little rest or pullback after moving up so strongly.  Of course news at of D.C. or the increasing tensions with North Korea and Iran could quickly change all expectations.

Trade Wisely,

Doug