A pause took hold Tuesday as markets gapped a bit lower at the open and then indecisive trading reigned the rest of the day.  At day end, the SPY was down 0.28%, DIA down 0.43%, and the QQQ was flat at -0.01%.  T2122 fell back into its mid-range at 58.16 and even the VXX fell slightly to 15.01.

However, more important than the Tuesday session was the overnight story of the Iranian response to the US assassination of Iran’s top General.  Iranian state television report that they had fired tens of rockets/missiles at least two US bases in Iraq.  This response came hours after the funeral for that Iranian General, where 50 people were killed by a stampede among the hundreds of thousands of mourners chanting for revenge. 

Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures immediately fell over 400 points (1.5%), Oil prices spiked 4%, and Gold rose 2.1% upon news of the Iranian attack.  However, this seems to have been a very measured Iranian response, intended to open the door to de-escalation.  The reason I say this is that these rockets were fired at very large, sprawling bases that had already been under local rocket attacks.  The attacks were also forewarned, allowing the US to prepare.  Therefore, US casualties were less likely…and that is what happened, no US casualties.

Taking that cue, so far President Trump has backed away from his threats, made no speech to the Nation and has not retaliated.  Perhaps as a result of this “de-escalation so far,” markets have fully recovered overnight. While this story will likely continue to drive news and keep unfolding, for now, US markets have stabilized.

Wednesday’s major economic news is limited to Dec. ADP Nonfarm Payroll (8:15 am) and Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 am).  However, earnings season is starting again with reports from STZ, LEN and WBA before the open.

Overnight, Asian markets were in the red on the aftermath of the Iranian strike.  In Europe, markets are mixed, but mostly green on the perceived limited response from Iran.   As of 8:00 am, U.S. futures are pointing to flat to slightly higher open.

With a path to de-escalation open, it’s hard to bet against the bulls again.  For months they have seen the good in every event and ignored the bad.  However, anything can happen short-term.  So, all we can do is be nimble and/or use hedges or reduce exposure.  As was pointed out in last night’s e-learning session, even stops can’t protect you from gaps.  However, when you do trade, keep planning your trades, and trading your plans.  As always, keep taking profits along the way, move your stops to protect yourself and wait for the trade to come to you. 

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: BYND, TWTR, FTCH, ETSY, ANET, BIDU, T, ACHC, GE. Trade smart, take profits along the way and trade your plan. Also, don’t forget to check for upcoming earnings. The stocks/etfs we mention and talk about are not recommendations to buy or sell.

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