Gap Up Open With TWTR and Crypto Chaos

Markets gapped down Thursday as PPI came in as expected, +0.5%, which was way down from last month’s +1.6%.  The Core PPI (stripping out volatile food and energy) came in lower than expected (+0.4% vs +0.6% forecast).  After the gap down, stocks rallied to the highs of the day at 11am when a reversal and strong, sustained selloff took markets to the lows at 3pm.  However, the day ended on strong rally off the lows to end the day basically flat.  This left us with indecisive, long-legged Spinning Top candles in all 3 major indices.  On the Day, SPY lost 0.09%, DIA lost 0.25%, and QQQ lost 0.21%.  The VXX fell to 26.93 and T2122 climbed a bit, but stayed deeply in the oversold territory to 1.60.  10-year bond yields fell to 2.873% and Oil (WTI) rose 1.13% to $106.90/barrel.  Consumer Cyclicals (+1.63%) and Healthcare (+1.50%) led on the day with Utilities (-0.79%) and Basic Materials (-0.60%) pacing the losses.

During the day Fed Chair Powell was reconfirmed for a second term.  In other market-related news, the cryptocurrency story refused to go away today with the supposedly-stablecoin LUNA losing 97.48% of its value (dropping to $0.03 in value). Ethereum also lost 8.7% and Bitcoin remained relatively stable, down 2%, but hitting $26,000 before closing at $29,400 (down from $41,500 less than a month ago).  Treasury Sec. Yellen told reporters the recent volatility and decoupling of so-called pegged stablecoins is a clear example of why the government should be regulating that market.

Meme stock mania made a comeback Thursday with AMC trading in a 29% range to close up 8% on the day.  In addition, GME traded in a 30% range, was halted multiple times for excess volatility, and closed up 10.13%.  TLRY also 9.36% on a relatively stable 14% range while BBBY traded in a 17% range to close up only 1.95%.  HOOD also spiked 5% on the day, but this might also have been on leaks related to the after-hours story that a cryptocurrency exchange CEO is buying a 7.6% stake in HOOD.  This caused the stock to spike +41% in after-hours trading.

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After the close, MSI, EDR, and PAM all reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, HLI missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, TOST, COMP, and VZIO beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  US Senator Paul has killed the effort to fast-track the aid package to Ukraine.  He is demanding a special Inspector General to oversea all spending from the package.  He refused to allow it to be voted on as an amendment, instead insisting it must be part of the main bill.  This will delay passage by several days despite strong bipartisan support.

This morning, Elon Musk says his purchase of TWTR is “temporarily on hold.”   The reason for this pause is an audit to verify that less than 5% of TWTR accounts are not real people but actually fake/bot users.  TWTR has also frozen hiring and has rescinded job offers previously made until the deal closes.  TWTR stock is plummeting in premarket trading, down 14% at time of this writing.  Elsewhere, Bloomberg reports that Fed Chair Powell reiterated that the FOMC will hike rates by half a percent at each of its next two meetings.  He also said that whether or not the economy goes into recession is outside of the Fed’s control.  Finally, the Terra project has stopped processing block chain transaction for the second time in less than a day.  This came as the company scrambled to find a way to reconstitute their network in the face of Luna having dropped to practically zero.  Binance has already suspended trading of that crypto.

Overnight, Asian markets leaned heavily to the green side.  Japan (+2.64%), Hong Kong (+2.68%), and South Korea (+2.12%) led the gainers with only 3 exchanges just barely in the red.  In Europe, stocks are following Asia with all but 2 exchanges well into the green at mid-day.  The FTSE (+1.56%), DAX (+1.35%), and CAC (+1.53%) lead the way with only Belgium and Denmark slightly in the red in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a strong gap higher to start the day.  The DIA implies a +0.75% open, he SPY implies a +1.09% open, and the QQQ implies a +1.66% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are back up to 2.904% and Oil (WTI) is up 1.7% to $107.96/barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for release on Friday is limited to Apr. Imports/Exports (8:30 am), Michigan Consumer Sentiment (10 am), and a couple of Fed speakers (Kashkari at 11 am an Mester at noon).  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day are limited to HMC before the open.  There are no major earnings reports after the close.

So far this morning HMC reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, DWAHY, ISUZY, and TRYIY missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, KDDIY, GASNY, OJIPY, BPIRY, and AACAY have reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, SMFG, MARUY, RKUNY, ATASY, PBSFY, and AHKSY have reported misses on both lines.

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Premarkets seem to be gapping strongly in favor of the bulls this morning as markets try to prevent the SPY from slipping into a bear market (down 20% from its recent high). However, remember that the last two gaps higher were “bull traps” that were met with strong selloffs. So, don’t go chasing gaps, especially gaps against the trend. Regardless of the action today, it seems very unlikely that any of the major indices can avoid yet another down week. Inflation, geopolitical risk, and cryptocurrency meltdowns are also on Mr. Market’s mind. So, caution remains the smart play. Remain nimble, hedged, and small (if not flat) as we head into the weekend. There is certainly no need to panic or experience FOMO. If you want to trade this market, unless you are a daytrader, the smart move is to stick with the downtrend. The bears still have all the momentum.

Stick with your trading rules and manage the things that you can control while trying not to worry about the things you have no control over at all. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. Remember that the first rule of making big money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. You also don’t need to be in the market all the time. If this isn’t a market condition you thrive in, then get out of the way. It will settle out at some point and it’s far better to wait and have money for the right market condition than to force trades now and be busted when things do turn. Keep in mind that nobody is right all the time. If you’re wrong, just admit it and take your loss. Focus on your process and enjoy yourself.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: No Trade Ideas Today. You can find Rick’s review of tickers on his YouTube Channel here. Trade your plan, take profits along the way, and smart. Also, remember to check for impending earnings reports. Finally, remember that any tickers we mention and talk about in the trading room are not recommendations to buy or sell.

TC2000 Discount

🎯 Mike Probst: Rick, Got CTL off the scanner today. Already up 30%. Love it.

🎯 Dick Carp: the scanner paid for the year with HES-thank you

🎯 Arnoldo Bolanos: LTA scanner really works $$, thanks Ed.

🎯 Bob S: LTA is incredible…. I use it … would not trade without it

🎯 Malcolm .: Posted in room 2, @Rick… I used the LTA Scanner to go through hundreds of stocks this weekend and picked out three to trade:  PYPL, TGT, and ZS.   Quality patterns and with my trading, up 24%, 7% and 12%…. this program is gold.

🎯 Friday 6/21/19  (10:09 am) Aaron B: Today, my account is at +190% since January. Thanks, RWO HRC Flash Malcolm Thomas Steve Ed Bob S Bob C Mike P and everyone that contributes every day. I love our job.

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Disclosure: We do not act on all trades we mention, and not all mentions acted on the day of the mention. All trades we mention are for your consideration only.

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DISCLAIMER: Investing / Trading involves significant financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. No communication from Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates or representatives is not financial or trading advice. All information provided by Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates and representatives are intended for educational purposes only. You are advised to test any new trading approach before implementing it.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Terms of Service

Inflation Keeps Chugging Along

Inflation Keeps Chugging Along

Despite the analyst’s prognostication that the CPI had peeked, we learned yesterday that inflation keeps chugging along at 40-year highs bringing out the bear to set new 2022 lows by the close.  Today we get another look at the impact of inflation on producers with the PPI report.  We will also see if jobless claims declined as analysts expect before the bell.  Though bond yields are declining this morning, the national average gas price ticked higher to $4.42, increasing the consumer’s pressure which does not bode well for the consumer sentiment report expected Friday morning.

Asian markets saw red across the board, with Hong Kong leading the selloff down another 2.24%.  European markets also see nothing but red this morning, with the DAX, FTSE & CAC down more than 2%.  With another busy day of earnings and critical economic data pending, U.S. futures point to a bearish open but have recovered substantially from overnight lows.  Get ready for another day of wild price swings.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have a busy day on the Thursday earnings calendar, though the number of notable’s continues to decline.  Notable reports include AFRM, ACB, TAST, COMP, CEG, CYBR, DUOL, AG, HGBL, HIMX, LSF, LZ, PDFS, PHUN, POSH, RYAN, SIEGY, SIX, DTC, SQSP, TPR, TTM, TOST, UTZ & VZIO.

News & Technicals’

Tether sank to as low as 98 cents Thursday morning, according to data from CoinGecko.  It’s meant to be pegged one-to-one to the U.S. dollar.  Tether’s decline came after terraUSD, a different stablecoin, plummeted below 30 cents Wednesday.  Bitcoin continued to decline losing 2021 gains, falling as low as $26,595.52 Thursday morning, hitting its lowest level in over 16 months.  Ether’s second-biggest digital currency tanked as low as $1,789 per coin.  A growth slowdown is underway in the U.K. after the economy shrank by 0.1% in March, with economists expecting further contractions this year.  The surprise monthly contraction presents a worry for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government as the country’s cost-of-living crisis is yet to reach its peak.  Sterling hit a two-year low versus the U.S. dollar following the GDP data as traders digested growing uncertainty about the U.K.’s economic outlook.  NATO membership would be a historic decision for Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia.  Atlantic Council’s Northern Europe director Anna Weislander says both Finland and Sweden are well prepared to meet the oft-repeated political and military threats against the move by Russian President Vladimir Putin.  The armed forces of both countries enjoy high compatibility with NATO member states, she said.  A growth slowdown is underway in the U.K. after the economy shrank by 0.1% in March, with economists expecting further contractions this year.  The surprise monthly contraction presents a worry for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government as the country’s cost-of-living crisis is yet to reach its peak.  Sterling hit a two-year low versus the U.S. dollar following the GDP data as traders digested growing uncertainty about the U.K.’s economic outlook.  Treasury yields fell in early Thursday trading, with the 10-year dipping to 2.84% and the 30-year declining to 2.99%.

After learning that inflation keeps chugging along at 40-year highs, we experienced another hectic day of whipsaws on Wednesday that set new 2022 lows at the close.  Though indicators suggest a substantial short-term oversold condition, the market faces another reading on inflation before today’s open to determine the level of pressure in producer prices.  We will also get a reading on the Jobless Claims that analysts project declined last week, and they are also expecting a decline in PPI.  However, futures markets don’t seem to share that confidence this morning after yesterday’s disappointment.  So, will the data continue to pile on the gloom inspiring the bears, or will it give confidence in the bulls to begin a relief rally?  We will soon find out.  The news that Findland and Sweden may apply to join NATO is another thing to keep an eye on as Russia warns of a Catastrophic conflict that could be the result.  Traders should expect the wild price action to continue with so much uncertainty.

Trade Wisley,

Doug

Jobless and PPI Numbers Before Open

On Wednesday CPI came in hotter than expected (but still better than last month) and as a result premarkets pulled back, giving us a small gap down at the open.  From there, the QQQ led the other indices into an all-day selloff that closed near the lows in all 3 major indices.  This gave us big, ugly black candles and new 52-week lows in all three.  On the day, SPY lost 1.61%, DIA lost 1.02%, and QQQ lost 2.99%.  The VXX diverged from expectations by only rising a fraction to 27.28 and T2122 fell even more deeply into the oversold territory at 0.81.  10-year bond yields fell to 2.93% and Oil (WTI) spiked 5.4% to $105.18/barrel after having lost 10% in the prior couple of sessions.

As mentioned, the April Consumer Price Index showed an 8.3% increase (year on year), which was higher than the 8.1% expected, but still less than March’s 8.5%.  Analysts say this indicates we are at peak inflation and could see it slacking off later this year.  However, the Core CPI number (which strips out volatile food and energy impacts) was up 0.6% in April which was much higher than the 0.4% expected. While markets are still pricing in “just” a half-percent hike in June, the potential for a three-quarter percent hike seems back in the cards as the Fed’s favorite inflation measure (Core CPI) came in well above expectations.

After the close, FUJIY, STE, and DOX reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, CPNG missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  Finally, DIS, VIV, and OPHLY reported misses on both lines.  With that said, DIS did beat significantly on Disney+ subscription estimates.

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Cryptocurrency volatility is off the charts again, even by crypto standards.  Bitcoin was down almost 11% this morning before recovering some 8% of that loss.  This comes as COIN had to explain the risk of bankruptcy to their users after $200 billion of wealth has been wiped out by selloffs over just the last 24 hours.  At the same time Project Terra (Luna and UST stablecoins) continue to decouple from their supposed peg to the US Dollar.  At one point Wednesday, UST was trading at less than 30 cents while Luna has lost 97% of its value in the last day.

On the Russian invasion story, the Russian Foreign Ministry told the US Ambassador in Moscow that Russian-controlled portions of Ukraine will be requesting annexation by Russia.  Meanwhile, Italian PM Draghi said that Italy European companies can pay for their gas in Rubles without breaching sanctions, in direct conflict with EU guidance on the matter.  The other developments were diplomatic, with Russia warning of nuclear war if the West continues to send arms to Ukraine and train their military, Finland moving very close to requesting NATO membership, and the UK signing a security guarantee with/for Sweden.

Overnight, Asian markets were red across the board.  Taiwan (-2.43%), Hong Kong (-2.24%), and India (-2.22%) led the way lower.  However, the only exchanges to avoid a 1% loss were Shanghai (-0.12%) and Shenzhen (-0.13%).  In Europe we see the same picture taking shape at mid-day.  The FTSE (-2.04%), DAX (-1.97%), and CAC (-2.13%) are leading the way lower as disruption to natural gas supplies, disagreement over caving to Russian demands for Rubles, and inflation are the main fears of the day.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a down start to the day ahead of the morning data.  The DIA implies a -0.36% open, the SPY implies a -0.50% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.95% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are down again to 2.841% and Oil (WTI) is off 1.3% to $104.35/barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for release on Thursday include Apr. PPI and Weekly Initial Jobless Claims (both at 8:30 am), the WASDE Report (noon), and a Fed speaker (Daly at 3 pm).  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include BAM, DDS, KELYA, NICE, PRMW, TPR, USFD, and WE before the open.  Then after the close, AQN, COMP, EDR, MSI, TOST, and VZIO report.

So far this morning BAM, TOELY, SFTBF, SOMLY, UTZ, TPR, WE, and CIXX have reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, SFTBY, NSANY, CSIOY, YPF, and HIMX all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, NTTYY, SSMXY, and ALIZY have reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, SIEGY, TEF, KUBTY, SSDOY, KNBWY, BOUYY, FUJHY, STBFY, TAST, TINLY, and GHG have reported misses on both lines.

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Premarkets continue to be red this morning with PPI and Jobless Claims coming before the bell. Geopolitical and cryptocurrency risks are also on Mr. Market’s mind. However, we have another few weeks before the next Fed hike and the betting has not changed in the last week. Most futures traders expect a half-point hike. So, we have time to adjust and no major changes are expected. Again, no need to panic or experience FOMO. If you want to trade this market, unless you are a daytrader, the smart move is to stick with the downtrend. The bears still have all the momentum.

Stick with your trading rules and manage the things that you can control while trying not to worry about the things you have no control over at all. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. Remember that the first rule of making big money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. You also don’t need to be in the market all the time. If this isn’t a market condition you thrive in, then get out of the way. It will settle out at some point and it’s far better to wait and have money the market condition you prefer than to force trades now and be busted when things do turn. Keep in mind that nobody is right all the time. If you’re wrong, just admit it and take your loss. Focus on your process and enjoy yourself.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: BTU, VET, SWN, TECK, TCOM, MOS, ABC, HAL, APA, SLB, KWEB, AIZ, L, ANTM, KR. You can find Rick’s review of tickers on his YouTube Channel here. Trade your plan, take profits along the way, and smart. Also, remember to check for impending earnings reports. Finally, remember that any tickers we mention and talk about in the trading room are not recommendations to buy or sell.

TC2000 Discount

🎯 Mike Probst: Rick, Got CTL off the scanner today. Already up 30%. Love it.

🎯 Dick Carp: the scanner paid for the year with HES-thank you

🎯 Arnoldo Bolanos: LTA scanner really works $$, thanks Ed.

🎯 Bob S: LTA is incredible…. I use it … would not trade without it

🎯 Malcolm .: Posted in room 2, @Rick… I used the LTA Scanner to go through hundreds of stocks this weekend and picked out three to trade:  PYPL, TGT, and ZS.   Quality patterns and with my trading, up 24%, 7% and 12%…. this program is gold.

🎯 Friday 6/21/19  (10:09 am) Aaron B: Today, my account is at +190% since January. Thanks, RWO HRC Flash Malcolm Thomas Steve Ed Bob S Bob C Mike P and everyone that contributes every day. I love our job.

Hit and Run Candlesticks / Road To Wealth Youtube videos

Disclosure: We do not act on all trades we mention, and not all mentions acted on the day of the mention. All trades we mention are for your consideration only.

Free YouTube Education  •  Subscription PlansPrivate 2-Hour Coaching

DISCLAIMER: Investing / Trading involves significant financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. No communication from Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates or representatives is not financial or trading advice. All information provided by Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates and representatives are intended for educational purposes only. You are advised to test any new trading approach before implementing it.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Terms of Service

Rollercoaster Ride of Uncertainty

Rollercoaster Ride of Uncertainty

As we waited for the CPI number, Tuesday proved to be a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, starting with a nasty pop and drop that made new 2022 lows while chopping all afternoon wildly.  We will soon know the result, and the question is, will it inspire the bulls or the bears?  Get past that, and we still have to deal with a PPI number on Thursday as prices at the pump hit new record highs.  So, prepare for just about anything as the drama unfolds amidst another big day of uncertain earnings results.

While we slept, Asian markets caught a modest rally with data showing their inflation heated up in April.  Likewise, European markets are in rally mode despite a substantial jump in natural gas prices as the ECB confirms rate hikes ahead.  With hopefulness, the CPI will show that inflation has peaked, U.S. futures suggest a gap up open similar to yesterday.  Will this one hold, or will we see another disappointing pop and drop?

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have a little lighter day on the earnings calendar with under 175 companies listed.  Notable reports include DIS, AWH, BYND, BMBL, CNFR, CPNG, WATT, GPRK, DNUT, NGMS, PAAS, PAYS, PAAS, PRGO, RIVN, SONO, TAK, TM, COOK, WEN, WWW & YETI.

News & Technicals’

Investors are eyeing what could be a pivotal consumer price index report for April, anticipating that the data shows inflation has already reached its height.  Economists warn that prices could remain elevated.  The issue is how fast inflation could decline when determining how the Federal Reserve will respond with interest rate hikes.  CPI is expected to rise 0.2% in April or 8.1% on an annualized basis.  That’s compared with a 1.2% monthly increase or 8.5% gain year-over-year in March.  UST, a so-called stablcoin meant to maintain a $1 peg, was trading at less than 50 cents Wednesday.  Sister token luna dived more than 80%, as the creator said he is close to announcing a recovery plan.  According to a J.D. Power survey published Wednesday, packed planes and more expensive tickets drove down customer satisfaction with airlines over the past year for the first time in a decade.  Customer satisfaction dropped among travelers across all the ticket classes.  According to Adobe data, in March, domestic U.S. airfares were 20% higher than in 2019.  ON TUESDAY, Gas TSO of Ukraine (GTSOU) announced force majeure – unforeseeable circumstances that prevent the fulfillment of a contract – the first declaration of its kind since the Russian invasion.  From Wednesday, it will not accept through its Sokhranivka entry point, which delivers Russian gas to Europe.  TTF European natural gas prices were up more than 6.4% by around 9:15 a.m.  London time on Wednesday, according to Refinitiv data.  Lagarde was cementing market expectations that the ECB will raise its policy rate for the first time in over a decade in July to tame record-high eurozone inflation — the result of surging energy prices spilling over to other goods.  Most other central banks have already raised borrowing costs, but the ECB, which had fought too low inflation for a decade, is still pumping cash into the financial system via bond purchases.  Treasury yields pulled back again in early Wednesday trading, with the 10-year declining to 2.94% and the 30-year dipping to 3.08%.

Tuesday trading was a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty as analysts worked to convince investors that inflation peaked last month even as food and energy prices surged to new records.  National average gas prices jumped to $4.40 a gallon, and diesel increased to $5.55, punishing Americans on everything they buy, sell or do.  As a result, all eyes will be on the CPI number coming out before the bell, so although the futures indicate a hopeful outcome, expect considerable price volatility as the market reacts.  The T2122 indicator suggests that we are overdue for a relief rally; however, the bears are likely to attack if the CPI comes in hotter than expected.  On the other hand, should the CPI come in better than expected, the bulls could trigger a short squeeze rally.  There is a lot at stake with the SP-500 clinging to 4000 and the QQQ trying to hold 3000 price levels.  We also get the Petroleum Statis number and have a 10-year bond auction to keep an eye on today.  As you plan forward into Thursday, remember the PPI number will also be critical to investor sentiment.  Ready or not, here it comes!

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Analysts Expect Smaller Increase on CPI

Stocks gapped up 1.5% Tuesday in what appeared to be a relief rally in the making.  However, it was a Bull Trap that the Bears sprung immediately leading to a steady selloff that lasted all morning, more than filling the gap before flattening out near the lows by lunchtime. Still, the whipsaw was not done. So, stocks reversed and a strong rally kicked in about 12:30 pm, followed by another selloff, and then another rally, etc.  This action gave us indecisive, big wick, black candles that both printed new 52-week lows and look to be ending in the green in the QQQ and SPY.  The technology and healthcare sectors led on the day with Utilities lagging. On the day, SPY was up 0.23%, DIA closed down 0.26%, and QQQ rose 1.21%.  The VXX fell 3.4% to 27.05 and T2122 remained deeply oversold at 1.33.  10-year bond yields fell but then rebounded to close just below 3% at 2.993% and Oil (WTI) fell 3.45% to $99.56/barrel. 

After the close, OXY, GFS, FNF, HRB, RXT, GO, ALC, SCSC, DAR, and ADV all reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, ELY missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, WELL reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, EA, COIN, RBLX, WYNN, YELL, RKT, OSCR, GSM and DBD reported misses on both lines.

Cryptocurrency markets are in turmoil as twice in the last 2 days a major “stablecoin” has decoupled from its supposed dollar pegging.  The idea behind a stablecoin is that a computer algorithm maintains a 1:1 peg to the dollar by buying/destroying digital assets.  (This would be like the dollar under the gold standard, but with a computer printing/burning dollars in an attempt to maintain the dollar-gold exchange rate.)  The first to decouple was Luna, which dove more than 80% in value.  Then UST dropped as far as to 31 cents and is now trading at 50 cents on the dollar.  Both stablecoin are part of the same project Terra.  Terra creator Do Kwon (who has also amassed billions of dollars’ worth of bitcoin) said Tuesday he is close to announcing a plan to recover and return to a 1:1 dollar peg. The moral of the story is that stablecoins aren’t.

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On the Russian invasion story, Finland’s Foreign Minister Haavisto said his country is now just days away from applying for NATO membership.  Meanwhile, the war may be expanding as Belarus moved their special forces to the border of Ukraine claiming that the US and its allies are increasing their presence on that country’s border.  Ukraine said that it will turn off natural gap pipelines from Russia to Europe as Russia’s forces have disrupted operations at several facilities.  This pipeline accounts for a third of Russian gas exports to Europe and this may well reduce supplies for EU countries.

The economic news coming later this week includes Apr. PPI, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the WASDE Report, and a Fed speaker on Thursday.  Then on Friday, we see Apr. Imports/Exports, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, and a couple more Fed speakers.

The talk in financial markets seems to be all expecting a Fed “overshoot.” In other words, they are assuming that inflation has now peaked and the Fed is behind the curve, tightening into a slowing economy. That would lead to a so-called hard landing. This is all just US-focused, but there are and will be impacts on global markets from the Russian aggression and Western responses with the CIA reporting Putin is preparing for a very long-term conflict. For example, food prices will be raised when the supply of grain is reduced a significant amount. And oil prices cannot help but be impacted as the West is at least nominally banning Russian oil while Saudi Arabia and the UAE are warning about a lack of capacity to expand production to offset those reductions. My point is that markets tend to front-run the economy by 3-9 months and it is impossible to forecast something when the future environment is not known. So, watching the chart is much better than predicting the market in months-long positions.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed again but on more muted moves than earlier this week.  Shenzhen (+1.80%), Hong Kong (+0.97%), and Shanghai (+0.75%) led the gains while Thailand (-0.58%), India (-0.45%), and Taiwan (-0.35%) paced the losses.  This came as Chinese Consumer Prices rose by 2.1% in April, the fastest increase since November.  Meanwhile, in Europe, markets are mostly in the green despite a spike in natural gas prices on the Russian pipeline news.  The FTSE (+1.11%), DAX (+1.29%), and CAC (+1.94%) are leading the region higher in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a gap up to start the day once again.  The DIA implies a +0.86% open, the SPY is implying a +1.13% open, and the QQQ implies a +1.48% open ahead of key inflation data.  10-year bond yields are down again to 2.93% and Oil (WTI) is up almost 3.5% to $103.22/barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for release on Wednesday includes Apr. CPI (8:30 am), Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 am), 10-year Bond Auction (1 pm), and Apr. Fed. Budget Balance (2 pm).  There is also another Fed speaker (Bostic at noon).  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include ICL, NOMD, PFGC, PRGO, SLVM, TM, WEN, and WWW before the open.  Then after the close, DOX, APP, CPA, CPNG, PAAS, STE, and DIS report.

So far this morning WWW, OCPNY, and ICL have reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, NOMD, ADRNY, PCRFY, BRTHY, and EC all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, BRDCY, SGIOY, AJINY, MNBEY, and PRGO have reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, TM, TAK, FUJIY, AGESY, SMTOY, ATC, and WEN have reported misses on both lines.

LTA Scanning Software

Premarkets are up significantly and most analysts are saying that they expect the April CPI to show that inflation has now peaked (expecting an +8.1% print versus last month’s +8.5% number). This means that the risk this morning is on the downside as an unexpectedly hot print could reverse overnight gains and shock markets. Either way, there is no reason to panic and chase the open Futures are backing off earlier highs. Regardless of the number, the Fed is still very likely to raise rates by half a percent in June and it would take a significant shock one way or the other to move them off that amount of hike. This means that markets will still have several weeks to adjust before the Fed regardless of today’s number. Again, no need to panic or experience FOMO. So, once again the question is whether the implied gap up is a “dead cat” bounce or the beginnings of a reversal. The smart money remains in the “relief rally at best, bull trap at worst” camp given the strong bear trend and current over-extension. So, if you are bound to go long in this move, be very cautious and extremely nimble. The bears still have all the momentum.

Stick with your trading rules and manage the things that you can control while trying not to worry about the things you have no control over at all. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. Remember that the first rule of making big money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. You also don’t need to be in the market all the time. If this isn’t a market condition you thrive in, then get out of the way. It will settle out at some point and it’s far better to wait and have money the market condition you prefer than to force trades now and be busted when things do turn. Keep in mind that nobody is right all the time. If you’re wrong, just admit it and take your loss. Focus on your process and enjoy yourself.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: VMD, NXPI, OXY, MCK, WDC, HPQ, ABC, EPAM, JPM, MRK, VLO, VZ, CHRW, GSK, EXPD, PVH. You can find Rick’s review of tickers on his YouTube Channel here. Trade your plan, take profits along the way, and smart. Also, remember to check for impending earnings reports. Finally, remember that any tickers we mention and talk about in the trading room are not recommendations to buy or sell.

TC2000 Discount

🎯 Mike Probst: Rick, Got CTL off the scanner today. Already up 30%. Love it.

🎯 Dick Carp: the scanner paid for the year with HES-thank you

🎯 Arnoldo Bolanos: LTA scanner really works $$, thanks Ed.

🎯 Bob S: LTA is incredible…. I use it … would not trade without it

🎯 Malcolm .: Posted in room 2, @Rick… I used the LTA Scanner to go through hundreds of stocks this weekend and picked out three to trade:  PYPL, TGT, and ZS.   Quality patterns and with my trading, up 24%, 7% and 12%…. this program is gold.

🎯 Friday 6/21/19  (10:09 am) Aaron B: Today, my account is at +190% since January. Thanks, RWO HRC Flash Malcolm Thomas Steve Ed Bob S Bob C Mike P and everyone that contributes every day. I love our job.

Hit and Run Candlesticks / Road To Wealth Youtube videos

Disclosure: We do not act on all trades we mention, and not all mentions acted on the day of the mention. All trades we mention are for your consideration only.

Free YouTube Education  •  Subscription PlansPrivate 2-Hour Coaching

DISCLAIMER: Investing / Trading involves significant financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. No communication from Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates or representatives is not financial or trading advice. All information provided by Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates and representatives are intended for educational purposes only. You are advised to test any new trading approach before implementing it.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Terms of Service

Bears Continued to Drive Lower

Bears Continued

Inspired by selling pressure around the world, the bears continued to drive the indexes lower, pushing the SPY below 4000 and the QQQ below 3000 at the close of the day.  Today, we have another busy day of earnings data, a Fed speakers parade, and a 3-year bond auction.  Indicators suggest a short-term oversold condition, but traders will need to remain nimble with key inflation numbers coming Wednesday and Thursday.  So, plan your risk carefully with challenging price action expected in the days ahead!

Asian markets traded mostly lower as we slept, with Hong Kong extending Monday’s losses by another 1.84%.  European markets see green across the board this morning rebounding to relieve some selling pressure though the indexes remain in downtrends.  U.S. futures also look ready for a bit of relief in the selling this morning, pointing to a gap up open ahead of a busy day of earnings.  AS you plan forward, remember the CPI number coming out before the market opens on Wednesday.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Tuesday is a busy day with nearly 250 companies listed on the earnings calendar.  Notable reports include OXY, BIRD, ARMK, BHC, SKIN, BLDR, ELY, CHH, COIN, CRON, EA, FOXA, FTCI, GFS, GMED, HL, IIVI, KGC, LI, LBTYA, MTTR, NXST, KIND, PTON, PLNT, RXT, REAL, RBLX, RKT, SOFI, SU, SWCH, SYY, TDW, TTD, U, VERX, WMG, WELL, FREE, WKHS, XL & XPEL.

News & Technicals’

According to new data from Realtor.com, the supply of homes for sale is finally showing signs of improvement.  In April, inventory was 12% lower than the year-earlier month, the smallest year-over-year decline since 2019.  The shift in supply is likely due to a slower sales pace stemming from the recent increase in mortgage rates, making expensive homes even pricier.  However, the number of active listings is still down 67% from pre-pandemic levels.  The most valuable publicly traded company, Apple, had seen its market capitalization trimmed by over $200 billion since Wednesday when the Fed raised interest rates by a half percentage point.  However, like Campbell Soup, General Mills and J.M. Smucker, Staples have outpaced Big Tech in three trading days.  Moscow last week made payments to holders of two dollar-denominated Russian sovereign bonds, maturing in 2022 and 2042 and worth a collective $650 million.  Russia has benefited from an exemption in U.S. sanctions that allows bond payments to be made on Russian sovereign debt from sources authorized by the Treasury on a case-by-case basis.  However, this exemption expires on May 25, and MSCI suggested that unless extended, it could trigger a default event when several Russian bond payments are due on May 27.  Crypto project Terra is buying billions in bitcoin to support UST, a controversial stablecoin.  Its creator Do Kwon believes bitcoin can become the “reserve currency” of the Terra ecosystem.  However, that belief is being tested as UST falls below its $1 peg.  Amazon recently fired two employees involved in the organizing effort at a Staten Island warehouse, where workers voted to join a union last month.  Tristan Dutchin and Matt Cusick, who are part of the Amazon Labor Union’s organizing committee, said they were fired by Amazon last week.  Treasury yields pulled back in early Thursday trading, with the 10-year trading at 3.02% and the 30-year declining to 3.13%.

The bears continued to drive the indexes lower Monday, with the SPY closing below 4000 and the QQQ ending the day below 3000.  The Dow set a new 2022 low by a few ticks as the IWM pushed sharply lower.  Interestingly even as the VIX rose, it seemed somewhat controlled, with the indexes largely chopping in a range most of the afternoon.  The T2122 indicator is in a short-term oversold condition suggesting a relief rally may be possible soon.  However, with a big day of earnings data and the tense geopolitical events, traders will have to stay focused on watching for intraday whipsaws.  With the CPI number out Wednesday morning, get ready for another dose of volatility that could squeeze out short traders if there is an improvement or quickly inspire the bears to keep pushing for new market lows.  So, buckle up as the wild ride continues!

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Early Bounce After Monday’s Mauling

Markets gapped down more than 1.5% today and then followed through until the SPY managed to find some support at the 500sma around 11:30 am.  Despite an hour-long mid-day attempt to bounce, the bears stepped back in to take all 3 major indices back to their lows by 2 pm and continue sliding toward the lows of the day.  The QQQ was clearly the ugliest of the major indices, with the SPY not far behind while the DIA benefitting from the safety trade printing a gap-down black Spinning Top that bounced up off the February low (probably on safety trades).  Every sector was in the red, with Energy leading the charge lower.  This left us at new 52-week lows in all 3 of the major indices.  On the day, SPY lost 3.16%, DIA lost 1.89%, and QQQ lost 3.86%.  The VXX rose 3.5% to 28.01 and the only possible silver lining for the Bulls is that the market is now very oversold with the T2122 falling to 1.33.  10-year bond yields fluctuated wildly during that day, reaching the high since 2009 (3.185%) but fell back to 3.04% by day end.  Oil (WTI) fell a whopping 6.4% to $102.75/barrel.

After the close, SPG, IFF, EQH, AMC, XPO, CLOV, HI, MRC, VRM, UNVR, and MCHP all reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, ICUI, DNB, missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, IAC, CAPL, SWX, VVV, and RNG reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, NVAX, ZNGA, and PRIM reported misses on both lines.

Realtor.com reports that the supply vs. demand balance of the real estate market has started to improve.  April home for sale inventory was down just 3%-12% from the same time in 2021 and this was the smallest year-over-year drop since 2019.  The data suggest that the rapid rise in interest rates, which has made housing bubble prices even more expensive for buyers is slowing the pace of sales, despite listings being down 67% from pre-pandemic levels.

SNAP Case Study | Actual Trade

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On the Russian invasion story, MSCI research said they are now expecting Russia to default on bond payments on May 27.  Since late February, the US Treasury Dept. has been approving (on a case-by-case basis) Russian payment on bond debt.  The exemption to sanctions that allowed that flexibility expires May 25 and the firm does not believe the US will renew the exemption.  Elsewhere, NBC reports that more than 1 million Ukrainians have been forcibly relocated to Russia. Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimates the Russian economy will only shrink 10% in 2022 (mostly due to the huge increases in exported energy prices largely offsetting the loss of domestic activity), while the Ukrainian economy will shrink by 30%.  To me, a contraction of only 30% is nearly miraculous.  With an active war ongoing, many of the major centers of industry in ruins, all ports closed, one-third of the population now being refugees, and only half of the crops able to be planted, it is hard to see how the country’s output could be down only 30%. Finally, the US has suspended the 25% tariff on Ukrainian steel for a year. (That said, it is unclear how much steel can make it from Ukraine to the US given most steel production is in the South-Eastern parts of the country and would normally ship through the closed ports.

The Fed warned of tightening financial market liquidity overnight. Meanwhile, the market waits on more inflation data tomorrow as well as President Biden speaking on the subject at 11:30 am today…and inflation has been the key market driver for a while now. Oil markets have slumped the last two days as traders see the EU softening its sanctions on Russian oil in the face of Pro-Putin Hungary’s veto power on the ban. (The problem with the EU is that it requires unanimity to act.)

The economic news coming later this week includes Apr. CPI, Crude Oil Inventories, 10-year Bond Auction, and Apr. Fed. Budget Balance on Wednesday.  Then on Thursday, we get Apr. PPI, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the WASDE Report, and a Fed speaker.  Finally, Friday we see Apr. Imports/Exports, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, and a couple of Fed speakers.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed.  Shenzhen (+1.37%), Thailand (+1.14%), and Shanghai (+1.06%) led the gainers.  Meanwhile, Hong Kong (-1.84%), New Zealand (-1.34%), and Singapore (-1.25%) paced the losses.  (Hong Kong’s bad day may in part be the result of a new “pro-reintegration-to-China” leader who has taken over.  In Europe, stocks are rebounding from Monday’s terrible day as of mid-day.  The FTSE (+0.67%) lags as the “Queen’s Speech” was delivered in absentia and focuses on the high cost of living.  However, the DAX (+1.44%) and CAC (+0.96%) are typical of the region in early afternoon trading. As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a gap higher to start the day as stocks try to recover some of Monday’s losses.  The DIA implies a +0.77% open, the SPY is implying a +0.87% open, and the QQQ implies a +1.32% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields have dropped sharply but remain above 3% at 3.024% and Oil (WTI) is off another 1.7% to $101.41/barrel in early trading.

Once again, there is no major economic news scheduled for release on Tuesday.  However, there are 5 Fed speakers scheduled (Williams at 7:40 am, Bostic at 8:30 am, Waller and Kashkari, both at 1 pm, Mester at 3 pm, and Bostic again at 7 pm).  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include FOX, AHCO, ARMK, AVYA, BHC, BCO, BLDR, CCO, XRAY, DBD, DSEY, EPC, FOXA, H, IAA, IIVI, IGT, LCII, LI, LDI, MIDD, EYE, NXST, NCLH, PTON, PLTK, REYN, SONY, SYY, TDG, UWMC, and WMG before the open.  Then after the close, ADV, ALC, ELY, COIN, DAR, EA, GSM, FNF, GFS, GO, HRB, JXN, LBTYA, LNW, OXY, OSCR, RXT, RBLX, RKT, SCSC, WELL, WYNN, and YELL report.

So far this morning BAYRY, DKILY, ITOCY, BLDR, MIDD, IIVI, IAA, IGT, LCII, ARMK, and NXST have all reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, SONY, NTDOY, SSUMY, TYOYY, EYE, AZUL, and SU all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, HGV has reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, NPSCY, XRAY, NCLH, PTON, RICOY, AVYA, DBD, BHC, and KWHIY have reported misses on both lines.

LTA Scanning Software

Futures are backing off earlier highs. However, it appears we will still see a bounce at the open. The question is whether that is a “dead cat” bounce or the beginnings of a reversal. The smart money remains in the “relief rally only” camp given the strong bear trend and current over-extention. So, if you are bound to go long in this move, be very cautious and extremely nimble. The bears still have all the momentum and this would be an excellent place for a Bull trap. As always, don’t get caught chasing moves, and be quick to take profits when you have them.

Stick with your trading rules and manage the things that you can control while trying not to worry about the things you have no control over at all. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. Remember that the first rule of making big money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. You also don’t need to be in the market all the time. If this isn’t a market condition you thrive in, then get out of the way. It will settle out at some point and it’s far better to wait and have money the market condition you prefer than to force trades now and be busted when things do turn. Keep in mind that nobody is right all the time. If you’re wrong, just admit it and take your loss. Focus on your process and enjoy yourself.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: SHW, TSLA, NVDA, MSFT, AMZN, NFLX, JPM, FB, AAPL, BBIG, ADM, PEP, C, WFC, GILD, SPXS, UVXY, SQQQ . You can find Rick’s review of tickers on his YouTube Channel here. Trade your plan, take profits along the way, and smart. Also, remember to check for impending earnings reports. Finally, remember that any tickers we mention and talk about in the trading room are not recommendations to buy or sell.

TC2000 Discount

🎯 Mike Probst: Rick, Got CTL off the scanner today. Already up 30%. Love it.

🎯 Dick Carp: the scanner paid for the year with HES-thank you

🎯 Arnoldo Bolanos: LTA scanner really works $$, thanks Ed.

🎯 Bob S: LTA is incredible…. I use it … would not trade without it

🎯 Malcolm .: Posted in room 2, @Rick… I used the LTA Scanner to go through hundreds of stocks this weekend and picked out three to trade:  PYPL, TGT, and ZS.   Quality patterns and with my trading, up 24%, 7% and 12%…. this program is gold.

🎯 Friday 6/21/19  (10:09 am) Aaron B: Today, my account is at +190% since January. Thanks, RWO HRC Flash Malcolm Thomas Steve Ed Bob S Bob C Mike P and everyone that contributes every day. I love our job.

Hit and Run Candlesticks / Road To Wealth Youtube videos

Disclosure: We do not act on all trades we mention, and not all mentions acted on the day of the mention. All trades we mention are for your consideration only.

Free YouTube Education  •  Subscription PlansPrivate 2-Hour Coaching

DISCLAIMER: Investing / Trading involves significant financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. No communication from Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates or representatives is not financial or trading advice. All information provided by Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates and representatives are intended for educational purposes only. You are advised to test any new trading approach before implementing it.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Terms of Service

Friday relief rally?  Not so much.

Relief Rally

The hopes of a relief rally began in the last 30 minutes of trading on Friday si facing a sharp reversal at the open today.  Although we have a light earnings calendar to begin the week, we face another inflation reading with CPI coming out Wednesday and PPI on Thursday.  It will also be a hectic week of earnings reports that have not been much help to the bearish sentiment as the nasty tax of inflation changes consumer habits.  Though we are due relief, the bear market conditions will likely keep volatility high and price action challenging, so plan your risk carefully!

Asian markets have had a rough night, with the Hong Kong falling 3.81%, followed by the Nikkei down 2,53%, even as China’s trade data came in better than expected.  European markets traded decidedly bearish this morning, seeing nothing but red across the board as the impacts of inflation grow.  Finally, with a big day of earnings data, the U.S. futures point to a substantial gap, likely to set a new 2022 low as bear sentiment grows. 

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have another busy day on the earnings calendar to begin a new trading week.  Notable reports include DDD, ACM, AMC, BNTX, BLNK, APRN, BRMK, COTY, CURLF, DUK, ELAN, ENR, GERN, GSL, GDRX, GRPN, IAC, LMND, RIDE, MGY, MBI, MCHP, NVAX, PLTR, PRTY, PETS, PUBM, RNG, SPG, SDC, TDUP, TRUE, TSN, UPST, VECO, VRM, WOW, XPO, & ZNGA.

News & Technicals’

Uber will slash spending on marketing and incentives and treat hiring as a “privilege,” CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in an email to staff on Sunday.  “It’s clear that the market is experiencing a seismic shift, and we need to react accordingly,” Khosrowshahi said.  He added that Uber will now focus on achieving profitability on a free cash flow basis rather than adjusted EBITDA.  Russia commemorates one of the most important events on its national calendar — Victory Day — marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.  Putin claimed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had been necessary because the West was “preparing for the invasion of our land, including Crimea.”  Evoking that victory in his speech Monday, Putin urged the Russian army toward victory in Ukraine, saying there was a duty to remember those who defeated Nazism.  Bitcoin continued to slide after a broader stock sell-off in the U.S. last week sent the cryptocurrency market into a frenzy and prompted the cryptocurrency to plummet by roughly 10%.  The world’s largest digital currency by market value was lower by about 3% at 33,594.50 early Monday, according to data from Coindesk.  The drop comes after the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 1,000 points on Thursday and the Nasdaq fell 5%, losses that marked the worst single-day drops since 2020.  Disney’s theme parks have rebounded from massive pandemic-related operating losses in a little over a year.  While not all international theme parks are fully reopened, domestic parks have seen strong ticket sales and foot traffic thanks to new rides and park expansions.  Tech innovations have made the theme park experience and operations smoother for guests and cast members.  Disney reports quarterly results Wednesday.  Treasury yields continue to rise in early Monday trading, with the 5-year pricing at 3.09%, the 10-year surging to 3.9%, and the 30-year jumping to 3.29%. 

Although we have caught a slight relief in the selling during the last 30 minutes of trading Friday, hopes of a follow-through look rather dim this morning.  As painful as this may seem, this process is necessary to bring prices back into balance after the money printing party of the last several years.  The T2122 indicator suggests we are in an oversold condition, but with prices continuing to rise, the consumer is struggling with the insidious tax of inflation.  Though indexes are down into bear market teratory, we may have more selling in the coming months, with the SP-500 still 59% above the historical average.  The good news is that when this is over, there will be great stocks at bargain prices because Mr. Market tends to overcorrect as bearish sentiment piles on in the same way we overextend when over-exuberance is at work.  Don’t fight the trend; move with it and know that better times follow.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Bears Piling On Across the Globe

On Thursday markets gapped down roughly a percent after traders had rethought their opinion of the Fed Markets opened Friday with a gap down of roughly two-thirds of a percent.  They then went on a wild up-and-down whipsaw ride that lasted the rest of the day in all 3 major indices.  This left us with large-legged, indecisive candles in all three with a Doji in the SPY and Spinning Top candles in the DIA and QQQ.  On the day, SPY lost 0.59%, DIA lost 0.38%, and QQQ lost 1.20%.  The VXX was flat at 27.07 and T2122 fell deeper into the oversold territory to 7.48.  10-year bond yields spiked to 3.132% and Oil (WTI) rose almost 2% to $110.42/barrel.  This also capped the first 5-week losing streak that was the longest since 2011 in the SPY and since 2012 for the QQQ.

With essentially no economic news until Wednesday, two topics are likely to dominate the start of the week.  The first of these are various opinions about what the Fed has done (or will do) wrong and what that will mean for the economy and by extension the market.  The second topic is the market selloff that has been underway all year and just how much further it will fall before the bottom is reached.  On the latter subject, BAC put out a report this weekend saying that the average of the 19 last bear markets saw the average stock decline 37.3% from their 52-week high and lasted 289 days.  According to their analysis, 49% of Nasdaq stocks are already 50% below their 52-week high, 58% of them are down more than that 37.3% bear market average decline benchmark, and 77% of them are down at least 20%.

SNAP Case Study | Actual Trade

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CNBC reported that F is selling more than 8 million shares of RIVN (through GS) as the lock-up ended Sunday.  JPM also plans to sell between 13 million and 15 million shares on behalf of an unknown seller.  Elsewhere, Reuters reported Sunday that Shanghai has tightened and extended its lockdowns in hope of reaching a “zero Covid” goal by late May.  This is causing supply chain chaos for companies like AAPL, which has multiple major suppliers in the city.  One of those (Quanta) saw riots Thursday when rumors circulated around the factory of cases on the factory floor of that facility which houses 40,000 employees with as many as 12 people per room.  Hundreds of Quanta employees overpowered security and broke through containment fences in an attempt to escape the factory living conditions.

On the Russian invasion story, related to food prices/availability, the UN called for an end to the Russian blockade of the port of Odesa.  The stated reason is the need for Ukraine to be able to ship 25 million tons of grain, which has been waiting to be shipped since the start of the war.  At the other end of the Ag cycle, Ukraine announced this weekend that it was only able to plant about 48% of its crops this spring.  Roughly 25% of the Ukrainian grain crops normally stay in the country to feed that nation.  This means that best case, Ukraine expects to be able to export only one-third of the country’s normal grain exports…if it can ship any at all.  On the EU oil sanctions, pro-Putin Hungary continues to block bans on Russian oil despite being offered exemptions.  However, Saudi Arabia dropped prices for Asian and European customers by about $5/barrel for the month of June.  This is seen as a concession to Western pressure and a way to capture market share while offering an alternative to Russian crude. Reuters reported Sunday that LMT and RTX are now planning to nearly double (4000/year vs 2100 prior plan) the production of Javelin missiles.  The US has already sent many of those $176,000 units to Ukraine and this move is in anticipation of orders to replenish US stockpiles.

The economic news coming later this week includes 5 Fed speakers on Tuesday.  Then on Wednesday, we see Apr. CPI, Crude Oil Inventories, 10-year Bond Auction, and Apr. Fed. Budget Balance.  On Thursday we get Apr. PPI, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the WASDE Report, and a Fed speaker.  Finally, Friday we see Apr. Imports/Exports, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, and a couple of Fed speakers.

Overnight, Asian markets were nearly all in the red, with only Shanghai (+0.09%) managing any green at all.  Hong Kong (-03.81%), Japan (-2.53%), and Taiwan (-2.19%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see red across the board at mid-day.  The FTSE (-1.87%), DAX (-1.78%), and CAC (-2.09%) are typical with some of the smaller exchanges down more in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a nasty gap lower at the open.  The DIA implies a -1.65% open, the SPY is implying a -1.98% open, and the QQQ implies a -2.49% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are spiking again to 3.177% and Oil (WTI) is down 2.3% to $107.21 in early trading.

There is no major economic news scheduled for release on Monday.  However, FOMC member Bostic does speak at 8:45 am. Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include ACM, ALIT, AZUL, BNTX, CANO, CLVT, COTY, CINO, DUK, ELAN, ENR, WTRG, EXC, HGV, JLL, SPTN, TGNA, THS, TSN, and VRTV before the open.  Then after the close, AMC, EQH, BHF, BWXT, CLOV, CAPL, DNB, HI, IAC, ICUI, IFF, MCHP, MRC, NVAX, OVV, PRIM, RNG, SPG, SWX, SU, UNVR, VVV, VRM, XPO, and ZNGA report.

So far this morning WTRG, ELAN, ACM, DINO, COTY, BRPHF, KOS, and ENR have all reported beats on both revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, CLVT missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, DUK, PLTR, and THS have reported beating the estimates on revenue but missed on the bottom line.  Finally, IFNNY, PRTY, and VRTS reported misses on both lines.

LTA Scanning Software

Inflation and the fear of Central Bank and government actions to tame it seems to be the proximate cause of the hard selloff that started in Asia overnight and has spread worldwide as of premarket Eastern time. The bears have all the momentum and this feels like the market might be building towards a selling crescendo that might signal a bottom is near. We are oversold, so a bounce is possible. However, this morning feels a little like capitulation. So, smart money is not expecting that bounce. Either way, caution is still the smart play since intraday chop and volatility have been the norm recently. Don’t get caught chasing moves and be nimble enough to change your positioning quickly as needed.

Staying hedged, nimble, and measured are good things…not bad. Remember that the first rule of making big money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. You also don’t need to be in the market all the time. If this isn’t a market condition you thrive in, then get out of the way. It will settle out at some point and it’s far better to wait and have money for your market than to force yourself to trade now and be busted when things do turn. Keep in mind that nobody is right all the time. If you’re wrong, just admit it and take your loss. Just focus on your process and enjoy yourself. Stick with your trading rules and manage the things that you can control while trying not to worry about the things you have no control over at all. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: UVXY, SQQQ, SPXS, QID, MDLZ, KHC, MDT, PRU, JPM, GE, FAS, CCJ. You can find Rick’s review of tickers on his YouTube Channel here. Trade your plan, take profits along the way, and smart. Also, remember to check for impending earnings reports. Finally, remember that any tickers we mention and talk about in the trading room are not recommendations to buy or sell.

TC2000 Discount

🎯 Mike Probst: Rick, Got CTL off the scanner today. Already up 30%. Love it.

🎯 Dick Carp: the scanner paid for the year with HES-thank you

🎯 Arnoldo Bolanos: LTA scanner really works $$, thanks Ed.

🎯 Bob S: LTA is incredible…. I use it … would not trade without it

🎯 Malcolm .: Posted in room 2, @Rick… I used the LTA Scanner to go through hundreds of stocks this weekend and picked out three to trade:  PYPL, TGT, and ZS.   Quality patterns and with my trading, up 24%, 7% and 12%…. this program is gold.

🎯 Friday 6/21/19  (10:09 am) Aaron B: Today, my account is at +190% since January. Thanks, RWO HRC Flash Malcolm Thomas Steve Ed Bob S Bob C Mike P and everyone that contributes every day. I love our job.

Hit and Run Candlesticks / Road To Wealth Youtube videos

Disclosure: We do not act on all trades we mention, and not all mentions acted on the day of the mention. All trades we mention are for your consideration only.

Free YouTube Education  •  Subscription PlansPrivate 2-Hour Coaching

DISCLAIMER: Investing / Trading involves significant financial risk and is not suitable for everyone. No communication from Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates or representatives is not financial or trading advice. All information provided by Hit and Run Candlesticks Inc, its affiliates and representatives are intended for educational purposes only. You are advised to test any new trading approach before implementing it.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Terms of Service

Punishing Whipsaw

The bears rejected Wednesday’s exuberant rally in a punishing whipsaw sending indexes back for another test of 2022 market lows.  So while hopes were high for a relief rally, traders and investors have to worry about holding market lows as support!   Analysts expect growth in the pending Employment Situation report, which, if true, could help inspire the bulls to defend.  However, a miss could make for another challenging day of selling.  Whatever occurs, expect price action to remain challenging as we slide into the uncertainty of the weekend.

Asia market traded mixed but mostly lower overnight, with the Hang Seng leading the way, down 3.81% at the close.  This morning, European markets are primarily bearish, a day after the BOE raised interest rates.   Ahead of earnings and the Employment Situation report, U.S. futures point to modest declines at the open pensive that jobs growth holds strong as we head into the weekend.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have about 120 companies listed on the Friday earnings calendar, with a sizeable unconfirmed number.  Notable reports include ADDYY, AXL, ABR, CI, SSP, FLR, IMGN, FWONK, NRG, RUTH, SPB, VST & WPRT.

News & Technicals’

Bitcoin cratered on Thursday as a significant stock sell-off in the U.S. spooked the cryptocurrency market.  As a result, around $129 billion of value was wiped off the cryptocurrency market in 24 hours as of 4:03 a.m.  ET, according to data from CoinMarketCap.  The selling of cryptocurrency was sparked by a painful day on Wall Street where the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 1,000 points on Thursday, marking its worst single-day drop since 2020.  Customers reserving a Lucid Air in June or later will pay 10% to 12% more for their vehicles.  Lucid said it would honor current pricing for all existing reservations and any new reservations made before May.  Lucid maintained its previous full-year production guidance.  The eurozone faces concurrent economic shocks from the war in Ukraine, a surge in food and energy prices exacerbated by the conflict, and a supply shock from China’s zero-Covid policy.  Stefan Hartung, CEO of German engineering and technology giant Bosch, told CNBC that the company sees “a big recession in the making.”  Russian President Vladimir Putin could look to declare some victory in — or an even bigger assault on — Ukraine around May 9.  May 9 is “Victory Day” in Russia, marking the anniversary of the then-Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.  A number of geopolitical analysts believe Putin will use the occasion to make a major announcement relating to the Ukraine war.  According to state media, Chinese President Xi Jinping headed a meeting of top leaders on Thursday that emphasized the country should stick to its “dynamic zero-Covid” policy and warned that economic consequences would follow if it didn’t.  Treasury yields rise slightly in early Friday trading, with the 10-year ticking up to 3.07% and the 30-year trading at 3.15%.

After an exuberant Wednesday rally, the reality of the current market conditions got the bears back to work, rejecting overhead resistance levels with a punishing whipsaw.  Yesterday everyone was hoping the relief rally could follow through for a second day, but now investors have to hope the recent market lows hold as support!  Unfortunately, the uncertainty is not just a U.S. market problem with significant concerns in Japan, China, Europe, Ukraine & Russian economies, to name a few.  This morning will turn our attention to the Employment Situation Report; the consensus expects to see job growth!  Fingers crossed, analysts are right because another disappointing report could create another day of selling.  No matter what happens, I expect price action to remain very challenging as we move toward the uncertainty of the weekend.

Trade Wisely,

Doug