Denied Russian Claim Sets Tone Ahead of Data

Markets gapped down a half of a percent or so on Wednesday as overnight word from NATO said that actually Russia is continuing to bring more troops to the border of Ukraine.  After that gap, we saw a little morning follow-through to the downside before grinding sideways in a tight range until 2pm.  Then the Fed minutes came out with no big unexpected news and markets rallied to the highs of the day before grinding sideways into the close.  This left us with white Spinning Top type candles in all 3 major indices and little change.  On the day, SPY gained 0.11%, DIA lost 0.16%, and QQQ lost 0.03%.  The VXX fell 4% to 20.53 and T2122 was flat and remains just inside the overbought territory at 81.52.  10-year bond yields fell just a bit to 2.029% and Oil (WTI) fell almost 2% to $90.47/barrel.

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We had some good economic news for a change on Wednesday.  January Retail Sales came in almost twice the expected growth at +3.8% (month on month), which isn’t bad considering the prior month included Christmas.  January Industrial Production also came in better than expected at +4.08%.  Crude Oil inventories managed to show a build of 1.121 million barrels when a drop of 1.572 million barrels had been forecast. As mentioned, the January Fed minutes revealed nothing new. The FOMC is ready to raise rates in March but is still divided on how aggressive and how often rates should be raised and how quickly the Balance Sheet should be reduced by selling the bonds they’ve bought in the last 2 years.

After the close, NVDA, CSCO, ET, AIG, AMAT, SNPS, MRO, HST, CYH, ATUS, PXD, UFPI, CNDT, and ALSN all reported beats on both lines. Meanwhile, KGC, ALB, WAB, and OCDX missed on the revenue line but beat on earnings.  On the other side, DASH, TROX, SAM, H, and SPWR all missed on earnings, but beat on revenue.  However, WCN, AWK, CAKE, and PEGA all missed on both lines.

So far this morning, WMT, SO, BAX, WST, POOL, EPAM, LKQ, and OGN have all reported beats on both earnings and revenue.  (WMT also reiterated its forecast for the year, expecting good growth and earnings in the current economic environment.)  Only SEE has reported any miss, as it came in short of expectations on earnings, but beat on revenue.

Overnight, the Asian markets were mostly green on modest moves. Thailand (+0.60%), South Korea (+0.53%), and Shenzhen (+0.35%) led the gainers while Japan (-0.83%) and India (-0.10%) were the only losers.  In Europe, markets are mixed but lean to the downside at mid-day.  The FTSE (-0.50%), DAX (+0.14%), and CAC (+0.22%) lead as usual, but Russia (-2.09%) is an outlier after making claims the Ukrainians are shelling Separatists (really Russians) in the break-away Eastern part of Ukraine. Ukraine denies this claim and says it is a false-flag operation.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a red open.  The SIA implies a -0.27% open, the SPY is implying a -0.37% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.53% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are down significantly again (retesting 2%) and (oddly given the news from Russia) Oil (WTI) is off 1.7% in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday includes Jan. Building Permits, Jan. Housing Starts, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, and Philly Fed Mfg. Index (all at 8:30 am).  We also have 2 scheduled Fed speakers (Bullard at 11 am and Mester at 5 pm).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the market include AAWW, AN, BAX, COMM, EPAM, FRO, GPC, GEO, LKQ, MD, NICE, OGN, POOL, POR, RS, SAFM, SEE, SO, SCL, SYNH, TPH, TRN, USFD, VC, VNT, WMT, and WST.  Then after the close, AL, LNT, AEL, AMN, ATR, ED, DLR, DBX, KEYS, LBTYA, MATX, RLGY, RDFN, RBA, ROKU, TDS, USM, VTR, and AUY report.

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Russian claims that the separatists (largely its own forces) in Eastern Ukraine were shelled (and Ukrainian denial and counter-claims it was a false-flag operation) have sent a shiver into European markets and ticked US futures down overnight. However, earnings news and forecasts are good (including Walmart) so far this morning and we have a fair amount of earnings coming before the bell. Expect more volatility and reversals with the market hyper-sensitive to both geopolitical tensions and Fed inflation reaction news (and yes, we have both a Fed Hawk and Fed Dove speaking today). So, stay nimble and/or hedged to volatility, and remember we have both potential support and potential resistance nearby.

Stick to your trading rules and manage the things that you can control. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. The first rule of making money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. If you are wrong, just admit it and take your loss. (That’s why we set stops in the first place.) Remember that you don’t have to trade every day and you definitely don’t need to chase the premarket moves by trading early. Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: No trade ideas today (Rick is on vacation this week). 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

Hot PPI Number

 Hot PPI Number

The hot PPI number didn’t dissuade the bulls from holding the morning gap, feeling the relief of the Russian troop pullback.  But, unfortunately, according to NATO, the news of a withdrawal was nothing more than a ruse.  Yesterday’s relief rally was nice, but the overhead price resistance levels remain, as does the overall downtrend in the indexes.  Expect price action to remain challenging with a hectic day of economic and earnings data coming our way.  So plan your risk carefully with the vast uncertainty ahead.

While we slept, Asian markets rebounded, led by the Nikkei up 2.22% even as China’s inflation came in hotter than expected.  However, with Russia-Ukraine tensions rising, European markets traded mixed and cautious.  With critical economic data and earnings reports before the bell, U.S. futures point to flat open when writing this report.  However, traders should prepare for just about anything at the open.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have a busy Wednesday with about 170 companies listed on the earnings calendar.  Notable reports include SHOP, ALB, ALKS, ATUS, AMCK, CRMT, AIG, AWK, ADI, AMAT, GOLD, SAM, CAKE, CSCO, CDE, COWN, CROX, DASH, ET, EQIX, FSLY, FSR, GRMN, GRNC, HLT, HST, H, INFN, KHC, MGY, MRO, MMLP, NE, NUS, NTR, NVDA, OC, PXD, R, SBLK, SUN, SNPS, TTD, TRIP, VECO, VMC, & WING.

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NATO has accused Russia of increasing its troop count at the Ukrainian border a day after Moscow claimed it had begun withdrawing some of its military units.  NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday, “it appears that Russia continues their military buildup” at the border.  U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that the Kremlin is sending the West “mixed signals.”  Many energy analysts say that Brent surpassing $100 a barrel is almost a given at this point.  An increasing number of forecasters predict the commodity surpassing $125 a barrel and even higher.   Money is pouring into investments in oil-related stocks, and international oil companies are raking in record profits.  The Energy Information Administration lowered its OPEC capacity estimates by 300,000 barrels per day in February.  The role of PR companies in preventing climate action has typically been overlooked, in large part because communications firms have sought to remain in keeping with the PR adage that “the best PR is invisible PR.”  However, comprehensive academic research quantifying the PR industry’s role in climate politics has been followed by pressure from external campaign groups, scientists, and environmental activists.  Now, the prospect of U.S. congressional hearings is likely to turn up the heat even further.  Airbnb beat Wall Street estimates on earnings and revenue in its fourth quarter.  The company reported 73.4 million nights and experiences booked in the fourth quarter, down nearly 8% from the prior quarter and missing estimates.  Airbnb expects its first-quarter 2022 nights and experiences booked to exceed Q1 2019 levels significantly.  Treasury Yields trade mixed in early Wednesday trading with the 10-year trading at 2.0469% and the 30-year declining slightly to t2.3550%.

Although it looks as if the Russian pullback of troops was misinformation and a hot PPI number continued to show rising inflation, the bulls were able to matain the gap throughout the day.  Today will turn our attention to Retail Sales figures, Import-Export Prices, Industrial  Production, Petroleum Statis and the FOMC minutes.  We also have a big day of earnings to keep the volatility high and traders guessing with AMAT, CSCO, and NVDA reporting after the bell.  Although the relief rally was nice little, if anything changed in the technical picture of the indexes with significant overhead price resistance and downtrends holding.  I suspect there will be a lot of eyes on the Retail numbers this morning with consumer sentiment at such low levels.  Again, prepare for volatile price action and respect price resistance with the downtrend market conditions.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

NATO Tells Bulls “Not So Fast My Friend”

Russia started pulling back some of their troops (away from Ukraine) and the bulls jumped for joy Tuesday.  All 3 major indices gapped higher (1% – 1.5%) at the open, but then they meandered sideways, retesting the open level.  The large-cap indices continued the meander sideways for the rest of the day, but the QQQ caught a modest afternoon rally, all 3 of them closed near the highs of the day.  DIA and SPY tested but were unable to break through their T-lines, but QQQ managed to get that done.  This left us with Morningstar signals in all 3 indices.  IWM was the strongest of them all as it was clearly a risk-on day.  On the day, SPY gained 1.61%, DIA gained 1.25%, and QQQ gained 2.49%.  The VXX fell 8.24% to 21.39 and T2122 shot all the way up into the edge of the overbought territory at 81.75.  10-year bond yields rose to 2.043% and Oil (WTI) “plummeted” 3% to $92.07/barrel.

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After the close, CINF, ANDE, ALC, DVN, WELL, ENLC, ABNB, AKAM, MRC, ACCO, CLW, and WIRE all reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, VIAC, MCY, IAC, RBLX, CF, WYNN, LZB, and CRK all missed on earnings, but beat on revenue.  REZI and INVH missed on revenue, but beat on earnings.  However, WFG and SEDG reported misses on both lines.

Contrary to yesterday’s “the Russians are heading back to their barracks” message, this morning the market is greeted with a message from the other camp.  NATO head Jens Stoltenberg told the press today that “it appears that Russia continues their military buildup (at the border).”  British PM Johnson also told the press of troubling intelligence such as Russian Field Hospitals being constructed near the border of Belarus and Ukraine.  He went on to threaten to stop Russian companies from raising capital via London’s financial markets if an invasion does take place.  The point is, we did not have a clear picture last week, earlier this week, or today about what Putin will actually do.  So, volatility is all that a trader can say is almost certain.

Overnight, the Asian markets were green across the board with the lone exception of India (-0.17%).  Japan (+2.22%), South Korea (+1.99%), Taiwan (+1.56%), and Hong Kong (+1.49%) led the way higher.  In Europe, stocks lean to the green side on mostly modest moves, but there is a handful of red showing at mid-day.  The FTSE (-0.22%), Dax (+0.03%), and CAC (+0.05%) are the big dogs, but the smaller exchanges are showing a bit more move (both ways) in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a slightly red open.  The DIA implies a -0.11% open, the SPY is implying a -0.07% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.02% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are flat, but Oil (WTI) is up 1% in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday includes Jan. Retail Sales and Jan. Import/Export Price Indices (both at 8:30 am), Jan. Industrial Production (9:15 am), Dec. Business Inventories (10 am), Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 am), and Jan. FOMC Meeting Minutes (2 pm).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the market include AMCX, ADI, GOLD, BGCP, CRL, CROX, DNB, GRMN, GNRC, HLT, KHC, NUS, OC, R, SHOP, SITE, SAH, SUN, VMC, and WAB.  Then after the close, ALB, ALSN, ATUS, AIG, AWK, AR, AMAT, APP, SAM, BFAM, CAKE, CSCO, CYH, COMP, CNDT, CPRT, DASH, ET, EQIX, HST, H, KAR, KGC, MRO, NTR, NVDA, OCDX, PXD, RUSHA, SNPS, TROX, UFPI, VMI, and WCN report.

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The premarket futures are flat this morning ahead of Retail Sales numbers. With cold water tossed on the bullish knee-jerk reaction (assuming Russian-West tensions were over) this morning, it’s possible markets wait to see if anything can be learned by picking through the tea leaves of the Fed minutes. With that said, the public statements make it clear the Fed is divided into at least 2 factions (Hawks who want to see at least a half of a percent hike in March and 1% before July and Doves who want a quarter percent hike in March, followed by a “let’s see what that does before we do anything else” approach). That leaves markets uncertain…and the one thing markets hate most is uncertainty. So, stay nimble and/or hedged to volatility, and remember we have both potential support and potential resistance nearby.

Remember that you don’t have to trade every day and you definitely don’t need to chase the premarket moves by trading early. Stick to your trading rules and manage the things that you can control. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. The first rule of making money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. If you are wrong, just admit it and take your loss. (That’s why we set stops in the first place.) Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: No trade ideas today (Rick is on vacation this week). 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

Rumors and Speculation

On Monday, index price action surged and fell violently as rumors and speculation swirled over a Russian invasion.  However, after hearing that Russia is sending some troops back home, futures point to another overnight reversal.  So could we see a short squeeze, a big whipsaw, or a pop and drop this morning with another PPI reports expected to come in hot.  Your guess is as good as mine as this emotional market swings wildly.  So, plan your risk carefully and keep a close eye on overhead price resistance.

Asian markets traded mixed but mainly lower overnight due to geopolitical tensions.  However, hearing the news of a partial troop drawdown, European markets trade decidedly bullish this morning.  U.S. future also points to a substantial overnight reversal ahead of PPI data and a busy earnings day.  So prepare for another day of wild price action from this emotionally charged market.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

The Tuesday earnings calendar ramps up the reports, with around 130 companies fessing up to quarterly results.  Notable reports include AKR, ABNB, AKAM, ANDE, ANGI, BWA, CEVA, CF, CINF, CRK, DENN, DVN, FELE, GXO, HSIC, HUN, IAC, IQV, LZB, MAR, PACB, QSR, RSLX, SEDG, UPST, VIAC, WH, WYNN, & ZTS.

New & Technicals’

The Russian government has announced that Moscow is beginning to return troops at the Ukrainian border to their bases.  Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the Russian Ministry of Defense, said troops recently posted along the border with Ukraine had begun moving back to their military garrisons.  Timothy Ash, the emerging markets senior sovereign strategist at BlueBay Asset Management, said the move could signal a significant defeat for Putin.  As a result, global attention is focused on Russia and whether President Vladimir Putin will order an invasion of Ukraine.  Until earlier this month, China had been mostly silent as tensions have risen between NATO and Russia.  In 2021, global semiconductor industry sales reached a record $555.9 billion, up 26.2% year on year, the U.S.-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said.  In addition, the SIA said that they expect demand to “rise significantly” in the coming years.  China remained the biggest market, with sales totaling $192.5 billion in 2021.  St. Louis Fed President James Bullard told CNBC on Monday that he thinks the Fed needs to push interest rates up quickly.  “Our credibility is on the line here,” he said as he advocated for a rapid interest rate increase of a full percentage point.  This year, markets have begun pricing in seven rate hikes since Bullard first made his hawkish position known last week.  Treasury Yields moved higher in early Tuesday trading, with the 10-year rising to 2.0294% and the 30-year moving up to 2.3277%. 

As rumors and speculation swirled around about a Russian invasion, index prices proved to be very volatile on Monday.  The wild price moves continued overnight, with some troops leaving the border, raising hopes of a de-escalation of tensions.  The next hurdle for the market to cross is the PPI report that many suspect will come in hot, adding to inflationary concerns and pressuring Fed to act aggressively.  Along with the big day of inflation data, we have a large group of earnings reports adding to the potential price volatility.  The significant overnight reversal could trigger a short squeeze this morning, but with so much data coming our way, traders will have to also watch for the possible pop and drop or large point whipsaws.  Market emotion is high, so be prepared for almost anything and remember the Retail Sales figures could add to the wild price gyrations with low consumer sentiment.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Russia Moving Troops Away From Ukraine

Monday was an interesting day, with a 1.5% swing in premarket futures (after Russia’s President Putin said “okay” to his Foreign Minister saying they should continue talking to the West because there was always a chance to reach a deal).  The net result was a flat open and a whipsaw day that ended up only moderately moved.  All 3 major indices printed indecisive, Spinning Top type candles.  On the day, SPY lost 0.33%, DIA lost 0.40%, and QQQ gained 0.12%.  The VXX rose slightly to 23.31 and T2122 dropped just into the oversold territory at 18.75.  10-year bond yields spiked back up to 1.991% and Oil (WTI) spiked almost 2% to $94.92 (on intraday news that the US was closing its Embassy in Kyiv and rumors that the Russians were moving toward the border of Ukraine).

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The Fed made no announcement following their emergency meeting on Monday, and based on comments made to the press it is likely they have no consensus.  (Bullard called again for a 1% increase before July 1, George said she supports a more gradual approach, and Daly said she favors one modest hike in March and then wait and see.)  However, Reuters reports that by afternoon, futures of the Fed Funds Rate showed that traders are now under a decreased belief the Fed will raise rates before the March Fed meeting (down to 3% implied probability from 30% last Friday).  In addition, futures on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (the topic of the emergency meeting) now show traders only believe there is a 2% chance of that rate rising before the March Fed meeting (down from 16% on Friday).  These seem to indicate a strong belief there will be no rate increases prior to March.  Of course, traders can be wrong, but leaks (even from the Fed) also happen.

In earnings news, after the close on Monday, AAP, AMKR, CAR, TNET, SCI, CLR, and ANET all reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, BKD, PRI, and VNO all missed on earnings but reported beats on revenue.  So far this morning, MAR, IQV, ALLE, HSIC, ZTS, and BWA have all reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, FIS beat on earnings but came in light on revenue.  Finally, LDOS just reported a miss on both lines.

Overnight, the Asian markets were mixed and varied.  India (+3.03%), Shenzhen (+1.70%), and Malaysia (+1.00%) led the gainers.  Meanwhile, South Korea (-1.03%), Hong Kong (-0.82%), and Japan (-0.79%) paced the losses.  In Europe, stocks are nearly green across the board on the Russian “step back” news at mid-day.  Only Norway (-0.34%) is in the red, while the FTSE (+0.70%), DAX (+1.84%), and CAC (+1.56%) are typical of the continent.  Russia (+3.08%) is an outlier as that country has started to return some troops to their home bases (away from Ukraine).  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing to a large gap higher.  The DIA implies a +1.29% open, the SPY is implying a +1.64% open, and the QQQ implies a +2.20% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are spiking to 2.035% and Oil (WTI) is down more than 3.6% on the Russia-Ukraine news.

The only major economic news scheduled for Tuesday is Jan. PPI and NY Empire State Mfg. Index (both at 8:30 am).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the market include ALLE, ARCH, ABG, BWA, ECL, FIS, FSV, HSIC, HUN, IQV, LDOS, LGIH, MAR, RPRX, QSR, SABR, TRP, WCC, and ZTS.  Then after the close, ACCO, ABNB, AKAM, ANDE, CF, CINF, CLW, CRK, DVN, WIRE, ENLC, GXO, IAC, INVH, LZB, MCY, MRC, REZI, RBLX, SEDG, TX, TOST, VIAC, WELL, and WYNN report

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Pent-up bullish energy is likely to be released this morning as Russia has started moving some of its troops back away from the Ukrainian border. That news has sparked strong rallies in Europe and in the US futures market. So, the bulls will have the momentum early. Don’t get caught chasing, because the Russia news is not final and it does nothing to address the main overhang, Fed reaction to inflation (and inflation impacts on corporate profit). More immediately, it also does not change the fact we’ve been seeing a lot of intraday volatility/swings. So, stay nimble and/or hedged to volatility, and remember we have some potential support (at the bottom of a dreaded h pattern) not far below.

Remember that you don’t have to trade every day and you definitely don’t need to chase the premarket moves by trading early. Stick to your trading rules and manage the things that you can control. Trade with the trend, don’t chase, keep consistently taking profits when you have them, and move your stops in your favor. The first rule of making money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. If you are wrong, just admit it and take your loss. (That’s why we set stops in the first place.) Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: No trade ideas today (Rick is on vacation this week). 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

Consumer Sentiment Falls

As if the hotter than expected inflation was not enough, the sharply declining consumer sentiment report came along to kick the market while it was down on Friday morning.  The threat of Russian invasion only adds to the uncertainty keeping the price volatility high waiting for the next shoe to drop.  The PPI report on Tuesday, Retail Sales, and FOMC minutes Wednesday, with housing data later in the week, also clouds this week’s path forward.  We have a few potential market-moving as we progress through the week to add to the highly emotional price action likely in the week ahead.

Asian markets closed mostly lower, with the Nikkei leading the selling down 616.49 points or -2.23%.  This morning, European markets trade decidedly bearish with red across the board and the DAX and CAC down 3% or more.  In addition, U.S. futures that opened traded last night trying to put on a brave face now point to a gap down open with Russia-Ukraine tensions and Fed rate hikes, worrying both traders and investors.  As a result, expect price volatility to remain challenging throughout the week.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have around 100 companies listed, with many unconfirmed to begin the new trading week.  Notable reports include AAP, ALX, AMKR, ANET, CAR, CLR, KRG, OTTR, SRG, VNO, WEBR.

News & Technicals’

On Sunday evening, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine had requested a meeting with Russia within 48 hours.  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold talks with the presidents of Ukraine and Russia on Monday and Tuesday.  U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN on Sunday that a Russian attack on Ukraine could happen this week.  Every indication suggests that Putin continues to build up troops at the border Russia shares with Ukraine, said Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador.  “There’s no indication at all that Putin has stopped his march towards war, his preparedness towards war,” said McFaul, who is now a director at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.  However, there remains a lot of uncertainty over what will happen with Ukraine because Putin is “isolated” and rarely speaks to his advisors.  The Federal Reserve should be measured in its path to raise interest rates, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said Sunday.  “History tells us with Fed policy, that abrupt and aggressive action can actually have a destabilizing effect on the very growth and price stability we’re trying to achieve,” Daly said.  Daly supports the Fed raising rates in March and said “it’s too early to call” how many times the central bank will hike rates this year.  Treasury Yields moved slightly lower in early Monday trading, with the 10-year pricing at 1.9371% and the 30-year dipping slightly to 2.2399%.

The hotter than expected inflation coupled with the sharply declining consumer sentiment brought out the bears Friday, creating lower highs and breaking support levels in the index chart.  Unfortunately, the Russian / Ukraine tensions only add to the uncertainty of the path forward in the market.  In this week’s economic calendar, we have PPI, Retail Sales, FOMC minutes, and housing data that will likely keep price volatility high and uneasy traders guessing.  At this point, we can not rule out a retest of the January low intraday whipsaws and overnight reversals.  We still have a few potential market-moving earnings reports this week that could inspire the bulls, but if Russia invades, all bets are off, and anything is possible.  A dangerous market condition may be an understatement, so if you plan to trade, plan carefully and be willing to take any profits quickly because they could easily evaporate in the subsequent price gyration.  Having an edge as a swing or position trader could be slim to none, while experienced day traders could have the upper hand as the market searched for clarity.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Russia and Fed Meeting Driving Sentiment

Markets opened dead flat on Friday.  However, QQQ immediately headed South and by late morning the large-cap indices followed.  There was no recovery as stocks closed near their lows in all 3 major indices.  The proximate cause of this bad day was the word that the Fed is holding an emergency meeting to talk about rates today.  That and increased fear of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.  This move left us with big, ugly black candles in all 3 major indices that broke down below the February lows and seem on their way back to challenge the January lows.  On the day, SPY lost 1.97%, DIA lost 1.49%, and QQQ lost 3.17%.  The VXX rose over 13.5% to 23.24 and T2122 fell but remains in the mid-range at 33.16.  10-year bond yields fell back to 1.918%, but Oil (on the Russian invasion fear) was the big mover, spiking almost 4.5% to $93.90/barrel.

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Both Bloomberg and CNN reported Friday that traders (funds) are now keeping a close eye on “2yr vs 10yr Bond Yields.”  Last year the Fed produced research that found that every recession (at least since 1955 which was the study timeframe) was preceded by an inversion of the 2yr and 10yr bond yields.  (Logically, locking up money for 10 years should deliver higher returns than locking it up for 2 years.  An inversion is when the yield on a 2yr bond goes above the yield on a 10yr bond.)  This indicator has preceded every recession and only produced one false-positive.  As of Friday, the 2yr yield is at 1.487% while as mentioned above, the 10yr is at 1.918%.  However, the 2yr yield is up 110% on the year and the 10yr yield is up only 27% during the same time.  As this gap narrows and we approach inversion, expect the big money to be fleeing cyclicals and moving into recession plays.

So far this morning, AB, ARES, BRKR, IAA, MGA, COOP, SLVM, UA, UAA, and NWL have all reported beats on So far this morning, THS and some Japanese ADRs (TKOMY, JAPAY, KNBWY, STBFY) have reported a beat on both lines.  However, both KELYA and KELYB reported massive beats (more than double expected) earnings, while also coming up significantly short on revenue.  GTX reported in a similar way, beating (but not double) on earnings, but also missed slightly on revenue. 

Overnight, the Asian markets are nearly red across the board.  Only Australia (+0.37%) and Malaysia (+0.31%) managed to stay green.  Meanwhile, India (-3.06%), Japan (-2.23%), and Taiwan (-1.71%) led the way lower.  In Europe, we do see all red as of mid-day on Russian Invasion fears.  The FTSE (-2.00%) is “leading” continent by holding up relatively well, but the DAX (-3.26%) and CAC (-3.49%) are more typical in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a gap-down open.  The DIA implies a -0.79% open, the SPY is implying a -0.92% open, and the QQQ implies a -1.18% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are up slightly relative to Friday and Oil (WTI) is off a quarter of a percent in early trading.

The only major economic news scheduled for Monday is any announcement or decision that comes from the emergency Fed Rate Meeting today.   It is unclear if Fed Member Bullard will keep his 11 am speaking engagement, given the emergency Fed meeting.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the market include GTX, KELYA, and THS.  Then after the close, AAP, ANET, CAR, BKD, CLR, HE, NTWK, PRI, and SCI report.

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Russia did not invade Ukraine this weekend (as many had feared), but the brinksmanship remains underway with serious jitters (especially in Western Europe, like Germany, where the country is dependent on Russian Natural Gas). That and the emergency rate meeting by the Fed are sure to dominate the headlines and chatter among traders today. So, fear will likely be the driver early. And that forecast of mood (fear) is also what we are seeing in premarket prices this morning. So, stay nimble and/or hedged to volatility, and remember we have some potential support (at the bottom of a dreaded h pattern) not far below.

Remember that you don’t have to trade every day and you definitely do not need to trade early. Stick to your trading rules and manage the things that you can control. 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 money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. If you are wrong, just admit it and take your loss. (That’s why we set stops in the first place.) Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.

Ed

Swing Trade Ideas for your consideration and watchlist: No trade ideas today (Rick is on vacation this week). 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

50 Basis Point?

50 Basis Point

After the very disappointing read on inflation, the market is facing the very real possibility of a 50 basis point rate increase at the March FOMC meeting.  This morning we will get the Consumer Sentiment number after the open, with a lighter day of earnings events to supply some levity.   Today, the bulls will have a tough job as they try to defend the recent higher lows in the indexes as we head toward the weekend with tensions rising on the Ukrainian border.  The technical picture took substantial damage yesterday, but it could worsen quickly if we lose this critical support level.

Asian markets closed their Friday session mixed, but mostly lower, and European markets see red across the board as the world reacts to the likely consequences of rising inflation.  Likewise, U.S. Futures point to a lower open ahead of a lighter day of earnings events and a temperature reading on consumer sentiment.  Plan your risk wisely as we head into the weekend with tensions rising on the Ukrainian border.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

As usual, the Friday earnings calendar gives us a little break with less than 60 companies listed, and a number of those are unconfirmed.  Notable reports include AXL, APO, ARES, CLF, D, ENB, FTS, GPRE, GPP, MGA, NWL, UAA, & WPC.

News and Technicals’

The latest U.S. January inflation data came in like a “punch in the stomach” for the Federal Reserve, said the chief global economist of Citi Research, Nathan Sheets, adding that means the next rate hike could be as aggressive as 50 basis points.  According to the labor department, the U.S. consumer price index for January surged to 7.5% year-over-year.  In addition, both headline and core CPI rose 0.6%, compared to estimates for a 0.4% increase by both measures.  “These inflation data today came like a punch in the stomach for Jay Powell and his colleagues,” Nathan Sheets told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Friday.  Adding to the market pressure, President Joe Biden has issued a warning that U.S. citizens should leave Ukraine immediately as tensions with Russia over its military activity intensify.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged Americans to leave Ukraine on Friday, warning “an invasion could begin at any time.”  Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Thursday: “Things are as dangerous as I have seen them in Europe for a very, very long time.”  CEO Steve Cahillane told CNBC on Thursday that Kellogg may cover higher input costs due to skyrocketing inflation with higher prices and productivity.  “We don’t want prices to get too high, but we’re in an environment where it’s broad-based, it’s across everything, but we’ve been able to cover it.  Our pricing performance has been very solid,” he said.  Cahillane said that price elasticity has been at historic lows, but Kellogg still plans to be cautious about raising prices this year.  California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing says it conducted a three-year-long investigation and received hundreds of complaints from Tesla workers.  The agency says it found evidence that Tesla routinely kept Black workers in lower-level roles, assigned them more physically demanding work, and retaliated against them when they complained about racist slurs on the assembly line.  The agency is seeking unspecified damages and for the company to reinstate workers who were unfairly terminated.

The 10-year dipped just one basis point in early Friday trading holding at 2.0119% as the market now anticipates an FOMC rate increase of 50 basis points at the March meeting.  After the disappointing read on inflation, the 2-year Treasury yield surged 26 basis points, the biggest single-day move in since 2009.  The report also showed the 4th straight decline in real incomes to add insult to injury.  The resulting market selloff created technical damage as the Dow, for the second time, failed its 50-day average.  The SPY reversed with still under its 50-day, and the QQQ failed below its 200-day, further complicating the technical picture.  However, there is still hope that the recent higher low in the indexes could hold as support if the bulls can find the energy to defend.  Let’s hope the reading on Consumer Sentiment at 10 AM Eastern today doesn’t kick us while we’re down with another decline.  With the Whitehouse calling for all Americans to leave Ukraine due to rising tensions, the bulls will have their work cut out for them as we head toward the weekend.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Markets Tepid After Yesterday’s Reversal

Markets did a massive change of heart at 8:30 am when the January CPI number came in hotter than expected.  This caused a 1%-2% gap down in the major indices.  However, that was a bear trap as all 3 major indices immediately filled the gap in a strong rally that lasted the first 45 minutes.  Unfortunately for bulls, that rally was a bull trap.  Fed member Bullard came out and said he favors at least a 1% rate hike before July including a half-percent hike in March and he also wants to see the Fed starting to reduce its balance sheet during Q2. That was just what bears wanted to hear as stocks sold off the entire rest of the day.  This all left us with very long-wicked, black candles that close not too far from the lows.  On the day, SPY lost 1.79%, DIA lost 1.43%, and QQQ lost 2.26%.  The VXX climbed over 5% to 20.31 and T2122 dropped back into the mid-range at 41.94.  10-year bond yields spiked hard to 2.052% and Oil (WTI) gained slightly to $90.01/barrel.

SNAP Case Study | Actual Trade

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After the close, ILMN, RSG, VRSN, SSNC, MPWR, Z, GDDY, ZG, CSL, DVA, KAJMY, BHF, SGAMY, TEX, MTD, and MWK all reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, EXPE, FE, BIO.b, BIO, EQH, WU, and OSCR all beat on earnings while missing on revenue.  On the other end, DXCM, FLO, CC, NSP, and BECN all beat on revenue, but missed on earnings.  Lastly, EEFT missed on both lines.

So far this morning, AB, ARES, BRKR, IAA, MGA, COOP, SLVM, UA, UAA, and NWL have all reported beats on both lines.  Meanwhile, CLF and D reported misses on both lines.  APO, FTS, G, and GPRE all missed on earnings, while beating on revenue. 

Overnight, the Asian markets leaned heavily to the downside.  New Zealand (-1.93%), Shenzhen (-1.55%), and India (-1.31%) led the way lower.  Only Japan (+0.42%) and Malaysia (+0.56%) managed to stay green.  In Europe, with the lone exception of a modestly green Athens (+0.30%), the entire continent is red.  The FTSE (-0.71%), DAX (-0.28%), and CAC (-1.07%) are leading the way in early afternoon trading.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing to a mildly red open.  The DIA implies a -0.12% open, the SPY is implying a -0.12% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.13% open at this hour.  10-year bond yields are down t o2.001% and Oil (WTI) is up 1.5% in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for release Friday is limited to Michigan Consumer Sentiment (10 am).  Major earnings reports scheduled for before the market include AB, AXL, APO, ARES, BRKR, CAE, D, ENB, FTS, G, GT, GPRE, IAA, MGA, COOP, NWL, NMRK, SLVM, US, and UAA.  There are no reports scheduled for after the close.

LTA Scanning Software

Remember that it’s Friday and there is a weekend news cycle ahead. So, be prepared. With that said, the action in the premarket looks very mild today given the recent major gaps at the open. Maybe the big money is taking off early for a ski weekend (or SuperBowl prep). There has been a lot of great earnings news this cycle, but just keep in mind that all it took was one Fed member to say something yesterday to completely reverse markets. Stay nimble and/or hedged to volatility and remember we have overhead resistance that still needs to be worked through.

Stick to your trading rules and manage the things that you can control. 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 money in the market is to not lose big money in the market. So, don’t be stubborn, and protect yourself from yourself. If you are wrong, just admit it and take your loss. (That’s why we set stops in the first place.) Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.

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.

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

CPI Report

CPI report

Although the Wednesday rally was nice this morning, traders and investors now hold their breath for the CPI report.  Consensus estimates suggest inflation increased in January and may come in at more than a 40-year high!  If true, will that push the FOMC to act more aggressively in the March meeting, raising the interest rate by 50 basis points?  Toss in a slew of earnings reports, and the stage is set for another day of challenging price action.

Overnight Asian markets closed green across the board with relatively modest gains waiting on the inflation data.  European trade mixed but mostly higher with all eyes on the U.S. ahead of the CPI report.  U.S. futures traded mixed ahead of critical inflation data and a bevy of earnings reports likely to keep traders guessing and price volatility high on Thursday.   So, let’s get ready to rumble.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We have another big Thursday on the earnings calendar, with about 210 companies expected to report throughout the day.  Notable reports include KO, AFRM, MT, AZN, BE, APRN, CC, NET, CIGI, COUR, CS, CYBR, DDOG, DVA, DXCM, DUK, EB, EXPE, FLO, GDDY, HUBS, HII, ILMN, K, LH, MLM, MHK, MCO, PTEN, PEP, PCG, PM, PIPR, QLYS, SSTK, TEX, TTE, TWTR, UPWK, VRSN, WU, YELP, ZBRA, ZEN, & Z.

News & Technicals’

This week, the Biden administration rolled out a plan to allocate $5 billion to states to fund electric vehicle chargers over five years as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package.  The historic investment is part of the administration’s broader plan to combat human-caused climate change and advance the clean energy transition.  Despite a rise in EV sales in the U.S. in recent years, the transportation sector is still one of the largest contributors to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.  Disney reported earnings for the fiscal first quarter that beat analyst estimates.  In addition, disney+ subscriptions beat estimates, adding nearly 12 million subscribers in the quarter.  Disney’s parks, experiences, and consumer products division saw revenues reach $7.2 billion during the quarter, double the $3.6 billion it generated in the prior-year quarter.  According to people with knowledge of the matter, Salesforce co-CEOs Marc Benioff and Bret Taylor spoke about the company’s vision for an NFT cloud service.  The discussion came during an online sales kickoff on Wednesday.  In a December blog post, a director of the market strategy at Salesforce predicted that 2022 would be a big year for NFTs.  Shares of Delivery Hero plummeted around 29% Thursday.  Analysts pointed to Delivery Hero’s 2022 guidance as to the reason behind the negative market reaction.  The Germany-based food delivery firm forecast core profit margins between 1% and 1.2%.  Unilever’s CEO has ruled out any “transformational” acquisitions after its failed £50 billion GSK bid.  Alan Jope told CNBC said major deals were “off the table” after receiving pushback from investors.  Instead, the company pointed to further price risings in 2022 as it reported its results Thursday.  Treasury yields moved slightly higher in early Thursday trading, with the 10-year inching higher to 1.9406% and the 30-year rising to 2.2465%. 

After a nice rally Wednesday, the market will now turn its attention to inflation as we wait for the CPI report.  Some suggest the number will come in hot with inflation running at the highest level in more than 40 years.  If that is the case, it will pressure the FOMC to act more aggressively in the March meeting.  It’s hard to know how the market will react to the CPI reading.  However, if the market sees the chances of a 50 basis point rate increase rising, we should not rule out the possibility of an adverse reaction.  Though the DIA broke through its 50-day average yesterday, the SPY, QQQ, and IWM remain in a precarious technical position if the bears happen to reengage.  Toss in a huge day of earings, and the recipe for another day of volatile price is complete. 

Trade Wisely,

Doug