Look at the Week Ahead
All yes on the Employment Situation.
The two days of light choppy price action is likely to get a shot of volatility this morning with the release of the Employment Situation number at 8:30 AM. Although the ADP number showed a sharp decline, it will be interesting to see if that will manifest in the government number. The bulls seem to suggest the number will be positive as the once again pump up the early morning futures. As we head into the weekend facing a tariff increase on the 15th, I would not be too surprised to see some profit-taking.
Asian markets closed the week on a bullish tone with modest gains across the board. European markets are moving higher this morning green across the board. US Futures also point to bullish gains at the open that could easily expand the gap if the Employment number is positive or diminish if the number happens to be disappointing. Plan you risk into the weekend carefully as the political football of US/China trade continues to be kicked around in the news.
On the Calendar
On the Friday Earnings Calendar, we have a relatively quiet day with only 15 companies reporting. Notable earnings include BIG and GCO.
Action Plan
Another day of chop after attempting a pre-market pump, traders took a wait and see approach. This morning the focus will turn toward the Employment Situation number, and once again the futures are tiring to lift the market ahead of the number. The good news is we will likely get some price action today, but the question remains will retail traders get much of a chance, or will it most of the price action occur in the gap. One thing for sure is that the bulls are still in control with a relentless optimism amidst the political uncertainty.
After the morning rush, the market could once again turn its attention to the pending tariff increase scheduled on the 15th. It the bulls continue to ignore the potential risks pushing toward new record highs, or will there be some profit-taking into the weekend to avoid the risk? Only time will tell, but I, for one, will want to be more of a profit-taker rather than adding risk into the weekend.
Trade Wisley,
Doug
Payrolls and China Trade
Stocks gapped higher Thursday, mostly on the back of continued hope for a partial trade deal with China. However, it then spent the rest of the day wavering back down and then up again. Markets ended below the open, but still mildly higher. The SPY gained 0.18%, the DIA gained 0.11%, and QQQ gained 0.20%. However, keep in mind that even after the second straight day of gains, the indices remain below Monday’s candle. So, there is no clear trend this week.
The main economic news yesterday was the OPEC meeting. They are reportedly considering an additional 500,000 barrel/day production cut (bringing their total cuts to 1.7 million barrels). However, the Thursday session ended with several unresolved disagreements and no customary end-of-meeting press conference.
However, in a potential sign (or not) on the trade war front, Bloomberg is now also reporting that China has “started to process applications” by Chinese companies who are requesting tariff waivers to buy pork and soy beans from the US. Those who are claiming a trade deal is near are citing this as evidence. However, it is worth noting that there are still quotas on how many applications and how much underlying product can have these tariffs waived.
Friday major economic news includes Nov. Nonfarms Payroll and Nov. Unemployment Rate (both at 8:30 am). Expectations are for a large increase in Payrolls as 50,000 GM Strikers get added back into that number this month. Univ. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment (10 am) is also on the docket. There are no major earnings reports Friday.
Overnight, Asian markets were all in the green. In Europe, the major markets are mostly green (except the FTSE) at this point. As of 7:30 am, U.S. futures are all pointing to a higher open, up 0.2% – 0.3% from Thursday’s close.
November Payrolls and trade war tea-leaf reading are likely to drive markets Friday. Just remember that we are heading into a weekend where we cannot react to tweets or news until Monday. So, it may be time to take some profits off the table or add some hedges. As traders, our job is to make consistent gains and reduce risk, the market is not a lottery ticket.
Ed
Sorry, but no Trade Ideas on Friday. Trade smart, take profits along the way and trade your plan. Also, do not forget to check for upcoming earnings. Stocks we mention and talk about are not recommendations to buy or sell.
✅ SMS text alerts and reminders?👈
✅ Check out our newest YouTube videos👈
🎯 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.
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 Plans • Private 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
Lot’s of uncertainty.
The big morning gap yesterday seemed to be met with a lot of uncertainty as to what happens next with the Phase 1 trade agreement. The bulls find very few buyers after the gap, and the bears could not inspire any sellers, so we lingered the rest of the day in a choppy sideways consolidation waiting for news to break the deadlock. Although the uncertainty remains, the futures market that had been flat most of the night found some inspiration somewhere to once again point to a bullish gap up open.
Asian markets closed positive across the board overnight as confusion over the trade continues. European markets are trading mixed but mostly higher this morning ahead of German economic data. US Futures point to a 100 point Dow gap ahead of the biggest day of earnings this week and some potential market-moving economic reports. The market is very news sensitive regarding trade, so remain flexible as sentiment could quickly shift as this political drama continues.
On the Calendar
On the Thursday Earnings Calendar, we have our biggest day of the week, with 51 companies reporting. Notable reports include ULTA, AOBC, CM, CLDR, DOCU, DG, DLTH, EXPR, GWRE, JILL, KR, MIK, SIG, PLCE, TIF, & ZM.
Action Plan
After the morning pop yesterday, the price action in the indexes stagnated in a sideways chop seemly uncertain as to what comes next. However, this morning, futures have found some inspiration even though the future of the Phase 1 trade deal remains uncertain. With the decline in petroleum reserves and the expectation that OPEC may make deeper cuts in oil production, there was some nice movement in the sector yesterday, helping to the overall market.
Today is the biggest day of earnings this week and could provide the source of inspiration for the bulls or the bears. However, in light of yesterday’s sharp decline in ADP numbers, the Friday Employment Situation report may create more consolidation after the morning rush while we wait. With the market sensitivity to any news on the trade deal and what that might mean for tariffs, traders will have to remain very flexible and prepared for quick price action surges or reversals. As the indexes move back up toward price resistance levels, remember to take some profits.
Trade Wisely,
Doug
Conflicting Trade Deal News
Stocks bounced back Wednesday (at least in terms of gapping) after the previous three down days. An anonymous Bloomberg report claimed progress was being made on how many tariff rollbacks would be part of phase one (partial) trade deal with China. This was enough for the bulls to gap again. However, there was no follow-through in the DIA and QQQ. Meanwhile, the SPY did manage a small bit of post-gap gain. The SPY ended up 0.62%, the DIA up 0.56% and the QQQ up 0.51%. However, it is worth noting that all three remain below their Monday close.
In trade news, we’ve gone from back-and-forth rumor/leaks/reports to the even more bizarre. This morning Bloomberg is reporting positive spin, saying China is in close contact with the US and the US negotiators are confident in a phase-one deal before Dec. 15. Meanwhile, CNBC and others are reporting China is giving little indication of progress and are remaining silent, except to reiterate a weeks-old statement that any phase-one deal must include tariff rollbacks…not just forestalling new tariffs. Regardless of which (or either) may be true, markets seem to be taking this as bullish news.
On the political news front, President Trump abruptly left the NATO meeting after turmoil between himself and other leaders (including being corrected by President Macron during a joint interview and being the butt of jokes between other leaders). Elsewhere, North Korea must have felt it wasn’t getting enough attention. So, it warned the US to prepare for a “Christmas gift” as its self-imposed deadline for progress on a nuclear deal approaches.
In economic news, ADP Nov. Private Payrolls were a big miss (coming in at 67,000 versus 145,000 expected). ISM Non-Mfg. PMI also was light (53.9 versus 54.5 expected). In addition, US Oil inventories were much, much higher than expected (2.5 times predicted). This last report comes as OPEC says it is considering deeper production cuts (although each OPEC member wants other countries to do the cutting).
Major economic news for Thursday includes Imports, Exports, and Initial Jobless Claims (all at 8:30 am), as well as Oct. Factory Orders (10 am). Major earning reports will include BF.B, COO, DG, KR, TIF, and ULTA.
Overnight, Asian markets were all in the green. The same is true in Europe, as all the burses (except the FTSE) are green at this point. As of 7:30 am, U.S. futures are all pointing to a gap higher of about 0.3% to half a percent.
So, we may be looking at another gap up this morning. Bulls have definitely looking for any reason to run the last couple months. However, there have been some warning signs (ie. Weak Mfg. data) and reasons to worry (blow-off top action?). That being the case, it would be wise not to chase too far either direction. Stick to your trading plan, keep locking-in profits, and move your stops. Our job is to make consistent gains and reduce risk. We’re not here to hit the lottery.
Ed
Swing Trade Ideas for your watchlist and consideration. LB, CPRI, CXO, CBS, HAL, VIAB, MNST, KO, DXC. Trade smart, take profits along the way and trade your plan. Also, do not forget to check for upcoming earnings. Stocks we mention and talk about are not recommendations to buy or sell.
✅ SMS text alerts and reminders?👈
✅ Check out our newest YouTube videos👈
🎯 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.
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 Plans • Private 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
Ridiculous Political Football
The so-called Phase 1 trade deal has become a ridiculous political football creating a frustratingly news-driven market chopping up trader’s accounts. The President says maybe we wait until after the 2020 election, and the Dow drops more than 400 points. Bloomberg puts out a story citing “people familiar with the talks,” and suggests a deal is edging closer, and the Dow gaps up. All of the drams over a trade deal that we no one really knows what it does or does not include. Silly! The good news is that even though the short-term index trends broke yesterday the bulls found the energy to defend important price supports and longer-term trends. However, traders will have to remain very nimble in this emotional football continues to be kicked around.
Asian market closed seeing only red across the board overnight with European markets in reaction to the Bloomberg story reversed early losses and currently see green across the board. US Futures ahead of earnings and economic reports are also reacting sharply higher after the Bloomberg report with the Dow expected to gap up triple digits in reaction.
On the Calendar
On the hump day Earnings Calendar, we have 31 companies reporting their results. Notable reports include RH, WORK, HOME, CPB, FIVE, HRB, RY, TLYS, and VRNT.
Action Plan
Yesterday the President said it might be better to wait until after the 2020 election to make a deal with China. Commerce secretary came out echoing those comments and said they have not ruled out imposing tariffs on imported European Autos. Then at 5 AM this morning, Bloomberg News reported that the US and China were edging closer to a trade deal citing “people familiar with the talks.” The Futures quickly rallied from overnight losses on the report. I don’t know about you, but all this market manipulation around the so-called Phase 1 deal has become absolutely ridiculous.
Technically speaking, the short-term index trends broke yesterday, but the longer-term bullish trends remain intact as bulls defended key price action supports. Although yesterday’s price action was quite bearish, the pullback may, in fact, open the door to opportunity, so stay focused on price for clues. As a result of the Bloomberg report, the futures point to a gap up open in the Dow of more than 100 points ahead of earnings and economic reports. At 10 AM Eastern today, impeachment hearings will resume providing a little distraction and drama to the day.
Trade Wisely,
Doug
More Trade War Give & Take
Stocks suffered large gaps lower across the board Tuesday as President Trump threatened new tariffs (France, Italy, Turkey, Austria) and acknowledged that there may be no China trade deal prior to the 2020 Election. Then mid-day the White House acknowledged that the President plans on moving ahead with more China tariffs on Dec. 15th. However, after some follow-through in the morning, the rest of the day was still spent slowly grinding back to above flat after the gap down. Meanwhile, the VXX ended up 5.80%.
The SPY ended down 0.67%, the DIA down 0.97% and the QQQ down 0.78%. This made for the third straight down day (including the short session Friday). In and of itself, this is causing fear and talk of a repeat of 2018’s December selloff. However, to put this 3-day slide in perspective, we are only 1.5 to 2 percent off the all-time highs. So, we are not exactly seeing the end of the world yet.
After hours, the Co-CEOs of Alphabet (Larry Page and Sergey Brin) stepped down and appointed Google CEO Sundar Pichai as their replacement. Pichai is an Engineer by trade and more of an operations guy than Page or Brin. He was a driving force behind Google moving into non-search projects such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, rural internet, and others.
Despite the President’s Tweets and words yesterday, Bloomberg reports that the US and China are inching closer to an agreement on the number of tariff rollbacks that would be acceptable for a “phase one partial deal.” American sources say they expect the arrangement to be agreed prior to 12/15 (also forestalling another round of tit-for-tat tariffs). However, there is no word on when such an agreement would actually be signed. This story smacks of being another back and forth dueling false rumor around the China Trade War. Nonetheless, stocks are seeming to react very positively to the news.
Overnight, Asian markets were again in the red. In Europe, the major markets are all in the green at this point. As of 7:30 am, U.S. futures are all pointing to a half percent gap higher on the trade deal rumor.
In other trade news overnight, France and the EU have said they will retaliate over US-threatened tariffs on French goods. In addition, French President Macron, UK PM Johnson and Canadian PM Trudeau were caught on a “hot mic” joking about President Trump. (And we all know how well he can take a joke…so expect more on this front.)
With an apparent attempt at a rebound in the cards this morning, don’t start chasing. Keep in mind that to be successful, a trader must follow their rules…not get caught up in Fear of Missing Out. So, stick to your plan, lock-in profits along the way, move your stops, and maintain your discipline. Remember that your job is to be prepared, make consistent gains and reduce risk, not to hit home runs every once in a while.
Ed
Swing Trade Ideas for your watchlist and consideration. TTWO, DXC, ALXN, EA, ECL, WBA, ARMK, KLAC. Trade smart, take profits along the way and trade your plan. Also, do not forget to check for upcoming earnings. Stocks we mention and talk about are not recommendations to buy or sell.
✅ SMS text alerts and reminders?👈
✅ Check out our newest YouTube videos👈
🎯 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.
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 Plans • Private 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
Getting Past Losses & Failure
Miss on US Manufacturing
A miss on US Manufacturing and concerns of a US/China trade deal delay inspired the bears and triggered a wave of profit-taking yesterday. Threats of a possible 100% tariff against France in response to there new digital tax aimed at American companies as well as possible steel and aluminum tariffs for Argentina and Brazil added more pressure to the selloff. This morning the President raised concerns that the US/China trade agreement may not happen until after the 2020 election has futures pointing to more losses this morning.
Asian markets closed mixed but mostly lower overnight, with Australia sinking more than 2%. Across the pond Euro Zone indexes are mostly lower after the President’s comments on the US/China trade delay. US Futures point to a gap down open of about 100 Dow points following though after yesterday pop and drop pattern leaving behind bearish engulfing candle patterns and lifting the fear level in the VIX substantially. Keep in mind that a pullback in a bullish trend may ultimately prove to be a buying opportunity if the bulls prove strong enough to defend. So stay focused on the price for clues.
On the Calendar
On the Tuesday Economic Calendar, we have 20 companies reporting quarterly results. Notable reports include AZO, BMO, CONN, LE, MRVL, CRM, WDAY, and ZS.
Action Plan
The President’s trip abroad as proved to be quite eventful. After the passage of a digital tax in France targeting US companies, he has threatened new tariffs as much a 100% in retaliation. He also said steel and aluminum tariffs for Argentina and Brazil might be in play very soon. This morning the President suggested it might be better to wait until after the 2020 election to complete a trade deal with China sending the US Futures market sharply lower. All the while impeachment hearings resume on Wednesday here in the US while the President remains abroad scheduled to meet with the Queen.
Futures that had been modestly bullish most of the night now appear to threaten a gap down this morning following through after Monday’s selloff. While the selling yesterday was worrisome, leaving behind bearish engulfing candles, price supports, and overall trade largely held up to the attack. However, follow-through selling today may well create some technical damage to the index charts. The VIX closed the day just below a 15 handle as fear quickly accelerated after the pop and drop day that energized the bears, triggering a wave of profit-taking as trader scrambled to protect profits.
Trade Wisely,
Doug
More Trade Wars and Fear
The bears controlled markets all day Monday (on the back of another Presidential tweet, as well as bad Mfg. PMI data). As a result, we got the biggest down day in almost two months. The SPY lost 0.85%, the DIA was down 0.98% and the QQQ lost 1.02%. As you’d expect, the VXX rose 5.2%, but only to a still-low level of 17. T2122 has fallen back to the edge of the oversold area at 19.38. However, remember the market can remain oversold longer than we can stay solvent predicting a turn.
The big news for markets Tuesday will be Protectionism and Trade Wars. After the close, the US administration threatened to put 100% tariffs on French products in response to French taxes on digital services. (President Trump also attacked French President Macron verbally at the NATO summit.) The administration said it is also exploring doing the same to Austria, Italy, and Turkey for the same reason.
This threatening and tariffs is a theme with the current administration and follows on the heels of the Sunday night tweet-based new tariffs on Argentina and Brazil steel and Aluminum. Then this morning, the President announced that “it may be better” to wait until after the 2020 election to make a trade deal with China. (Partially acknowledging the reality that China is not in a particular hurry, he is not the one holding all the cards, and he is not going to dictate to another major economic power.)
Futures took this trade war rhetoric badly and markets are likely to react all day. This is because there is no major economic news planned for Tuesday. In addition, there are no major earnings reports before the open. (CRM and WDAY both report after the close.)
Overnight, Asian markets were all in the red (except Shanghai). In Europe, the major markets are mixed at this point. As of 7:30 am, U.S. futures are all pointing to a gap down of about half a percent.
So, trade/tariff fears are likely to drive markets in the absence of other news. However, early Cyber Monday results may well add momentum one way or the other. Regardless, the bulls have been very resilient for the last couple of months. So, don’t get too carried away if markets are soft again Tuesday.
Just remember that we are swing traders. By definition, we need down-swings to set up an up-swing. So, continue to look for the next opportunity setting up, lock-in profits, and trade your plan. Remember that your job is to be prepared, make consistent gains and reduce risk, not to hit home runs every once in a while.
Ed
Swing Trade Ideas for your watchlist and consideration. VXX, FAZ, SPXU, Z, KR, CPB, JBHT, LEN, KLAC. Trade smart, take profits along the way and trade your plan. Also, do not forget to check for upcoming earnings. Stocks we mention and talk about are not recommendations to buy or sell.
✅ SMS text alerts and reminders?👈
✅ Check out our newest YouTube videos👈
🎯 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.
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 Plans • Private 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
