Bulls Looking to Gap Higher on Fed Rethink

Wednesday saw a mixed start to the day for markets.  SPY opened 0.14% lower, DIA opened 0.07% higher, and QQQ gapped down 0.39%.  From that point, all three major index ETFs chopped sideways until early afternoon.  Oddly, instead of waiting on the Fed decisions and statement, all three started to rally at 1:30 p.m.  However, the rally really picked up steam with a strong spike higher between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.  This was followed by 30 minutes of a sideways grind in all three.  At that point, the Bears woke up and markets sold off sharply the rest of the day.  This action gave us Inverted Hammer candles in all three major index ETFs.  DIA gave us a white version while SPY and QQQ printed black versions.  This means that all three also retested and failed their T-line (8ema) during the session.  This all happened on about average volume.  We saw average volume in the QQQ and SPY along with heavier-than-average volume in the DIA.

On the day, the 10 sectors were evenly split with Utilities (+1.18%) far out front leading the five gainers while Energy (-1.36%) was way out front leading the five red ones.  At the same time, SPY lost 0.29%, DIA gained 0.20%, and QQQ lost 0.72%.  VXX gained 0.59% to close at 13.69 and T2122 climbed out of the oversold territory to close in the lower-end of the mid-range at 28.51.  10-year bond yields fell to 4.639% and Oil (WTI) plummeted 3.31% to close at $79.20 per barrel. So, on Wednesday, saw a typical “wait and see” in the morning.  However, oddly, markets seemed to think they knew how the wind would be blowing about a half hour ahead of the Fed announcements.  Then we saw a spike, followed by rest and then a sharp selloff.  In short, traders seem relieved the Fed left rates where they were and loved the fact Chairman Powell essentially took more rate hikes off the table.  However, they also then realized there won’t be a rate cut anytime soon and that scared them back into a bearish move.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday included the ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, which came in stronger than expected at 192k (compared to a forecast of 179k but down from the March reading of 208k).  Later, April S&P Global Mfg. PMI was just a tick stronger than predicted at 50.0 (versus a 49.9 forecast but down from March’s 51.9).  After that, March Construction Spending was well down from what was anticipated at -0.2% (compared to a +0.3% forecast but slightly better than February’s -0.3% value).  Meanwhile, April ISM Mfg. Employment came in a bit stronger than expected at 48.6 (versus a 48.2 forecast and the March 47.4 reading).  At the same time, April ISM Mfg. PMI was lower than predicted at 49.2 (compared to a 50.0 forecast and a March 50.3 value).  However, the April ISM Mfg. Price Index was well above expectations at 60.9 (versus a 55.5 forecast and a 55.8 March reading).  On the jobs front, March JOLTs Job Openings were down at 8.488 million (compared to the 8.680 million forecast and significantly down from the February 8.813 million).  Later, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories showed a large, unexpected inventory build of 7.265 million barrels (versus a predicted drawdown of 2.300 million barrels and the prior week’s 6.368-million-barrel drawdown). 

However, the big news of the day was the Fed.  The FOMC held rates flat, but the statement added a note that there has been a lack of progress on inflation toward its 2% goal since its last meeting.  Beyond that, the statement added a flat declaration that, beginning in June, the FOMC will slow the pace of its balance sheet reductions (in terms of bonds) from an average of $60 billion to $25 billion per month.  However, it will also maintain the $35 billion per month pace of reductions for non-Treasury balance sheet items (mortgage-backed securities and agency debt).  In terms of Powell’s press conference, the Chair poo-pooed the idea of stagflation, saying “I don’t see the ‘stag’ or the ‘-flation’,” … “(So,) I don’t really understand where that’s coming from.”  When asked about the possibility of a rate hike, Powell said “I think it’s unlikely that the next policy rate move will be a hike. I’d say it’s unlikely.”  When pushed further on what it would take to cause a rate hike, the Fed Chair replied “I think we’d need to see persuasive evidence that our policy stance is not sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation sustainably down to 2% over time. That’s not what we think we’re seeing.”  The rest of the press conference really boiled down to Powell saying the Fed has not gained any additional confidence that inflation is on path to 2% (which the Fed has said is the required trigger for a rate cut).  Powell said, “It is likely that gaining such greater confidence will take longer than previously expected. We are prepared to maintain the current target federal funds rate for as long as appropriate.”

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In stock news, on Wednesday, TELL sent Houston-based workers home as it is in talked to sell its shale gas business in order to raise funds for its “Driftwood LNG Export” plant.  At the same time, research firm S3 Partners released a report saying that the so-called Magnificent 7 (GOOGL, MSFT, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, and TSLA) now account for $1.08 trillion in short interest.  This means they represent 12% of the US market’s total shorts.  Later, Bloomberg reported that KR is in talks with DIS about adding DIS+ streaming as a benefit of the grocery chain’s membership program for the remainder of 2024 at no cost.  At the same time, SPR announced it had a plan that gives it “a high degree of confidence” it can meet BA’s quality and production rate demands for 737 MAX jets.  (BA and the FAA declined to comment to Reuters on the announcement.) 

In stock legal and governmental news, on Wednesday, Reuters reported that sources tell it the FTC will rule on its antitrust investigation of the XOM acquisition of PXD for $60 billion within days.  Later, the Wall Street Journal reported that the FTC is planning to approve the deal, but will prohibit the PXD CEO from joining the board of XOM as a condition of approval.  After the close, CMCSA stopped broadcasting Bally Sports channels.  This puts the bankruptcy restructuring of a SBGI subsidiary (Diamond Sports) at risk of collapse.  At the same time, Bloomberg reported that US bank regulators are discussing finalizing bank capitalization rules by as soon as August.  After the close, JPM made a filing that indicated it expects bank assets in Russia to be seized by that country.  (The filing did not specify the dollar value of the bank’s assets in Russia.)

After the close, AFL, AIG, AXS, BHE, CHRW, CWH, CVNA, CTSH, CW, DLX, EBAY, ENSG, EXPI, FLSR, FNV, GIL, HST, MGM, MYRG, PAYC, PGRE, PPC, PTC, QRVO, QCOM, SEB, SCI, SFM, TTEK, VMI, VICI, VTR, ZG, and Z all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ACHC, ALL, BBSI, BV, BZH, CTVA, DVN, ES, HLF, THG, MRO, MET, MOS, SUM, and UGI missed on revenue while beating one earnings.  On the other side, AFG, AWK, CAR, CF, DASH, GFL, KMPR, MAA, MKL, and TROX beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, ALB, ANSS, BALY, CMPR, CODI, NVST, ETSY, JAZZ, CNXN, MUSA, RHP, SIGI, and TWI missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that BHE, MPWR, SFM, and TTEK raised their guidance.  At the same time, QRVO and ZG lowered forward guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed, Hong Kong (+2.50%) was by far (by 1.6%) the biggest mover on the day.  On the other side, Shenzhen (-0.90%) and Taiwan (-0.85%) paced the losers on a day where six exchanges were green and six red.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape at midday with seven of 15 bourses in the green.  The CAC (-0.73%), DAX (+0.08%), and FTSE (+0.39%) lead the region on volume as Norway (-0.88%) has made the biggest move in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a solidly green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.48% open, the SPY is implying a +0.71% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.93% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields have dropped to 4.602% and Oil (WTI) is up 0.43% to $79.38 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday includes March Exports, March Imports, March Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q1 Nonfarm Productivity, and Q1 Unit Labor Cost (all at 8:30 a.m.), March Factory Orders (10 a.m.), and Fed Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include AGCO, ATUS, AME, APA, APG, APO, APTV, MT, ARES, ARW, BHC, BAX, BCE, BDX, BDC, BWA, BTSG, BRKR, CNQ, CAH, CHD, CI, CNK, CNHI, CIGI, COP, CMI, XRAY, DBD, D, DRVN, DNB, ENOV, NVRI, EXC, ULCC, HWM, HII, NSIT, ICE, IQV, IRM, ITRI, ITT, JHG, K, KTB, LNC, LIN, MCO, MUR, NFG, NVO, ONEW, OGN, PH, PATK, PBF, BTU, PTON, PENN, PNW, PBI, PWR, REGN, RXO, SABR, SNDR, SEE, SHEL, SO, SWK, TRGP, TFX, TRI, UPBD, VAL, VSTS, VMC, W, WEN, WCC, WRK, XYL, ZBH, and ZTS. Then, after the close, AES, ALHC, AEE, AMGN, AAPL, ACA, BECN, SQ, BKNG, BFAM, CIVI, COIN, ED, CTRA, DVA, DLR, DKNG, EOG, WTRG, EXPE, FND, FTNT, GDDY, HOLX, HUN, ILMN, IR, LYV, MTZ, MODV, MNST, MSI, ZEUS, OTEX, OPEN, OEC, PTVE, PXD, POST, RGA, REZI, RKT, RYAN, SEM, SM, SWN, TXRH, X, and WSC report. 

In economic news later this week, on Friday, April Avg. Hourly Earnings, April Nonfarm Payrolls, April Private Nonfarm Payrolls, April Participation Rate, April Unemployment Rate, April S&P Global Services PMI, April S&P Global Composite PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI Price Index, and Fed Member Williams speaks.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, ADNT, AXL, AMRX, BEPC, BEP, CBOE, CBRE, GTLS, LNG, CRBG, FLR, FYBR, GPRE, HSY, KOP, MGA, NMRK, NVT, PAA, PAGP, TRP, TAC, TRMB, and XPO report.

So far this morning, MT, BDX, BWA, BTSG, BRKR, CHD, CI, CNK, CNHI, ENOV, NVRI, ULCC, GEL, GVA, HWM, ICFI, IQV, IRM, ITT, KTB, LAMR, MCO, MUR, NVO, PBF, PBI, PWR, SWK, TFX, TRI, UPBD, VNT, W, XYL, ZBH, and ZTS all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AME, APTV, BCE, CAH, COP, XRAY, LIN, RXO, SHEL, WEN, and WRK all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, ACDVF, APO, and EXC beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, ARES, PENN, REGN, and WCC missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that CI raised its forward guidance.

In miscellaneous news, on Wednesday, GS strategists told clients that the single-stock options volume decline prior to the start of earnings season signaled weakness in stocks.  However, the report says that this volume has now stabilized and even shows a modest increase, which GS says indicates that the market has an appetite to buy the weakness in equity prices.  (In other words, “buy the dip” is still in play.)   Meanwhile, BestEx Research that roughly one-third of all S&P 500 stock trades happen in the last 10 minutes of the trading session.  This is up significantly from the 27% happening in those minutes found in the company’s 2021 study. 

In other news, the US Treasury and State Departments issued hundreds of sanctions related to targeting the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  This included 20 companies in China and Hong Kong. Unsurprisingly, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing firmly opposes what he called the US’s “illegal unilateral sanctions.”  Meanwhile, in Japan, the Yen jumped 3% against the Dollar late in the US session.  This has led to broad speculation that the Bank of Japan has intervened for the second time this week. Finally, in late-breaking news, PTON announced it will lay off 15% of its staff and the CEO will step down.

With that background, it looks as if the Bulls have rethought yesterday’s late selloff and are looking to gap all three major index ETFs higher. All three opened just under their T-line (8ema) but are printing small, indecisive, white-bodied candles after that gap. The SPY, DIA, and QQQ all remain just below their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bearish but under pressure from the Bulls. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish. The longer-term market remains Bullish but under pressure. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs is extended below their T-line. At the same time, the T2122 indicator is now in the lower-end of its mid-range. So, both sides have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, all 10 are in the green this morning with the biggest dog NVDA (+1.75%) out front leading the way higher. Keep in mind that we still have the April Jobs Report on Friday morning. So, after the rethink of Fed reaction we may see an afternoon drift waiting for those Friday morning numbers.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the Man in the Green Bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is no reason to keep raising your bet (risk) size just because you’ve had a win. Finally, remember that trading is not a hobby, it’s a job. The gains are real and so is the risk. So, treat it that way. Do the work and follow the process. Stick to your trading rules, trade with the trend, and take those profits when you have them. Do the work!

See you in the trading room.

Ed

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Index Whipsaws

Index Whipsaws

In the wake of the U.S. index whipsaws in an FOMC decision reaction, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong emerged as the frontrunner, registering a notable 2.4% increase. This uptick was further accentuated in the technology sector, with the Hang Seng Tech index experiencing a significant 4.4% surge. Meanwhile, Mainland China markets were closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

European markets experienced a modest downturn on Thursday morning, in response to the U.S. FOMC’s recent decision and the impact of various corporate earnings reports. The Stoxx 600 index saw a slight decline of 0.25% as of 11 a.m. in London, indicating a mixed bag of sectoral performance. While bank stocks showed resilience with a 0.5% rise, the oil and gas sectors weren’t as fortunate, witnessing a 1.35% fall.

U.S. stock futures indicate a bullish gap this morning as investors’ anticipation grew for the upcoming corporate earnings. However, the initial enthusiasm was tempered by the end of Wednesday’s volatile price action. The Dow managed to eke out a modest gain, closing approximately 0.2% higher, while both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite receded, ending the day down by nearly 0.3%.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Thursday before the bell include AGCO, AGIO, ATUS, APO, APTV, MT, ARES, ARW, BAX, BDX, BWA, BTSG, GOOS, CAH, CHD, CNK, CNHI, CGNX, COP, CMI, CYBR, D, DRVN, ENOV, ES, EXC, EXLS, RACE, FTDR, ULCC, HWM, HII, IDA, INMD, NSIT, ICE, IDCC, IQV, IRM, ITRI, ITT, JHG, K, KRP, KIM, KTB, LAMR, LANC, LNC, LIN, LXP, MBUU, NRMA, MCO, MUR, OGN, PH, BTU, PTON, PENN, PNW, PBI, PWR, REGN, SABR, SEE, SHAK, SSTK, SWI, SO, SWK, CI, TPB, UTZ, WNT, VMC, WD, W, WEN, WRK, XPEL, XYL, & ZTS.. After the bell include AAPL, AAON, ACCO, AES, AMH, AMGN, ACA, ASUR, BECN, BBAI, BILL, BJRI, SQ, BKNG, BFAM, CABO, CPT, CIVI, NET, COHU, COIN, ED, CTRA, DVA, DRH, DLR, DLB, DKNG, LOCO, EOG, EXPE, FRT, FIVN, FND, FTNT, FOXF, GDDY, HOLX, HUN, ILMN, KRC, LYV, MTZ, MSI, MP, OHI, OTEX, OPEN, PCTY, PXD, POST, KWR, RMAX, RGA, RKT, RYAN, SIMO, SM, SWN, TNDM, TXRH, X, OLED, VIAV, WK, WW, XRH, & XPOF.

News & Technicals’

Jeffrey Gundlach, CEO of DoubleLine Capital, provided a revised outlook on Wednesday, suggesting that there may be at most one interest rate cut by the end of the year. This statement came in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, where Chair Jerome Powell made a pivotal announcement that virtually eliminated the prospect of an interest rate hike in the near future. Following Powell’s remarks, the financial markets reacted swiftly; treasury yields plummeted to their lowest points of the session, while stock prices soared to their highest, reflecting investor sentiment that the next move by the Fed would steer clear of increasing rates.

The perception of China among Americans has notably shifted, with 42% now considering China as an adversary of the United States—a significant increase from just 25% two years prior. This sentiment is echoed in Pew Research findings, where for the fifth consecutive year, approximately 80% of respondents harbored unfavorable views towards China, and nearly half of that group expressed a very unfavorable stance. Notably, older Republican demographics, alongside individuals dissatisfied with the U.S.’s economic climate, exhibited the strongest opposition toward China. This data underscores a growing trend of skepticism and concern regarding U.S.-China relations among the American populace.

Carvana’s stock experienced a remarkable surge, soaring over 30% in after-hours trading on Wednesday. This leap was fueled by the company’s announcement of record-breaking results and a profitable first quarter. A key metric, the gross profit per unit (GPU), stood at an impressive $6,432, capturing the attention of investors. Additionally, Carvana reported an adjusted EBITDA profit margin of 7.7% for the quarter. These strong financial indicators are the fruits of a strategic shift implemented over the past two years, emphasizing profitability in response to previous bankruptcy worries in 2022. The company’s pivot from aggressive expansion to financial stability appears to be paying off, as evidenced by these positive outcomes.

Peloton is set for a leadership transition as CEO Barry McCarthy prepares to step down, marking the end of his tenure that began in February 2022. McCarthy, who previously held executive roles at Netflix and Spotify, was instrumental in steering Peloton through a period of transformation aimed at cost reduction and revitalizing growth. Despite his departure from the CEO role, McCarthy will continue to influence Peloton’s strategy, serving as a strategic advisor until the year’s end. In the interim, the company will be guided by two of its board members who will assume the roles of co-CEOs, ensuring continuity in Peloton’s journey towards sustainable growth.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

FOMC rate decision

FOMC rate decision

Amidst a tense atmosphere, the Australian and Japanese markets experienced a downturn on Wednesday. Investors are holding their breath in anticipation of the FOMC rate decision. Adding to the market’s unease is the performance of the yen, which has had a tumultuous beginning to the week, with suspected interventions occurring as early as Monday. Currently, the yen is hovering around the 157.7 mark when paired against the U.S. dollar, a level that market participants will be watching closely as these events unfold.

This morning London’s FTSE 100 index saw a modest increase, standing out in a quiet European market landscape, as most markets were closed in observance of the May Day/Labor Day public holiday. Despite the regional pause, investors have their work cut out for them, with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s impending interest rate announcement looming large.

US futures indexes declined Wednesday morning. The focus of traders is now shifting to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Investors are keenly awaiting insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding the conditions necessary for a potential rate decrease in the future.

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Wednesday before the bell include MA, AER, ALKS, APA, ARCC, ADP, AVA, AVT, AXTA, BLCO, BRY, TECH, BIP, CDW, GIB, CHEF, CLH, CNDT, CTS, CVS, DAY, DD, EL, EXTR, GRMN, GNRC, ROCK, GSK, GPN, IDXX, JCI, KKR, KHC, LTH, LIVN, MAR, NBIX, NCLH, OGE, PSN, PFE, PPL, RGEN, SMG, SLGN, SDHC, SR, STGW, COCO, TRN, TTMI, WLK, WING, & YUM. After the bell include ACHC, AFL, ALB, ALKT, ALL, AFG, AIG, AWK, ANSS, CAR, ACLX, CAR, ACLX, AXS, BALY, BZH, BV, CHRW, CWH, CVNA, CF, CWAN, CDE, CTSH, CRK, CTVA, CCRN, CW, DVN, DGII, DASH, EBAY, NVST, EPR, EQC, ETSY, EXPI, FSLY, FSLR, FRSH, GKOS, GRBK, THG, HTLF, HLF, HST, HPP, INFA, JAZZ, KMPR, KN, KLIC, MRO, MET, MTG, MGM, MCW, MPWR, MOS, MUSA, NFG, NSA, NTGR, PGRE, PAYC, PPC, PCOR, PTC, QRVO, QCOM, RDN, RYN, RSI, RHP, SDGR, SFM, NOVA, TTEK, UGI, UPWK, VMI, VTR, VICI, WOLF, & ZG.

Economic Calendar

News & Technicals’

In a significant move, the Biden administration has announced the cancellation of over $6.1 billion in student loans, affecting approximately 317,000 former students of The Art Institutes. This decision comes after the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation into the for-profit education chain and its parent company, the Education Management Corporation (EDMC). The investigation revealed that both institutions engaged in “pervasive and substantial” deceptive practices, misleading students about crucial factors such as employment rates, potential salaries, and the effectiveness of career services post-graduation. As a result of these findings, all eligible borrowers will automatically receive debt forgiveness. This relief extends even to those who have not formally applied for loan forgiveness under the borrower defense program, ensuring that all affected individuals are covered by this unprecedented act of financial reprieve.

In a landmark shift, the Biden Administration is set to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, aligning it with drugs such as Tylenol with codeine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone. This groundbreaking decision, as reported by NBC News citing four informed sources, marks the end of marijuana’s over 50-year designation as a Schedule I drug—a category it shared with substances like heroin and methamphetamines. The reclassification reflects a significant change in the federal stance on marijuana, acknowledging its medical benefits and lower potential for abuse. Concurrently, this news has sparked a notable upswing in cannabis-related stocks, which stood out with gains in contrast to the overall market’s downturn.

The Federal Reserve appears to be in a state of inertia, with expectations set for this status quo to be evident at the conclusion of its meeting on Wednesday. Market analysts predict virtually no possibility of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which is responsible for setting the central bank’s monetary policy, to alter the current interest rates. The most noteworthy announcement anticipated from the meeting is the Federal Reserve’s plan to decelerate the reduction of its bond holdings on the balance sheet. This move signals a cautious approach by the Fed amidst economic uncertainties, as it opts to maintain a steady course rather than introducing new monetary policy changes.

Anticipate a turbulent trading day filled with significant earnings and economic reports, culminating with a FOMC rate decision. Traders should brace for potential sharp swings in points as they respond to the influx of data. Additionally, it’s wise to monitor bond yields closely for any shifts that may occur following comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell later today, which could offer hints at the market’s future trajectory.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Big News and Earnings Day With Fed On Tap

Markets opened lower on Tuesday in response to a higher-than-expected Employment Cost Index.  SPY gapped down 0.28%, DIA gapped down 0.33%, and QQQ gapped 0.41% lower.  From there, all three major index ETFs meandered sideways (perhaps lulling the Bulls to sleep) until 10:50 a.m.  At that point, all three began a wavy selloff that lasted the rest of the day and accelerated the last 10 minutes.  (In particular, QQQ had a massive move that last 10 minutes.)  This action gave us large, black-bodied candles with small upper wicks and which closed on the lows in all three major index ETFs.  All three could also be called Evening Star signals if you are a little lenient on the first candle of that 3-candle signal.  All three also crossed back below their T-line (8ema), with DIA even coming into the range of the lows from roughly two weeks ago.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the red with Energy (-2.92%) far out front leading the rest of the market lower.  Healthcare (-0.28%) held up far better than the other sectors but obviously was also in the red.  Meanwhile, SPY lost 1.58%, DIA lost 1.48%, and QQQ lost 1.89%.  VXX gained more than three percent to close at 13.61 and T2122 plummeted back down into the oversold area at 15.51.  10-year bond yields spiked to 4.682% and Oil (WTI) dropped 1.20% to close at $81.64 per barrel.  So, Tuesday was clearly a day for the Bears.  A gap lower led to treading water for almost 90 minutes but then the selling kicked in and did not stop the rest of the day.  All this happened on a bit less than average volume in all three major index ETFs.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday included the Q1 Employment Cost Index, which, as said above, came in higher than expected at +1.2% (compared to a forecast of +1.0% and a Q4 reading of +0.9%).  Later, April Chicago PMI was lower than predicted at 37.9 (versus a 44.9 forecast and a 41.4 March value).  Then, Conf. Board Consumer Confidence also came in a bit low at 97.0 (compared to a predicted 104.0 and a previous reading of 103.1).  After the close, API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks showed a n unexpected 4.906-million-barrel inventory build (versus a forecast 1.500-million-barrel drawdown and the prior week’s 3.230-million-barrel drawdown). 

After the close, AMD, AMZN, ASH, AX, BXP, CACC, FANG, EXR, FBIN, INVH, LFUS, LPLA, MCY, MDLZ, OI, PINS, PK, QUAD, SYK, UMBF, and UNM all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AMCR, CC, CLX, EIX, EQH, HI, MATX, NGD, RNR, RSG, SWKS, SON, and SMCI missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, CHK, PRU, and PSA beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, CZR, LEG, LUMN, OKE, RYI, SBUX, and WERN missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that AMZN and SWKS lowered their guidance.  At the same time, PINS and SMCI raised their forward guidance.  It is also worth noting that PSNY announced it will delay its earnings reports for a second time.

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In stock news, on Tuesday, TLSA announced plans to layoff more of the recently announced 10,000 workers.  This time, CEO Musk fired two senior executives and all of the 500 people reporting up through one of them (the entire “Supercharger group”).  The other senior executive fired was the Director of the New Vehicles program.  At the same time, WMT rolled out a new “house” grocery brand (BetterGoods) while also saying it will close all of its health-care clinics and close its telehealth operation as it gets out of the healthcare field.  Later, CMCSA announced it will raise prices on it Peacock streaming service by $2/month ahead of what it expects to be a large audience draw, the Summer Olympics.  Meanwhile, GOOGL agreed to pay NWSA $5 million to $6 million annually to develop new AI-related content and products with the company (owner of the Wall Street Journal).  Later, Reuters reported that sources tell it that the PARA ousting (“stepping down”) of former CEO Bakish will cost the company “North of $50 million.”

In stock legal and governmental news, on Tuesday BRKB subsidiary PacifiCorp was hit with $30 billion in new claims (from 1,000 plaintiffs) for damages caused by 2020 wildfires started by the utility’s equipment.  (This is four times the amount the company had projected.)  This is on top of the $735 million that PacifiCorp had paid in claims up through February and a $90 million judgement the company lost to 17 victims in a case last year for gross negligence during a windstorm.  Later, the FTC said it will crack down on what it is calling “junk patents” associated with 20 brand-name drugs.  These “junk patents” are minor variations from existing patents that extend price protections.  (NVO’s wildly popular weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are the major drugs impacted, but they are protected by “legitimate” patents.) 

Elsewhere, the US Dept. of Justice moved to reclassify marijuana out of “schedule three.”  That drug is currently classified the same as heroin and LSD.  The new classification would put it in a group with ketamine and Tylenol with codeine.  Cannabis stocks like TLRY, TCNNF, ACB, CGC, FLGC, and other soared on the news.  Later, the 50 GOOGL workers fired for protesting the company cloud computing contract with the Israeli military and other government departments filed a complaint with the NRLB alleging that the firing was illegal.  At the same time, IBM won its appeal of a $1.6 billion judgement from a suit filed by BMC Software (owned by KKR).  The case will return to the district court after being instructed on how to determine liability.  Later, the first trial over GSK’s drug Zantac potentially causing cancer began in Chicago with jury selection. In late-breaking news this morning, JNJ announced it had reached a $6.5 billion settlement ending 99% of the tens of thousands of “talc-caused cancer” lawsuits the company had pending.

Overnight, Asian markets were mostly in the red with only four of 12 exchanges green.  Australia (-1.23%), Shenzhen (-0.90%), and New Zealand (-0.75%) led the region lower.  Meanwhile, in Europe, we see a sea of red with two bourses, led by Norway (+0.24%), in the green at midday.  The CAC (-0.99%), DAX (-1.03%), and FTSE (+0.02%) lead the region, as always, on volume in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing to a red start to the day.  The DIA implies a -0.23% open, the SPY is implying a -0.40% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.65% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are at 4.684% and Oil (WTI) is down 1.46% to $80.72 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday includes the ADP Nonfarm Employment Change (8:15 a.m.), April S&P Global Mfg. PMI (9:45 a.m.), March Construction Spending, April ISM Mfg. Employment, April ISM Mfg. PMI, April ISM Mfg. Price Index, and March JOLTs Job Openings (all at 10 a.m.), EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.), FOMC Rate Decision and FOMC Statement (both at 2 p.m.), and Fed Chair Press Conference (2:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include AER, ARCC, ADP, AVA, AVT, AXTA, GOLD, BLCO, CG, CRS, CDW, COR, CVE, CENX, GIB, CHEF, CLH, CNDT, CVS, DD, ENTG, ESAB, EL, EEFT, FLEX, FTS, GRMN, GTES, GNRC, GSK, GPN, IDXX, NSP, JCI, KKR, KHC, DRS, LTH, MAR, MA, NBIX, NCLH, OGE, PSN, PFE, PPL, SMG, SLGN, SR, STGW, TRN, TTMI, UTHR, VRSK, WEC, WLK, and YUM.  Then, after the close, ACHC, AFL, ALB, ALL, AFG, AIG, AWK, ANSS, CAR, AXS, BALY, BBSI, BZH, BV, CHRW, CWH, CVNA, CF, CMPR, CTSH, CODI, CTVA, CW, DLX, DVN, DASH, EBAY, ENSG, NVST, ETSY, ES, EXPI, FLSR, FNV, GFL, GIL, THG, HLF, HST, JAZZ, KMPR, MRO, MKL, MET, MGM, MAA, MOS, MUSA, MYRG, PGRE, PTEN, PAYC, CNXN, PTC, QRVO, QCOM, RHP, SIGI, SCI, SFM, SUM, TTEK, TWI, TROX, UGI, VMI, VTR, VICI, ZG, and Z report.  

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get March Exports, March Imports, March Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q1 Nonfarm Productivity, Q1 Unit Labor Cost, March Factory Orders, and Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, April Avg. Hourly Earnings, April Nonfarm Payrolls, April Private Nonfarm Payrolls, April Participation Rate, April Unemployment Rate, April S&P Global Services PMI, April S&P Global Composite PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI Price Index, and Fed Member Williams speaks.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, we hear from AGCO, ATUS, AME, APA, APG, APO, APTV, MT, ARES, ARW, BHC, BAX, BCE, BDX, BDC, BWA, BTSG, BRKR, CNQ, CAH, CHD, CI, CNK, CNHI, CIGI, COP, CMI, XRAY, DBD, D, DRVN, DNB, ENOV, NVRI, EXC, ULCC, HWM, HII, NSIT, ICE, IQV, IRM, ITRI, ITT, JHG, K, KTB, LNC, LIN, MCO, MUR, NFG, NVO, ONEW, OGN, PH, PATK, PBF, BTU, PTON, PENN, PNW, PBI, PWR, REGN, RXO, SABR, SNDR, SEE, SHEL, SO, SWK, TRGP, TFX, TRI, UPBD, VAL, VSTS, VMC, W, WEN, WCC, WRK, XYL, ZBH, ZTS, AES, ALHC, AEE, AMGN, AAPL, ACA, BECN, SQ, BKNG, BFAM, CIVI, COIN, ED, CTRA, DVA, DLR, DKNG, EOG, WTRG, EXPE, FND, FTNT, GDDY, HOLX, HUN, ILMN, IR, LYV, MTZ, MODV, MNST, MSI, ZEUS, OTEX, OPEN, OEC, PTVE, PXD, POST, RGA, REZI, RKT, RYAN, SEM, SM, SWN, TXRH, X, and WSC.  Finally, on Friday, ADNT, AXL, AMRX, BEPC, BEP, CBOE, CBRE, GTLS, LNG, CRBG, FLR, FYBR, GPRE, HSY, KOP, MGA, NMRK, NVT, PAA, PAGP, TRP, TAC, TRMB, and XPO report.

So far this morning, AER, ARCC, ADP, AXTA, BIP, CG, GIB, CHEF, DD, ENTG, ESAB, EL, EEFT, GRMN, GNRC, GSK, GPN, KKR, LTH, PSN, PFE, SMG, SHOO, TRN, UTHR, VRSK, and WLK all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, GOLD, COR, CVE, FTS, IDXX, JCI, KHC, NYCB, SLGN, and WEC all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, AVA, BLCO, MAR, SITE, and SR beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, CDW, CVS, NBIX, OGE, and YUM missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that AXTA raised its guidance while CVS and ENTG lowered forward guidance.

In miscellaneous news, on Tuesday, Oil (WTI) prices closed lower on record US oil production.  US crude output popped by the most since October 2021, reaching 13.15 million barrels per day in February (up from 12.58 million barrels per day in January).  In other oil-related news, Israeli PM Netanyahu vowed this military will continue attacks on Rafah (the last standing city in the Gaza strip) regardless of whether a cease-fire deal is reached or not.  (I’m just a country boy, but a ceasefire without a halt in firing doesn’t seem like much of a ceasefire.)  Netanyahu also vowed to invade Rafa to “finish the job” sooner or later.  (It may be worth noting that Israel has been building tents to house 500k in the desert outside Rafa, presumably as a relocation site for during an invasion.)  In other energy news, the G7 Energy Ministers agreed Tuesday to halt the use of coal in power generation in the first half of the 2030s (10 years).  (In the US, about 15.3% of electricity is currently generated by burning coal.  For the overall G7, 15% of electricity is generated from coal today.)

In other news, the US Labor Dept. urged all western companies to exit from China’s Xinjiang region (it’s a province-sized area but does not have province status).  The reason is that the Labor Dept. says China continues to operate internment camps and forced labor camps in that region focused largely on Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups.  China made it illegal to conduct human rights audits in that region, although they deny all allegations of abuses or forced labor.  Late in the day, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety specifically cited AMZN and FDX as needing to implement more safety technologies in their delivery vans.  The group said delivery vans were involved in 935,000 police-reported crashes in 2023, including 98,000 crashes that involved injuries.  The group (funded by auto insurers) said many of the crashes could have been prevented by technologies available in cars like “automated emergency braking” and “collision warning technologies.”

With that background, it looks as if the Bears are looking to follow through on Tuesday’s move, at least early. All three major index ETFs gapped down to start the premarket but have put in indecisive Spinning Top type candles since then. The QQQ in particular has pulled away below its T-line, perhaps on AMD which reported in line and moved guidance as expected but that was not enough for overnight markets. In fact, all three major index ETFs are now below their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bearish. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish. The longer-term market remains Bullish but under pressure. In terms of extension, the QQQ is the only one of the major index ETFs that could be called too far extended below their T-line. However, the T2122 indicator is now in the upper end of its oversold range. So, both sides have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so but the Bulls have much more slack to work with. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, seven of the 10 are in the red with AMD (-6.38%) out front leading the way lower. Keep in mind that today is a Fed day. So, after the open, we may see a “dead money” market until we get volatility about 2 p.m. and then a second jolt of volatility following after 2:30 p.m.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the Man in the Green Bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is no reason to keep raising your bet (risk) size just because you’ve had a win. Finally, remember that trading is not a hobby, it’s a job. The gains are real and so is the risk. So, treat it that way. Do the work and follow the process. Stick to your trading rules, trade with the trend, and take those profits when you have them. Do the work!

See you in the trading room.

Ed

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Anticipation and Uncertainty

Anticipation and Uncertainty

Traders and investors are dealing with a mix of anticipation and Unertainty with post-market earnings announcements from Amazon, Advanced Micro Devices, and Starbucks garnering significant attention. At the same time there is a palpable uncertainty surrounding the Wednesday FOMC and the possible hawkish tone and higher for longer statemets as the inflation fight continues  

During the night, Asian markets mostly upticked on Tuesday, mirroring the trends set by Wall Street. Investors’ attention was particularly focused on the April manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) from China. The latest data revealed that China’s manufacturing sector grew at a reduced rate in April, with the official PMI registering at 50.4, a slight decrease from March’s 50.8.

European trade mixed and lower this morning, marked by the release of numerous earnings reports and critical economic indicators. Most industry sectors experienced a minor downturn, with, the euro zone’s inflation rate unchanged at 2.4% in April. The core inflation rate, which excludes volatile items such as energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco, was reported at 2.7%.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Tuesday before the bell include MMM, ACIW, APD, AEP, AMT, ADM, AWI, ATI, EAT, CNP, CO, GLW, DAN, ETN, ECL, LLY, EPD, ETRN, FELE, IT, GEHC, GPK, HRMY, HUBB, ITW, INCY, LEA, MAC, MPC, MLM, MCD, TAP, MPLX, NOG, OCSL, OMF, PACR, PYPL, PAG, PEG, SIRI, SYY, SMHC, TT, UFPI, & ZBRA. After the bell reports include AMZN, AMD, ASH, AX, BLKB, BXP, CZR, CHK, CLX, DENN, FANG, DBRG, EIX, EQH, ESS, EXEL, EXR, GPOR, HI, HURN, INVH, LEG, LMND, LC, LFUS, LPLA, LUMN, MATX, MIR, MDLZ, OI, OKE, PK, PDM, PINS, POWL, PRU, PSA, RSG, SWKS, STAG, SBUX, SYK, SMCI, SKT, UDR, UNM, VOYA, WPC, & WERN.

News & Technicals’

McDonald’s disclosed mixed financial outcomes. The fast-food giant reported a modest surpass on revenue, indicating a resilient performance in sales. However, the earnings per share (EPS) fell marginally short of market expectations, reflecting some underlying challenges. In the U.S., McDonald’s observed a downturn in expenditure among low-income consumers, signaling economic pressures that could affect the company’s domestic market share. Internationally, the brand contended with boycotts sparked by its Israeli licensee’s promotional offers to soldiers, leading to a temporary shutdown of several outlets. This controversy has notably impacted McDonald’s sales in the Middle East, adding to the complexities of operating a global franchise amid varying geopolitical climates.

Walmart has announced a significant shift in strategy, revealing plans to shut down all of its healthcare clinics nationwide. This move marks a departure from its previous ambitions to extend its affordability ethos to medical services, alongside its traditional retail offerings. Additionally, the retail giant is set to close its telehealth service, which was acquired in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Citing the inability to sustain a profitable healthcare business model, Walmart pointed to the difficult reimbursement landscape and escalating expenses as the primary reasons for this decision. This development represents a notable retreat from the company’s healthcare venture, underscoring the complexities of the healthcare industry.

Volkswagen’s first-quarter financials have signaled a challenging period for the automotive giant, with a 20% decline in operating profit. This downturn is attributed to a faltering demand for its high-end vehicle lines. The total vehicle sales stood at 2.1 million units, marking a slight decrease of approximately 2% from the previous year. The impact was more pronounced in Volkswagen’s luxury division, Porsche, which experienced a steep 30% fall in operating profit. Concurrently, the global car manufacturer Stellantis also faced economic headwinds, reporting a 12% drop in revenue. Stellantis attributes this decline to diminished sales volumes and the adverse effects of foreign exchange rates, despite maintaining stable net pricing. These reports from Volkswagen and Stellantis reflect the broader challenges faced by the auto industry, including shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures.

In a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones is set to deliver a sentence to the founder and former CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, in a Seattle court on Tuesday. This sentencing follows Zhao’s guilty plea to criminal charges last November, an admission that led to his resignation from the helm of the world’s largest crypto exchange. The decision by Judge Jones comes after months of deliberation over the suitable penalty for Zhao’s actions, which have had significant repercussions within the crypto community and beyond. The outcome of this sentencing is highly anticipated, as it could set a precedent for how legal systems around the world handle similar cases in the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape.

Plan for considerable price volatility as the market deals with anticipation and uncertainty of pending big tech reports with the looming FOMC decision.  Keep a close eye on overhead resistance levels and of course the bond yields that continue to trend upward as the inflation battle continues.   

Trade Wisely,

Doug

KO Beats, LLY Mixed But Hikes, and MCD Misses

Monday saw a modest gap higher in the markets.  SPY gapped up 0.35%, DIA gapped up 0.22%, and QQQ gapped up 0.51% with TSLA dragging markets higher on China FSD approval news.  From there, all three major index ETFs chopped sideways the entire day, meandering back and forth around that modest gap.  All three ended on an upswing the last 50 minutes.  This action gave us gap-up indecisive candles in all three with a Doji in the SPY and QQQ and more of a white-bodied Spinning Top in the DIA. All three closed above their respective T-lines (8ema).  This happened on well below-average volume in all three major index ETFs.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the green again with Utilities (+1.44%) way out in front leading the rest of the market higher. At the same time, the only red sectors were Financial Services (-0.12%) and Technology (-0.06%).  Meanwhile, SPY gained 0.35%, DIA gained 0.39%, and QQQ gained 0.41%.  VXX fell 1.71% to close at 13.20 and T2122 climbed but remained in the upper end of its mid-range at 75.00.  10-year bond yields fell to 4.609% and Oil (WTI) dropped 1.31% to close at $82.75 per barrel.  So, Monday was a typical indecisive pre-Fed day.  The TSLA news popped stocks higher at the open.  However, from there it was an all-day meander back-and-forth in and slightly above the opening gap.  At the end of the day, all three major index ETFs were little changed from their opens.

There was no major economic news scheduled for Monday.

After the close, AMKR, ACGL, CLW, FLS, ST, SUI, WELL, WWD, and YUMC all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CNO beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  On the other side, CCK, CWK, ESI, EG, FFIV, NXPI, PARAA, PARA, SBAC, and RIG missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  However, CVI and SANM missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that WWD raised its forward guidance.

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In stock news, on Monday, UMBF announced a deal to acquire HTLF in a $2 billion all stock deal.  (Analysts expect the deal to create a strong regional bank with operations spanning 13 states.)  Later, Bloomberg reported that KO is gearing up to IPO its $8 billion African bottling operation.  At the same time, Reuters reported that BA tapped the debt market to raise $10 billion after burning through almost $4 billion of cash in Q1 amidst slowing production and sluggish sales.  Later, the CA New Car Dealers Assn. reported TSLA vehicle registrations in CA fell 8% during Q1, the second consecutive quarterly decline in those registrations (sales).  (CA is one of the most important EV markets.)  At the same time, MBGAF (Mercedes), BMWYY, RIVN, and HYMTF (Hyundai) saw increases in EV vehicle registrations.  Later, LUV announced it has launched a “delay compensation” program.  (This was part of the airline’s $140 million settlement with DOT over the airline’s December 2022 holiday debacle.)  The airline said the program actually launched April 16 and it has already heard from thousands of customers seeking compensation for delays.  After the close, PARA announced the widely-expected resignation of CEO Bakish as the board works on a merger/sale to Skydance.  Bakish will be replaced by a triumvirate of internal executives.

In stock legal and governmental news, on Monday, PHG announced it had reached a $1.1 billion settlement (many, many times smaller than the expected $4-$10 billion) to resolve all personal injury claims due to its respiratory devices.  Later, the Financial Times reported that the European Commission is opening an investigation into how META is handling Russian disinformation in political advertising on Facebook and Instagram.  (However, the investigation report is not expected to single out Russia, instead calling the sources “foreign actors.”)  At the same time, US House and Senate negotiators said they had reached a deal to boost air traffic controller staffing. However, the deal will not increase the mandatory airline pilot retirement age.  (Airlines had lobbied to increase the age of mandatory retirement to 67 from the current 65.)  Later, EU antitrust regulators announced that AAPL’s iPad operating system has been designated a “gatekeeper.”  This makes AAPL subject to the EU’s recent landmark DMA legislation for iPad users in addition to phone and Mac users.  At the same time, the NHTSA announced it is opening a probe into 130k F vehicles equipped with the company’s “hands-free driving” technology BlueCruise after two fatal crashes of those vehicles striking parked cars.  Later, the FCC fined T ($57 million), VZ ($47 million), and TMUS ($92 million) for illegally sharing phone service customer location data.  The TMUS fine included $80 million for T-Mobile and $12 million for Sprint.  The wireless carriers protested and said they would appeal.  At the same time, a US District Judge threw out challenges by BMY and JNJ, which had filed lawsuits challenging the law that requires them to negotiate prices with Medicare.  (This was the fourth federal judge to rule in favor of the Biden administration requirement that pharma companies negotiate price with Medicare in the same way it negotiates with insurers and foreign market entities.  The conservative 5th-circuit Court of Appeals will hear an pharma trade group appeal to revive suits to challenge the law later this week.)

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the green.  Japan (+1.24%) was by far the biggest mover in the region followed by Shenzhen (-0.90%) and the rest of the region was at least a half of a percent closer to even on the day.  In Europe, we see a similar mixed market leaning slightly to the red side with seven of the 15 bourses in the green.  Once again, the CAC (-0.04%), DAX (-0.33%), and FTSE (+0.59%) lead the region by far on volume in early afternoon trade. In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a start just on the red side of flat.  The DIA implies a -0.04% open, the SPY is implying a -0.10% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.18% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are back up to 4.626% and Oil (WTI) is up four-tenths of a percent to $82.97 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday includes Q1 Employment Cost Index (8:30 a.m.), Chicago PMI (9:45 a.m.), Conf. Board Consumer Confidence (10 a.m.), and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include MMM, APD, ATI, AEP, AMT, ARCB, ADM, BGC, EAT, CNP, KO, GLW, DAN, ETN, ECL, LLY, EPD, FELE, IT, GEHC, GPK, HSBC, HUBB, ITW, INCY, KBR, LEA, LDOS, MPC, MLM, MCD, MLCO, TAP, MPLX, NOG, OMF, PCAR, PYPL, PAG, PNM, PEG, QSR, RITM, SIRI, STLA, SCL, SYY, TMHC, THC, TKR, TT, and UFPI.  Then, after the close, ABRA, AMD, AMZN, AMCR, ASH, EQH, BXP, CZR, CC, CHK, CLX, FANG, EIX, EXR, FBIN, HI, INVH, LEG, LFUS, LPLA, LUMN, MATX, MCY, MDLZ, NGD, OI, OKE, PK, PINS, PSNY, PRU, PSA, QUAD, RNR, RSG, RYI, SWKS, SBUX, SYK, SMCI, UNM, and WERN report. 

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, March Construction Spending, April S&P Global Mfg. PMI, ISM Mfg. Employment, ISM Mfg. PMI, ISM Mfg. Price Index, March JOLTs Job Openings, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, FOMC Rate Decision, FOMC Statement, and Fed Chair Press Conference are reported.  On Thursday, we get March Exports, March Imports, March Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q1 Nonfarm Productivity, Q1 Unit Labor Cost, March Factory Orders, and Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, April Avg. Hourly Earnings, April Nonfarm Payrolls, April Private Nonfarm Payrolls, April Participation Rate, April Unemployment Rate, April S&P Global Services PMI, April S&P Global Composite PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI Price Index, and Fed Member Williams speaks.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, AER, ARCC, ADP, AVA, AVT, AXTA, GOLD, BLCO, CG, CRS, CDW, COR, CVE, CENX, GIB, CHEF, CLH, CNDT, CVS, DD, ENTG, ESAB, EL, EEFT, FLEX, FTS, GRMN, GTES, GNRC, GSK, GPN, IDXX, NSP, JCI, KKR, KHC, DRS, LTH, MAR, MA, NBIX, NCLH, OGE, PSN, PFE, PPL, SMG, SLGN, SR, STGW, TRN, TTMI, UTHR, VRSK, WEC, WLK, YUM, ACHC, AFL, ALB, ALL, AFG, AIG, AWK, ANSS, CAR, AXS, BALY, BBSI, BZH, BV, CHRW, CWH, CVNA, CF, CMPR, CTSH, CODI, CTVA, CW, DLX, DVN, DASH, EBAY, ENSG, NVST, ETSY, ES, EXPI, FLSR, FNV, GFL, GIL, THG, HLF, HST, JAZZ, KMPR, MRO, MKL, MET, MGM, MAA, MOS, MUSA, MYRG, PGRE, PTEN, PAYC, CNXN, PTC, QRVO, QCOM, RHP, SIGI, SCI, SFM, SUM, TTEK, TWI, TROX, UGI, VMI, VTR, VICI, ZG, and Z report.  On Thursday, we hear from AGCO, ATUS, AME, APA, APG, APO, APTV, MT, ARES, ARW, BHC, BAX, BCE, BDX, BDC, BWA, BTSG, BRKR, CNQ, CAH, CHD, CI, CNK, CNHI, CIGI, COP, CMI, XRAY, DBD, D, DRVN, DNB, ENOV, NVRI, EXC, ULCC, HWM, HII, NSIT, ICE, IQV, IRM, ITRI, ITT, JHG, K, KTB, LNC, LIN, MCO, MUR, NFG, NVO, ONEW, OGN, PH, PATK, PBF, BTU, PTON, PENN, PNW, PBI, PWR, REGN, RXO, SABR, SNDR, SEE, SHEL, SO, SWK, TRGP, TFX, TRI, UPBD, VAL, VSTS, VMC, W, WEN, WCC, WRK, XYL, ZBH, ZTS, AES, ALHC, AEE, AMGN, AAPL, ACA, BECN, SQ, BKNG, BFAM, CIVI, COIN, ED, CTRA, DVA, DLR, DKNG, EOG, WTRG, EXPE, FND, FTNT, GDDY, HOLX, HUN, ILMN, IR, LYV, MTZ, MODV, MNST, MSI, ZEUS, OTEX, OPEN, OEC, PTVE, PXD, POST, RGA, REZI, RKT, RYAN, SEM, SM, SWN, TXRH, X, and WSC.  Finally, on Friday, ADNT, AXL, AMRX, BEPC, BEP, CBOE, CBRE, GTLS, LNG, CRBG, FLR, FYBR, GPRE, HSY, KOP, MGA, NMRK, NVT, PAA, PAGP, TRP, TAC, TRMB, and XPO report.

So far this morning, MMM, ATI, AMT, EAT, KO, ETN, ECL, EPD, IT, HUBB, KBR, LEA, LDOS, LKNCY, MPC, TAP, OMF, PYPL, QSR, RITM, SIRI, TMHC, THC, TKR, TT, and ZBRA all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, APD, ADM, CNP, GLW, LLY, GEHC, GPK, MLM, and SCL all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, ARCB, DAN, and PEG beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, AEP, INCY, MCD, MPLX, PAG, and PNM all missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that KO, LLY, LDOS, and TMHC all raised their forward guidance.

In geopolitical news, on Monday, the Yemeni Houthi rebels fired missiles at a British-owned, Panamanian-flagged ship in the Red Sea.  At least one missile struck the vessel, causing unknown damage.  At the same time, the Houthi fired three missiles at a Malta-flagged container ship which was in the Gulf of Aden travelling from Djibouti to Saudi Arabia.  This comes after the Houthi shot down a US military MQ-9 Reaper drone on Saturday.  In short, the Houthi threat to Red Sea and Suez Canal merchant traffic has ticked up the last few days.

In miscellaneous news, on Monday S&P reported that margins shrank at all five of China’s top banks in Q1.  This came as those banks are under pressure, supporting weak property developers while new loan demand is weak.  Elsewhere in Asia, the Japanese Yen surged Monday on speculation that the Bank of Japan will intervene to support the currency, which was at a 34-year low versus the US Dollar.  Ban in the US, the Philly Fed released data Monday showing that only one in 50 employees changed employers in March (going directly from one employer to another).  This is near the historic lows of 2020 and 2010-2011.  (This suggests employees may be unsure of the job market and headhunting firms are less active.  Both potential forerunners of a weakening labor market…which is what the Fed is looking to cause with high rates.)

With that background, it looks as if the markets are opening indecisive and just on the red side of flat. QQQ is showing us the largest premarket candle body and its still just a small, black-body, Spinning Top candle. The two large cap index ETFs are tru Doji at this point. All three major index ETFs remain above their T-line (8ema), although the DIA is just barely so. So, the short-term trend is bullish but under pressure. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish but under pressure from Bulls. The longer-term market remains Bullish but trend has been broken and is clearly under pressure. Therefore, in general we can say we have a choppy, undecided market. In terms of extension, none of the major index ETFs is too far extended from their T-line and the T2122 indicator is in its mid-range, although now at the top end. So, both sides have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, seven of the 10 are in the red with TSLA (-1.95%) out front leading the way lower. Keep in mind that we’ve seen a lot of whipsaw lately. So, be careful not to chase a gap. Also remember that this is a Fed week and the last day of April, meaning we’ll get April Jobs data on Friday as well as a ton of earnings over the week. There will be a tendency to “wait and see” and a ton of ammunition for over-reaction on news this week. Just be careful.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the Man in the Green Bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is no reason to keep raising your bet (risk) size just because you’ve had a win. Finally, remember that trading is not a hobby, it’s a job. The gains are real and so is the risk. So, treat it that way. Do the work and follow the process. Stick to your trading rules, trade with the trend, and take those profits when you have them. Do the work!

See you in the trading room.

Ed

LTA Scanning Software
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

Heavy Earnings, Fed, and April Jobs Week

On Friday, markets diverged at the open.  SPY gapped up 0.60%, QQQ gapped up 0.77%, but DIA opened 0.03% lower.  From there, all three major index ETFs saw some follow-through, with DIA rallying until 10:15 a.m. and then meandering sideways the rest of the day.  Meanwhile, SPY and QQQ continued their rally until about 1:45 p.m. before starting their own sideways meanders for the remainder of the session. This action gave us white-bodied candles in all three major index ETFs.  SPY printed a Spinning Top type crossing back above its T-line (8ema).  QQQ could be called a fat body Spinning Top that also gapped up above, retested and stayed above its T-line.  DIA had the weakest candle, with a larger upper wick, but also crossed back above its T-line and closed just a few cents above.  This all happened on below-average volume in all three.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the green with Technology (+2.14%) way out in front (by more than one percent) leading the rest of the market higher.  At the same time, Utilities (-0.78%) lagged far behind the other sectors.  Meanwhile, SPY gained 0.95%, DIA gained 0.36%, and QQQ gained 1.54%.  VXX fell another 3.24% to close at 13.43 and T2122 climbed but remained in its mid-range at 61.21.  10-year bond yields rose to 4.663% and Oil (WTI) was just on the green side of flat to close at $83.66 per barrel.  So, Friday, the market thumbed its nose at conventional wisdom and took the PCE reading as Bullish.  Or perhaps traders just ignored that data while focusing on strong earnings from MSFT and a great report (a beat), first-ever dividend, and raised forward guidance from GOOGL.  In either case, it was the Bulls’ Day and ended the strongest week for the markets (SPY and QQQ) since November.

The major economic news scheduled for Friday included March Core PCE Index Year-on-Year, which was flat at 2.8% (higher than the forecast 2.6% but in-line with the February 2.8% value).  On a Month-on-Month basis the March Core PCE Price Index was flat as expected at +0.3% (compared to a +0.3% forecast and prior reading).  On the headline number, March PCE Price Index Year-on-Year was hotter than predicted at +2.7% (versus a forecast of +2.6% but up two ticks from February’s +2.5%).  For the Month-on-Month basis, the PCE Price Index was flat, as predicted and seen the prior month, at +0.3%.  At the same time, March Personal Spending remained flat at +0.8% (compared to a forecast of +0.6% and a February reading of +0.8%).  Later, Michigan Consumer Sentiment was down to 77.2 (versus a 77.8 forecast and the previous value of 79.4).  At the same time, Michigan Consumer Expectations were also low at 76.0 (compared to a 77.0 forecast and a previous value of 77.4).  In terms of forward-looking, the Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectation if up to 3.2% (versus a forecast of 3.1% and well up from the prior +2.9% value).  On the longer-term, the Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations are +3.0% (in-line with the forecast of +3.0% but up two ticks from the previous +2.8% reading).

Click for video

In stock news, on Friday, SBUX and US worker’s union met for contract negotiations.  In other labor news, Reuters reported that MBGAF (Daimler Truck) faces an imminent strike at six US facilities by 7,300 UAW workers if a deal was not reached by 10 p.m. Friday. At the same time, the staff of a Las Vegas CVS facility voted to join a pharmacy union by an overwhelming 87% vote. (The was the first CVS facility to unionize.)  Later, GM announced it is closing manufacturing operations in Columbia and Ecuador. With plans to lay off 850 workers in Columbia and an unspecified number in Ecuador.  At the same time, AAL announced it will have to adjust flights and routes in the second half to adjust for BA 787 jet delivery delays.  (This comes one day after LUV said it will need to shut down operations at some airports for the same reason.)  Later, GOOGL filed a motion with a federal court in VA, asking the court to reject the US government lawsuit accusing it of anticompetitive online advertising practices.  At the same time, LHX confirmed earlier reports that the company will cut 5% of its workforce in a bid to streamline.  After the close, Bloomberg reported that AAPL has re-opened its talks with OpenAI in a bid to catch up to its peers in the AI race.  The talks are aimed toward brining generative AI features to iPhones.  (AAPL is also in talks with GOOGL to license its AI technology named Gemini.)  Late Friday evening, MBGAF did reach a new contract agreement with the UAW.  (Daimler workers will get an immediate 10% raise, with an additional 3% increase in 3-months, then at 6-months, and finally at 12-months after ratification.  There will also be additional cost-of-living increases and profit-sharing. 

In stock legal and governmental news, on Friday, the BRKB subsidiary real estate brokerage reached a $250 million settlement on antitrust litigation related to how realtors are paid.  Later, the NHTSA announced it is investigating TSLA’s 2023 recall related to “Full Self Driving” software, after 20 crashes attributed to that feature have been reported after the software patch.  (The hypothesis is that TSLA’s system meant to ensure the driver remains attentive and in control of the vehicle is lax or faulty.)  The re4call covered 2 million TSLA vehicles (every one ever sold).  Later, by a 2-1 vote a federal appeals court revived a NY state law requiring the provision of affordable high-speed internet to low-income families.  (T, VZ, and industry trade groups had sued to block the 2021 law and r in the original trial.)  At the same time, FAA investigators are looking into an incident Friday where a DAL jet had its emergency slide fall off the plane after takeoff from NY.  The jet involved was a BA 767 enroute to Los Angeles.  Later, the FDIC announced it had sold seized bank FRBK (closed by PA state banking regulators Thursday night) to FULT in order to protect depositors and continue bank operations.   On Saturday.  MBGAF (Mercedes-Benz) announced that the US Dept. of Justice has closed its probe into the company over emissions test manipulation on its diesel engines.

Overnight, Asian markets were green across the board.  Shenzhen (+2.22%), Taiwan (+1.86%), and South Korea (+1.17%) led the region higher.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape with only three of 15 bourses in red at midday.  (Greece at -0.44% was the only appreciable red bourse.)  The CAC (+0.12%), DAX (-0.04%), and FTSE (+0.48%) lead the region modestly higher in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.16% open, the SPY is implying a +0.23% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.33% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bonds are down to 4.624% and Oil (WTI) is flat at $83.88 per barrel in early trading.

There is no major economic news scheduled for Monday.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include ARLP, BBVA, DQ, BEN, HNI, JKS, ON, RVTY, PHG, and SOFI.  Then, after the close, AMKR, ACGL, CNO, CCK, CWK, CVI, ESI, EG, FFIV, FLS, LOGI, NXPI, PARAA, PARA, SANM, SBAC, ST, SUI, RIG, WELL, WWD, and YUMC report. 

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday we get Q1 Employment Cost Index, Chicago PMI, Conf. Board Consumer Confidence, and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks.  Then on Wednesday, ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, March Construction Spending, April S&P Global Mfg. PMI, ISM Mfg. Employment, ISM Mfg. PMI, ISM Mfg. Price Index, March JOLTs Job Openings, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, FOMC Rate Decision, FOMC Statement, and Fed Chair Press Conference are reported.  On Thursday, we get March Exports, March Imports, March Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q1 Nonfarm Productivity, Q1 Unit Labor Cost, March Factory Orders, and Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, April Avg. Hourly Earnings, April Nonfarm Payrolls, April Private Nonfarm Payrolls, April Participation Rate, April Unemployment Rate, April S&P Global Services PMI, April S&P Global Composite PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI, ISM Non-Mfg. PMI Price Index, and Fed Member Williams speaks.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, we hear from MMM, APD, ATI, AEP, AMT, ARCB, ADM, BGC, EAT, CNP, KO, GLW, DAN, ETN, ECL, LLY, EPD, FELE, IT, GEHC, GPK, HSBC, HUBB, ITW, INCY, KBR, LEA, LDOS, MPC, MLM, MCD, MLCO, TAP, MPLX, NOG, OMF, PCAR, PYPL, PAG, PNM, PEG, QSR, RITM, SIRI, STLA, SCL, SYY, TMHC, THC, TKR, TT, UFPI, ABRA, AMD, AMZN, AMCR, ASH, EQH, BXP, CZR, CC, CHK, CLX, FANG, EIX, EXR, FBIN, HI, INVH, LEG, LFUS, LPLA, LUMN, MATX, MCY, MDLZ, NGD, OI, OKE, PK, PINS, PSNY, PRU, PSA, QUAD, RNR, RSG, RYI, SWKS, SBUX, SYK, SMCI, UNM, and WERN.  Then on Wednesday, AER, ARCC, ADP, AVA, AVT, AXTA, GOLD, BLCO, CG, CRS, CDW, COR, CVE, CENX, GIB, CHEF, CLH, CNDT, CVS, DD, ENTG, ESAB, EL, EEFT, FLEX, FTS, GRMN, GTES, GNRC, GSK, GPN, IDXX, NSP, JCI, KKR, KHC, DRS, LTH, MAR, MA, NBIX, NCLH, OGE, PSN, PFE, PPL, SMG, SLGN, SR, STGW, TRN, TTMI, UTHR, VRSK, WEC, WLK, YUM, ACHC, AFL, ALB, ALL, AFG, AIG, AWK, ANSS, CAR, AXS, BALY, BBSI, BZH, BV, CHRW, CWH, CVNA, CF, CMPR, CTSH, CODI, CTVA, CW, DLX, DVN, DASH, EBAY, ENSG, NVST, ETSY, ES, EXPI, FLSR, FNV, GFL, GIL, THG, HLF, HST, JAZZ, KMPR, MRO, MKL, MET, MGM, MAA, MOS, MUSA, MYRG, PGRE, PTEN, PAYC, CNXN, PTC, QRVO, QCOM, RHP, SIGI, SCI, SFM, SUM, TTEK, TWI, TROX, UGI, VMI, VTR, VICI, ZG, and Z report.  On Thursday, we hear from AGCO, ATUS, AME, APA, APG, APO, APTV, MT, ARES, ARW, BHC, BAX, BCE, BDX, BDC, BWA, BTSG, BRKR, CNQ, CAH, CHD, CI, CNK, CNHI, CIGI, COP, CMI, XRAY, DBD, D, DRVN, DNB, ENOV, NVRI, EXC, ULCC, HWM, HII, NSIT, ICE, IQV, IRM, ITRI, ITT, JHG, K, KTB, LNC, LIN, MCO, MUR, NFG, NVO, ONEW, OGN, PH, PATK, PBF, BTU, PTON, PENN, PNW, PBI, PWR, REGN, RXO, SABR, SNDR, SEE, SHEL, SO, SWK, TRGP, TFX, TRI, UPBD, VAL, VSTS, VMC, W, WEN, WCC, WRK, XYL, ZBH, ZTS, AES, ALHC, AEE, AMGN, AAPL, ACA, BECN, SQ, BKNG, BFAM, CIVI, COIN, ED, CTRA, DVA, DLR, DKNG, EOG, WTRG, EXPE, FND, FTNT, GDDY, HOLX, HUN, ILMN, IR, LYV, MTZ, MODV, MNST, MSI, ZEUS, OTEX, OPEN, OEC, PTVE, PXD, POST, RGA, REZI, RKT, RYAN, SEM, SM, SWN, TXRH, X, and WSC.  Finally, on Friday, ADNT, AXL, AMRX, BEPC, BEP, CBOE, CBRE, GTLS, LNG, CRBG, FLR, FYBR, GPRE, HSY, KOP, MGA, NMRK, NVT, PAA, PAGP, TRP, TAC, TRMB, and XPO report.

So far this morning, ARLP, DPZ, HNI, RVTY, and SOFI all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, JKS and PHG missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  Unfortunately, DQ missed on both the top and bottom lines.

In miscellaneous news, on Saturday, the China International Capital Corp (one of China’s largest banks) announced it had cut the base pay of 2,000 investment bankers by 25%.  This comes after the bank cut banker bonuses by 40% last year.  On Sunday, TSLA CEO Musk travelled to China to lobby their government for approval to roll out Full Self Driving in that country.  Musk gained approval to remove restrictions (such as automated lane changes) from TSLA vehicles in China, despite safety concerns. Reports are that the large amount of data collected by the cars will be held in China (the key hurdle was approval for “data security”) and the cars will use BIDU’s mapping technology.

With that background, it looks as if the Bulls are gapping all three major index ETFs higher in the premarket. However, all three are also putting in small, indecisive candles since that higher open in the early session. SPY, DIA, and QQQ are all back above their T-line (8ema) at this moment. So, the short-term trend is bullish but not strongly so. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish but under pressure from Bulls. The longer-term market remains Bullish but trend has been broken and is clearly under pressure. In terms of extension, none of the major index ETFs is too far extended from their T-line and the T2122 indicator is in the center of its mid-range. So, both sides have plenty of room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, six of the 10 are in the green with only GOOGL (-1.54%) and META (-1.25%) appreciably lower so far. MEanwhile, TSLA (+11.46%) is soaring on the China FSD approval while that biggest dog (NVDA +0.17%) is just on the green side of flat. Keep in mind that we’ve seen a lot of whipsaw lately. So, be careful not to chase a gap. Also remember that this is a Fed week and end of April, meaning we’ll get April Jobs data on Friday as well as a ton of earnings over the week. There will be a ton of ammunition for “wait and see” and over-reaction on news this week. Be careful.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the Man in the Green Bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is no reason to keep raising your bet (risk) size just because you’ve had a win. Finally, remember that trading is not a hobby, it’s a job. The gains are real and so is the risk. So, treat it that way. Do the work and follow the process. Stick to your trading rules, trade with the trend, and take those profits when you have them. Do the work!

See you in the trading room.

Ed

LTA Scanning Software
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

Tech Rally Continues

Asian markets experienced a positive trend last night, buoyed by the previous week’s tech rally on Wall Street. Despite the closure of Tokyo’s market for a national holiday, other key indexes saw notable gains. Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.8%, South Korea’s Kospi surged 1.2%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.5%, and the Shanghai Composite increased by 0.8%. The optimism was tempered by caution as investors await the Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week.

European markets opened on a positive note this morning, continuing the upward momentum from the previous sessions. The FTSE 100 index in the UK opened 50 points higher at 8,124, while Germany’s DAX was up 62 points at 17,980. France’s CAC saw an increase of 38 points, opening at 8,049, and Italy’s FTSE MIB rose by 185 points to 33,857. This optimistic start is attributed to the positive closure of the tech rally on Wall Street and the anticipation of corporate releases from major companies like L’Oreal, TotalEnergies, and NatWest.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Monday before the bell include DPZ, BEN, JKS, ON, RVTY, & SOFI. After the bell reports include AMKR, ACGL, BRX, CHGG, COUR, CCK, CVI, PLOW, ESI, EG, FFIV, FLS, HLIT, KFRC, LSCC, LTC, MED, MSTR, NXPI, PARA, PCH, QGEN, RMBS, SANM, SBAC, ST, SUI, WELL, WWD, & YUMC.

News & Technicals’

In Monday morning’s trading session in Asia, the Japanese yen experienced a notable depreciation, reaching a level of 160 against the U.S. dollar. This weakening trend has been consistent since the Bank of Japan’s decision to terminate its negative interest rate policy back in March, with the yen hovering around the 150 mark or lower when paired with the dollar. Despite this downward pressure, Japanese authorities have consistently issued warnings against precipitous fluctuations in the currency’s value. However, as of yet, they have refrained from making any definitive statements or taking concrete actions to support the yen, leaving market participants watching closely for any signs of intervention.

Over the weekend, the geopolitical landscape was marked by significant developments. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the transition into a new multipolar era characterized by the highest level of major power competition in decades. He emphasized the growing challenges such as complex conflicts, potential nuclear threats, and the climate emergency, all exacerbated by the ongoing tensions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Guterres’ remarks were part of his “New Agenda for Peace,” which calls for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and collective action to address these pressing global issues.

The financial world is poised on the edge of its seat as the U.S. Federal Reserve gears up for its latest interest rate announcement this Wednesday. This highly-anticipated update comes on the heels of a U.S. inflation report that delivered figures higher than many had forecasted last Friday. While the consensus among market analysts is that the Fed will hold the borrowing cost steady, investors are nonetheless preparing to scrutinize every word from Chair Jerome Powell’s post-announcement press conference. The market’s reaction to this delicate balance of anticipation and prediction could set the tone for economic trends in the coming months.

The hope for a continued tech rally coupled with worry of stubron inflation, bond yields and the pending FOMC is likely to keep traders on edge this week so look for continued big point swings as the bulls and bears battle for domance near the overhead price and technical resistance. 

Trade Wisely,

Doug

META Spooks Market and Mixed Earnings

Markets diverged at the open Wednesday.  SPY opened 0.18% higher, DIA opened down just 0.04%, and QQQ gapped up 0.71%.  However, at that point all three major index ETFs sold off modestly with DIA reaching its low of day at 11:50 a.m., QQQ reaching that low level by 12:35 p.m., and SPY doing so at 12:50 p.m.  From there, the SPY and QQQ meandered back-and-forth between the open and lows the rest of the day.  DIA did something similar, but rallied to a new high of the day at 2 p.m.  This action gave us black-bodied, indecisive, Spinning Top candles in all three major index ETFs.  QQQ crossed above its T-line (8ema), so all three closed above their T-lines after a retest from above during the day.  This all happened on below-average volume in all three, with well-below-average volume on the SPY.

On the day, six of the 10 sectors were in the red with Industrials (-0.72%) out in front leading markets lower.  At the same time, Consumer Defensive (+0.49%) and Utilities (+0.42%) held up better than the other sectors.  Meanwhile, SPY lost 0.04%, DIA lost 0.15%, and QQQ gained 0.34%.  VXX fell another 1.02% to close at 13.57 and T2122 climbed again dropped back to the center of its mid-range at 51.16.  10-year bond yields rose to 4.646% and Oil (WTI) was down 0.56% to close at $82.89 per barrel.  So, Wednesday was an indecisive day.  It could be seen as rest after a couple decent days of gained or maybe as the relief rally petering out.   bullish day with DIA breaking up out of its consolidation while SPY and DIA turned higher.  However, the downtrend has only been broken in the DIA with the two broader index ETFs still below that falling line. None of the three has put in a higher low yet.  So, for now this must be considered a relief rally at the moment.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday included March Core Durable Goods Orders came in lower than expected at +0.2% month-on-month (compared to a forecast of +0.3% but still up from February’s +0.1%). At the same time, March Durable Goods Orders were stronger than predicted at +2.6% month-on-month (versus a +2.5% forecast and well above the February +0.7% value).  Later, Weekly EIA Crude Oil Inventories were far lower than anticipated, drawing down 6.368 million barrels (compared to a +1.600 million forecast and well down from the prior week’s +2.735 million barrels). 

After the close, ALGN, NLY, AR, ASGN, CACI, CCS, CLS, CMG, CHDN, CYH, EHC, F, ICLR, KALU, LRCX, LSTR, MTH, MEOH, META, MOH, ORLY, PLXS, ROL, SLM, SEIC, NOW, STC, TER, TX, TYL, URI, UHS, WCN, WU, and WHR all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AGI, BMRN, CHX, DBOEY, IBM, SNBR, and WM missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, CHE, CP, NBR, and RJF all beat on revenue while missing on earnings. Unfortunately, GGG, FAF, KNX, and OII missed on both the top and bottom lines.

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In stock news, on NVDA announced it had agreed on a deal to acquire Run:ai a cloud workload management software provider.  (Finances were not released, but reports said the deal was around $700 million.)  At the same time, HUM withdrew its forward guidance, citing disappointing Medicare reimbursement rates (but not mentioning its hack that shut down operations at it CHNG unit).  Later, BAC shareholders rejected a proposal to split the CEO and Chairman roles.  At the same time, LUV flight attendants ratified their new union contract, with 81% voting to approve.  The contract gives them an immediate 22% raise and 3% annual raises until May 2028.  Later, the Wall Street Journal reported that WHR will cut 1,000 jobs globally (out of 59,000 employed).  No timetable was provided.  At the same time, Reuters reported that BX is buying the” Tropical Smoothie Café” restaurant chain in a deal that sources say will be for about $2 billion.  Tropical Smoothie currently has 1,400 cafes.  Later, SPWR announced it was cutting 1,000 jobs in coming weeks, mostly from its direct sales channel, as part of a restructuring.  After the close, Bloomberg reported that BHP is considering a buyout bid for AAUKF.  (AAUKF has a $36.71 billion market cap.)  Also after the close, F disclosed that is lost $1.3 billion on its electric vehicles, which is $132,000 for each of the 10,000 electric vehicles it sold in Q1.  (That 10,000 was down 20% from the number it sold in Q1 2023.) 

In stock legal and governmental news, on Wednesday, the US Dept. of Transportation announced finalized rules requiring upfront disclosure of airline fees and immediate refunds for canceled flights, delayed (more than 12 hours) baggage delivery, and inoperative services.  Later, the US Dept. of Justice announced it will decide in May whether BA violated the agreement (consent decree) the company made to avoid prosecution over the 2018 and 2019 737 MAX crashes.  This came as family members of the crash victim families met with DOJ officials Wednesday to urge prosecution after the FAA and DOT investigations into the mid-air loss of a door plug revealed broad and deep quality issues at BA stemming back to the time of that agreement.  At the same time, Bloomberg reported that the FDIC is in talks with buyers to sell FRBK which was seized in 2023.  Later, the USAF chose two unlisted finalists (General Atomics and Anduril) to compete for its unmanned combat aircraft design, production, and testing.  (This means that BA, LMT, and NOC were eliminated and if they wish to push toward somehow overturning the decision, they would have to foot their own bills for all efforts past today on the project.)  A final choice and production decision is scheduled for 2026.  At the same time, a US appeals court revived a lawsuit against Whole Foods (AMZN) which alleges the company illegally fired an employee for refusing to remove her “Black Lives Matter” facemask during covid restrictions.  The suit alleges she was fired over racism.  The court ruled 3-0 that the company had “arguably deviated” from its internal disciplinary process in firing the worker. After the close, a TSLA shareholder who successfully sued to have CEO Musk’s $56 billion pay package thrown out filed a motion with the Delaware court who made that ruling, asking that the court prevent TSLA from dodging the ruling by moving its headquarters to TX.

Overnight, Asian markets were evenly mixed but leaned to the downside on strength of moves.  Japan (-2.16%), South Korea (-1.76%), and Taiwan (-1.36%) led the region lower.  In Europe, markets are more firmly red at midday with only four of 15 bourses showing gains at the half-way point.  The CAC (-0.93%), DAX (-0.75%), and FTSE (+0.62%) lead the region on volume, as always, in early afternoon trade.  Meanwhile, in the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a gap down to start the day.  DIA implies a -0.58% open, the SPY is implying a -0.68% open, and QQQ implies a -1.04% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are at 4.65% and Oil (WTI) is just on the green side of flat at $82.92 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday include Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q1 GDP, Q1 GDP Price Index, March Goods Trade Balance, and March Retail Inventories (all at 8:30 a.m.), March Pending Home Sales (10 a.m.), and the Fed Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include AOS, ADT, ALFVY, ALLE, MO, AAL, HOUS, AIT, ARCH, AMBP, ABG, AZN, BFH, BMY, BC, CARR, CAT, CBZ, CX, CHKP, CMS, CMCSA, CFR, DAR, DOV, DOW, DTE, EQNR, FCNCA, FCFS, FCN, GTX, GEV, HOG, HP, HTZ, HES, HON, IP, KDP, KEX, LH, LAZ, LECO, HZO, MRK, NDAQ, NEM, NOC, ORI, OSK, PCG, PHIN, POOL, RS, RCL, SPGI, SNY, SAH, LUV, SRCL, STM, FTI, TECK, TXT, TSCO, TRU, TPH, UNP, VLO, VC, GWW, WST, WEX, WTW, and XEL.  Then, after the close, AEM, AB, ALSN, GOOGL, ATR, AJG, TEAM, AVB, BYD, COF, CSL, CINF, COLM, DXCM, EMN, EW, EGO, ERIE, FE, GILD, GOOG, TV, HIG, HUBG, INTC, JNPR, KLAC, LHX, MSFT, MTX, MHK, NOV, DOC, PFG, RMD, RHI, ROKU, SKX, SKYW, SNAP, SSNC, TMUS, TDOC, TS, TEX, TFII, TBBB, TPC, WDC, WY, and WKC report. 

In economic news later this week, Friday, March Core PCE Price Index, March PCE Price Index, March Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, ABBV, AON, ALV, AN, AVTR, BALL, CNC, CHTR, CVX, CL, XOM, FMX, GNTX, HCA, IMO, LYB, NWL, PSX, POR, ROP, SAIA, and TROW report.

So far this morning, ADT, MO, AIT, ARCH, AZN, CHLP, CMCSA, DOV, DOW, EQNR, FCNCA, HOG, HON, KDP, KEX, LH, LAZ, MRK, NEM, NOC, ORI, OSK, RNECY, RCL, SPGI, SNY, SWDBY, FTI, TRU, TPH, and WST all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AOS, ALLE, AMBP, CARR, CAT, CMS, DAR, FCFS, GTX, PCG, SAH, SRCL, VLO, and XEL all missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  On the other side, ASX, BFH, BMY, IP, NDAQ, VLY, and WEX beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, AAL, ABG, BC, CBZ, DTE, HZO, POOL, RS, LUV, STM, TECK, TXT, and VC all missed on both the top and bottom lines.  Notable was BMY, which better have a good story to tell since they had higher than expected revenue but still missed earnings estimates by $6 per share.  It is also with nothing that AIT, RS, RCL, WST, and WEX all raised their guidance.  However, HZO lowered forward guidance.

In miscellaneous news, on Thursday, the CEO of DJT (former Congressman Nunes) complained publicly, urging his former House GOP friends to launch an investigation of short-sellers as “market manipulators.”  While the House has no regulatory power, I suppose it could pass a law banning short sales.  As usual, the threat of being attacked by MAGA types and the hassle of being subpoenaed and testifying is meant to bully short-sellers into not shorting DJT stock in particular.  (We all know some people feel they need to be treated by different rules.)  However, large short-sellers like Citadel called those demands “losers trying to blame someone else for their falling stock price.”  Elsewhere, CT lawmakers advanced the state’s first-in-the-nation “paid sick leave” law.  The 2011 law was revised to overcome legal challenges and it will require employers (down to a single-employee in size) to provide paid sick leave (one hour for every 30 hours worked) by 2027.  While the passage was not technically party line, it was close to being so, with Democrats supporting the law.  Meanwhile, GOP members in both CT houses decried the law as an unfounded mandate on business that will be abused by employees who will “take a day off to go to the beach.”  Finally, the US Chamber of Commerce (and other business groups) sued the FTC over the rules passed Tuesday which ban most types of non-compete clauses in employment contracts.  As expected, the suit was filed in the Eastern district of TX, where all the Federal judges are extremely conservative.

With that background, it looks as if the bears have control of the market early as all three major index ETFs gapped lower to start the premarket. However, they have reacted a bit differently since then. DIA is giving us a decent sized black candle since that gap-down premarket open. However, SPY is very flat with no body on its candle and QQQ is giving a modest white body candle after the gap-down start to the early session. SPY and QQQ are back below their T-line (8ema) while DIA is retesting that level as I write. So, the short-term trend is uncertain to bearish. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish but under pressure from Bulls. The longer-term market remains Bullish but trend has been broken and is clearly under pressure. In terms of extension, none of the major index ETFs is too far extended from their T-line and the T2122 indicator is back in the center of its mid-range. So, both sides have plenty of room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, six of the 10 are in the red with META (-14.63%) leading markets lower on bad forward guidance after an earnings beat. However, it is worth noting that the two biggest dogs, NVDA (+0.78%) and TSLA (+0.31%) are both on the green side and although META has traded more dollar volume in premarket, it will not trade more than those two over the day. With that all said, continue to be careful. We’ve see a lot of those widowmaker reversales lately.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the Man in the Green Bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is no reason to keep raising your bet (risk) size just because you’ve had a win. Finally, remember that trading is not a hobby, it’s a job. The gains are real and so is the risk. So, treat it that way. Do the work and follow the process. Stick to your trading rules, trade with the trend, and take those profits when you have them. Do the work!

See you in the trading room.

Ed

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Meta Disappoints

Meta’s recent quarterly report has cast a shadow of concern over the upcoming earnings releases of other tech giants, particularly Microsoft and Alphabet, which are expected to announce their earnings after the market closes on Thursday The apprehension stems from Meta’s shares tumbling by 17% in after-hours trading, despite the company beating revenue and earnings-per-share. This reaction is attributed to Meta’s forward-looking statements, which indicated higher-than-anticipated spending, especially in AI and the. The market’s response to Meta’s report could be a bellwether for how investors might react to the financial disclosures of Microsoft and Alphabet, with particular attention being paid to their guidance and investment strategies.

In addition to corporate earnings, traders are also bracing for the release of key economic data. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is scheduled to publish the first-quarter GDP reading at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, with Dow Jones economists predicting a 2.4%. Concurrently, the latest weekly jobless claims data will be released, providing further insight into the labor market’s health. These economic indicators are crucial as they will influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. Currently, the Fed funds futures market is signaling the possibility of an interest rate cut at the September Fed meeting, as per the CME FedWatch Tool. This anticipation of a policy shift reflects the market’s expectations that the central bank may pivot in response to evolving economic conditions.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Thursday before the bell AOS, ADT, ALLE, MO, AAL, AIT, ARCH, ABG, AZN, BMY, BC, CWT, CARR, CAT, CBZ, CHKP, CMS, CNX, CMCSA, CFR, DOV, DTE, XPRO, FCN, GWW, HOG, HTZ, HES, HON, IMAX, IIIN, ITGR, IP, KDP, KEX, LH, LKFN, LAZ, MRK, MBLY, NDAQ, NEM, NOC, OSK, PCG, POOL, RS, RCL, SPGI, SAGE, SNY, SAH, SBSI, LUV, STM, FTI, TXT, TSCO, TW, TRU, TPH, UNP, VLO, VC, WST, WEX, WTW, WNS, & XEL.  Thursday after the bell includes MSFT, GOOG, AB, APPF, ATR, AJG, TEAM, AVB, SAM, BYD, COF, CSL, CWST, CINF, COLM, CUBE, DXCM, EMN, EXPO, FICO, FHI, FFBC, FE, GLPI, GILD, HIG, DOC, HUBG, INTC, JUNP, KLAC, LHK, MHK, NRDS, OLN, PECO, PFG, PTCT, RMD, RHI, ROKU, SKX, SKYW, SNAP, SPCS, TDOC, TEX, TMUS, VRSN, WDC, WY, WSFS.

News & Technicals’

In a significant legal development, a Russian court has ruled in favor of VTB Bank, a state-controlled lender, in its legal battle to recover $439.5 million from JPMorgan Chase. The U.S. bank had reportedly frozen these funds following the invasion of Ukraine. The court’s decision mandates the confiscation of JPMorgan’s funds held within Russian jurisdiction, as well as its tangible and intangible assets, which notably include the bank’s equity in a Russian subsidiary. This ruling comes on the heels of VTB’s lawsuit filed in a St. Petersburg arbitration court, which sought restitution for the funds frozen by the U.S. financial institution. VTB’s legal move was partly driven by JPMorgan’s announcement of its planned withdrawal from the Russian market, prompting the state-run bank to seek judicial intervention to reclaim the blocked capital.

The Japanese yen has experienced a notable depreciation of 4.2% since the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) meeting in March, a trend exacerbated by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar this weakness is partly attributed to the persistent inflation in the United States, which has led Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to hint that rate cuts may not be on the horizon for the next few months]. Analysts are calling for decisive measures to bolster the yen, yet there is widespread skepticism that such actions will emerge from the upcoming BOJ meeting on FridayThe market’s anticipation of continued low-interest rates in Japan, contrasted with the U.S.’s higher rates, has put additional downward pressure on the yen, leaving investors and policymakers alike watching for any potential shifts in the BOJ’s stance that could impact the currency’s trajectory.

During Meta’s recent quarterly earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company’s commitment to long-term investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, a strategy that appeared to unsettle investors. Despite the potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize digital interaction and business models, the immediate market reaction was negative, with Meta’s shares plunging by up to 19% in after-hours trading. Zuckerberg acknowledged the market’s response, noting that such volatility is not uncommon for Meta during periods of significant product development and innovation. His comments suggest a focus on future growth and transformation, even as current shareholders grapple with the implications of these ambitious projects on short-term financial performance.

The Meta disappointment makes today’s reports a significant moment for the tech industry as both Apple and Alphabet are set to report their earnings after the market closes. This event is highly anticipated by investors and market analysts alike, as the financial performance of these tech giants often serves as an indicator of the sector’s overall health and future direction. The results will be closely scrutinized for insights into consumer demand, advertising revenue trends, and the companies’ ability to navigate the current economic landscape. With the global economy facing various challenges, the outcomes of these reports could have substantial implications for market sentiment and tech stock valuations moving forward. Expect significant volatility, whipsaws. Anything is possible!

Trade Wisely,

Doug