Bulls Hope To Gap Up and End Week Strongly

Markets opened basically flat on Thursday.  SPY opened 0.03% higher, DIA opened down 0.12%, and QQQ opened 0.05% higher.  At that point, all three major index ETFs just bobbed around for 30 minutes, but then all rallied higher for an hour.  From about 11 a.m., all three meandered sideways until 1 p.m.  Then the two large-cap index ETFs began a modest rally that lasted the rest of the day while QQQ continued to meander sideways into the close.  This gave us large, white-bodied candles in the SPY and DIA as well as a white-bodied Spinning Top candle in the QQQ.  All three remained well above their T-lines (8emas).  This all happened on average volume in the DIA and far-less-than-average volume in the SPY and QQQ.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green with Basic Materials (+1.47%) led the rest of the groups higher while Technology (+0.01%) was by far the laggard sector.  VXX fell a little again to close at 12.23 and T2122 climbed back up well into its overbought territory to close at 88.98.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields fell to 4.455% and Oil (WTI) gained 0.76% to close at $79.59 per barrel.  Meanwhile, SPY gained 0.58%, DIA gained 0.91%, and QQQ gained 0.22%.  So, Thursday was another bullish day for the market, especially in the DIA and SPY.  (Both of those index ETFs are now within 1.25% of their all-time high, let alone all-time high close.)  However, QQQ continues its 3-day consolidation after Monday’s pop higher.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday was limited to the Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, which came in significantly higher than expected at 231k (compared to a forecast of 212k and the prior week’s 209k value).  That 231k was the highest level in more than eight months.  At the same time, the Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims slightly lower than predicted at 1,785k (versus the 1,790k forecast but up from the 1,768k previous weekly value).  Then, after the close, the Fed Balance Sheet was down $9 billion versus the prior week at $7.353 trillion (compared to the prior week’s $7.362 trillion).

In Fed speak news, San Francisco Fed President Daly said Thursday that there was “considerable uncertainty” about where inflation will head in the next few months.  (She added that she still believes price pressures will continue to ease.)  Daly said, “What the last three months of data have done is widen the confidence bands back out. (So,) “We’ve had three stubborn months of data, but I still see monetary policy is working.  I do think that we’re seeing, in a really positive way, disinflation.”  Daly did not express when she felt rate cuts might begin or exactly what she would need to see to support them.  Daly said, “I’m in a wait-and-see mode.” However, Daly also noted she is seeing “different signals” coming from various companies that say they are losing their pricing power as consumers become more selective.

After the close, COLD, AMN, DBX, EVH, GEN, G, HRB, MTD, RXT, RBA, and VHI all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AKAM, IAG, PBA, and IOSP missed on revenue while beating on earnings. On the other side, SLF and SSP beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, FIHL missed on both the top and bottom lines.

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In stock news, on Thursday, Bloomberg reported that AAPL will power some of its upcoming AI service servers with chips it designed itself.  (The chips will be produced by TSM.)  At the same time, Reuters reported that F is now considering offering gas-powered vehicles (as well as hybrids and electric vehicles) in Europe after 2030.  This is a departure from the company’s 2021-announced plans to sell only electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe beyond 2030.  Later, Bloomberg reported that BP is looking to buy TSLA’s supercharger sites in the US after TSLA killed its supercharger group a few days ago.  No bid was reported, but BP previously said it intended to invest $1 billion in new US locations by 2030.  At the same time, the Wall Street Journal reported that both TMUS and VZ are in talks and close to acquiring parts of USM for more than $2 billion.  Later, BA locked out 130 unionized firefighters from its WA plant campus.  This came after the union representing the firefighters rejected a second contract offer.  (During the lockout, the BA campus fire protection is being covered by mutual aid contracts with civil firefighters from surrounding cities, further away.) 

In stock legal and governmental news, on Thursday, the FAA bowed to industry and political pressure by saying it would delay implementing the recently announced “rest requirement” for air traffic controllers.  (The rule will require controllers to have at least 10 hours between shifts and 12 hours off prior to a midnight shift in the interest of safety.)  The new rules were scheduled to go into effect in mid-July but will not be put off indefinitely while a 3,000-headcount air traffic controller shortage is addressed.  The major airlines welcomed the news, which allows them to fly full schedules.  Meanwhile, CNBC reported that SBGI is looking to sell more than 30% of its broadcast TV stations and has hired MC as the investment banker for the sale.  SBGI received $1.56 billion in average revenue from the stations in question as a group.  Later, the US Supreme Court ruled against WMG by a 6-3 vote in a copyright infringement case brought by a singer.  At the same time, the NRLB issued a complaint Thursday claiming TSLA violated labor laws at its NY assembly plant when it banned personal electronics, records, storing, or sharing content as well as other acts that were part of the company campaign to discourage workers from organizing a union. 

Elsewhere, 27 Republican Attorney’s General filed suit against the EPA, hoping to block landmark carbon emission reduction rules for coal-fired power plants and new natural gas plants. (The rule requires power plants to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by the end of 2032, which those states say this is setting up coal-fired plants to fail and would threaten both the national electric grid and coal industry.)  Meanwhile, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Dept. of Transportation held a joint hearing, investigating claims of “bait and switch” schemes (on fees and points) by airline-affiliated credit cards.  No specific bank or airline was identified at Thursday’s hearing, but an ongoing investigation was announced.  At the same time, the SEC began an investigation into BA for statements the company made about its safety practices and risks after the January ALK loss of a 737 MAX 9 door plug mid-flight. (Inquiries found numerous and wide-spread safety problems and resulting business impacts at BA since that event.) 

Overnight, Asian markets leaned heavily to the green side.  Only Shenzhen (-0.58%) was appreciably in the red while Hong Kong (+2.30%) was by far the biggest mover and led 10 of the region’s 12 exchanges higher.  In Europe, we see green across the board at midday.  The CAC (+0.67%), DAX (+0.51%), and FTSE (+0.71%) lead the 15 bourses in the region higher on volume 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 +0.24% open, the SPY is implying a +0.31% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.38% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are at 4.463% and Oil (WTI) is up 0.72% to $79.83 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Friday includes Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations (all at 10 a.m.), the WASDE report (noon), and April Federal Budget Balance (2 p.m.).  In addition, Fed members Bowman (9 a.m.) and Vice Chair Barr (1:30 p.m.) speak.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include AQN, AMCX, CLMT, CPG, CRH, ENB, HMC, and DNOW.  There are no reports scheduled for after the close. 

So far this morning, CMRE, ENB, HMC, and SLVM have reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CPG and CRH missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  However, AQN, AMCX, and DNOW missed on both the top and bottom lines.

In miscellaneous news, the President-elect of Panama vowed to “fix” the Panama Canal water shortage, by building large water reservoirs.  (This which would help the situation now where ship capacities and number of ships have been greatly reduced because of a lack of water for the locks.  The lack of water has been caused by years of drought in the region depleting the lakes used for lock water now.)  Elsewhere, ADBE Analytics reported that US online retail spending was up 7% during January through April, versus the same period in 2023.  In oil news, China’s access to Niger oil was blocked Thursday due to a border dispute.  (Niger is a landlocked nation.)  China had built a 1,200-mile pipeline to move 90,000 barrels per day of Niger oil to a port in Benin for shipping to China.  However, a dispute between Niger and Benin caused the latter to block oil flow across their land before it even began.  Lastly, real estate data firm ATTOM reported that one in 38 homes in the US are “seriously underwater.”  (They define that as a home having a loan balance at least 25% more than the property value.)  ATTOM reports this is more prevalent in the Southern US than in the other areas, but is clearly a national issue.

In property rights news that could impact companies, on Thursday, the US Supreme Court (by its Conservative super-majority) ruled 6-3 that police agencies do not have to provide timely hearings on property they seize.  This is true regardless of whether any crime is actually charged related to the property or to the legal owners, or to the possessors of the property at time of seizure. The underlying case involved cars seized by AL police where a drug crime was said to be suspected but no charges were ever filed.  The cars had not been returned or even a disposition hearing held related to the cars for more than a year.  In two of the cases, the owners of the cars were not involved in potential cases at all, were not present at time of seizure, and the suspected criminals (who were never charged anyway) were other people. Yet, the Supreme Court has ruled the agencies have the right to seize the property and there is no property right to a timely hearing to get property back.

With that background, it looks as if the Bulls are pushing to close out the week strong. All three major index ETFs gapped up to start the premarket with QQQ giving the most follow-through after that start. The two large-cap ETFs are more indecisive (although white-bodied) after the gap to start the early session. All three major index ETFs remain above their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend remains bullish. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains sideways but is leaning toward the bullish again now. The longer-term market remains Bullish as all three major index ETFs have returned within a couple percent of all-time highs. Overall, the character of the market is bullish but gappy. In terms of extension, the SPY, DIA, and QQQ are all getting a bit stretched above their T-lines. The T2122 indicator is also back well into its overbought area. So, we should expect a pause or pullback soon, to relieve overextension if nothing else. (Just remember the market can remain extended longer than we can remain solvent predicting a turn that hasn’t come yet.) In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, nine of the 10 are in the green this morning with only GOOGL dragging behind (perhaps on the reports of employee unrest related to blow-out quarters, job cuts, and moving jobs overseas to reduce payroll). Finally, remember that it’s Friday, Pay Day, and time to prepare your account for the weekend news cycle.

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.

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

Trouble at GOOGL and Jobless Claims Ahead

Wednesday gave us a gap lower at the open.  SPY gapped down 0.37%, DIA opened just 0.10% lower, and QQQ gapped down 0.58%.  However, this was a Bear trap with all three major index ETFs immediately rallying.  SPY and QQQ recrossed its morning gap and reached their highs at 10:50 a.m.  From there, both of those ETFs ground sideways the rest of the day.  However, DIA rallied slower but continuously until the last 10 minutes where it took profits.  This action gave us a bullish engulfing signal in the DIA and gap-down, large-body white candles with an upper wick in QQQ and to a smaller-wick extent the SPY.  All three remain well above their T-lines (8emas).  This all happened on far lower than average volume in all three of those major index ETFs.

On the day, five of the 10 sectors were in the green and the other five in the red.  The Utilities (+0.78%) led the green sectors higher while Healthcare (-0.63%) led the red side lower.  VXX fell a little more than a percent to close at 12.28 and T2122 dropped back out of its overbought territory to the top of the mid-range to close at 72.81.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields rose to 4.498% and Oil (WTI) gained 1.05% to close at $79.20 per barrel.  Meanwhile, SPY gained 0.01%, DIA gained 0.45%, and QQQ lost 0.06%.  So, Wednesday, was largely a nothing day in the broader SPY and QQQ index ETFs, but was another modestly bullish day for DIA. 

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday was limited to EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, which had a slightly smaller-than-expected inventory drawdown that was expected at -1.362 million barrels (compared to a forecasted drawdown of 1.430 million barrels and far below the prior week’s 7.265-million-barrel inventory build.

In Fed speak news, Boston Fed President Collins repeated the obvious, saying that the economy needs to cool for us to get back to the FOMC’s 2% inflation target.  Collins said, “A slowdown in activity will be needed to ensure that demand is better aligned with supply for inflation to return (to target) durably.”  She went on to explain that this means the Fed’s ‘higher for longer’ mantra will, in fact, need to come to pass…just as the Fed has been saying since last year.  She said, “the recent upward surprises to activity and inflation suggest the likely need to keep policy at its current level until we have greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2%.”  Finally, Collins reiterated the “data driven” view of the Fed, saying “there is no pre-set path for policy – it requires decisions based on a methodical, holistic assessment of wide-ranging information.”  Meanwhile, Fed Governor Cook said US households, banks, and companies are all largely in solid shape financially.  Cook said even the commercial real estate sector isn’t in bad shape, saying it poses “sizable but manageable” risks and even then only to certain regional banks with high concentrations of commercial real estate loans.  She said, Fed supervisors were also “working closely” with those banks that either suffered losses in the book value of some assets or who hold large amounts of loans secured by commercial real estate that may have lost value.

After the close, ABNB, AMC, APP, ARM, CART, CENTA, CENT, CAKE, CXW, EXAS, FLNC, HUBS, JXN, LNW, MFC, MMS, MKSI, MRC, HLI, HOOD, NTR, PAAS, SBGI, SNEX, STN, TKO, TSE, TTD, VSTO, WTS, and WES all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ATO, CE, CPAY, CTLT, NWSA, SSRM, STE, RUN, and MODG missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, COMP, ET, FG, FNF, MATV, RGLD, and TTEC all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, CAPL, DOX, and QDEL missed on both the top and bottom lines.

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In stock news, on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that WBD is planning a cost-cutting program that will include an undetermined number of job cuts as well as a price hike for its MAX streaming platform.  Later, GM announced it will end the production of its gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu model later this year in order to produce more electric vehicles.  (More than 10 million Malibus have been sold since its introduction in 1964.)  At the same time, BA announced that a crewed flight of its Starliner space capsule had been pushed back at least 10 more days.  (The first crewed flight had been scheduled for Tuesday, but pushed back to Wednesday.  Now it will be delayed at least another 10 days.)  Meanwhile, TSLA announced it has told all employees at its Berline plant to stay home Friday, due to expected protests against the expansion of the company’s plant. Later, MSFT said it will close its software development operations in Nigeria.  (That operation was opened in 2022 and was the company’s largest operation in Africa.)  After the close, WBD and DIS announced they had agreed to bundle their Disney+, Hulu, and Max streaming services starting this summer. (No pricing or exact date was announced, only the agreement that had previously been reported as under discussion.) Also after the close, there was bad blood in the air as GOOGL employees grilled top executives over the poor morale as the company has reported another blowout quarter…but also laid off a bunch of employees, blew up entire groups, and openly stated they plan to let higher-cost US employees go to move development to lower-priced labor countries.

In stock legal and governmental news, on Wednesday, three insurance companies rejected CVX’s $57 million claim related to an Iranian-seized oil cargo.  The three companies filed suit in US federal court asking that the court uphold their determination that the Iranian seizure did not constitute a “war risk” loss.  At the same time, Reuters reported that US Dept. of Justice prosecutors are evaluating whether to file securities and wire fraud charges against TSLA for misleading investors about their car’s “self-driving” capabilities.  (Many times, CEO Musk told conferences that TSLA cars could drive themselves from CA to NY with no human help within the year.) Later, Bloomberg reported that PFE has agreed to settle more than 10,000 Zantac cancer-risk lawsuits for an undisclosed sum.  At the same time, GOOGL announced it will fight the UK’s $17 billion lawsuit alleging the company abused its market dominance in the online advertising market. 

Elsewhere, US House and Senate negotiators agreed to a deal that will codify the recent Dept. of Transportation rules requiring airlines to ensure quick and automatic refunds for canceled flights and fees for services not available.  (US airlines had opposed both the bill and DOT rules.)  At the same time, Turkey’s competition board fined META $37.2 million related to two data-sharing probes.  Later, a group representing SPOT and other music streaming platforms urged the European Commission to reject AAPL’s proposal for complying with the antitrust case ruling against the company in March.  At the same time, HYMTF (Hyundai) and Kia agreed to pay $335k to settle charges it had illegally repossessed 26 vehicles belonging to US military members on active duty.  After the close, a federal judge grilled the head of AAPL’s App Store about whether the company is violating the judge’s order to allow alternative payment options.  The judge said AAPL has set up what seemed to be a series of exasperating hurdles meant to discourage consumers from buying Apps by any way other than through its app store (where AAPL gets a 30% cut).  The tone of the questioning showed frustration and skepticism about AAPL’s complying with the court’s orders.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the red side.  India (-1.55%), South Korea (-1.20%), and Australia (-1.06%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see the opposite picture taking shape at midday with mixed bourses that lean toward the green side.  Belgium (-1.08%) is the biggest mover, but the CAC (+0.15%), DAX (+0.47%), and FTSE (+0.43%) lead the region higher on volume in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a modestly down start to the morning.  The DIA implies a -0.22% open, the SPY is implying a -0.21% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.29% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up to 4.512% and Oil (WTI) is up 0.78% to $79.60 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday is limited to Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims (both at 8:30 a.m.), and Fed Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  In addition, Fed member Daly speaks at 2 p.m.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open on ADV, ALE, AZUL, BERY, CSIQ, CRL, COMM, CEG, EDR, EPAM, EVRG, HBI, HGV, H, ICL, IHRT, IBP, KELYA, NXST, NOMD, PZZA, PLTK, ACDC, RPRX, RBLX, SBH, SN, SOLV, SPB, TPR, TEF, TIXT, VTNR, VTRS, WBD, and WMG. Then, after the close, AKAM, COLD, AMN, BAP, DBX, SSP, EVH, FIHL, GEN, G, HRB, IAG, IOSP, MTD, PBA, RXT, RBA, and SLF report. 

In economic news later this week, on Friday, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations, the WASDE report, and April Federal Budget Balance as well as Fed members Bowman and Vice Chair Barr speak.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, AQN, AMCX, CLMT, CPG, CRH, ENB, HMC, and DNOW report.

In miscellaneous news, a cyberattack disrupted “clinical operations” at major non-profit healthcare provider Ascension Wednesday.  (Ascension operates 140 hospitals and 40 “senior living” facilities across 19 states.)  In politics, MAGA extremist MTG made a surprise motion to vacate the Speaker again.  However, the House voted resoundingly to kill her motion (table it) by a 359-43 vote.  (Only 11 MAGA Republicans, including MTG, voted for the motion along with 32 Democrats.  Meanwhile, 196 Republicans and 163 Democrats voted to table her proposal.)  Meanwhile, a UK-based think tank (Ember) reported Wednesday that 30% of global electricity was generated by renewable sources in 2023.  (This included Hydropower, which fell as a percentage but was still by far the largest renewable source, Wind, and Solar.)  Interestingly, China was the leader, generating nearly 10 times more renewable energy (279.6 Terawatt Hours) than the second-largest producer (Brazil at 35.7 TWh).  The US was in the fourth spot at 24 TWh of renewable electric produced in 2023. 

So far this morning, AVAH, CSIQ, CRL, CCO, COMM, EPAM, ICL, IBP, KELYA, SN, SOLV, SPB, VTNR, and WMG all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, BERY, CEG, HBI, HGV, NXST, PZZA, RPRX, TAK, TPR, and TIXT missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, EVRG, FOUR, and USFD reported beats on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, ADV, ALE, H, NOMD, SBH, VTRS, and WBD missed on both the top and bottom lines.

With that background, it looks as if markets are heading toward an indecisive, if slightly bearish open. All three major index ETFs started the premarket with a modest gap down. However, all three have also put in white-bodied candles in the early session as the Bulls push back toward even. The SPY, DIA, and QQQ all remain above their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bullish again. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains sideways but is leaning toward the bullish again now. The longer-term market remains Bullish as all three major index ETFs have returned within a few percent of all-time highs. Overall, the character of the market is gappy and more than a bit volatile. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are “too far” extended above their T-line. The T2122 indicator has pulled back a bit, outside of its overbought area. So, while both sides still have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, nine of the 10 are in the red this morning putting a considerable drag on the QQQ and SPY. Again, keep in mind that this is not a heavy news week but we do have a lot of earnings reports. Perhaps more importantly, there are several Fed speakers and undoubtedly a few others will also pop off. Any of those statements could swing markets, especially as Bulls are now dreaming of Fed rate cuts again.

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

Lacking Momentum

Lacking Momentum

Although U.S. finished mixed lacking momentum, on Thursday, China’s import numbers saw a significant 8.4% increase in April, surpassing the 4.8% year-on-year growth predicted by a Reuters survey. Export figures also showed a positive trend, with a 1.5% year-on-year increase in April, measured in U.S. dollar terms, which was in line with market anticipations. Following the release of this data, the CSI 300 index of Mainland China witnessed a 0.95% rise, building on an earlier 0.2% increase at market opening, and ultimately closing at a value of 3,664.56. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index observed a 1.16% climb. In a separate economic indicator, Japan’s real wages recorded a 2.5% year-on-year decrease in March, continuing a downward trend for the 24th consecutive month.

European markets started the day mixed on Thursday morning amidst a week filled with earnings reports, causing a dip in the recent upward trend. The Stoxx 600 index saw a marginal decrease of 0.16% at 10:30 a.m. London time, breaking a streak of four sessions of gains. Industry performance was varied, with the automotive sector dropping by 1.3%, while oil and gas equities edged up by 0.5%.

U.S. stock futures start the day modestly lower as the upward drive on Wall Street diminished with interest rates slightly higher. The futures associated with the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 69 points, equivalent to a 0.2% drop. Futures of the S&P 500 also fell by 0.2%, and those of the Nasdaq 100 retracted roughly 0.3%. Concurrently, yields on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note surged past the pivotal 4.5% threshold. Yields on the 2-year note witnessed a rise as well.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Thursday before the bell include ALGM, ALE, FOLD, BERY, BIGC, BN, CSIQ, CARS, CRNC, CEVA, CRL, CWEN, CCOI, CEG, EDR, EVRG, RACE, FA, FVRR, GDRX, HAE, HBI, HGV, HIMX, H, IBP, NTLA, IRWD, JBI, DUNT, lSPD, MSGE, MPW, NABL, NTCT, NXST, NOMD, PZZA, PAR, PLNT, PLTK, PRVA, RBLX, SBH, SN, SIX, SPB, STVN, TPR, TSEM, USFD, VTRS, WRBY, WBD, WMG, & YETI. After the bell include AKAM, ALRM, COLD, AMN, AMPL, AAOI, ARLO, ARRY, ARWR, BW, BLNK, BE, CARG, CHUY, COLL, DIOD, DBX, EVCM, EVH, EXFY, FNKO, GEN, G, GDOT, GH, HRB, HCAT, INDI, FROG, LGF.A, MARA, MERC, MTD, NVTS, PACB, PGNY, RXT, SVV, SSP, SOUN, SG, SYNA, TTGT, SKIN, TREX, U, VCTR, WEST, XENE, YELP, & ZIP..

News & Technicals’

Arm Holdings unveiled its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, reporting a robust 47% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching $928 million. Despite this impressive growth, the company’s financial outlook for the fiscal year 2025 did not meet investor expectations. Arm projected its annual revenue to be in the range of $3.8 billion to $4.1 billion, which fell short of the $3.99 billion forecasted by analysts, as per LSEG data. This conservative guidance has led to a lukewarm response from the investment community.

The Bank of England is anticipated to maintain the current interest rates at its upcoming Thursday meeting. Market traders are poised to scrutinize Governor Andrew Bailey’s statement for any nuanced insights. With U.K. headline inflation predicted to decline sharply in April, there is mounting pressure on the BOE to initiate rate reductions to bolster the faltering economy. This development is in contrast to the trajectory of Europe’s central banks, which are diverging from the Federal Reserve’s policy. Market expectations are leaning towards rate cuts post-summer, while some economists speculate that there may be no rate cuts at all.

In the European Union, a strategic period of decision-making is underway as diplomats deliberate over future leadership for its three principal institutions: the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament. From June 6 to 9, citizens from the 27 EU member states will cast their votes to elect new representatives for the European Parliament. Following the elections, the most influential EU positions, which are appointed rather than directly elected, will be allocated. These roles are pivotal in shaping central policies, with the decisions made in Brussels affecting the lives of approximately 450 million individuals throughout the union.

Country Garden Holdings Co., a Chinese property developer, has announced that it will not be able to fulfill the initial payment deadlines for the interest on two of its domestic bonds. In response, a state-backed guarantor is set to intervene, marking a significant moment for a governmental initiative aimed at supporting the real estate sector’s financial stability. According to recent filings, the company’s domestic division is unable to complete the interest payments for its bonds with 3.95% and 3.8% coupon rates by the May 9 deadline. These bonds are underwritten by the China Bond Insurance Co., a state enterprise that plays a central role in a 2022-launched scheme designed to prevent cash flow difficulties for private developers.

Although the Dow had a good day on Wednesday all the indexes were lacking in momentum, as volume was noticeably weak.  Perhaps the huge number of earnings or the weekly jobs numbers can provide some inspiration to the bulls or bears today. Plan your risk carefully and continue to watch for substantial point moves.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Kashkari Says There Is No Hurry to Cut

Markets opened just modestly higher Tuesday. SPY opened 0.18% higher, DIA started 0.19% higher, and QQQ opened up +0.08%.  From there, all three major index ETFs ground sideways the first hour.  At that point DIA started a long, very modest selloff that finally recrossed the opening gap at 2:30 p.m.  From there DIA ground along the prior close level before heading back to the open level during the last hour. Meanwhile, SPY and QQQ both continued sideways until 1:30 p.m.  Then, those two followed DIA but with a bit sharper selloff before grinding sideways along the previous close after 2:30 p.m. until a rally the last 15 minutes took both back up to the opening level.  This action gave us, Doji candles in all three major index ETFs.  SPY and DIA gapped just a bit higher before printing the Doji while QQQ opened flat and printed its own Doji.  All three remain above their T-line (8ema).

On the day, seven of the 10 sectors were in the green with the Consumer Defensive (+1.01%) group leading the market higher.  Meanwhile, Consumer Cyclical (-0.74%) was the weakest sector by half of a percent.  VXX was flat and remains at 12.41 and T2122 pulled back a bit but remains in the overbought territory at 84.80.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields fell again to 4.459% and Oil (WTI) was flat, closing at $78.56 per barrel.  So, again Tuesday, it was an indecisive day across the market with no real strength from either the Bulls or the Bears.  One indicator of the indecision is that the 10 big dog stocks were evenly split between green and red.  However, we should note that the biggest movers among that group were on the red side and also had the heaviest dollar move.  NVDA (-1.72%) traded $39.1 billion in stock and TSLA (-3.76%) traded $13.2 billion in stock.  Meanwhile, AAPL (+0.38%) was the biggest gainer with $13.1 billion of stock traded.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday included March Consumer Credit, which came in FAR below expectations at $6.27 billion (compared to a forecasted $14.80 billion and the February value of $15.02 billion).  After the close, API Weekly Crude Stocks showed an inventory build of 0.509 million barrels (versus a forecasted -1.430 million barrels and far below the previous week’s 4.906-million-barrel inventory build). 

In Fed speak news, Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari said the FOMC may need to hold rates steady through all of 2024.  Kashkari said, “(In order to support a rate cut) I would need to see multiple positive inflation readings suggesting that the disinflation process is on track.”  However, on the other side, he did allay some fears by saying “The bar for a rate hike is quite high but it’s not infinite … There is a limit when we say, ‘OK, we need to do more.’ I think it’s much more likely we would just sit here for longer than we expect, or the public expects right now, until we see what effect our monetary policies have.”  

After the close, ANET, AIZ, CRC, CHRD, GMED, GXO, HY, IAC, ICUI, KD, KGC, LYFT, MASI, MTCH, PR, RNG, SU, TOST, TWLO, and WYNN all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AGL, ANDE, ARKO, BIO, BTG, BHF, JKHY, OVV, OXY, and RRR missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, AMRK, CPNG, GO, MTW, RYAM, and RIVN beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, EA, and MCK missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that AGL lowered its forward guidance while ANET and MASI both raised their guidance.

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In stock news, on Tuesday, a Brazilian paper company (Susano) mad a bid to buy IP for $15 billion. The $42.00 per share offer was given to the IP board verbally and will be submitted in writing soon.  (IP closed at $36.92 on Monday and then at $38.84 after the news Tuesday.)  At the same time, AAPL held an event to announce new iPad models based on the M4 version of their in-house designed ARM processor.  Later, RCL announced it is trying to recruit 10,000 new workers to staff ships and its private destinations this year.  The company says the need to hire so many workers is due to record cruise demand.   At the same time, META announced it has launched tools for AI image generation for advertisers.  This comes after GOOGL announced the same set of tools in February.  Later, PNRA announced it is phasing out its “Charged Sips” line of ultra-caffeinated drinks.  (That line of products is the subject to many lawsuits claiming they caused health issues and have created significant bad PR for the chain.)  Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that JPM has started its latest round of layoffs at the Vice President and Associate level of its consumer, energy, and healthcare units.

In stock legal and governmental news, on Tuesday, a Spanish startup filed a complaint against MSFT with the Spanish antitrust regulator, related to MSFT’s cloud computing practices.  Later, the US Dept. of Commerce revoked some export licenses for good such as INTC and QCOM chips that were to be shipped to China’s Huawei.  At the same time, Reuters reported that four sources tell it the US has held up the shipment of BA-made munitions to Israel.  (The sales will reportedly eventually go through, but are being delayed based on priorities such as shipment to Ukraine.) Later, LEVI settled its lawsuit which accused an Italian fashion brand of infringing its trademarked pocket tab.  (The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.)  Elsewhere, Chinese company ByteDance filed suit in the US, arguing that the recently-passed law (passed as part of the Ukraine-Israel-Taiwan aide package) is unconstitutional on a number of grounds.  (The law required ByteDance to sell TikTok to a US owner in the next nine months or cease all operations in the US.  TiKTok has 170 million American users according to the company.)

So far this morning, AFRM, BUD, BCO, BAM, CLVT, ELAN, EMR, GFF, LCII, LPX, TIGO, NYT, QRTEA, REYN, SHOP, SUN, and VSH all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ALIT, BR, EPC, HAIN, DINO, INGR, EYE, NFE, NI, and STWD missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, TEVA and UBER beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, SATS, KMT, MIDD, ODP, PFGC, and RCM missed on both the top and bottom lines.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the red side.  Japan (-1.63%), Shenzhen (-1.35%), and Singapore (-1.08%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see the opposite picture taking shape with only three of 15 bourses in the red at midday.  The CAC (+0.81%), DAX (+0.34%), and FTSE (+0.25%) lead the region higher 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 -0.05% open, the SPY is implying a -0.15% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.20% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bonds are back up to 4.488% and Oil (WTI) is down more than a percent to $77.54 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday is limited to EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open on AFRM, BUD, BCO, BR, CLVT, SID, SATS, EPC, ELAN, EMR, FWONK, FOXA, GLP, DINO, IEP, INGR, KMT, LCII, LSXMA, LPX, MIDD, EYE, NEUE, NFE, NYT, NI, ODP, PFGC, RCM, REYN, SHOP, SWX, STWD, SUN, TGNA, TEVA, TM, UBER, VSH, and VST.  Then, after the close, AE, ABNB, AMC, APP, ARM, ATO, CE, CENTA, CENT, CAKE, CCU, COMP, CPAY, CAPL, ET, EXAS, FG, FLNC, FNF, FWRD, HLI, HUBS, CART, JXN, MFC, MATV, MMS, MKSI, MRC, NWSA, NTR, PAAS, QDEL, RGLD, SBGI, SSRM, STN, STE, SNEX, RUN, TKO, MODG, TSE, TTEC, VSTO, WTS, and WES report. 

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations, the WASDE report, and April Federal Budget Balance as well as Fed members Bowman and Vice Chair Barr speak.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, we hear from ADV, ALE, AZUL, BERY, CSIQ, CRL, COMM, CEG, EDR, EPAM, EVRG, HBI, HGV, H, ICL, IHRT, IBP, KELYA, NXST, NOMD, PZZA, PLTK, ACDC, RPRX, RBLX, SBH, SN, SOLV, SPB, TPR, TEF, TIXT, VTNR, VTRS, WBD, WMG, AKAM, COLD, AMN, BAP, DBX, SSP, EVH, FIHL, GEN, G, HRB, IAG, IOSP, MTD, PBA, RXT, RBA, and SLF.  Finally, on Friday, AQN, AMCX, CLMT, CPG, CRH, ENB, HMC, and DNOW report.

In miscellaneous news, a plague of leafhopper insects has infected Argentinian corn crops.  This insect, has the ability to reduce thousands of acres of corn crop to zero yield.  (While the US is the largest producer of corn, Argentina is number four behind China and Brazil.  A failure of the Argentine crop would cause significant impact on global corn prices.)   At the moment, Argentina is forecasting a 17% reduction in its corn production.  Elsewhere, US spot electricity and natural gas prices turned negative Tuesday in TX, CA, and AZ.  (Ample Western hydropower, moderate weather, and limited storage capacity were forcing many LNG producers to flare (burn off) excess gas Tuesday, rather than slow/stop well production.)

In other news, Hamas and Israeli negotiators resumed ceasefire negotiations Tuesday.  However, Israel began the new session by giving a Friday deadline for a deal, saying it would halt negotiations and initiate its “real Rafah operation” if a deal has not been agreed by then.  (That distinction was needed because IDF ground forces attacked and captured the Gaza border crossing between Rafah and Egypt.  That crossing is where 75% of Gaza aid passed prior to the war.  That crossing is now completely shut down again as famine looms in that city and the whole Gaza strip.)  It’s hard to predict how this will impact oil markets, with a return to talks a soothing sign while threats and continuing Israeli attacks not so soothing.

With that background, it looks as if traders are on the bearish side this morning. The QQQ in particular shows some follow through with the larger black candle being printed in the premarket. However, the two large-cap index ETFs opened the premarket flat and are printing more “indecisive candles” since that point. All three remain above their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bullish again. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains sideways (choppy). The longer-term market remains Bullish as all three major index ETFs have returned within a few percent of all-time highs. Overall, the character of the market is gappy, choppy, and volatile. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are “too far” extended above their T-line, but the QQQ is starting to push that level. The T2122 indicator remains in its overbought area. So, while both sides still have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so, the Bears have more slack to play with. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, eight of the 10 are in the red this morning putting a considerable drag on the QQQ and SPY. Again, keep in mind that this is not a heavy news week but we do have a lot of earnings reports. Perhaps more importantly, there are several Fed speakers and undoubtedly a few others will also pop off. Any of those statements could swing markets, especially as Bulls are now dreaming of Fed rate cuts again.

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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TC2000 Discount

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Higher for Longer

Higher for Longer

Fed members once again suggesting higher for longer translated into Japan’s stock market experiencing a notable downturn, leading the regional declines on Wednesday. The Nikkei 225, a benchmark index for the Japanese stock market, fell by 1.63% to close at 38,202.37. Similarly, the Topix index, which represents a broader range of stocks, also suffered a decline, closing 1.45% lower at 2,706.43.

European markets showed a cautiously optimistic picture in the mid-morning trading session. The Stoxx 600 index, which tracks a broad spectrum of companies across Europe, saw a modest increase of 0.4% by 11:15 a.m. London time. Notably, shares of Siemens Energy, a major German industrial manufacturing firm, surged by up to 12.8% following the company’s announcement of an improved outlook for 2024, buoyed by the robust performance of its power grid business.

U.S.s tock futures indicate a relatively flat to slightly bearish open as Fed comments worry investors. Meanwhile, the futures for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 remained largely unchanged, as earnings data rolled out. The highlight in the economic calendar will be the remarks of several more Fed members commenting on the ongoing inflation fight.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Thursday before the bell include ACMR, AFRM, BUD, ASC, ATHM, BCO, BR, CHH, CLVT, DIN, EDIT, EMR, EVER, FOXA, GFF, HAIN, DINO, HLLY, INGR, IMXI, INSW, KMT, KRNT, LCII, MCFT, NFE, NYT, NL, ODP, PAYO, PFGC, STWD, SUN, TBLA, TEVA, TPG, UBER, PRKS, VVV, VCEL, VERX, VSH, & WWW. After the bell include ARM, ACAD, ABNB, AMC, DOX, AAP, ATO, AZEK, BGS, BYND, BKH, BMBL, CE, CAKE, CPK, CLSK, CMP, CXW, CXT, CYTK, DUOL, ECPG, ET, EXAS, FNF, FLNC, FWRD, GNK, HL, HLIO, HPK, HMN, HUBS, IIPR, CART, JXN, JRVR, KNTK, KVYO, KGS, MNKD NWSA, NUS, OSUR, PYCR, PRIM, QNST, HOOD, RGLD, SBGI, SITM, SEDG, SLF, RUN, SUPN, TTD, TKO, MODG, COOK, TTEC, VSTO, VTLE, WTS, WES, & ZD.

News & Technicals’

Investors are closely scrutinizing the remarks made by Federal Reserve officials, seeking insights into the central bank’s interest rate trajectory for the current year. The consensus among Fed representatives this week has largely reaffirmed the central bank’s monetary policy stance, as outlined at the end of their most recent meeting. This has been reflected in the Treasury yields, with the 10-year Treasury yield experiencing a slight increase of over 1 basis point, reaching 4.479% as of 6:08 a.m. ET. Similarly, the 2-year Treasury yield also edged up by just over 1 basis point, standing at 4.839%. These movements in the yields are indicative of the market’s response to the Federal Reserve’s signals and the ongoing evaluation of economic indicators by investors.

The geopolitical landscape has been increasingly strained as the United States intensifies its trade restrictions and sanctions on China, with national security as the cited rationale. This escalation has had tangible economic repercussions, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. Trade interactions between the two powers have diminished by approximately 12%, and foreign direct investments have seen a more pronounced decline of 20% when compared to the figures within their respective economic blocs. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that, should the current rifts remain unaddressed, the global economy could potentially face a contraction as severe as 7% of the world’s GDP in what could be considered an extreme fallout scenario. This forecast serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching implications that diplomatic tensions can have on international economic stability.

The United States has taken a significant step in its ongoing strategy to limit China’s technological advancement by revoking specific licenses for chip sales to Huawei. This action, announced on Tuesday, aligns with previous measures where export licenses have been withdrawn as part of a broader regulatory process. While the Commerce Department spokesperson refrained from discussing the particulars of the licenses affected, the confirmation of the revocation underscores the U.S. government’s firm stance on export controls to Huawei. Despite these regulatory challenges, Huawei’s consumer division is experiencing a revival, particularly following the launch of its Mate 60 Pro smartphone in August, which suggests resilience and adaptability in its business operations amidst tightening restrictions.

In a remarkable turn of events for the cryptocurrency world, the majority of customers affected by the collapse of the FTX exchange have been given a beacon of hope. A recent court filing has revealed that not only are these customers poised to recover their lost funds, but they may also receive additional compensation. FTX has reported an obligation of approximately $11.2 billion to its creditors. However, the exchange has managed to secure a substantial pool of assets, ranging between $14.5 billion and $16.3 billion, earmarked for distribution among the claimants. In an unprecedented move, customers with claims of $50,000 or less are set to receive about 118% of their validated claim value. This generous reimbursement plan is expected to cover around 98% of all creditors, signaling a significant recovery operation underway within the FTX financial landscape.

Rising bond yields due to higher for longer Fed comments have given rise to a bit of caution this morning.  However, with a huge number of earnings plan for price volatility and intraday whipsaws to continue.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Generally Good Earnings Help Market

Monday was a bullish, yet mostly sideways day in the market.  SPY gapped up 0.51%, DIA gapped up 0.41%, and QQQ gapped up 0.43%.  From there, all three major index ETFs traded sideways in roughly a half of a percent range.  The SPY and QQQ both had a slight bullish trend to that grind.  Meanwhile, DIA gave us a more volatile chop to the side and had a modest bearish trend to that sideways grind.  A late-day rally took all three out very near their highs of the day.  This action gave us gap-up large white-body candles with small lower wicks in the SPY and QQQ.  Meanwhile, the DIA printed a gap-up, white-body Doji.  All three remain above their T-line (8ema).  This all came on well-below-average volume in all three of those major index ETFs.

On the day, all 10 sectors were again in the green with Technology (+1.55%) once again out front leading the market higher.  Meanwhile, Consumer Defensive (+0.09%) lagged well behind the other sectors.  VXX dropped another 2.66% to close at 12.45 and T2122 jumped up well into the overbought territory at 90.48.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields fell again to 4.489% and Oil (WTI) gained half a percent to close at $78.55 per barrel.  So, once again Monday, most of the market’s move came at the open.  After a significant gap, the predominate direction of all three major index ETFs was to the side.  Most talking heads seem to think this is chiefly driven by hope for a Fed rate cut soon.  However, it is worth noting that three-fourths of the way through earnings season, five of the six “Magnificent 7” tickers have reported beats (only TSLA has missed, but it missed on both lines).  This leaves only the biggest dog of them all (NVDA) to report on Wednesday.  My point is that for those who believe in those seven tickers driving the market, they’ve gotten a lot of good news recently.

There was no major economic news scheduled for Monday.  

In Fed Consumer Expectations Survey news, on Monday the NY Fed released results of its survey.  The report found that respondents are bracing for higher housing costs again in the next year. On average that group predicts home prices will rise 5.1% (over the next year) which is far above the +2.6% increase they expected one year ago.  However, five years from now, they see home prices only up 2.7% from current.  So, on average the group expects home price inflation and then deflation.  In terms of rental prices, the survey found respondents expect a 9.7% increase in rent on average in the next 12 months.  (That is the second-highest expectation reading in history and up from the +8.2% in early 2023.)  In terms of mortgage rates, the group now expect the average mortgage to be at 8.7% in a year and 9.7% in three years.  (This survey was conducted while the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at Fannie Mae was at 7.22%.)

In Fed speak news, NY Fed President Williams said Monday that the FOMC’s next move is likely to be a cut in rates.  Williams said “Eventually we’ll have rate cuts” but for now monetary policy is in a “very good place.”  Williams did not offer a timetable for when a cut (next move) may take place. He also said the Fed’s shrinking of its Balance Sheet have gone well and have not rocked the boat.  Later, Richmond Fed President Barkin said that up to now the fight on inflation has been on the supply side.  However, to end inflation, the US will need to take a hit on the demand side.  Specifically, Barkin said, “We got a lot of benefit last year on the supply side,” … “I do tend to imagine that we’re going to need a little more edge off of demand to get all the way (back to target).”  He went on to say that he was optimistic that the current Fed Funds Rate was high enough to do the job.  Still, when asked where he felt the biggest risk to the economy was, Barkin replied “I still have the weight going toward inflation.” “It’s a stubborn road back…It doesn’t mean you won’t get back. It just means it takes a while…to corral price setters (businesses) into believing they don’t really have a chance (for price increases without losing sales).

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After the close, ACM, ATSG, BCC, BWXT, CBT, COKE, COHR, CPS, FN, FIS, IFF, ITUB, VAC, PLTR, O, SPG, and VRTX all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AL, FMC, GT, JELD, MCHP, OTTR, RRX, and WMB missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, COTY, NE, PARR, and PRI all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, AAN, DOOR, and OGS missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that SPG raised its forward guidance.

In stock news, on Monday, KKR announced it will buy Indian medical device maker Healthium Medtech from UK-based Apax Partners for roughly $839 million.  At the same time, Reuters reported that DIS and CMCSA are seeking to hire a third-party financial advisor to resolve their dispute over the valuation of Hulu.  (DIS will acquire a 33% stake in Hulu from CMCSA according to a deal struck in 2023, but value was undecided.  JPM told DIS Hulu was worth $27.5 billion while MS told CMCSA that Hulu was worth $40 billion.) Later, Chinese premium EV-maker NIO announced it will launch its first mass-market EV by the end of this month, in Europe, for under $30k.  At the same time, industry publication Electrek reported that TSLA laid off more employees Monday in its Software, Service, and Engineering departments.  (Employees received layoff emails on Sunday.)  Later, ALE announced it would go private at a $6.2 billion valuation (including debt to be assumed). This will result in a $67/share cash offer.  Elsewhere, tech publication “The Information” reported Monday that MSFT is training a new, in-house AI model named MAI-1.  The model, much bigger than any MSFT has trained internally in the past, is intended to compete with GOOGL and OpenAI.  (The project is being headed by the co-founder of GOOGL’s DeepMind unit.)

In stock legal and governmental news, on Monday, HOOD received notice from the SEC that its cryptocurrency unit has been “preliminarily found” to have engaged in securities violations and will likely face either “cease and desist” action, civil court injunctions, or other penalties relate to the broker’s listings and crypto transactions.  Later, the highest state court in MA began hearing a challenge to ballot initiatives proposed and paid for by LYFT and UBER, which would define gig workers explicitly as contractors, not eligible for benefits, minimum wage laws, worker protection laws, and tax withholding.  (No timeframe for a decision is available.)  At the same time, the Wall Street Journal reported that the FAA has opened a new investigation into BA over inspections the company recently admitted its employees skipped on 787 Dreamliner planes in order to maintain production schedules.  The investigation will also determine whether the documentation submitted to the FAA indicated those inspections had been made and passed (if documents were falsified).  Later, a Us judge formally ended the US Dept. of Justice case against GS related to the bank’s work with corrupt Malaysian fun 1MDB, accepting the $2.9 billion in penalties GS paid.  Elsewhere, Reuters reports that crypto “Super PACs” have raised more than $102 million to spend on the 2024 Congressional elections.  ($54 million of this reportedly came from COIN and Ripple Labs.)  Reports say much of this will be focused on defeating Democratic Senators Brown (OH) and Tester (MT) who have been critical of crypto.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned to the bullish side with seven of the 12 exchanges in the green.  South Korea (+2.16%), Japan (+1.57%), and Australia (+1.44%) were by far the biggest movers and led the region higher.  However, in Europe, 13 of the 15 bourses are in the green at midday with only Russia (-0.44%) worse than flat.  The CAC (+0.37%), DAX (+0.63%), and FTSE (+1.03%) are leading the region higher in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a mixed open near flat.  The DIA implies a +0.07% open, the SPY is implying a dead flat open, and the QQQ implies a -0.20% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down to 4.461% and Oil (WTI) is off four-tenths of a percent to $78.15 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday includes the EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (noon), March Consumer Credit (3 p.m.), and API Weekly Crude Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  Fed member Kashkari also speaks (11:30 a.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open on Tuesday include GOLF, AHCO, ALGT, GBTG, ARMK, ATKR, AVNT, BLMN, BP, BLDR, CEIX, CROX, DDOG, DK, DUK, ERJ, ENR, EXPD, RACE, FTRE, GEO, GTN, HSIC, J, KVUE, NJR, NRG, OSCR, MD, PRGO, ROK, SCSC, SRE, SPR, SGRY, TPX, BLD, TDG, UBS, VVX, and DIS.  Then, after the close, KLG, AMRK, AGL, ARKO, AIZ, BTG, BIO, BRFS, BHF, CRC, CHRD, CPNG, EC, EA, GMED, GO, GXO, HY, IAC, ICUI, JKHY, KGC, KD, LYFT, MTW, MASI, MTCH, MCK, OXY, OVV, PR, RYAM, RRR, RNG, RIVN, SU, VIV, TOST, TWLO, and WYNN report. 

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations, the WASDE report, and April Federal Budget Balance as well as Fed members Bowman and Vice Chair Barr speak.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, AFRM, BUD, BCO, BR, CLVT, SID, SATS, EPC, ELAN, EMR, FWONK, FOXA, GLP, DINO, IEP, INGR, KMT, LCII, LSXMA, LPX, MIDD, EYE, NEUE, NFE, NYT, NI, ODP, PFGC, RCM, REYN, SHOP, SWX, STWD, SUN, TGNA, TEVA, TM, UBER, VSH, VST, AE, ABNB, AMC, APP, ARM, ATO, CE, CENTA, CENT, CAKE, CCU, COMP, CPAY, CAPL, ET, EXAS, FG, FLNC, FNF, FWRD, HLI, HUBS, CART, JXN, MFC, MATV, MMS, MKSI, MRC, NWSA, NTR, PAAS, QDEL, RGLD, SBGI, SSRM, STN, STE, SNEX, RUN, TKO, MODG, TSE, TTEC, VSTO, WTS, and WES report.  On Thursday, we hear from ADV, ALE, AZUL, BERY, CSIQ, CRL, COMM, CEG, EDR, EPAM, EVRG, HBI, HGV, H, ICL, IHRT, IBP, KELYA, NXST, NOMD, PZZA, PLTK, ACDC, RPRX, RBLX, SBH, SN, SOLV, SPB, TPR, TEF, TIXT, VTNR, VTRS, WBD, WMG, AKAM, COLD, AMN, BAP, DBX, SSP, EVH, FIHL, GEN, G, HRB, IAG, IOSP, MTD, PBA, RXT, RBA, and SLF.  Finally, on Friday, AQN, AMCX, CLMT, CPG, CRH, ENB, HMC, and DNOW report.

So far this morning, GOLF, AVNT, BLDR, CEIX, CROX, DDOG, ENR, RACE, GFS, GTN, J, OSCR, ROK, SGRY, TDG, UBS, VVX, and WAT all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ARMK, ATKR, DK, DUK, HSIC, NJR, NRG, MD, PRGO, TPX, BLD, and DIS all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, AHCO and GEO beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, BLMN and BP missed on both the top and bottom lines.

In miscellaneous news, the largest physician-run hospital network in the US (Steward Health Care), which operates 31 hospitals, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday after failing to secure a new loan from its landlord MPW.  Steward has nearly 30,000 employees, including 4,500 doctors and operates 400 locations (not just the 31 hospitals).  Elsewhere, the CDC said Monday that it had asked state health depts. And asked that they provide protective gear to farm workers to reduce the risk of H5N1 bird flu transmission to (and then between) humans.  (There has already been one case of a farm work contracting bird flu from a dairy herd, which had been contaminated.  The case was mild, similar to traditional flu.)  The USDA had previously said that H5N1 had likely been circulating in poultry and dairy animals since November and was first found on March 25.  So far, test have found pasteurized milk contains remnants but remains safe for human consumption.

In other news, Hamas made news Monday by announcing they had agreed to a ceasefire plan proposed by Egypt and Qatar.  (Reports had said Israel had signed off on the deal before it was proposed.)  However, Israel said what Hamas agreed to was nowhere close to what they could accept…implying Hamas agreed to its own counter to the deal shown to them.  In the meantime, Israeli Defense Forces announced it has begun a “limited” ground offensive into Rafah (city of 1.4 million).  This includes the takeover of the Rafah side of the border crossing to Egypt.  While oil markets calmed on the news midday Monday, the IDF operation in Rafah (where explosions were heard Monday night) is likely to stoke oil fears again.  In the meantime, Israeli negotiators said they will travel to resume ceasefire talks as both sides work to blame the other for no halt to fighting.

With that background, it looks as if traders are undecided this morning. The two large-cap index ETFs opened the premarket flat and have printed mostly wicks since that point. Meanwhile, the QQQ gapped down to start the early session and then has printed its own indecisive candle. All three remain above their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bullish again. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains sideways. The longer-term market remains Bullish as all three major index ETFs have returned within a few percent of all-time highs. Overall, the character of the market is gappy, choppy, and volatile. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are “too far” extended above their T-line, but the QQQ is starting to push that level. However, at the same time, the T2122 indicator is now well inside of its overbought area. So, while both sides still have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so, the Bears have more slack to play with. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, eight of the 10 are in the red with the two biggest dogs TSLA (-1.46%) and NVDA (-1.34%) leading the QQQ (and probably overall market) lower. Again, keep in mind that this is not a heavy news week but we do have a lot of earnings reports. Perhaps more importantly, there are several Fed speakers and undoubtedly a few others will also pop off. Any of those statements could swing markets, especially as Bulls are now dreaming of Fed rate cuts again.

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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Positive Earnings Results

Positive Earnings results

South Korean stocks surged ahead in the Asia-Pacific region on Tuesday, buoyed by the positive earnings results on Wall Street. The Kospi index, South Korea’s benchmark stock index, soared 2.16% to close at 2,734.36, marking its highest point in over a month. Meanwhile, the Kosdaq, known for its smaller-cap stocks, also enjoyed gains, albeit more modest, finishing 0.66% higher at 871.26. In contrast, the Reserve Bank of Australia maintained a steady course, holding its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 4.35% for the fourth consecutive meeting, signaling a cautious approach amidst global economic shifts.

European markets kicked off Tuesday’s trading session on a high note. The Stoxx 600, a key regional index, witnessed a 0.6% uptick by 9:30 a.m. in London. Leading the charge were financial services, which saw a notable 2.2% increase. A standout performer was the Swiss banking behemoth UBS. This positive financial revelation propelled UBS shares to climb by 8% during the morning trading hours.

U.S. stock futures displayed mixed futures results near the break-even point on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average poised to extend its winning streak to a fifth consecutive day amid a fresh wave of earnings reports. Dow futures edged higher by 70 points, translating to a modest gain of 0.2%. The S&P 500 futures saw a slight increase of 0.1%, reflecting cautious optimism. In contrast, the Nasdaq 100 futures experienced a minor dip, also by 0.1%, suggesting a more reserved stance among tech investors.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Tuesday before the bell include DIS, AHCO, APLS, ARMK, AVNT, BLMN, BLDR, CELH, CROX, DDOG, DK, DUK, ENR, NPO, EXPD, FWRG, GFS, GOGO, HR, HSIC HLMN, IONS, J, KVUE, NJR, NRG, OSCR, PRGO, PTLO, ROK, SCSC, SERE, SPR, SQSP, TPX, BLD, TDG, UBS, WAT, WOW, & KLG. After the bell include RDDT, AWR, ANDE, ANGI, ALTM, ANET, AIZ, AGO, ALAB, ASTH, BIO, BL, BHF, CDRE, CRC, CHRD, CRUS, CFLT, CRSR, CPNG, DEI, BROS, EA, FLYW, GMED, GPRO, GO, GXO HALO, IAC, IRBT, JKHY, KTOS, KD, LAZR, LYFT, MGY, MTW, MTCH, MCK, MLNK, MYGN, OXY, LPRO, PCRX, PR, PROS, PUBM, QLYS, RDFN, RVLV, RNG, RIVN, SHLS, SONO, STAA, RGR, TOST, TRIP, TWLO, UPST, VECO, SPCE, WYNN, & ZI.

News & Technicals’

Disney has delivered a commendable financial performance, exceeding earnings estimates while achieving revenue that met analyst projections. In a notable milestone, the company’s streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, reported a combined profit for the first time in their operational history. However, when accounting for ESPN+, the overall streaming unit faced a setback, incurring a loss of $18 million for the quarter. This contrasted with the downturn in traditional revenue streams, as both TV revenues and box office sales experienced a slump during the same period. The mixed results highlight the shifting landscape of media consumption, with streaming services gaining ground despite challenges, while conventional media formats struggle to maintain their foothold.

UBS has made a remarkable financial turnaround, reporting a significant return to profitability after enduring losses in the previous two quarters. The Swiss financial titan exceeded first-quarter expectations, largely due to a surge in wealth management revenues. Looking ahead, UBS has outlined a strategic roadmap, announcing its anticipation to finalize the merger with Credit Suisse into a unified U.S. intermediate holding company in the upcoming second quarter. Furthermore, the consolidation of its Swiss operations is slated for completion in the third quarter. This ambitious integration reflects UBS’s commitment to streamlining its global operations and fortifying its position in the competitive financial landscape.

Palantir Technologies, the data analytics firm, has delivered a robust financial performance, surpassing revenue expectations and achieving an Earnings Per Share (EPS) that aligns with analyst predictions. However, the company has tempered expectations with its projection of weaker-than-anticipated full-year guidance. Despite this cautious outlook, Palantir has consistently demonstrated profitability, marking its sixth consecutive quarter of net profit. In a significant development, the company secured a lucrative $178 million contract with the U.S. Army. This contract is aimed at advancing the Army’s technological capabilities by developing a state-of-the-art, field-deployable sensor station, which underscores Palantir’s growing influence and integral role in national defense initiatives.

BP, the oil and gas giant, has reported a dip in its first-quarter profits, which stood at $2.7 billion. This decline is primarily attributed to the downturn in oil and gas prices, coupled with a “significantly weaker” fuel margin. The trend of shrinking profits is not isolated to BP; it reflects a broader pattern within the energy industry, where companies are grappling with reduced year-on-year profits, especially impacted by the falling market gas prices. Despite these challenges, BP has reaffirmed its commitment to its shareholders by announcing share buybacks totaling $3.5 billion for the first half of 2024, signaling confidence in its financial strategy and prospects.

The market will be keenly focused and hoping for positive earnings results with little to no inspiration coming from the economic calendar.  Expect whipsaws and price volatility as the reacts.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Rate Cut Hopes

Rate Cut Hopes

On Monday, Asia-Pacific stock markets echoed the upward trajectory of Wall Street, buoyed by a U.S. jobs report that fell short of expectations, signaling rate cut hopes. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index witnessed a 0.7% uplift, settling at 7,682.4 and marking its third consecutive session of advances. In a similar vein, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index experienced a modest rise of 0.47%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 surged 1.48% to conclude at 3,657.88, as traders resumed activity after the Labor Day holiday. The collective gains across these key indices reflect a cautiously optimistic sentiment permeating the region’s markets.

European markets experienced a positive start to the week, with key indices climbing. The French CAC 40 edged up by 0.5%, while the German DAX notched a gain of 0.6%. The Italian FTSE MIB outperformed its peers with a rise of 0.9%. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 was absent from the day’s trading due to a public holiday, leading to expectations of thinner trading volumes across European markets.

U.S. stock futures signaled a buoyant mood on Wall Street on Monday, as market participants geared up to extend the robust gains witnessed in the previous session. The upbeat sentiment was further bolstered by the financial update from Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, which unveiled a remarkable nearly 40% increase in its operating earnings for the first quarter compared to the same period last year. This financial feat coincided with Berkshire’s much-anticipated annual shareholder meeting held on Saturday.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Monday before the bell include AMG, BCRX, BNTX, FRPT, JLL, NSSC, NWN, PRFT, SAVE, SHO, & THUS. After the bell includes ADTN, AL, AXON, BRBR, BYON CBT, COHR, COTY, FN, FIS, FMC, GBDC, GT, HIMS, IFF, JJSF, LCID, LITE, VAC, MTTR, MCHP, NIHI, ME, OGS, OTTR, PLTR, PLYA, PRI, PRA, PRI, PRA, O, RRX, RKX, RKLB, SAFE, SWAV, SPG, TALO, TDC, TBI, VRNS, VRTX, VMEO, VNO, & WMB.

News & Technicals’

In the city of Rafah, a humanitarian crisis looms large as over 1.2 million individuals have sought refuge, fleeing from various regions of the Gaza Strip. The majority find themselves in makeshift tented communities, grappling with a dire scarcity of essential resources such as clean water, adequate food supplies, and fundamental medical provisions. Amidst this escalating situation, the White House, alongside prominent international entities including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, has implored Israel to refrain from launching an offensive in the area. They caution that such actions could precipitate disastrous humanitarian repercussions, further exacerbating the plight of the already vulnerable population seeking shelter in Rafah.

The landscape of energy consumption is undergoing a transformative shift, with natural gas producers expressing optimism about the burgeoning demand. This confidence is largely attributed to the colossal energy requirements of burgeoning technologies such as artificial intelligence and the proliferation of data centers. A projection by Wells Fargo anticipates a 20% surge in electricity demand by the year 2030, underscoring the escalating need for power soon. Power companies are advocating for natural gas as an indispensable component of the energy mix, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining a steady supply of electricity, especially during periods when renewable sources fall short of generating sufficient power. This stance highlights the intricate balance between fostering sustainable energy practices and ensuring the reliability of power systems in an increasingly digital world.

Ant Group is poised to make a significant leap in the global payments landscape with its Alipay+ service, targeting expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Douglas Feagin, the senior vice president of Ant Group, shared insights with CNBC on consumer behavior, noting a preference for travelers to utilize their familiar domestic e-wallets while abroad, rather than transitioning to unfamiliar apps. Launched in 2020, Alipay+ has facilitated this preference by enabling international visitors to make payments in China—and potentially in other nations—using their native payment apps through the simple act of scanning Alipay’s QR codes. This strategic move by Ant Group caters to the convenience and comfort of users, fostering a seamless cross-border transaction experience that aligns with the modern, mobile-centric lifestyle.

U.S. Treasury yields experienced a downtrend on Monday, continuing the downward momentum from Friday’s session following the release of the April jobs report, which revealed payroll growth that didn’t meet expectations. The 10-year Treasury yield decreased by 2 basis points, landing at 4.475%. Concurrently, the 2-year Treasury yield also saw a marginal decline of 1 basis point, settling at 4.789%. It’s important to note that in the bond market, yields and bond prices have an inverse relationship. To put it into perspective, a single basis point is equivalent to 0.01%. This shift in yields reflects the market’s reaction to economic indicators and influences investment strategies across the board.

With a very light week of economic data, earnings and rate cut hopes will drive the market sentiment so continue to expect considerable volatility.  Morning gaps will likely continue to produce whipsaws so plan your risk carefully.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

BRKB Reported Saturday Bulls Push Early

Friday saw another significant gap higher.  The SPY gapped up 1.21%, DIA gapped up 1.28%, and QQQ gapped up 1.75%.  From there, all three major index ETFs wobbled to the side, reentering the gap and crossing above the open, but never straying too far from the opening price. This lasted the entire session.  This gave us gap-up, indecisive candles in all three.   SPY printed a white-bodied Doji, QQQ gave us a white-bodied Spinning Top, and DIA printed a black-body Doji.  All three are now firmly above their T-lines (8emas).  This happened on average volume in the QQQ and DIA as well as just-less-than-average volume in the SPY.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green with Technology (+1.86%) far out front (by 0.75%) while Energy (+0.40%) lagged the other sectors.  VXX dropped another 3.47% to close at 12.78 and T2122 climbed to the very top edge of its mid-range at 79.25.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields fell sharply to 4.497% and Oil (WTI) fell 1.08%, to close at $78.10 per barrel.  So, Friday saw all of its move in the opening gap.  Most of the market analysts seemed to think that a decline in jobs increases and a climb in the Unemployment Rate will help clear the way for a Fed rate cut.  After that start to the session, there were some waves but price oscillated in a fairly tight range around that opening price.  It was as if traders had decided to head for the weekend early.

The major economic news scheduled for Friday included April Avg. Hourly Earnings (Year-on-Year) increased less than expected at +3.9% (compared to a forecast of +4.0% and the March increase of 4.1%).  At the same time, April Nonfarm Payrolls increased far less than predicted at +175k (versus the +238k forecast and dramatically less than the March +315k).  Meanwhile, April Private Nonfarm Payrolls also increased less than anticipated at +167k (compared to the +181k forecast and far less than the March +243k reading).  The April Participation Rate remained steady at 62.7% (the same as March’s participation rate).  Together, this gave us an April Unemployment Rate which increased to 3.9% (compared to a forecast and March value of 3.8%). Later, the April S&P Global Services PMI came in higher than expected at 51.3 (versus a 50.9 forecast but down from March’s 51.7).  Combined with Thursday’s Mfg. data this gave us an April S&P Global Composite PMI of 51.3 (compared to a 50.9 forecast and March’s reading of 52.1).  Later, the ISM Non-Mfg. Employment Index was lower than anticipated at 45.9 (versus a 49.0 forecast and the March 48.5 value).  At the same time, the ISM Non-Mfg. PMI also came in low at 49.4 (compared the 52.0 forecast and the March reading of 51.4).  On the cost side, the ISM Non-Mfg. PMI Price Index were significantly higher than expected at 59.2 (versus the 55.0 forecast and a March value of 53.4).

In Fed speak news, on Friday Fed Governor Bowman (a hawk) told an audience of bankers that she supports the current FOMC stance but still fears inflation risks.  “My baseline outlook continues to be that inflation will decline further with the policy rate held steady, but I still see a number of upside inflation risks that affect my outlook, … While the current stance of monetary policy appears to be at a restrictive level, I remain willing to raise the federal funds rate at a future meeting should the incoming data indicate that progress on inflation has stalled or reversed.”  Later, after the close, Chicago Fed President Goolsbee told a conference that the Fed’s “dot plots” (which are published once per quarter, showing the inflation predictions of each Fed member) need more context.  Goolsbee said, “the dot plot is just a collection of opinions without economic content … Because it can’t be connected to the economic conditions the participant thinks will justify that interest rate, there is nothing to tell us why they think this a reasonable choice.”   Instead, Goolsbee proposed “A matrix that anonymously matches the economic forecasts to the rate path for each participant would answer some important questions.”

Click for video

In stock news, on Friday, ALK announced that it had received $61 million in credit toward future purchases of BA jets (in addition to the $162 million cash ALK got from BA) as compensation for the temporary grounding of all 737 MAX 9 jets earlier this year.  At the same time, Reuters reported that LUV will be forced to reduce the hours (and thus pay) of its pilots later this year as it grapples with a lack of jets due to BA delivery delays.  This is a problem, because LUV, like all major airlines has been trying to increase its pilot staff amidst an industry-wide pilot labor shortage.  Lower pay will hardly help the plans to increase staff.  Later, the New York Times reported that PARA will let its exclusive negotiation deal with Skydance lapse in the face of a competing bid from SONY and APO.  At the same time, XOM told Reuters Friday that after reaching a deal with the FTC for approval of its acquisition of PXD, the oil giant expects it to take between 18 and 24 months to achieve full synergies of the purchase.  (This will push XOM’s Permian Basin oil output by 1.3 million barrels per day with another 700k bpd added by 2027 due to integrating PXD technologies.

In stock legal and governmental news, on Friday, the Treasury Dept. gave automakers an extension until 2027 to remove Chinese-sourced trace minerals from electric vehicle batteries and still have their electric vehicles qualify for tax credits. (The announcement attributed the extension to the minerals being hard to source from other sources at this time.)  At the same time, GOOGL and the Dept. of Justice finished closing arguments in the antitrust case the US brought against GOOGL related to web search and related advertising.  Later, the FTC requested more information from NVO relate to its $16.5 billion bid to acquire CTLT.  At the same time, GS announced it had finally reached an agreement in-principle to settle a 2014 class-action lawsuit over GS trading in platinum and palladium.  (No terms were announced.)  Later, AMRX announced it had reached a $270 settlement (payable over 10 years) agreement over its involvement in the US opioid epidemic.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the green side with eight of the 12 exchanges in the green.  Shenzhen (+2.00%), Shanghai (+1.16%), and Taiwan (+0.95%) led the region higher.  Meanwhile, in Europe, 13 of the 15 bourses are in the green at midday.  The CAC (+0.76%), DAX (+0.89%), and FTSE (+0.51%) lead the region 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 +0.32% open, the SPY is implying a +0.33% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.23% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down to 4.481% and Oil (WTI) is up just less than a percent to $78.86 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Monday is limited to Fed member Williams speaking at 1 p.m.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open on Monday include, AMG, AMR, BRKB, BNTX, CAN, JLL, SAVE, THS, and TSN.  Then, after the close, AAN, ACM, AL, BCC, BWXT, CBT, COHR, COTY, FN, FIS, FMC, GT, IFF, ITUB, JELD, VAC, DOOR, MCHP, NE, OGS, OTTR, PLTR, PARR, PRI, O, RRX, SPG, VRTX, and WMB report. 

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday, we get March Consumer Credit, API Weekly Crude Stocks, and Fed member Kashkari speaks.  Then Wednesday, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations, the WASDE report, and April Federal Budget Balance as well as Fed members Bowman and Vice Chair Barr speak.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, we hear from GOLF, AHCO, ALGT, GBTG, ARMK, ATKR, AVNT, BLMN, BP, BLDR, CEIX, CROX, DDOG, DK, DUK, ERJ, ENR, EXPD, RACE, FTRE, GEO, GTN, HSIC, J, KVUE, NJR, NRG, OSCR, MD, PRGO, ROK, SCSC, SRE, SPR, SGRY, TPX, BLD, TDG, UBS, VVX, DIS, KLG, AMRK, AGL, ARKO, AIZ, BTG, BIO, BRFS, BHF, CRC, CHRD, CPNG, EC, EA, GMED, GO, GXO, HY, IAC, ICUI, JKHY, KGC, KD, LYFT, MTW, MASI, MTCH, MCK, OXY, OVV, PR, RYAM, RRR, RNG, RIVN, SU, VIV, TOST, TWLO, and WYNN.  Then Wednesday, AFRM, BUD, BCO, BR, CLVT, SID, SATS, EPC, ELAN, EMR, FWONK, FOXA, GLP, DINO, IEP, INGR, KMT, LCII, LSXMA, LPX, MIDD, EYE, NEUE, NFE, NYT, NI, ODP, PFGC, RCM, REYN, SHOP, SWX, STWD, SUN, TGNA, TEVA, TM, UBER, VSH, VST, AE, ABNB, AMC, APP, ARM, ATO, CE, CENTA, CENT, CAKE, CCU, COMP, CPAY, CAPL, ET, EXAS, FG, FLNC, FNF, FWRD, HLI, HUBS, CART, JXN, MFC, MATV, MMS, MKSI, MRC, NWSA, NTR, PAAS, QDEL, RGLD, SBGI, SSRM, STN, STE, SNEX, RUN, TKO, MODG, TSE, TTEC, VSTO, WTS, and WES report.  On Thursday, we hear from ADV, ALE, AZUL, BERY, CSIQ, CRL, COMM, CEG, EDR, EPAM, EVRG, HBI, HGV, H, ICL, IHRT, IBP, KELYA, NXST, NOMD, PZZA, PLTK, ACDC, RPRX, RBLX, SBH, SN, SOLV, SPB, TPR, TEF, TIXT, VTNR, VTRS, WBD, WMG, AKAM, COLD, AMN, BAP, DBX, SSP, EVH, FIHL, GEN, G, HRB, IAG, IOSP, MTD, PBA, RXT, RBA, and SLF.  Finally, on Friday, AQN, AMCX, CLMT, CPG, CRH, ENB, HMC, and DNOW report.

So far this morning, BRKB, JLL, and L reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AMG and TSN missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, CNA and THS missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  However, SAVE missed on both the top and bottom lines.

On Saturday, “Woodstock for Capitalists” took place in Omaha.  Warren “The Oracle of Omaha” Buffett spoke and BRKB reported a massive 32% increase (year-over-year) in Q1 operating income.  Yet, the company managed to report a huge 66% drop in net income for the quarter. As of the end of the quarter, BRKB was sitting on a record $189 billion pile of cash-on-hand.  During the quarter, BRKB reduced its holding of AAPL by 13%, down to (a paltry) $135.4 billion.  Still, AAAPL remains the biggest holding in the BRKB portfolio.  During his Q/A session, Warren Buffett said he expects US taxes to rise to tackle the country’s wide federal deficit.  Buffett said, “I think higher taxes are likely.” “They (Congress and the President) may not want to decrease spending and they may decide they’ll take a larger percentage of what we own…and we’ll pay it.”  He continued, “Almost everybody I know pays a lot more attention to not paying taxes than I think they should, we don’t mind paying taxes at Berkshire.”  Later, in answering questions, Buffett made it clear that Greg Abel will succeed him as the head of BRKB, claiming that Abel is already handling almost all of the company business.  Specifically, Buffett said, “The number of calls I get from managers is essentially awfully close to zero and Greg is handling those. I don’t know quite how he does it, but we’ve got the right person, I can tell you that.”

With that background, it looks as if the Bulls are working again this morning. The premarket started a bit higher and all three major index ETFs have printed white-body candles since then in the early session. Only SPY and QQQ show any wick and those are both small upper wicks at this point. All three remain above their T-line (8ema). So, the short-term trend is now bullish again. Meanwhile, the mid-term remains bearish. The longer-term market remains Bullish but under pressure. Overall, the character of the market is indecisive, choppy, and volatile. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs is extended above their T-line. At the same time, the T2122 indicator is now just outside of its overbought area at the top of the mid-range. So, both sides still have room to run if they can gain the momentum to do so. In terms of those 10 big dog tickers, eight of the 10 are in the green with AMD well out in front leading the charge. However, AAPL (-0.26%) is by far the biggest drag (probably on news Buffett reduced the BRKB holdings of AAPL) as the joy of the huge buyback program announcement fades a bit early. Keep in mind that this is not a heavy news week but we do have a lot of earnings reports. Perhaps more importantly, there are several Fed speakers planned and undoubtedly others will also pop off. Any of those statements could rock markets as the Bulls are now dreaming of a rate cut again.

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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TC2000 Discount

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

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