Bullard Leads Bear Charge Late Day

Markets made a big gap lower at the open Thursday (down 1.27% in the SPY, down 0.91% in the DIA, and down 1.58% in the QQQ).  However, within half of an hour, this began turning into a bear trap as a long, slow, steady rally started at 10 am.  This rally had faded most of the gap by 12:50 pm and, from there, the indices ground sideways in a tight range until 2:45 pm.  At that point, Fed member Bullard spoke and put a half percent hike in March back on the table.  The bears immediately stepped in to start a strong selloff that has lasted right into the close, taking us out on the lows.  This action gave us gap-down, black, Inverted Hammers with all three major indices crossing back below their T-line (8ema) after a retest.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the red as Technology (-1.97%) led the way lower and Communications Services (-0.20%) held up better than the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was down 1.38%, the DIA was down 1.25%, and QQQ was down 1.88%.  The VXX has gained 5.06% to 11.63 and T2122 fell a bit more in the midrange to 57.63.  10-year bond yields spiked again, this time to 3.869% and Oil (WTI) is down 0.57% to $78.14 per barrel.  So, on the day, we’ve seen a gap lower met with volatile indecision.  This resolved into a bearish push to end the day.  Again, this all happened on slightly less-than-average volume.

In economic news, the big story on Thursday was a much hotter than expected Jan. PPI number, which came in at +0.7% (compared to a forecast of +0.4% and far worse than the December reading of -0.2%).  At the same time, January Building Permits came in slightly lower than expected at 1.339 million (versus the forecast of 1.350 million but better than the December number of 1.337 million).  January Housing Starts also came in below what was predicted at 1.309 million (compared to the forecast of 1.360 million and the December value of 1.371 million).  On the Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, they were better than expected at 194k (versus the forecast of 200k and also slightly better than last week’s 195k).  Meanwhile, the Philly Fed Mfg. Index came in much worse than expected at -24.3 (compared to a forecast of -7.4 and also much worse than the January value of -8.9).  In addition to those reports, we also heard from two Fed non-voting officials.  Cleveland Fed President Mester said (at the February 1 meeting, before the two recent hot inflation numbers) “I saw a compelling economic case for a 50-basis-point increase, which would have brought the top of the target range to 5%.”  (In other words, she did not think the voters were being aggressive enough.)  Later on, St. Louis Fed President Bullard “Further Federal Reserve rate increases are needed to lock in disinflation.”  He kept the idea of a 50-basis-point hike on the table.  However, uncharacteristically for the uber-hawk Bullard, he also said “in broad macro terms it probably does not make too much difference (how fast the Fed moves from here).”

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In stock news, an MS survey of the 80 main parts suppliers to the aerospace industry came out Thursday.  The report showed that those suppliers likely cannot support the production hikes recently announced by both BA and EADSY (Airbus).  Elsewhere, NSC took heavy public and media heat on Thursday for failing to show up at a town hall held related to the NSC train derailment and chemical spill in Eastern Ohio.  (The NSC representatives said they did not attend because they feared for their safety in the face of nearly 5,000 local residents.)  Meanwhile, in good economic news, GM CEO Barra told a conference Thursday that her company is seeing no sign of any slowing demand for cars.  She also said, “we still have very good confidence in the market.”  Then, after the close, BP announced it is acquiring TA for $1.3 billion at a price of $86/share. 

In stock legal and regulatory news, the NHTSA announced TSLA is recalling 363,000 cars due to its “Full Self Driving” system.  In response, TSLA CEO Musk took to Twitter to complain the term “recall” to describe the situation was “anachronistic and just flat wrong.”  Meanwhile, a judge from the NLRB found that XOM had been advised by its negotiators that it would need to lock out refinery workers in Texas in order to achieve its goal of taking away seniority-based job protections.  The judge had previously ruled the company needed to pay millions in back pay to the 650 workers it locked out for 10 months in 2021.  Elsewhere, in a Delaware court, FOX argued Thursday that Dominion Voting Systems cannot prove its $1.6 billion in defamation damages.  This filing came in response to Dominion’s request for a summary judgment in their favor based on communications and depositions by FOX executives and on-air talent.  Later, after the close, it was announced that ALK lost a $160 trademark dispute with Virgin Airlines.  ALK intends to appeal the judge’s ruling.

In energy news, the EIA Natural Gas Report showed that inventories are 17% higher than they were a year ago.  This came after a smaller-than-expected draw for the week of 100 billion cubic feet (less than half of the prior week’s consumption).  The March front-month Natty contract settled down 3.3% to $2.3890/mmBtu.  In other Natural Gas news, after the close, Reuters reported at least three new US LNG export plants are expected to be approved by banks (financiers) this year.  The most likely candidates are projects from SRE, ET, and NEXT.  SRE said in January it has already sold all of the capacity of the new plant.  NEXT has signed deals for 64% of its new project’s capacity (with pending deals that would take that number to 87%).  ET hasn’t disclosed how much of its new plant capacity has been sold.  However, it is worth noting that even if approved today, it can take up to 4 years to build and get regulatory approval to bring a new LNG production and export terminal online.

After the close, AMAT, ED, AMN, DASH, ATR, RDFN, AL, DBX, DKNG, BFAM, and FBIN all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, TDS, USM, AEM, and COLD all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, DLR, AEL, TXRH, MERC, and GLOB all beat on revenue while missing on the earnings line.  Unfortunately, BIO and IAG reported misses on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that AMN, COLD, RDFN, DBX, and HUBS all raised their forward guidance.  However, DLR, BFAM, and FBIN lowered their forward guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were nearly red across the board.  Only Singapore (+0.52%) managed to stay green as Shenzhen (-1.61%), Hong Kong (-1.28%), and South Korea (-0.98%) led the region lower.  Meanwhile, in Europe, we see a more mixed picture but the bourses are still leaning to the downside at midday.  The FTSE (-0.26%), DAX (-0.94%), and CAC (-0.65%) are leading the region lower in early afternoon trade with only Russia (+0.56%) and Greece (+0.64%) appreciably in the green.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a gap lower to start the day.  The DIA implies a -0.49% open, the SPY is implying a -0.70% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.90% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up to 3.875% and Oil (WTI) is plunging, now down 3.5% to $75.71/barrel in early trading. 

The major economic news events scheduled for Friday are limited to January Import Price Index and January Export Price Index (both at 8:30 am).  The major earnings reports scheduled for the day include ASIX, AMCX, AXL, AN, CNP, CRBG, DE, MD, and PPL before the opening bell.  There are no reports scheduled for after the close.  

So far this morning, DE, AN, NWG, MD, and CRBG have all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CNP and ACDVF missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  However, ASIX reported misses on both the top and bottom lines.  (PPL and AXL report later in the morning.)  It is worth noting that DE raised its forward guidance.

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In late-breaking news, American and Chinese officials (perhaps including Sec. of State Blinken) will be meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that starts today. Analysts believe this will smooth over the relations and let the two sides set ground rules for surveillance overflights which have always occurred but then recently became a hyped story due to the Chinese Balloon a couple of weeks back. On the opposite side of the China topic, the country’s most influential financier (leading funder of tech companies) Bao Fan has disappeared and this is unnerving Chinese business leaders. It raises concerns on whether President Xi Jingping’s crackdown of private business has finished (as had been thought once he was elected to a third term). The end result is a bit of pessimism related to post-COVID recovery in China amidst fear of making headlines with new projects or of becoming too successful.

With that background, it looks like the bears are following through on what I’ll call the “Bullard Bear Turn” from yesterday afternoon. It is unlikely that Import/Export Prices change that direction. However, we did have some generally good earnings, including a “beat and raise” by DE this morning. So, there is a chance for a premarket reversal. All three major indices are now below their T-line (8ema), retesting their 17ema, and DIA is back down retesting its 50sma in the premarket action. Continue to be cautious about intraday reversals as we have seen the last few days. It would not take much for the bulls to realize Mester and Bullard are not voters this year and all the voters that have spoken continue to imply a quarter-point hike is the correct policy for the FOMC. Finally, remember its Friday…payday…ahead of a three-day weekend. So, take some profits and prepare for the long 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 absolutely 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 money is 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

TC2000 Discount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PPI, Philly Fed, and Jobless Claims Lead

On Thursday, markets gapped lower at the open (down 0.55% in the SPY, down 0.46% in the DIA, and down 0.55% in the QQQ).  After a volatile first half hour, which saw the QQQ recross the gap twice, all three major averages settled down into a slow, protracted rally until 2:20 pm.  The next hour saw a modest pullback.  However, a strong rally the last 30 minutes of the day took all three major indices out on their highs.  This action gave us white-bodied, gap-down Marubozu-type candles in all three indices.  They all held above their T-lines (8ema) and the QQQ is starting to look like a J-hook in the making.

On the day, seven of the 10 sectors were in the green as Technology (+1.29%) led the way higher and Energy (-1.21%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was up 0.34%, the DIA was up 0.14%, and QQQ was up 0.77%.  The VXX lost 2% to 11.07 and T2122 fell just a bit and remains just outside of the overbought territory at 77.22.  10-year bond yields spiked again, this time to 3.795% and Oil (WTI) is down 0.59% to $78.59 per barrel.  So, on the day, we’ve seen a bear trap open that turned into a slow, steady rally the rest of the day.  Overall, the trend remains bullish and volume remains low.

In economic news, the New York Fed Empire State Mfg. Index came in better than expected at -5.80 (compared to a forecast of -18.00 and a January reading of -32.90).  Meanwhile, January Retail Sales also beat expectations, coming in at +3.0% (versus the forecast of +1.8% and the December value of -1.1%).  At the same time, January Industrial Production came in worst than expected at dead flat (compared to the forecast of +0.5% but still better than the December reading of -1.0%).  December Business Inventories reported as expected at +0.3% (right on the forecast and matching the reading from November).  However, December Retail Inventories grew more than expected at +0.4% (versus a forecast of +0.3% and November reading of -0.3%) Later, the EIA Crude Oil Inventories report was even worse than had been signaled by the Tuesday API report.  EIA showed an inventory build of 16.283 million barrels of crude (compared to a forecasted increase of just 1.166 million barrels and worse than the prior week’s 2.423-million-barrel build).

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In stock news, the CFO of F told a conference that they identified ways to improve its cost by over $2.5 billion in 2023 through better management of production schedules as well as F expecting a drop in commodity prices. In other F news, the company said its F-150 Lightning production will remain halted through at least next week as they continue investigating “battery issues.”  Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the CEO of TX is considering northern Mexico for the location of a new $2.2 billion steel plant.  At the same time, TSLA CEO Elon Musk said he will unveil the third part of his “Master Plan” for the company on March 1.  This will include bold goals for the growth of the electric car company.  Elsewhere, the Wall Street Journal reported that BLCO is set to name a new CEO (Brent Saunders, who was also previously BLCO CEO) as of March 6.  And finally, STLA announced a recall of 340,000 diesel Dodge Ram pickup trucks over electrical connector failures following six fires.

In stock legal and regulatory news, the US Dept. of Justice told a Delaware court that the US government should face a patent lawsuit over COVID-19 rather than MRNA.  ABUS had filed the lawsuit against MRNA for patent infringement.  Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Justice Department has sped up its investigation into AAPL antitrust complaints.  Elsewhere, the EPA set a new soot pollution rule and Reuters reports the KMI and BRKA (for subsidiary PacifiCorp) both sent letters to the EPA warning of the costs they would incur complying.  At the same time, the NTSB announced it is opening an investigation into a runway incursion in Honolulu Hawaii where a UAL 777 crossed a runway as a Cessna 208B was landing.  Finally, after hours, FDA advisors unanimously voted in favor of allowing the EBS anti-overdose drug Narcan to be sold over the counter nationwide.  The FDA is expected to release its final decision on March 29, but it almost always follows unanimous recommendations from the advisory panel.

In energy news, as reported above, oil prices closed down a little despite a massive oil inventory build.  This EIA report was the fourth largest oil inventory build ever reported and almost 10 times the forecasted inventory increase.  In addition, the US Dollar also climbed to a new 6-week high.  So, the disconnect between WTI prices and the news is perplexing.  In related news, US refineries are running at 86% of capacity when they would normally be over 90%.  As a result, US gasoline inventories rose 2.317 million barrels which was not quite twice the 1.543 million barrels forecasted.  However, distillate (diesel and heating oil) stockpiles fell for the first time in five weeks, dropping 1.285 million barrels compared to an expected build of 0.447 million barrels.

After the close, CSCO, SHOP, RSG, AR, EQIX, WCN, AEE, RUSHA, WELL, HST, AIG, AWK, ROKU, TWLO, ALSN, ROL, INVH, NEX, CPA, KGC, QDEL, RGLD, Z, SPWR, and SGEN all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  At the same time, CYH, CF, MRO, ALB, AMED, NUS, SUM, TNET, and RNG all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, EQT, SNPS, NTR, and AJRD all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, ET, REZI, and TROX missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that CSCO, RSG, EQIX, WCN, and ALSN all raised their forward guidance.  However, NTR, WELL, HST, NUS, AMED, and SGEN all lowered forward guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but mostly green.  Shenzhen (-1.30%), Shanghai (-0.96%), and Malaysia (-0.26%) were the only red. Meanwhile, South Korea (+1.96%), Hong Kong (+0.84%), and Australia (+0.79%) led the larger group of exchanges to the upside.  In Europe, with the exceptions of Greece (-0.18%) and Switzerland (-0.16%) the rest of the region is green at midday.  The FTSE (+0.19%), DAX (+0.46%), and CAC (+0.97%) lead the region higher in early afternoon trade.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing to a slightly red start to the day ahead of data.  The DIA implies a -0.17% open, the SPY is implying a -0.27% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.33% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are flat at 3.795% and Oil (WTI) is also flat at $78.68/barrel in early trading.  

The major economic news events scheduled for Thursday include January Building Permits, January PPI, January Housing Starts, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, and the Philly Fed Mfg. Index (all at 8:30 am), and a couple Fed speakers (Mester at 8:45 am, Bullard at 1:30 pm, and Mester again at 6 pm).  The major earnings reports scheduled for the day include ARCH, BLMN, CVE, CEG, CROX, CNB, ETR, EPAM, FOCS, GGR, GVA, HAS, HSIC, H KBR, KELYA, LH, NSRGY, NGD, NMRK, DNOW, NRG, OGN, PARA, PBF, POOL, POR, RCM, RS, STNG, SO, SCL, SYNH, TOST, USFD, VC, VNT, VMC, WSO, WST, WE, and ZBRA before the opening bell.  Then after the close, AEM, AL, AEL, COLD, AMN, AMAT, ATR, BIO, BFAM, ED, CLR, DASH, DKNG, DBX, FBIN, GLOB, IAG, TDS, TXRH, USM, and VALE report.   

In economic news later this week, on Friday, January Import Price Index and January Export Price Index are reported.  In terms of earnings later in the week, on Friday, ASIX, AMCX, AXL, AN, CNP, CRBG, DE, MD, and PPL report.

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So far this morning, SO, RS, HSIC, ETR, ZBRA, SYNH, EPAM, H, ARCH, VNT, GVA, POR, CROX, DNOW, and DDOG have all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, EADSY, REPYY, USFD, LH, KBR, HAS, BLMN, WST, and SCL have all reported missed on revenue while beating on earnings. On the other side, CVE, KELYA, VC, TOST, RCM, STNG, CEG, and PARA all beat on revenue while missing on the earnings line.  Unfortunately, VMC, OGN, POOL, DNB, and WE all missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that HSIC, RS, SYNH, BLMN, VC, GVA, and CROX all raised their forward guidance.  However, HAS, ZBRA, EPAM, and WE all lowered forward guidance.

In late-breaking news, ASML (Dutch, chip fab lithography leader) reported that a China-based employee stole data from one of its internal software systems used to store technical information about chip-making machinery.  This is the second breach of ASML linked to China in the last year and comes very shortly after ASML agreed to the announcement of President Biden’s ban on selling chip-making technologies to China.  TSLA fired dozens of workers at its Buffalo NY plant one day after workers at the facility they plan to unionize.  The Workers United union has filed a complaint with the NLRB over the obvious retaliation and effort to discourage organizing.

With that background, it looks like markets are flat to modestly lower in pre-open trading. However, all three major indices remain above their T-line (8ema) in an uptrend (although the DIA certainly be called more of a consolidation than a bullish trend). So, apparently, traders are waiting on more clues from the 8:30 am data dump before pushing hard in either direction. We do have generally good earnings as a tailwind, especially from CSCO last night. However, the PPI, Jobless Claims, and Philly Fed reports are likely to call the tune early. Beware of volatility early regardless of which way the post-data, premarket knee-jerk goes. The good news is that the volatility around PPI is likely to be less than that which surrounded CPI. Nonetheless, be cautious and remember that in the long run, your fortune will not be made in the first 30 minutes of the trading day.

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 absolutely 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 money is 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

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

No News is Bad News

No News is Bad News

While economic data and Fed members suggest more work on inflation is required, the market has covered its eyes and ears, deciding no news is bad news, at least for now.  As a result, the SPY, QQQ, and IWM continue to extend away from their 50-day averages as the DIA chops in a wide multiweek range.  Before the bell today, we have another big round of market-moving economic and earnings reports to keep the price action challenging.  Expect the big-point whipsaw to continue as fighting the Fed remains in vogue.

Asian markets traded mixed but primarily higher overnight, despite Japan posting its worst-ever trade deficit numbers.  European markets continue to extend higher, with the CAC reaching an all-time high despite the Russian spring offensive picking up steam and possible recession.  U.S. futures suggest an uncertain open, but with several pending market-moving reports, anything is possible.  Expect considerable price volatility as investors digest the data.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Thursday include AEM, AMAT, AAWW, BJRI, BLMN, CHUY, COHU, CEG, CROX, ED, DDOG, DLR, DOCN, DASH, DKNG, DBX, ETR, HAS, HSIC HUBS, H, LH, OGN, PARA, POOL, SHAK, SWAV, SO, TXRH, TSEM, USFD, VMC, WE, & ZBRA.

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The European Union’s embargo on Russian oil products came into effect on Feb. 5, building on the $60 oil price cap implemented by the G-7 (Group of Seven) major economies on Dec. 5.  China, India, and Turkey, in particular, have ramped up purchases to partially offset a fall in Russian crude exports to Europe of 400,000 barrels a day in January.  According to the IEA’s oil market report, Russian net oil output was down by only 160,000 barrels a day from pre-war levels in January, with 8.2 million barrels of oil shipped to markets worldwide. 

Bitcoin surged 11% to $24,655.94 at around 3:36 a.m.  ET while ether was up more than 8% at $1,684.59, according to CoinDesk.  The value of the entire cryptocurrency market rose more than $84.8 billion in the 24 hours before 3:39 a.m. ET.  Crypto markets were on edge earlier this week after a step in regulatory scrutiny from U.S. authorities on stablecoins. 

Ford expects production of its electric F-150 Lightning pickup to be down through at least the end of next week to address a potential battery issue that resulted in a vehicle fire.  The updated timing comes a day after Ford confirmed production of the highly watched EV had been suspended at the beginning of last week due to a potential battery issue.  However, Ford said it believes engineers have found the root cause of the issue.

The market seems to be in a phase where no news is bad news, as economic reports suggest the rate will continue to rise and remain elevated for extended periods.  However, fighting the Fed or perhaps ignoring the potential consequences of doing so is now in vogue.  Crypo’s also entered the game, surging 11% in the last 24 hours despite the SEC crackdown on the sector.  Through all this pushing and shoving, the Dow remains locked in a multiweek consolidation with a price range of nearly 800 points.  The tech sector continues to stretch higher even as bond yields and the U.S. dollar strengthens.  How much longer this lasts is anyone’s guess but enjoy the ride and keep watch for signs of a reversal that could be substantially punishing once the reality of rate increases and recession returns.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Multiple Whipsaws

Tuesday’s index prices went wild, generating multiple whipsaws as investors reacted to and tried to sort out the future ramifications of the CPI numbers.  Unfrotunitally the big point swings may well continue into Wednesday as the market reacts to market-moving economic reports and a slew of earnings events to keep speculation volatility high.  So plan carefully, as the significant point moves make it near impossible to hold onto a trading edge.  Remember, cash is a position that protects your capital in these dangerous conditions. 

While we slept, Asian markets reacted negatively to the hotter-than-expected CPI numbers seeing red across the board at the close.  However, European markets trade mainly higher this morning seemly less concerned about possible inflationary economic impacts.  Facing another big day of possible market-moving reports, the U.S. futures point to a lower open but rise from overnight lows waiting for retail sales figures. 

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports for Wednesday include ALB, ALKS, AIG, AWK, ADI, GOLD, BIIB, SAM, CF, CHH, CSCO, CYH, ET, EQIX, FSLY, FSR, GNRC, HL, IDCC, INFN, INVH, KHC, DNUT, LAD, MRO, MLM, NUS, NTR, PGRE, OC, RBLX, ROKU, RGLD, SGEN, SHOP, STAG, SUN, SPWR, SNPS, TTD, TWLO, UPWK, WH, & ZG.

News & Technicals’

A Goldman credit card would’ve been part of a suite of products to help enhance the profit margins and loyalty of its retail efforts, according to people with knowledge of the matter.  However, when it scaled back plans to become the primary bank for the masses, the rationale for a Goldman card evaporated, said one of the people.  Solomon acknowledged last month that the bank’s ambition in consumer finance outstripped its ability to execute on them. 

A costly trading decision sees the annual net profit of Barclays dropping by 19%.  The British lender took a substantial hit from an over-issuance of securities in the U.S., which resulted in litigation and conduct charges totaling £1.6 billion throughout 2022.

The Biden administration wants at least 500,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers on US roads by 2030.  Now, companies that build and operate charging networks — including Tesla, GM, Ford, ChargePoint, and others — stand to reap the rewards of federal funding if they meet new requirements.  For example, white House officials announced that Tesla will open up 7,500 of its charging stations by the end of 2024 to non-Tesla EV drivers.  Previously the company’s chargers in the U.S. were used mainly by and made to be compatible with Tesla Evs

In reaction to yesterday’s CPI, the indexes went wild, producing multiple whipsaws as investors grappled with what it means for future rate increases and the possibility of an overall economic slowdown.  However, despite the hefty price swings, current support and resistance levels held, leaving more questions than answers as we face another day of likely market-moving reports.  Along with impactful economic reports such as retail sales and industrial production, we have a hectic day of earnings to keep prices volatility high and traders making speculative bets on the direction.  So, once again, plan for the possibility of big index point moves and continue to watch for those quick, sharp whipsaws.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

CPI Whipsaw Fizzled in Afternoon

Markets gapped down modestly after the CPI report.  The SPY gapped 0.31% lower, DIA gapped down 0.29%, and QQQ gapped down 0.51%.  However, that was just the start of the all-day whipsaw as the bulls immediately stepped in and rallied all three up to more than fade the gap, reaching the highs of the day at 10:15 am.  Then the bears reversed the process driving prices back to new lows by noon.  At that point, the bulls took us back up in a slower rally until 1:20 pm when we started a sideways grind.  This action gave us indecisive candles (Doji or Spinning Top candles) in both of the large-cap indices and a larger body, but still very indecisive candle in the QQQ.

On the day, five of the 10 sectors were in the green as Technology (+0.84%) led the way higher and Consumer Defensive (-0.59%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was down 0.05%, the DIA was down 0.41%, and QQQ was up 0.74%.  The VXX lost 3.34% to 11.30 and T2122 fell just a bit and remains just outside of the overbought territory at 77.05.  10-year bond yields spiked to 3.751% and Oil (WTI) is down 1.27% to $79.12 per barrel.  So, on the day, we’ve seen a massive whipsaw that fizzled into indecision in the market. All 3 major indices held above their T-lines (8ema) and the overall trend is bullish on just under average volume.

In economic news, the big news of the day was the January CPI which came in higher than expected (but also lower than December) at 5.6% (compared to the forecast of 5.5% and the December value of 5.7%).  This resulted in a knee-jerk gap lower in the market that was immediately faded and devolved into a volatile and indecisive day.  After the close, the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report showed a huge, unexpected build in oil inventories.  The report showed a 10.507-million-barrel build (versus the forecast of a 0.321-million-barrel build and last week’s 2.184-million-barrel drawdown).  In Fed news, Lael Brainard resigned as the Vice-Chair of the Fed after President Biden named her to head his Economic Advisors.  Meanwhile, NY Fed President Williams told reporters that ending 2023 with the benchmark rate between 5.00% and 5.50% “seems to be the right kind of framing.”  At the same time, Dallas Fed President Logan told a university audience, “We must be prepared to continue rate increases for a longer period than previously anticipated (if warranted).”  However, Richmond Fed President Barkin told Bloomberg “It’s about as expected” (referring to the CPI data) and that “Inflation is normalizing but it’s coming down slowly”.  Finally, Philly Fed President Harker said the CPI data did not change his view that the policy rate will have to rise over 5%, but that the Fed was “likely close” (to reaching a sufficiently high enough level to pause).

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In stock news, KO said Tuesday that it will push ahead with price hikes in 2023 despite the price-increase halt called by poorer-performing arch-rival PEP.  Elsewhere, QSR (owner of Burger King among other chains) named current COO Kuboza to take over as CEO on March 1.  Later in the morning, F announced that it had halted production and shipping of its electric F-150 Lightning over what the company called “a potential battery issue.”  Meanwhile, Air India announced a massive (record) order for 470 new jets (plus another 25 Airbus jets to be leased).  The deal includes 220 planes from BA and 250 planes from EADSY (Airbus).  The BA portion of the order includes 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliners, and 10 777X (mini-jumbos).  Meanwhile, TSLA employees in upstate NY announced in a letter to management their intention to form a union.  After the close, an SEC 13F filing disclosed that BRKA had increased its holdings of AAPL by over $3 billion in Q4 while it significantly cut its holdings of BK (by 60%) and sold off almost half of its ATVI holdings.  BRKA also slashed its holdings of TSM in an odd “trader-like” move since Buffett had only held TSM for a few months.

In stock legal and regulatory news, XOM told a judge that a 10-month lockout of 650 union workers from one of their refineries was not intended to target union employees and was, instead, a move taken to reduce costs and improve profits. (The case is an appeal of an NRLB ruling calling for XOM to compensate the employees for the “illegal lockout” last year after finding the lockout happened after the union notified the company of a potential strike later in the year.)  Elsewhere, a US Bankruptcy judge has indicated his intention to dismiss the JNJ talc unit bankruptcy that had been filed in an attempt to shield the parent company from nearly 40,000 lawsuits claiming JNJ talc caused cancer.  After the close, the National Transportation Safety Board announced it was opening an investigation into the Dec. 18 incident when a BA 777 operated by UAL sharply dropped 2,200 feet to just 775 feet before recovering.

After the close, ANDE, GXO, ABNB, HLF, SCI, AKAM, WIRE, and CRK all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, MCY, ENLC, and CLW beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  On the other side, CNDT and GDDY missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  Unfortunately, DVN and WFG missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that ABNB raised its forward guidance while CNDT and GDDY both lowered their guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets leaned heavily to the downside with only India (+0.48%) and Malaysia (+0.28%) in the green.  Meanwhile, South Korea (-1.53%), Hong Kong (-1.43%), and Taiwan (-1.42%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see the opposite picture taking shape at midday.  Russia (-1.35%), Greece (-1.18%), and Finland (-0.53%) are the only appreciable red while the FTSE (+0.15%), DAX (+0.58%), and especially the CAC (+1.42%) lead the rest of the region higher in early afternoon trade.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing to a start to the day just on the red side of flat.  The DIA implies a -0.10% open, the SPY is implying a -0.16% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.17% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down slightly to 3.751% and Oil (WTI) is down two-thirds of a percent to $78.55/barrel in early trading.

The major economic news events scheduled for Wednesday include NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index and January Retail Sales (both at 8:30 am), January Industrial Production (9:15 am), December Business Inventories and, December Retail Inventories (both at 10 am), and EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (at 10:30 am).  The major earnings reports scheduled for the day include ADI, AVNT, GOLD, BIIB, CHEF, FIS, GNRC, ICL, KHC, LAD, MLM, OC, PSN, RPRX, RBLX, R, SABR, SITE, SAH, SUN, TMHC, TTD, WAB, and WAT before the opening bell.  Then after the close, ALB, ALSN, AMED, AEE, AIG, AWK, AR, CF, CSCO, SYH, CPA, ET, EQT, EQIX, HST, INVH, KGC, MRO, NEX, NUS, NTR, QDEL, RSG, REZI, RNG, ROKU, ROL, RGLD, RUSHA, SGEN, SHOP, SUM, SPWR, SNPS, TNET, TROX, TWLO, WCN, WELL, and Z report.   

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get January Building Permits, January PPI, January Housing Starts, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and a couple of Fed speakers (Mester, Bullard, and Mester again).  Finally, on Friday, January Import Price Index and January Export Price Index are reported.

In terms of earnings later in the week, on Thursday, we hear from ARCH, BLMN, CVE, CEG, CROX, CNB, ETR, EPAM, FOCS, GGR, GVA, HAS, HSIC, H KBR, KELYA, LH, NSRGY, NGD, NMRK, DNOW, NRG, OGN, PARA, PBF, POOL, POR, RCM, RS, STNG, SO, SCL, SYNH, TOST, USFD, VC, VNT, VMC, WSO, WST, WE, ZBRA, AEM, AL, AEL, COLD, AMN, AMAT, ATR, BIO, BFAM, ED, CLR, DASH, DKNG, DBX, FBIN, GLOB, IAG, TDS, TXRH, USM, and VALE.  Finally, on Friday, ASIX, AMCX, AXL, AN, CNP, CRBG, DE, MD, and PPL report.

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So far this morning, KHC, BIIB, ADI, TMHC, OC, WAB, ICL, AVNT, WAT, and CHEF have all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ADRNY, GOLD, SAH, MLM, GNRC, RPRX, and TTD all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, SUN and PSN both beat on revenue while missing on the earnings line. Unfortunately, LAD and SITE reported misses to both the top and bottom lines.  (R and RBLX report later this morning.) It’s worth noting that ADI, TMHC, AVNT, and CHEF all raised forward guidance.  However, MLM lowered its forward guidance.

In late-breaking news, TSLA has agreed to open 7,500 of its charging stations in the US to electric vehicles from other car makers.  This move was necessary for TSLA to continue qualifying for certain government incentives. Elsewhere, GS announced it is dropping plans for a branded credit card as it takes another step further away from consumer banking as part of its strategic reorganization.  Finally, US mortgage rates rose to 6.39% (from 6.18%) for a 30-year, fixed-rate, conforming loan.  This spike had the expected effect on mortgage applications as overall volume fell 7.7%.  (Including a 13% fall in refinance applications and a 6% fall in new home purchase applications.)

With that background, it looks like markets are looking to open very modestly lower (at least before the data dump this morning), while holding above the T-line (8ema) in all three major indices. However, the trend in all three remains bullish with resistance not too far above in the SPY and DIA as well as to a lesser extent in the QQQ. The volatility should not be as bad as yesterday’s CPI-induced whipsaw. However, be cautious regardless.

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 absolutely 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 money is 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

TC2000 Discount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pending CPI Report

Pending CPI Report

The bulls produced a Monday reversal on surprisingly low volume as they rushed to buy up risk ahead of the pending CPI report that could produce a substantial price move.  Will the bulls get rewarded, or will the report produce a Valentine’s day massacre?  We will soon find out and then turn our attention to Wednesday’s market-moving Retail Sales and Industrial production numbers.  A slew of earnings will only add to the challenge, so buckle up and prepare for a wild ride over the next few days,

Asian markets mostly gained relatively modest results as Japan nominated their next central bank chief.  European look to extend yesterday’s reversal rally, projecting confidence in the pending inflation number.  Despite reports that the CPI report could deliver some disappointing sticky inflation reading, the U.S. trade higher in the premarket, hoping to extend yesterday’s big upward push.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable reports include ABNB, AKAM, ANDE, BTU, CLF, CRK, CNDT, DVN, GDDY, GFS, GXO, HLF, HWM, KO, MAR, QSR, SCI, SU, TRU, TRIP, UPST, WEBR, & ZTS.

News & Technicals’

All market eyes Tuesday will be on the release of the Labor Department’s consumer price index, a widely followed inflation gauge.  Economists are expecting that the CPI will show a 0.4% increase in January, which would translate into 6.2% annual growth.  However, there’s some indication the number could be even higher.  The Federal Reserve is determined to keep fighting inflation so that the report could harden their position.

Inflation in the U.S. is likely to be “far stickier” and could last a decade, according to Bill Smead, chief investment officer at Smead Capital Management.  Wall Street is gearing up for news on key inflation data later Tuesday as the Labor Department will release its January consumer price index. 

President Joe Biden is expected to name Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard to the White House’s top economic policy position as early as Tuesday.  Brainard would replace White House National Economic Council (NEC) Director Brian Deese, who has announced his resignation.

We began the week with another reversal as the bulls rushed to buy, pressing resistance levels, seemingly unconcerned about the potential big-point reaction from the pending CPI report.  While the VIX registered a reversal of fear, volume was surprising considering the big move in the indexes.  Expect a substantial price reaction as the number comes out, and don’t rule out the possibility of a wild whipsaw before the open.  Anything is possible, and the market will turn its eyes toward the Retail Sales and Industrial Production numbers on Wednesday morning. 

Trade Wisely,

Doug

CPI Data on Tap After Good KO Earnings

On Monday, stocks gapped very modestly higher (up 0.16% in the SPY, up 0.05% in the DIA, and up 0.45% in the QQQ) at the open.  Then a slow, but steady rally took over until 12:45 pm.  From that point, all three major indices ground sideways with the QQQ even having a slightly bearish trend to that grind for the rest of the day.  This action gave us white-bodied candles with small upper wicks.  (QQQ also had a lower wick.)  All three major indices have crossed back above their T-line (8ema) and both large-cap indices are also at least retesting a resistance level.  Meanwhile, the QQQ is retesting the uptrend level it failed last Thursday.  This all happened on a very much lower-than-average volume.

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the green as Consumer Cyclical (+1.51%) led the way higher and Energy (-0.020%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was up 1.18%, the DIA was up 1.12%, and QQQ was up 1.60%.  The VXX lost almost 4% to 11.69 and T2122 rose but remains just outside of the overbought territory at 77.27.  10-year bond yields fell to 3.705% and Oil (WTI) is a half of a percent to $79.25 per barrel.  So, on the day, we saw the bulls in charge all morning and then a dead market most of the afternoon.  This just seems like trader’s waiting on the CPI data Tuesday to give a clue about what the Fed may do in March.

In Fed news, Federal Reserve Governor Bowman spoke Monday.  She said “I expect we’ll continue to increase the federal funds rate because we have to bring inflation back down to our 2% goal…”  Bowman went on to say that a very strong labor market alongside moderating inflation means a “soft landing” remains possible.  In other Fed news, the NY Fed announced that a January survey of consumers shows the biggest monthly drop in “wage growth” (income growth) expectations in 10 years.  The expected wage growth fell 1.3% to +3.3% for the year as of January.

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In stock news, early Monday TWLO announced another round of layoffs, eliminating about 17% of its workforce and closing some offices.  In other layoff news, UPS said Monday that it will join rival FDX is looking to reduce headcount in the areas of the US where demand is down.  This comes ahead of UPS negotiations with the Teamster union (contract expiring July 31).  Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the recent spate of big tech layoffs is a boon for farm equipment makers who are snapping up hundreds of tech workers.  Specifically, the article mentioned DE, CAT, and CNHI as hiring hundreds of engineers each from the pool of former employees from the likes of AMZN, MSFT, and META.  Elsewhere, ALC agreed to pay JNJ $199 million to settle an intellectual property suit related to laser eye-surgery devices.  F announced that they will recognize the UAW at the new $3.5 billion battery plant in Marshall MI (reported here last week).  This means that if a majority of workers at that facility just sign a card supporting a union, then the UAW will represent all workers without the need for formal votes.   Finally, AMZN announced that it has successfully tested its “Zoox” robotaxis using employees as passengers on public roads between two AMZN facilities in Foster City, CA.  The milestone moves the project closer to publicly available self-driving cars as well as competing with GOOGL’s “Waymo” robotaxi project. 

In energy news, after hours Monday, the Biden Administration said that the government is planning to sell another 26 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Reserve.  The White House says they do not want to do so now that oil prices have stabilized.  However, a budget mandate enacted in 2015 (pertaining to the current fiscal year) mandates the sale of 26 million barrels this year.  The Energy Dept. has sought to stop these sales in an effort to begin refilling the reserve.  However, without new Congressional action, the sale is required by law. After this sale, the US reserve would drop to about 345 million barrels.

After the close, CAR, ACGL, IAC, ANET, CDNS, SEDG, and PLTR all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ES, FE, and AMKR beat on revenue while missing on the earnings line.  On the other side, MRC missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  Unfortunately, ASTL missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that ANET, CDNS, and SEDG all raised their forward guidance.  However, AMKR, JHX, and PLTR lowered their forward guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed on mostly modest moves.  Thailand (-0.73%) paced the losses while India (+0.89%), Japan (+0.64%), and South Korea (+0.50%) led the gainers.  Meanwhile, in Europe, the bourses are leaning toward the green side at midday with the notable exception of Russia (-1.27%).  The FTSE (+0.40%), DAX (+0.42%), and CAC (+0.50%) are leading the region higher in early afternoon trade.  AS of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing to a modest green start to the day (ahead of CPI data). The DIA implies a +0.13% open, the SPY is implying a +0.28% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.43% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down to 3.69% and Oil (WTI) is off 1.55% to $78.90/barrel.

The major economic news events scheduled for Tuesday include January CPI (8:30 am) and the API Weekly Crude Oil Stock Report (4:30 pm).  We also get a couple of Fed speakers (Harker at 11:30 am and Williams at 2:05 pm).  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include CAE, CLF, KO, ECL, ENTG, EXC, FELE, GTX, GEO, GFS, HRI, HWM, LCII, LDOS, MAR, BTU, PKI, QSR, TRU, WCC, and ZTS before the opening bell.  Then after the close, ABNB, AKAM, ANDE, CLW, CRK, CNDT, DVN, WIRE, ENLC, GDDY, GXO, HLF, MCY, NU, SCI, SU, TX, and WFG report. 

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index, January Retail Sales, January Industrial Production, December Business Inventories, December Retail Inventories, and EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get January Building Permits, January PPI, January Housing Starts, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and a couple of Fed speakers (Mester, Bullard, and Mester).  Finally, on Friday, January Import Price Index and January Export Price Index are reported.

In terms of earnings later in the week, on Wednesday, ADI, AVNT, GOLD, BIIB, CHEF, FIS, GNRC, ICL, KHC, LAD, MLM, OC, PSN, RPRX, RBLX, R, SABR, SITE, SAH, SUN, TMHC, TTD, WAB, WAT, ALB, ALSN, AMED, AEE, AIG, AWK, AR, CF, CSCO, SYH, CPA, ET, EQT, EQIX, HST, INVH, KGC, MRO, NEX, NUS, NTR, QDEL, RSG, REZI, RNG, ROKU, ROL, RGLD, RUSHA, SGEN, SHOP, SUM, SPWR, SNPS, TNET, TROX, TWLO, WCN, WELL, and Z report.  On Thursday, we hear from ARCH, BLMN, CVE, CEG, CROX, CNB, ETR, EPAM, FOCS, GGR, GVA, HAS, HSIC, H KBR, KELYA, LH, NSRGY, NGD, NMRK, DNOW, NRG, OGN, PARA, PBF, POOL, POR, RCM, RS, STNG, SO, SCL, SYNH, TOST, USFD, VC, VNT, VMC, WSO, WST, WE, ZBRA, AEM, AL, AEL, COLD, AMN, AMAT, ATR, BIO, BFAM, ED, CLR, DASH, DKNG, DBX, FBIN, GLOB, IAG, TDS, TXRH, USM, and VALE.  Finally, on Friday, ASIX, AMCX, AXL, AN, CNP, CRBG, DE, MD, and PPL report.

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So far this morning, EXC, KO, WCC, MAR, LDOS, ZTS, QSR, HWM, GFS, HE, ENTG, and GEO all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CLF, TRP, LCII, and HRI all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  On the other side, PKI missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  Unfortunately, GTX and TRU both missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that ZTS and GFS raised forward guidance.  However, PKI, HWM, GTX, and ENTG all lowered their own forward guidance.

With that background, it looks like the bulls are looking to a positive open at this point. However, that is sure to change to either a nasty gap down or to a bigger gap up once the CPI numbers are out. Regardless of how that turns out, be careful wading into the volatility at the open. There is likely to be jerks in both directions before the bell stops ringing. However, the trend remains bullish, at this point, in all three major indices. SPY and DIA are still not quite broken free of their resistance test (they are passing so far) and QQQ is back up against the uptrend line dating back to the first of the year.

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 absolutely 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 money is 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

TC2000 Discount

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hit and Run Candlesticks / Road To Wealth Youtube videos

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

Free YouTube Education  •  Subscription PlansPrivate 2-Hour Coaching

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

CPI, PPI, and Retail Sales

CPI, PPI, and Retail Sales

Not only will investors have a full plate of earnings reports to grapple with this week, but they will also have a huge week of economic data such as CPI, PPI, and retail sales, keeping them guessing and uncertain.  Although the DIA seems stuck in consolidation, the SPY, QQQ, and IWM remain in bullish patterns.  Big point index swings are possible this week, and I would not rule out significant intraday whips or overnight reversals to challenge us in the week ahead.  All eyes will be on Tuesday morning’s BLS sessional adjustments to the CPI number, so plan your risk carefully as we wait.

Asian markets started the week mostly lower with a volatile yen as uncertainty increases on the BOJ nomination report.  However, European markets trade with modest bullishness this morning, trying to gauge monetary policy ahead of crucial economic data.  While off overnight lows, U.S. futures suggest a flat, mixed open as they wait on a market-moving CPI report Tuesday morning.

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

Notable earnings include AAP, AMKR, ANGI, CAR, CDNS, CHKP, DENN, FE, IAC, MEDP, OTTR, PLTR< SEDG, & VNO.

News & Technicals’

According to NBC News, the U.S. military shot down a fourth unidentified object Sunday and expects to recover it.  The White House on Friday announced a second object had been shot down over Alaska, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday a U.S. fighter jet shot down a third “unidentified object.”  Officials have yet to release details about the objects that were downed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

U.K. semiconductor bosses are pleading with the government for subsidies amid fears that some chip firms will be forced to move overseas.  The U.S. and EU have announced multibillion-dollar packages to boost domestic chip production, and industry executives worry that the lack of a similar strategy from the U.K. is harming the country’s competitiveness.  Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration is under pressure to publish its planned chip strategy, which has faced delays due to political instability.

Life Insurance Corporation, India’s largest insurer, said it ‘might’ review its stake in the embattled Adani Group after meeting with the management.  LIC chairman M.R. Kumar said the state-owned insurer plans to discuss with the Adani management soon to get a better picture of the crisis engulfing the conglomerate.  “As an investor, it’s not often that we have this kind of a situation.  But then we have reached out to the management of Adani,” Kumar told CNBC’s Tanvir Gill in an interview.

The modest profit-taking of last week underscores the uncertainty investors face this week we readings on CPI, PPI, and Retail Sales numbers.  Nevertheless, having relieved much of the overbought condition, the SPY, QQQ, and IWM remain in bullish patterns, with the DIA seminally stuck in consolidation.  The seasonal adjustments from the BLS will have all eyes on the Tuesday CPI report setting up a morning of considerable price volatility.  However, as we wait, don’t be surprised to see a  choppy, low-volume price action today.  All the economic data will, of course, be complicated with another big of economic data to keep traders guessing and emotions high.  Plan carefully and prepare for some big point index swings with the possibility that the overnight reversals experienced last week may continue as the data rolls out.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Balloons Galore and Waiting On CPI Data

Markets opened modestly lower Friday (down 0.31% on the SPY, down 0.09% in the DIA, and down 0.70% in the QQQ) well up off the premarket lows.  From that point, we had a bit of divergence as the SPY roller-coastered its way sideways, the DIA had a very modest uptrend, and QQQ put in a volatile bearish trend.  However, during the afternoon all three synced up and trended modestly bullish the rest of the day.  This action gave us gap-down indecisive Doji candle in the QQQ and gap-down white-bodied candles in the two large-cap indices.  All three remain close below their T-line (8ema) and the DIA has held above its 50sma after another retest.  

On the day, seven of 10 sectors are in the green as Energy (+3.43%) led the way higher and Consumer Cyclical (-1.27%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was up 0.23%, the DIA was up 0.49%, and QQQ was down 0.66%.  At the same time, the VXX gained 1.25% to 12.18 and T2122 rose but remains in the midrange at 47.75.  10-year bond yields spiked up to 3.745% and Oil (WTI) is up by 2.23% to $79.80 per barrel.  So, on the day, we saw a gap lower and then indecisive action the rest of the day.  All of this happened on less-than-average volume again.

In economic news, the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index came above expectations a bit at 66.4 (compared to a forecast of 65.0 and the January reading of 64.9).  Later in the day, the January Federal Budget Balance came in much better than expected at -$39.0 billion (a deficit, versus the forecast of -$63.0 billion and also much better than the December reading of -85.0 billion).  After the close, Philly Fed President Harker said that the strong January Payrolls Report has not changed his view that moving to small (quarter percent) rate hikes was the correct strategy for the FOMC.  Specifically, Harker (a voting member this year) said, “At this point, we can go at a pace of 25 (basis-point rate hikes) and get inflation under control without doing undue damage to the labor market.”  He also added that moving to smaller rate increases is a “risk management” issue for the Fed.  Finally, he opened the door to rate cuts in 2024.  On that topic, he said, “I don’t think that’ll happen this year,” but in 2024 “we could start to see movement downward in the federal funds rate that is likely to be gradual.”

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In stock news, TSLA reversed course in China by raising prices that it just recently cut.  Later, the US Army announced Friday that OSK had lost a $7 billion contract for a tactical vehicle.  At the same time, MGA warned about profits in 2023 citing margin pressure from US automakers.  Along those same lines, WMT publicly warned vendors (companies that sell products through WMT stores) that it can no longer take price hikes and will be pushing their own private-label products more as less-expensive alternatives.  This is normal business for WMT, but it is not common for the company to make public proclamations on the topic.  This move could impact the likes of PG, UL, KHC, CPB, KMB, CLX, and PEP (who all see billions of dollars of products through WMT).  Meanwhile, F announced it had cut its stake in EV company RIVN from 11.4% to 1.15% as part of a predetermined plan.  Elsewhere, Florida Governor DeSantis gained effective control over the board which oversees the DIS special district surrounding DIS theme parks.  I won’t go into the background, but the move cost Florida taxpayers about $1.2 billion and may cause DIS trouble related to its Florida theme park unit.  After the close Friday, F announced a new $3.5 billion battery plant to be built in Michigan as part of a joint venture with a Chinese battery company.  Elsewhere, HOOD won a dismissal of an investor lawsuit claiming the company had misled investors ahead of its 2021 IPO.  Finally, Reuters reported that FIS is preparing to break up its business, spinning off the payment processing unit it had acquired four years ago for $43 billion.   

In miscellaneous news, on Saturday, Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman said that G-20 countries are exploring collective regulation on cryptocurrencies.  No timetable or specifics were offered, but Sitharaman said the discussions are active.  At the same time, Reuters reported that META is not releasing departmental budgets internally as the company plans another round of layoffs.  Meanwhile, major TSLA investor Ross Gerber has launched a campaign to gain a seat on the company board.  His agenda is to reign in Elon Musk (addressing spending too much time on other companies, not having succession plans, and his stock sales).  Oddly, Gerber launched his bid on a Twitter Spaces call.  He said “I’ve kind of had enough…TSLA needs to build its image around Tesla, and not just Elon.  I think it’s time for TSLA to grow up.”  Finally, the balloon story won’t seem to go away as three more (much smaller and more likely weather-related according to analysts guesses) balloons were shot down Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the ocean off Alaska, over Canada, and over the US side of Lake Huron respectively). Meanwhile, China says that US balloons crossed its own airspace 10 times during 2022. So, that talk will continue.

In energy news, for the first time in eight weeks, Natural Gas gained ground.  The front-month Natty rose 4.3% for the week to close at $2.5140/mmBtu.  At the close of the week, US gas storage stood at 2.366 trillion cubic feet, which is up 10.9% from one year ago.  Elsewhere, CVX said Friday that it has agreed to sell its assets in Myanmar and will exit that country.  Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that XOM is quietly walking away from a decade-long project intended to create environmentally-friendly biofuels from algae.  XOM had already invested $350 million in the project.  At the same time, the US Treasury Dept. said that it had warned countries and companies located in Turkey and UAE that the US will start cracking down on the facilitators who are helping Russia avoid Western oil sanctions.  Finally, on Saturday, a meeting was held to discuss conditions at the Freeport Texas LNG export facility that was idled by an explosion and fire last June.  Area residents are complaining that regulators are not providing enough oversight and control over the facility as it moves toward coming back online.  (When fully operational, the facility processes 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and is the largest LNG export facility in the US.)

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned to the downside. Singapore (-1.07%), Japan (-0.88%), and South Korea (-0.69%) lead the larger number of exchanges lower.  Meanwhile, Shenzhen (+1.14%) and Shanghai (+0.72%) were the only appreciable gainers on the day.  In Europe, stocks are mostly in the green at midday.  The FTSE +0.40%), DAX (+0.43%), and CAC (+0.86%) lead all but two exchanges to the upside in early afternoon trade.  As of 7:30 am, US Futures are pointing toward a green start to the week.  The DIA implies a +0.15% open, the SPY is implying a +0.35% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.66% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are flat a 3.74%, and Oil (WTI) is also flat at $79.74/barrel in early trade.

There are no major economic news events scheduled for Monday.  Major earnings reports scheduled for the day include CX, CHKP, DDL, and THS before the opening bell.  Then after the close, ASTL, AMKR, ACGL, ANET, CAR, CDNS, ES, FE, IAC, MKSI, MRC, PLTR, and SEDG report. 

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday, we get January CPI and the API Weekly Crude Oil Stock Report and we also get a Fed speaker (Williams).  Then on Wednesday, NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index, January Retail Sales, January Industrial Production, December Business Inventories, December Retail Inventories, and EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get January Building Permits, January PPI, January Housing Starts, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and a couple of Fed speakers (Mester, Bullard, and Mester).  Finally, on Friday, January Import Price Index and January Export Price Index are reported.

In terms of earnings later in the week, on Tuesday we hear from CAE, CLF, KO, ECL, ENTG, EXC, FELE, GTX, GEO, GFS, HRI, HWM, LCII, LDOS, MAR, BTU, PKI, QSR, TRU, WCC, ZTS, ABNB, AKAM, ANDE, CLW, CRK, CNDT, DVN, WIRE, ENLC, GDDY, GXO, HLF, MCY, NU, SCI, SU, TX, and WFG.  Then Wednesday, ADI, AVNT, GOLD, BIIB, CHEF, FIS, GNRC, ICL, KHC, LAD, MLM, OC, PSN, RPRX, RBLX, R, SABR, SITE, SAH, SUN, TMHC, TTD, WAB, WAT, ALB, ALSN, AMED, AEE, AIG, AWK, AR, CF, CSCO, SYH, CPA, ET, EQT, EQIX, HST, INVH, KGC, MRO, NEX, NUS, NTR, QDEL, RSG, REZI, RNG, ROKU, ROL, RGLD, RUSHA, SGEN, SHOP, SUM, SPWR, SNPS, TNET, TROX, TWLO, WCN, WELL, and Z report.  On Thursday, we hear from ARCH, BLMN, CVE, CEG, CROX, CNB, ETR, EPAM, FOCS, GGR, GVA, HAS, HSIC, H KBR, KELYA, LH, NSRGY, NGD, NMRK, DNOW, NRG, OGN, PARA, PBF, POOL, POR, RCM, RS, STNG, SO, SCL, SYNH, TOST, USFD, VC, VNT, VMC, WSO, WST, WE, ZBRA, AEM, AL, AEL, COLD, AMN, AMAT, ATR, BIO, BFAM, ED, CLR, DASH, DKNG, DBX, FBIN, GLOB, IAG, TDS, TXRH, USM, and VALE.  Finally, on Friday, ASIX, AMCX, AXL, AN, CNP, CRBG, DE, MD, and PPL report.

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So far this morning, FIS, CHKP, and TDC have reported beats on the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, THS and DDL both reported a miss on revenue while they beat on the earnings line.  (CX has not reported yet.)  It is worth noting that FIS and THS both lowered forward guidance.  However, TDC raised its forward guidance.

With that background, it looks like the bulls are taking all three major indices back up to retest their T-line (8ema) from below this morning. However, neither the SPY or QQQ is to the point of retesting the Bull Flag downtrend they are in (at least in premarket). bears have the momentum coming off yesterday’s candle and with an overnight assist from the Russians. We do have another big earnings week with KO and KHC headlining that group. However, the big driver is likely to be CPI data on Tuesday. Do not be surprised if we drift today as traders wait on that report before betting big this week. The risk remains to the downside as markets are betting on a pause in hikes by the Fed (not March, but soon), inflation to keep coming down, AND the economy to hold up (no hard landing).

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

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

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

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

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Big Intraday Whipsaw

The daily index swings continued Thursday, but this time produced a big intraday whipsaw leaving behind some possible topping candle patterns.  The price action suggests the bears are hungry, but I would not expect the bull to give up easily.  The VIX hinted at some fear of returning to the market as it popped through a multi-month downtrend yesterday.  The question for the day is, will the bears find the energy to follow through, or will the bulls rush back to defend?  With this week’s significant daily reversals, I think anything is possible as we head into the weekend. 

Asian markets closed the day mostly lower, with the tech-heavy HSI leading the way, down 2,01%.  European markets trade decidedly bearish this morning as investors mull future central bank actions and the possibility of a recession.  U.S. futures point to a lower open ahead of earnings, consumer sentiment, and more Fed speakers. 

Economic Calendar

Earnings Calendar

We get a little break on the earnings calendar on Friday.  Notable reports include AXL, ENB, FTS, IQV, NWL, SPB & WPC.

News & Technicals’

Adidas could lose around 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in revenue in 2023 if it cannot sell its existing Yeezy stock.   Shares of Adidas were down 11% around 9 a.m. London time following the news.  “The numbers speak for themselves.  But, unfortunately, we are currently not performing as we should,” Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said in a press release.

Yahoo will lay off more than 20% of staff, or around 1,600 workers, and the company’s Yahoo for Business unit will be slashed in half.  The company said about 1,000 of those cuts would occur by the end of the week.

Dan Schulman became PayPal CEO after the company split from eBay in 2015.  He will remain a member of PayPal’s board of directors.  “I’m proud of what we have accomplished at PayPal and of the incredibly talented and committed people I work with every day,” Schulman said in a statement.

The wild chop continued on Thursday, tossing traders a big intraday whipsaw and leaving behind bearish engulfing candles with the VIX breaking a multi-month downtrend.  That said, one day does not make a trend, and though the bears made an appearance, will they have the energy to follow through?  Don’t expect the bulls to give up easily, and with the big point swings we have experienced this week, we can’t rule out another quick swing higher.  We have more Fed speakers, consumer sentiment, a treasury statement, and a lighter day of earnings reports to provide inspiration.  Keep an eye on price support levels because if they break, some quick selling to occur as traders rush to protect profits. 

Trade Wisely,

Doug