Tenacious Bulls

Tenacious Bulls

Domestic and international political uncertainty appears to have no effect on the tenacious bulls with a refuse to lose attitude.  Today is a big day of earnings and economic reports that could bring out some volatility depending on the results.  Inspired by a price increase from NFLX the QQQ reached out to test its 50-day average as resistance yesterday.  The Dow will need more than a 300 point rally, and the SP-500 will require another 20 point gain to match that feat. 

A tall order perhaps considering how stretched this rally has become, but you never say never.  The British Parliament will once again attempt a no-confidence vote of the Prime Minister today which could create some market turmoil as they continue to wrestle over leaving the Euro.  Remember that Price is King and our job as traders is to stay focused on how the market reacts to the news, not the news itself! 

On the Calendar

calendar

We have 24 companies stepping up to report results on the Earnings Calendar today.  Notable earnings, GS, AA, BAC, BK, BLK, SCHW, CMA, CSX, FUL, PNC, and USB.

Action Plan

The Brexit vote suffers an epic failure, and Parliament the Prime minister will once again face a no-confidence vote later today.  The market goes up.  The 26th day of the government shutdown and the market goes up.  Several notable earnings miss with the latest miss from BLK this morning, and the futures currently point to gains.  In the last several days any hint of profit taking is met by a wave of program buying as the tenacious bulls push upward toward the 50-day moving averages.  The bulls are in control, and they are not taking no for an answer! 

T2122 continues to signal that the rally is overbought and suggesting a pullback could occur at any time.  Traders need to stay on their toes watching price action and remember that the bears could reemerge at any time.  We have a big day on the Economic Calendar today with Retail Sales numbers out before the open that could easily inspire the bull or bears depending on the results.  Stay focused and flexible because anything is possible.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Challenging day?

Challenging day

Earnings reports, the government shutdown in its 25th day and a Brexit vote could make for a challenging day.  So far the bulls have done a very good job of defending price supports, but the bears have also been working hard keeping the index range bound in a rather tight consolidation.  That consolidation could easily become the launching platform to attack the 50-averages, which for Dow is nearly 400 points higher.  Or, it could also become the “border wall”  that the bears defend. 

Today we could see a rise in volatility this afternoon depending on the result of the Brexit vote because of the currency ramifications.  We will have to remain flexible, stay focused on price action and avoid over-committing to a directional bias as the events of the day roll out.  Fast price action and whipsaws are possible after the Brexit vote so stay on your toes, as it may prove to be a challenging day.

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have 18 companies reporting.  Notable reports JPM, UNH, WFC, INFO & DAL before the market open.  After the bell UAL reports.

Action Plan

Earnings results and political uncertainty will keep traders on their toes today.  First, we have several notable earnings before the bell that could provide a little volatility before the open.  Then this afternoon we could see some substantial volatility as a result of the Brexit vote this afternoon.  At this time the vote is expected to fail, and some say it could be an epic failure that could wildly move currency markets.  As we begin the 25th day of the shutdown TSA workers all across the country are calling in sick in protest.  Air travel could become very difficult and create unintended economic impacts as the shutdown drags on.

The good news is that the bulls thus far seem largely unaffected by the turmoil rejecting yesterday’s gap down and defending price supports.  Currently, the futures are suggesting a gap up to an upper range of the current consolidation, but that could easily improve or worsen as earnings results roll out.  T2122 pulled back yesterday but remains stretched suggesting more pullback or consolidation is possible.  I would not rule out a bullish push to test the daily 50 averages nor can we rule out the possible pullback so stay flexible and focused on price action for clues.  With the Brexit vote possibly kicking in an extra dose of volatility it could be challenging day to navigate.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Tenacious Bulls

Tenacious Bulls

Yesterday I mentioned that the market needs a rest, but he tenacious bulls had other plans yesterday printing the 5th straight day up since September.  The Dow has now recovered 2254 points in 11 days, and yet nothing has changed with the political uncertainty.  There has been progress in the trade negotiations but still, no agreement and the government shut down at 21 days is now tied for the longest in history with no apparent resolution in sight.

Please understand I’m not suggesting bearishness I’m only pointing out the curious nature of the market and how important it is to follow the price action and trade the chart without trying to predict.  I still believe the market needs a little rest or pullback, but big opportunity may be just around the corner.  As we head into an uncertain weekend, I suggest being careful chasing this rally which appears stretched in the short-term.  However, I would be preparing a watchlist of candidates that could soon setup great swing and positon trades.

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have a light day with only eight companies reporting with INFY the most notable reporting before the bell.

Action Plan

The Bulls proved to very tenacious yesterday defending price levels every time there was even a hint of profit-taking.  One would think that kind of pressure would continue through the end of the week, but interestingly enough the futures appear to be lackluster this morning.  As I write this, the US Futures are suggesting a flat open as we enter the 21st day of the government shutdown.  That ties for the longest shutdown in history, but as we head into the weekend, there seems to be no resolution in sight.

Trade negotiations this week proved to be productive, but there are not stories coming out that there is a lot of work to be done before finalizing an agreement.  Now the question is will bulls remain strong as we head into the weekend amid all the uncertainty?  T2122 continues to signal caution and suggesting a short-term overbought condition but as you know price action is currently not confirming that conclusion.  We will have to tread carefully this morning to see if the bulls have the energy to push higher or if the profit-takers take control ahead of the weekend.  I would suggest being very careful about over-committing to long positions this late in the rally.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

A Little Rest

A Little Rest

Climbing more than 2200 points in just 10-days, the US futures this morning are suggesting a little rest might be in order.  As we enter the 20th day of the government shutdown and as of now no indication of when an agreement with China might occur there is still significant uncertainty for the market to ponder.

With the VIX closing below a 20 handle perhaps we could see a simple consolidation rather than the punishing selloff we have experienced lately.  With hundreds of charts indicating possible bottoming patterns, a little rest or pullback could set up some great entries for swing and position traders.  Remember that the market is likely to remain very sensitive to political news and still subject to quick price action and reversals so remain flexible and focused on price action.  Great opportunity for swing traders and good stock pickers may be just around the corner so dust off that wishlist and be prepared.

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have 17 companies reporting earnings today with none that are notable unless you happen to own one of them.  Remember earnings season is coming, it would be a good time to get into the habit of checking reporting dates.

Action Plan

With a failed meeting between the President and Democratic congressional leaders our government shut down now enters day 20.  The news on US / China trade remains positive, but there has been no indication as to when a decision might be forthcoming.  After notching a 4th bullish day, the futures are suggesting the market needs a little rest this morning.  As I write this the Dow indicating a gap down just short of 100 points but I do expect that improve during the pre-market pump. 

Climbing more than 2200 Dow points in just ten days a little rest is definitely warranted, but that does not necessarily mean we are due a significant selloff.  The best scenario would be a consolidation as we wait for some resolution of all this government uncertainty.  Let’s keep a close eye on price support levels in the indexes.  The good news is with so many charts showing signs of bottoming a pullback, or some consolidation could be just what the doctor ordered to set up trade entries.  Polish up your watchlist because major opportunity may be just around the corner.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

US / China talks inspire bullishness.

bullishness

The US Futures are suggesting the 3rd straight day of bullishness this morning wish is something the Dow has not seen since the 30th of November.  Trade negotiations with China continue today, and according to reports progress is being made, and hopes for an agreement are rising.  As we enter day 18 of the government shut down the President will bring his case the people this evening from the oval office.  A move, that is sure to create a firestorm of Washington spin and could affect market volatility throughout the day and overnight. 

The morning gap raises the possibility of a pop and drop pattern so traders should be careful not to chase into the open until we see if there is follow-through buying that supports the gap.  With all the political news swirling traders should stay focused on price action and prepared for whipsaw and quick price action. 

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have 15 companies reporting with HELE and LNN as the most notable both of which report before the open today.

Action Plan

With two days of bullish price action behind us, the 3rd day in a row with a bullish close a condition not seen since November 30th.  Although we are in the 18th day of the Federal Government shutdown, the US Futures are pointing to bullish open this morning with a gap up of more than 150 points.  The bullish sentiment appears based upon the positive reports that the US and China trade negations are making progress that may soon result in a deal.

The President will be speaking from the Oval Office this evening taking the border wall debate directly to the people.  Expect the political spin to reach new heights and keep in mind the market could be very sensitive to the reports.  With a large gap up this morning, we will need to be on the lookout for a possible pop and drop unless buyers prove the ability to support the gap.  Please keep in mind that that T2122 is in the bullish reversal zone.  That does not mean a selling is imminent, but it does suggest a short-term overbought condition that we must respect when considering new long positions.  Today could prove to be a bumpy ride so stay flexible and focused on price action.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Shutdown Continues

Shutdown
Government Shutdown

Uncertainty continues as the government shutdown begins a new week with little to no progress.  As a matter of fact, the President seemed only to reinforce his position with a flurry of border security tweets this weekend.  On the positive side, there seems to be a renewed energy between the US and China to resolve the trade war.  Let’s hope for a positive outcome soon! 

Futures are currently pointing to a flat open which is something we’ve not seen for a long time.  A nice change in my humble opinion.  A quiet consolidation would be nice, but I suspect the market will remain very sensitive to political news and volatility remains high.  After a 750 point rally on Friday, don’t rule out the possibility of some profit-taking.  I would also not be that surprised to see a test of the overnight high in the futures.  Stay flexible and prepared for quick reversals on political news and as always stay focused on price.

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, there are 12 companies reporting earnings today, but there are none particularly notable.

Action Plan

US futures opened trading very positive and at one point suggested a bullish move of more than 150 points.  However, having sold off during the evening, we could experience some we’ve not seen for a long time, a flat open to the market.  I must say a nice change if that does occur!  US / China trade negotiations seem on track this morning, and both sides appear to more inclined to complete the process.   Unfortunately, there is still on progress on the government shutdown and the President seemed to dig in his heels with a flurry of tweets on border security this weekend.

Although there is still significant political uncertainty, the market on Friday seemed to issue a vote of confidence rallying more than 750 points.  I would expect the market to stay very sensitive to political news with fast moves that could easily reverse direction intraday.  Don’t rule out the possibility of some profit taking today nor the possibility of testing the overnight futures highs.  The current market condition continues to favor day trading but a flat open today could finally signal that the market is trying to settle its nerves.  As always stay focused on price action and remain flexible.

Trade wisely,

Doug

Another 300-point reversal.

Another 300-point reversal

Another day and another 300-point reversal gap overnight, challenging even the most experienced traders.  I wish I could say the turmoil will be over soon, but there is no way to know how long it will take for the political drama to subside.  With the Employment Situation report and the Jerome Powell comments later this morning I would not rule out the possibility of more intraday whipsaws. 

With such extreme intraday moves quick day traders continue to have the upper hand with swing and position traders have little to no edge.  Holding positions overnight is risky business let alone holding over a weekend.  Consider that risk as you plan how to handle the weekend ahead. 

On the Calendar

calendar

We have just nine companies reporting earnings today.

Action Plan

The market currently seems to love 300 point gaps this week.  Wednesday more than a 300 point gap down a whipsaw back up.  Yesterday day more than a 300 point gap done and three whipsaws during the day covering more than 300 points. Now, this morning US Futures are pointing to a 300 point gap up though we are still waiting for the government funding to reopen.  The rebound this morning is focused on US-China trade talks improving.  With the big Employment Situation report coming out an hour before the market open and the Jerome Powell speaking at 10:15 we could certainly see more whipsaws today.

As always after the morning gap wait to see if buyer’s support the gap and plan for fast price action as extreme price volatility to continue.  Once again the current market condition favors quick day trading due to the big intraday swings.  The market remains very sensitive to political news as well so plan your risk going into the weekend very carefully.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

AAPL projections disappoint.

AAPL

Mostly blaming the trade war and slowing sales in China, Tim Cook lowers the revenue projections for AAPL for the first time since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007.  Because of the companies heavy weighting in the DIA, SPY, and QQQ we will see sharp declines at the open as investors reprice the tech giant’s value. 

Asian markets closed down across the board last night, and European indexes are also lower this morning.  Selling pressure in the US Futures is pointing to a gap down of more than 300 Dow points at the open.  I think the big question for the day is will the AAPL disappointment spill over into other companies triggering more selling and fear.  Expect very fast price action at the open that will challenge even the most experienced day traders.  Buckle up it could be a very rough day.

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have 14 companies reporting today.

Action Plan

After gaping down more than 300 points yesterday, positive comments from the President on trade negotiations embolden the bulls recovering to an 18 point Dow gain.  This morning the market faces a gap down that will be much harder to recover from and may spawn additional selling in the tech sector.  Yesterday after the close AAPL reported disappointing revenue guidance sending the stock sharply lower.  With slowing iPhone sales this is the first time AAPL has lowered revenue projections since the popular device came to market in 2007. 

Currently, the Dow Futures indicate a gap down open of more than 300 points.  With AAPL so heavily weighted in the DIA, SPY, and QQQ it could be a rough day for the market.  According to a report, Warren Buffett will lose 2.8 Billion on his AAPL position today.  As the power switches isles in the House today the first order of business is electing a new speaker.  Once that is complete, they hope to pass several bandaid bills as a temporary patch to reopen parts of the Federal Government while negotiations continue on the border wall.  With so much uncertainty expect volatility to be back on the rise this morning fast price action more suitable for day traders than swing and position trading.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Government Uncertainty

Uncertainty

As I write this, the Dow is expected to open more than 300 points lower and continues to face the uncertainty of the government shutdown.   Asian markets sold off sharply during the night with December manufacturing numbers came in worse than expected.  European markets are bearish across the board as well this morning, and the US Futures are pointing to a nasty overnight reversal gap down. 

Today the President is meeting with Congressional leadership so we will have to say on our toes because the market is likely to react quickly to any news, positive or negative that results from the negotiation.  The volatile price action continues to favor the quick day traders as the risk of holding positions overnight in this emotional market remains very high.  Price action will likely be very sensitive to any political news so remain focused, flexible and ready for intraday reversals.

On the Calendar

calendar

On today’s Earnings Calendar we have only seven companies reporting, and unless you happen to hold them, they are not particularly notable. 

Action Plan

The bullish gap on Monday looks fully reverse as the market sentiment continues to flip-flop from moment to moment.  The current price action continues to favor quick day trading because the risk of holding over trades over a single night is unsuitable for most swing traders.  The President has called a meeting with Congressional leadership to discuss ending the government shutdown.  The news spin out of this meeting could move the market sharply so we will have to stay flexible and focused on price action.

Currently, the Dow futures are pointing to a 350 point gap down which of course means we have to watch carefully for the possibility of a reversal whipsaw much like we experienced last Thursday.  However, there is no reversal, and the sellers remain in control after the open it would be wise to remember that support could be hundreds of points lower.  That’s one of the challenges of whip like this because the price action didn’t take the time to build support levels.  Volatility is likely to be very high today and price action very sensitive to political news.  Stay flexible, focused on price action, avoid trying to predict and watch out for possible whipsaws.

Trade Wisely,

Doug

Farewell to 2018

Farewell to 2018

As we bid farewell to 2018, reflecting on the last 12 months of trading, it was overall a great year albeit quite challenging to navigate.  As we enter 2019, the market is showing its first clues of bottoming but still faces significant uncertainty this will likely continue to challenge traders for the next several weeks to months.

But for those disciplined to price action, I have no doubt 2019 will provide us with great opportunities to profit.  Be careful with this mornings gap up and watch for the possibility of a pop and drop.  We need to see buyers coming in to support this gap and willing to challenge resistance levels.  That may be a lot to ask with volumes likely to decline quickly today as traders set their sights on 2019 celebrations.  I wish you all a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2019!

On the Calendar

calendar

On the Earnings Calendar, we have 18 companies reporting this New Year’s Eve, but none of them are particularly notable. 

Action Plan

The Futures are pointing to a big gap up this morning after the President stated he had a good conversation with the Chinese President Xi about trade.  As I write this the Dow Futures are suggesting a gap up of more than 200 points.  As great as it is to see bullishness in this market I must say it seems highly suspect and would suggest caution on this last day of trading for 2018.  Shortly after the Presidents comments, a report suggested that the two sides are still very far apart on key elements of the agreement.  Another clue is that Asain markets closed mixed with the Nikkei lower 62 points on the same news.  European markets are also not impressed and currently mixed but mostly falt on the day.

After the morning rush, expect the volumes to drop off quickly as traders turn there focus toward celebrating the new New Year.  Keep in mind the Federal Government is still shut down, and the new Congress will begin to whip up market emotions later this week.  If buyers support the gap after the open keep an eye on price resistance levels and watch for the possibility of a pop and drop.  I wish you all a Very Happy New Year!

Trade Wisely,

Doug