On Tuesday, markets gapped down at the open.  SPY gapped down 0.44%, DIA gapped down 0.47%, and QQQ gapped down 0.56%. From there, all three major index ETFs slowly rallied to recross their gaps, reaching the highs of the day about 2:05 p.m.  From there, all three pulled back modestly before rallying back toward the highs, only to take profits the last 5 minutes.  This action gave us white-bodied, Spinning Top type candles in all three major index ETFs.  All three retested their T-line (8ema), SPY and QQQ from above and DIA from below…and all three passed that test, closing above.  This happened on below average volume in all three major index ETFs yet again.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the red with Industrials (-0.91%) out in front, leading the market lower.  On the other side, Consumer Defensive (+0.43%) was well out in front, holding up better than other sectors.  Meanwhile, SPY lost 0.05%, DIA lost 0.01%, and QQQ gained 0.11%.  VXX was just on the red side of flat to close at 51.15 and T2122 dropped again but remains just outside of oversold territory at the bottom of its mid-range at 22.96.  At the same time, 10-Year bond yields rose to close at 4.206% while Oil (WTI) popped 2.38% to close at $72.24 per barrel. So, the Bears gapped the whole market lower, but the Bulls immediately stepped in to buy the dip and slowly bring all three major index ETFs back to flat.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday was limited to the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report, which showed a larger inventory build than was expected at +1.643 million barrels (compared to a forecasted +0.700 million barrels and the prior week draw down of 1.580 million barrels).

After the close, AGR, EWBC, ENVA, MTDR, PKG, RHI, STX, LRN, TXN, VLRS, and VMI all reported beats on both revenue and earnings. Meanwhile, BKR, CSGP, RRC, PFSI, and WFRD missed on revenue while beating on earnings. However, CNI and NBR missed on both the top and bottom lines.

In stock news, on Tuesday, TGT announced it was lowering the price of 2,000 items ranging from snacks to cold medicine ahead of the holiday season. (The bet is that by lowering the cost of essentials, shoppers will also buy higher-ticket gift items while they are in-store.)  At the same time, Reuters reported that AMZN has imposed severe price caps on what merchants can charge for items in its new low-cost storefront aimed at competing with Temu.  (These include $20 for sofas, but go on to prescribe max prices for 700 items.)  Later Reuters also reported that FIVN is under pressure by a second activist investor (Legion Partners) who is pushing for cost cutting and board seats. At the same time, CG announced it has dropped out of the bidding for the warship unit of German shipbuilder TYEKY (Thyssenkrupp).  Later, AMZN said they were ending same-day delivery service from brick-and-mortar retailers. This ends the program that was touted as “Amazon Today.” The bulk of the deliveries will end by December 2.

Elsewhere, STLA’s Ram brand CEO Feuell told a Reuters event that the company was expanding its Mexican truck plant as a “relief valve” for US factories reaching capacity soon.  (She avoided answering why the company was expanding capacity in Mexico rather than the US, but said the measure “was not a cost-cutting move.”)  At the same time, Reuters also reported that ALTR is exploring a potential sale with potential bidders being competitors PTC and CDNS. Later, WMT announced it will begin delivering prescriptions along with groceries as a single order as quickly as 30 minutes.  (Members of WMT’s $98 membership will get the service for free while non-members will pay $9.95 per delivery.) SJM announced the sale of its Voortman cookie brand to Second Name Brands for $305 million in cash.  After the close, SBUX suspended its annual forecast while the new CEO prepares a turnaround plan.

In AI news, on Tuesday, BLK announced it is tapping into the AI frenzy with two new AI-focused ETFs BAI (iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active) and TEK (iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF).  Later, Reuters reported that QCOM and GOOGL had signed a partnership to offer chips and software to allow automakers to develop their own AI voice assistants for drivers. At the same time, AMZN-backed AI startup Anthropic announced “AI agents” built to enhance productivity by automating complex tasks.  This is a direct competitor to MSFT’s Co-Pilot-based Agents and yet to be announced offerings from GOOGL and META.

In stock legal and governmental news, on the NHTSA announced HMC 780k vehicles in the US over fuel pump crack concerns.  At the same time, RBLX announced it would open an office in Turkey and hire local-language moderators if the country restores access to its platform.  (A Turkish court blocked RBLX from the country to “ensure protection of our children” in August.)  Later, US Energy Sec. Granholm said the dept. was working as fast as it can to finalize $1.7 billion in EV conversion grants, including $500 million for GM and $585 (two grants for two projects) million for STLA.  At the same time, the FAA finalized comprehensive pilot training and certification rules for flying air taxis such as those from JOBY and ACHR. Later, the SEC approved options listings for three Bitcoin ETFs (not 11 as previously reported).

Elsewhere, the SEC settled fraud charges with shortseller Citron Research associate Left for $1.8 million.  Later, TSM notified the US Commerce Dept. that one of its chips had been found in Huawei’s top-end (widely seen as the most advanced AI smartphone) phone.  This is a violation of US export restrictions, likely through strawman firms who acted as the original buyer of the TSM chips.  After the close, the CDC announced an E, coli outbreak had been linked to MCD quarter pounder burgers that have resulted in one death, 10 hospitalizations, and dozens of illnesses.  (MCD fell 9% in after-hours trading.)  At the same time, a US District Judge ruled in favor of META in a lawsuit over child safety claims due to inadequate disclosures.  Later, WMT agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve charges of illegally disposing of hazardous medial waste into CA landfills.

In miscellaneous news, on Tuesday, the New York City Comptroller announced a plan to divest NYC pension funds from fossil fuel mid-stream and downstream companies.  Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that JPM CEO Dimon would consider a role in government if Vice President Harris wins the election, but is not making his position known publicly for fear of retribution by her disgraced opponent. Elsewhere, oil-industry analysts pointed out a unique risk factor for CA. The US is by far the world’s largest oil producer (by more than 3 million barrels per day). However, CA has no pipeline access oil from Texas, mid-western, or Ohio Valley oil fields. So, about 60% of CA oil demand is served by oil imports from the Middle East. As a potential Middle East war (and oil flow disruption) lurks ahead of Israeli attacks on Iran, that raises the specter of major cost increases or shortages in CA.  (Even the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil if far from CA, located along the TX and LA Gulf Coasts.)  Finally, the IMF said Tuesday that the global battle on post-pandemic inflation is “largely won.”  In an upbeat assessment, the IMF World Economic Outlook said, “In most countries, inflation is now hovering close to central bank targets… The decline in inflation without a global recession is a major achievement.”

In Middle East news, on Tuesday, Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon continued. The IDF seems to be targeting healthcare facilities and homes more. The water supply at the Jabalya refugee camp in Northern Gaza ran out entirely, leaving thousands with no water at all. At the same time, a major Palestinian hospital (the Kamal Adwan Hospital) reported it was completely out of blood and medical supplies as an IDF siege of the facility continues.  Further North, Lebanon reported the most deaths in a single day since the most recent Israeli bombing and invasion campaign began (63 deaths and several hundred wounded).  This included bombing strikes on four Beirut hospital and medic facilities. In addition, several individual ambulances were also blown up.  (All medical facility attacks are war crimes.)  Meanwhile, US Sec. of State Blinken met with Israeli PM Netanyahu for two hours as Blinken tried to get the Israelis to agree to a ceasefire. Sourced, but un attributed, post-meeting reports indicate Israel has rejected the idea of ceasefire again, but will allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and Lebanon, though not as much as the US and world have demanded. (With Israel completely in control on the battlefield with superior firepower and resources, they want to press their advantage and kill as many of their enemies as possible while they can, regardless of civilian casualties.)

In mortgage news, rates have spiked in recent weeks but remain at 6.52% on average nationally for a 30-year, fixed-rate, conforming loan. Demand for refinance mortgages dropped 8% last week compared to the prior week. Applications for a new home purchase mortgage fell 5%.  Together this meant that total mortgage demand was down 6.7% on the week versus the week prior. 

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed with five of the 12 exchanges in the green.  Thailand (-1.24%) was by far the biggest loser while Hong Kong (+1.27%) was by far the biggest winner.  Meanwhile, in Europe, the bourses are heavily in the red with just two of 14 exchanges showing green at midday.  The CAC (-0.64%), DAX (-0.22%), and FTSE (-0.41%) lead the region lower in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a down start to the day.  The DIA implies a -0.47% open, the SPY is implying a -0.20% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.30% open at this hour.  At the same time 10-Year bond yields are up again to 4.228% and Oil (WTI) have dropped 2.15% to $70.20 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled Wednesday includes September Existing Home Sales (10 a.m.), EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.), and the Fed Beige Book (2 p.m.).  We also hear from Fed Governor Bowman (9 a.m.).  Major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include APH, T, AVY, BA, BSX, CME, KO, CSTM, DB, EVR, GEV, GD, HLT, KBR, LII, LAD, COOP, EDU, NEE, NTRS, ODFL, BPOP, PRG, ROP, TMHC, TDY, TMO, TRU, TNL, UNF, VRT, WAB, WSO, and WGO.  Then, after the close, ALGN, AMP, ASGN, CACI, CP, CLS, CCS, CHDN, CYH, FAF, GL, GGG, ICLR, IBM, KALU, KNX, LRCX, LVS, MAT, MOH, NEM, ORLY, OII, PTEN, PLXS, RJF, ROL, SEIC, NOW, TMUS, TER, TSLA, TYL, URI, VLTO, WCN, WFG, WU, and WHR report.

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get September Building Permits, Weekly initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Preliminary Oct. S&P Global Mfg. PMI, Preliminary Oct. S&P Services PMI, Preliminary Oct. Composite PMI, Sept. New Home Sales, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Preliminary Sept. Core Durable Goods Orders, Preliminary Sept. Durable Goods, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, we hear from ADT, ALLE, AAL, AIT, AMBP, BFH, BC, CRS, CARR, CBRE, DAR, COV, DOW, DTE, EQNR, EEFT, FCFS, FSV, FCN, GTX, HOG, HAS, HON, KDP, KKR, LH, LEA, LTH, LKQ, MSM, NDAQ, NOC, ORI, POOL, RDUS, RS, RCI, R, SPGI, SAH, LUV, TAL, FTI, TECK, TXT, TSCO, TPH, UNP, UPS, VLO, VC, WST, WEX, ATR, AJG, SAM, BYD, COF, CSL, CINF, FIX, DECK, DXCM, DLR, EW, HIG, LHX, MTX, MHK, NOV, OLN, DOC, PFG, RMD, SKX, SSNC, TXRH, TROX, UHS, VALE, WDC, WY, and WKC. Finally, on Friday, AON, AN, AVTR, BAH, CNC, CL, GNTX, HCA, NYCB, NWL, POR, SAIA, and SNY report.

So far this morning, ATLKY, BSX, CME, KO, DB, EVR, HLT, LII, EDU, NTRS, ROP, TMHC, TDY, TRU, VRT, and WAB all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, T, AVY, KBR, LAD, LYG, COOP, ODFL, TMO, and TNL missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, GEV, NEE, BPOP, and SF beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, BA, CSTM, GD, and WGO missed on both the top and bottom lines.

With that background, it looks like the Bears are in charge again early in all three major index ETFs. All three opened the premarket lower and have traded down since then. SPY is retesting its T-line (8ema) from above while DIA is moving away from its own T-line to the downside. With that said, two of the three remain above (barely) their T-line again. So, the broader market short-term trend remains tepidly bullish. The mid-term and longer-term trends are obviously still strongly Bullish in all three. With regard to extension, none of the major index ETFs are too far extended from its T-line (8ema). In addition, the T2122 indicator is now back in the lower end of its mid-range. So, markets do have room to run either direction if traders can find momentum, but the Bulls have just a little more slack to work with today. With regard to those 10 big dog tickers, eight of the 10 are in the red this morning. MSFT (+0.50%) is holding up best. However, the biggest dog, NVDA (-0.64%) is leading the majority lower in price move on three times as much dollar-volume as the next closest ticker so far this morning.

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

See you in the trading room.

Ed

🎯 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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