Monday brought us a gap lower at the open (down 0.38% in the SPY, down 0.38% in the DIA, and 0.39% in the QQQ).  This was followed by 15 minutes of follow-through by the Bears in all three major index ETFs.  However, then the Bulls said “enough” and rallied all three until 1 p.m.  Then it was the Bears’ turn to say “Not so fast, my friend” to lead a selloff the rest of the day.  This action gave us indecisive candles across the board.  All three of the major index ETFs flirted with printing a Piercing Arrow candle before melting back.  The SPY printed a white-bodied Doji-type candle.  At the same time, the QQQ printed a white-bodied Spinning Top candle, and the DIA remained the weakest of the three, printing a black-bodied Inverted Hammer candle. All three remain well below their T-line (8ema).  This happened on just about average volume in the SPY, DIA, and QQQ.

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the red with Technology (+0.04) being the only sector to (barely) remain in the green.  Meanwhile, Energy (-1.44%) was way out front leading the other sectors lower.  At the same time, the SPY was down 0.17% (closing in its opening gap), the DIA lost 0.56% (closing below its opening gap), and QQQ gained 0.30% (closing above its gap down).  VXX fell 3.48% to close at 25.54 and T2122 climbed slightly but remained at the bottom of its oversold territory at 1.89.  10-year bond yields fell significantly to 4.85% (after being above 5.021% early in the day) while Oil (WTI) dropped 2.27% to close at $86.08 per barrel.  So, on Monday the market was a whipsaw.  There was a gap lower at the open, a strong morning rally until 1 p.m., and then a strong selloff the rest of the day.  With that said, there was no change in character for the market and not much change in the major index ETFs.

There was no economic news reported Monday.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, the UAW and defense contractor GD reached a tentative labor contract Monday. This deal avoided a strike of GD. In another aside, metal workers in Brazil announced they will strike GM next Monday.  This strike by 4,000 workers comes after 1,200 of their fellow workers were laid off by GM.  (That plant makes engines and gearboxes for S-10 pickup trucks.)  Later, the UAW added roughly 6,800 more STLA workers to the strike, all located at the STLA Ram full-sized pickup plant in a Detroit suburb.  UAW President Fain said STLA’s offer is the weakest among the big three in terms of wage progression (time in a pay tier), temp worker pay, cost of living adjustments, etc.  (UAW negotiators told CNBC that two major issues that STLA has not addressed at all is their discussion to move Ram production from the US to Mexico and the closing of an IL plant earlier this year.)  This was the first expansion of the strike in two weeks.  STLA said it was “outraged that the UAW has chosen to expand its strike action against the company” and going on to cite its recent improved offer.  (Industry analysts say all three of the automakers have roughly 100 days of inventory of their best-selling pickup trucks.)  It is worth noting that GM reported a $3.1 billion quarterly profit and also removed its forward guidance altogether ahead of impacts from the strike.

In stock news, LICY plummeted Monday to close down almost 46% after the company suspended construction of its hub in Rochester, NY.  At the same time, FSR said it is significantly cutting the price of its Ocean Extreme SUS.  The announced price cut is 11% ($7,500).  Elsewhere, MSFT announced it will spend $3.2 billion in Australia to expand its AI and cloud computing capacity in that country.  The move is widely seen as a carrot that can be taken back ahead of Australia’s coming AI regulation (which is now in the public comment period).  The announcement said MSFT will train 300k Australians in skills needed to succeed in a digital economy.  At the same time, STLA unveiled 12 “refreshed” electric vans (small, mid-sized, and large).  Sales of these 12 will largely be in Europe where stricter emission laws make them more attractive.  The revised designs will go on sale in mid-2024.  Later, AAPL ramped up its late-to-the-party AI efforts by investing $1 billion to integrate AI tools in Siri, Apple Music, and other programs.  Meanwhile, LMT announced it has ended its partnership with EADSY (Airbus) which was part of the defense contractor’s bid for the project to upgrade the US Air Force’s KC-135 tanker fleet.  This may have been due to the Air Force reducing the project size from 140-160 tankers to just 75.  Regardless, LMT dropped its bid for the project.  Later, Reuters reported that NVDA is in the early stages of developing a line of ARM-based CPUs compatible with MSFT Windows.  (AMD is also developing an ARM-based processor line.)  QCOM already offers an AMR-based chip for laptop products.  (ARM-based chips are much more power-efficient.)  The NVDA move was unknown and all three pose threats to INTC, which along with AMD have been the kings of x86-based CPUs for decades.  (INTC fell 3% on the news and NVDA popped by about the same amount.)  After the close, Bloomberg reported that IFF is working with advisors on the potential sale of its pharmaceutical unit in a deal expected to new in the area of $3.5 billion.  After the close, Reuters reported that on Sunday an ALK plane bound for San Francisco had to make an emergency diversion to Portland OR.  The cause of the diversion was that an off-duty pilot, riding back to his home airport on a cockpit jump seat, attempted to disable the jet’s engines mid-flight.  That pilot was subdued and then arrested in Portland, booked on 83 counts of attempted murder. 

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, TLSA confirmed that it is under investigation by the Dept. of Justice and has received subpoenas related to benefits paid to/for CEO Musk, marketing claims on vehicle range, and personnel decisions.  Elsewhere, the FDA requested more efficacy data from REGN and SNY related to their joint product called Dupixent.  (The FDA previously reject an initial application, but the drug companies feel the drug has shown significant benefits and are supplying the requested additional data.)  Later, WFC lost a $310 bond deal (was replaced by RJF) for a school district as the state of TX is scrutinizing the bank over its environmental policies.  (The oil and gas-controlled state wants to punish any banks that back climate initiatives such has a “Net Zero Banking Alliance.”)  JPM and BAC are also under investigation by the TX Attorney General (formerly impeached Paxton) for the same reasons.  At the same time, the US State Dept. approved the sale of missile systems from LMT, NOC, and RTX to the UK, Finland, and Lithuania.  The deal pricing were not detailed, but it will be in the $2+ billion region.  Later, CPB announced its $2.33 billion acquisition of private Sovos Brands has been delayed until 2024 after the FTC asked for more details on the deal.  The company said it still expects to close the deal in mid-2024 after the FTC review is complete.  Also after the close, INDV agreed to pay $385 million to settle lawsuits from US drug wholesales that alleged the company had suppressed generic competition to its Suboxone opioid drug.  Finally, JPM’s recent $290 million settlement of a class-action suit related to the bank’s alleged financing of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking was challenged Monday evening.  The Attorneys General of 16 states plus the District of Columbia jointly objected to the settlement which contained language saying the settlement money would be refunded to the bank if any sovereign or government sought damages arising from the sex trafficking of Epstein or his associates.  This was obviously intended to put the state’s in a position of deciding between hurting the victims who were paid $290 million under the settlement and suing the bank.

After the close, BRO, CDNS, CLF, CR, MEDP, and SSD all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ARE, PKG, TBI, and WRB all missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  On the other side, HRI and TFII both beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, AAN and CCK missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that AAN, CDNS, CCK, and TBI all lowered their forward guidance.  However, ARE, CR, MEDP, and PKG all raised guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the green side.  India (-1.34%) and Hong Kong (-1.05%) paced the losses while South Korea (+1.12%) and Singapore (+1.00%) led the more plentiful gainers.  In Europe, we see an even more pronounced lean toward the green at midday.  Four of the bourses are barely in the red (led by the FTSE, -0.02%) while the CAC (+0.70%) and DAX (+0.30%) lead most of the region higher in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a solidly green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.44% open, the SPY is implying a +0.55% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.65% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are moving back up to 4.867% and Oil (WTI) is down to $85.86 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday includes S&P Global Manufacturing PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI (all at 9:45 a.m.), and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include MMM, HOUS, ADM, ARCC, ABG, BCS, CNC, KO, GLW, DHR, DOV, DOW, FI, FELE, GTX, GE, GM, HAL, HCA, HRI, ITW, IVZ, KMB, NEE, NHYDY, NVS, NUE, PCAR, PNR, PII, PHM, DGX, RTX, SHW, SPOT, SYF, TECK, TRU, VZ, and XRX.  Then, after the close, GOOGL, BYD, CNI, CHX, CB, CSGP, ENVA, FFIV, GOOG, HA, MTDR, MSFT, RRC, RHI, RUSHA, SNAP, TDOC, TXN, V, WFRD, and WM report.

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, Building Permits, New Home Sales, and EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell.  On Thursday, we get September Durable Goods Orders, Preliminary Q3 GDP, Preliminary Q3 GDP Price Index, September Goods Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Sept. Retail Inventories, Sept. Pending Home Sales, and we hear from Fed member Waller.  Finally, on Friday, Sept. PCE Price Index, Sept. Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations are reported. 

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, we hear from ALFVY, APH, ATLKY, ADP, AVY, BA, BOKF, CME, CSTM, EVR, FTV, GD, GBX, GPI, HES, HLT, LTH, LAD, MHO, MCO, MSM, EDU, NSC, ODFL, OMF, OPCH, OTIS, OC, PAG, PRG, RDUS, ROP, R, SLGN, TMUS, TMHC, TDY, TMO, TNL, UMC, VRT, WNC, WAB, AEM, ALGN, ALSN, AMP, NLY, AR, ATR, ASGN, AVB, AGR, BKR, BHE, CACI, CP, CLS, CCS, CHE, CHDN, CMPR, CYH, EW, ESI, EQT, EQIX, EG, FLEX, FLS, FBIN, GL, GGG, ICLR, IEX, IBM, INVH, KALU, KLAC, LSTR, MAT, META, MAA, MOH, MYRG, NBR, NXT, ORLY, OII, PPC, PLXS, RJF, ROL, SEIC, NOW, STC, SUI, TER, TNET, TROX, URI, UHS, VMI, VICI, WCN, WFG, WU, and WHR.  On Thursday, AOS, MO, AMT, AIT, ARCH, AMBP, BSX, BFH, BMY, BC, BG, CRS, CARR, CX, CNP, CMS, CMCSA, CFR, EXP, EME, FAF, FCNCA, FSV, ULCC, FCN, HOG, HAS, HSY, HTZ, HON, IP, KVUE, KDP, KEX, LH, LAZ, LEA, LII, LIN, LKQ, MDC, MAS, MA, MRK, NYCB, NEM, NOC, ORI, OSK, PATK, BTU, PCG, BPOP, RS, RCL, STX, SAH, LUV, STM, FTI, TXT, TTE, TSCO, TPH, UPS, VLO, VLY, VC, VMC, GWW, WST, WEX, WTW, AB, AMZN, AJG, BIO, SAM, COF, CSL, CC, CMG, CINF, COLM, DECK, DXCM, DLR, EMN, EHC, ENPH, ERIE, FE, F, HIG, HUBG, INTC, JNPR, LHX, LPLA, MTX, NOV, OLN, PFG, RSG, RMD, SKX, SKYW, SSNC, TEX, TXRH, X, VALE, WY, and WKC report.  Finally, on Friday, we hear from ABBV, AER, ARLP, AON, ARCB, AN, AVTR, BAH, CBRE, GTLS, CHTR, CVX, CL, DAN, EQNR, XOM, FMX, FTS, GNTX, IMO, LECO, LYB, NWL, NVT, PSX, POR, SAIA, SNY, SWK, TROW, and XEL.

So far this morning, MMM, ARCC, CNC, KO, DHR, DOW, GE, GM, FI, PNR, DGX, RTX, SHW, SPOT, and SYF all beat on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ADM, BCS, DOV, GTX, HAL, KMB, NHYDY, NVS, PHM, VZ, and XRX all reported missed on the revenue line while beating on earnings.  On the other side, HCA, IVZ, and PACW all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, ABG, GLW, PII, TECK, and TRU all missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that GM removed its forward guidance altogether.  At the same time, MMM, AWI, CNC, KO, DHR, FI, and SHW all raised their forward guidance.  However, GLW, DOV, and TRU also lowered their guidance.

In hedge fund news, fund manager Bill Ackman announced Monday that his fund had covered its months-long short on US Treasury Bonds.  Ackman said there is too much risk in the world and he now expects a significant flight to the safety of bonds to bid up their price.  Elsewhere, Reuters reports that both JPM and GS have told them that major hedge funds have trimmed their positions in the mega-cap tech giants ahead of earnings.  The article specifically cited META, GOOGL, AAPL, MSFT, and NVDA as the targets of the position trimming.

In miscellaneous news, in a hopeful sign of progress in the negotiations with Hamas, the group released two more hostages Monday.  Both were elderly women.  However, at the same time, Israel traded artillery fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah across the Irael-Lebanon border.  Elsewhere, Reuters reports that China is set to approve $137 billion in additional sovereign debt Tuesday to raise money for more infrastructure spending and other economic stimulus plans.  Finally, one of the nine GOP House Speaker candidates dropped out of the race after delivering his speech to the GOP Caucus on Monday.  The plan is for the GOP to decide on their favorite candidate today and maybe even get to a floor vote on the position later.  However, the dysfunction has not been overcome with arguments over secret versus public ballots in the caucus as well as whether or not to proceed to another floor vote if the GOP vote is not at least 217 in favor of one candidate.  There is also the matter of half the candidates at least publicly being Trump-aligned and denying the results of the last election. 

In late-breaking news, French President Macron proposed an international coalition to fight ISIS (which Israel and the US have labeled Hamas) during a trip to Israel.  In “It’s not just you who makes bad trades” news, the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world (I had no idea it was Norway), the Norwegian Government Pension Fund said it lost $34 billion in Q3.  (For reference, that fund has $1.4 trillion in assets.)

With that background, it looks like the Bulls are in control of the premarket. All three of the major index ETFs opened higher, have modest lower wicks, and are giving us white-bodied candles that are near their highs of the early session. These are not indecisive candles and indicate a little momentum will be carried into the open, presumably based on good earnings from major players. With that said, it is important to remember that the SPY, DIA, and QQQ are remain well below their T-line (8ema) and even the short-term trend of the last few days has not been completely broken. Again, we have no really major economic news today. So, beware of volatility and don’t be surprised if we wobble into some over-extension relief without really changing anything in the chart. In terms of that extension, all three major index ETFs are starting to get stretched out below the T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator also remains deep in the bottom of its oversold territory. So, we need a pause or bounce to relieve pressure even if the Bears maintain control. Just remember that the market can stay over-extended a lot longer than we can stay solvent being right too early. So, don’t go betting on “we’re due.”

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

🎯 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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Markets sold off in the morning Friday and then meandered sideways the rest of the day.  SPY opened down 0.13%, DIA opened 0.23% lower, and QQQ opened down 0.18%.  Then, all three major index ETFs ground sideways for 30 minutes.  However, at 10 a.m., DIA sold off sharply for 15 minutes but the SPY and QQQ sold off hard until 11 a.m. and neither reached their low until 11:35 a.m.  From there, all three drifted sideways with first a slight bullish trend until 1:20 p.m. and then sideways with a slight bearish trend the rest of the day.  This action gave us black-bodied candles with modest upper wicks and very small, if any lower wicks.  The SPY is at the breakout of a “Dreaded h” pattern and also crossed down through its 200sma.  DIA is still in the downswing of its own Dreaded h and QQQ is sitting at the breakdown of a major support level.  This happened with above-average volume in the SPY, average volume in the DIA, and a bit less-than-average volume in the QQQ.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the red with Technology (-1.75%) out front leading the way lower.  Meanwhile, Healthcare (-0.47%) held up better than other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was down 1.23%, the DIA lost 0.88%, and QQQ lost 1.49%.  VXX gained 0.61% to close at 26.46 and T2122 dropped even further into the bottom of its oversold territory at 1.37.  10-year bond yields fell slightly to 4.914% while Oil (WTI) fell slightly to close at $89.02 per barrel.  So, on Friday we had a very volatile market.  There is no way to know for sure what the cause behind the morning volatility or the afternoon selloff was.  However, Fed Chair Powell spoke at noon, and it was also midday when the latest stage of the House Republican fiasco began. There was also news out of the Middle East midday as the Israeli Defense Minister had reportedly green-lighted a ground invasion of Gaza and a US Destroyer intercepted drones/missiles launched by the Yemeni Houthi (backed by Iran).

The economic news reported Friday was limited to the September Federal Budget Balance which came in far, far worse than expected at a deficit of $171.0 billion (compared to a forecast of a $78.6 billion deficit and even the August number of an $89.0 billion deficit).  Elsewhere, Bloomberg released its monthly survey of economists on Friday.  The October survey indicates an increased average estimate for Q3 GDP of 3.5% (up from the 3.0% estimate in September).

In Fed speak news, Cleveland Fed President Mester indicated Friday that the Fed is at or at least very near its peak tightening.  Mester said, “Regardless of the decision made at our next meeting, if the economy evolves as anticipated, in my view, we are likely near or at a holding point on the funds rate.”   However, she said there is still plenty of room for the Fed to keep tightening by cutting its balance sheet, saying “There’s still more runway there” to lower the size of the Fed’s holdings and this process could play out over the next year and a half to two years.”  Mester also made it clear that rate hikes and QT are separate issues, saying “we can have the balance sheet reduction continue independently of federal funds rate moves.”

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, for the second time in a week, STLA has pulled out of a major auto show.  The company cited an effort to reduce costs in the midst of the UAW strike.  STLA also announced it would lay off an additional 100 workers due to the strike.  Elsewhere, GM announced it increased its proposed wage increases to match the 23% increase offered by F, as well as the additional benefits enhancements.  At the same time, UAW President Fain cited progress in his weekly update.  He noted that he had received improved offers from GM and STLA.  Fain said that a deal is close, but emphasized that the crucial part of any negotiation is the final push before the deal, which he means the need to remain on strike.  He announced no new additions to the strike (facilities or workers).  However, as usual, Fain threatened wider strikes if even better offers are not delivered by the companies.  The strike is now 5-weeks old and some analysts wondered aloud whether Fain was hoping the upcoming earnings reports from GM and F might give those companies a reason to take one more step in order to report a tentative deal along with their earnings. (It would make the earnings call questions easier to address.)

In stock news, TM extended its temporary partial production shutdown until Monday following a fire at a major supplier in Japan.  Elsewhere, SAVE canceled 11% of its flights Friday in order to do inspections for so-called “undocumented parts.”  The outage is expected to last at least several days since many of the parts needing inspection are in the center of jet engines. Later, ADIL shares plummeted (closing down 24%) following its announcement of the sale of 1.4 million shares to raise cash.  At the same time, BMY said its experimental renal cancer drug has achieved both primary and secondary targets in a Phase III study.  In the auto industry, VLKAF (Volkswagen) cut its 2023 profit margin outlook, citing failures in its raw materials hedging.  At the same time, a rail union (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen) initiated a safety program with NSC (following that railroad’s multiple safety failures this year) and also ratified a sick leave agreement with CSX.  After the close, ORCL announced a strategic partnership with NVDA saying it has implemented the NVDA AI stack into its cloud marketplace.  (ORCL sells AI processing via the cloud as a service to businesses.)  At the same time, OKTA announced it had suffered a security breach via a stolen credential.  (OKTA sells cloud software infrastructure intended to provide security authentication…so security breaches are not exactly good for business.)  As a result of rumors and leaks of this news, OKTA was down 11.57% Friday (over 9% of the loss came after 2:40 p.m.).

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the Fed, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency extended the deadline for comments (from the big banks basically) about why banks should not face stricter capital rules and increased data collection on the banks’ financial stability.  The new deadline for comment is Jan. 16.  Later, a US District Judge gave final approval of a $75 million settlement reached by DB with various victims of Jeffrey Epstein who had accused the bank of facilitating the late financier’s sex trafficking.  Later, Reuters reported that the EU antitrust regulators have resumed their investigation of ABDA (over its $20 billion bid to buy Figma) on Friday.  This comes after the agency had halted its investigation while awaiting further data from ADBE.  A decision on the deal is due by Feb 5.  Later the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden Administration, throwing out lower court rulings that were intended to limit the administration’s ability to contact social media companies to have misinformation and disinformation moderated by META, GOOGL, AAPL, and Twitter (now X) as well as the non-mainstream platforms.

Overnight, Asian markets were red across the board again.  Thailand (-1.66%), Shenzhen (-1.51%), and Shanghai (-1.47%) led the region lower but the move was broad-based.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape at midday with only Greece (+0.26%) in the green.  The DAX (-0.80%), CAC (-0.21%), and FTSE (-0.54%) are leading the region lower in early afternoon trade.  In the US, at 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing to a move lower to start the week.  The DIA implies a -0.54% open, the SPY is implying a -0.50% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.58% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up again, teasing 5% at 4.999% while Oil (WTI) is down 0.77% to $87.40 per barrel.

There is no major economic news scheduled for Monday.  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include PHG and SDVKY.  Then, after the close, AAN, ARE, BRO, CDNS, CLF, CR, CCK, LOGI, MEDP, PKG, SSD, TFII, TBI, and WRB report.

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday, we get S&P Global Manufacturing PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, S&P Global Composite PMI, and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks.  Then Wednesday, Building Permits, New Home Sales, and EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell.  On Thursday, we get September Durable Goods Orders, Preliminary Q3 GDP, Preliminary Q3 GDP Price Index, September Goods Trade Balance, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Sept. Retail Inventories, Sept. Pending Home Sales, and we hear from Fed member Waller.  Finally, on Friday, Sept. PCE Price Index, Sept. Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations are reported. 

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, MMM, HOUS, ADM, ARCC, ABG, BCS, CNC, KO, GLW, DHR, DOV, DOW, FI, FELE, GTX, GE, GM, HAL, HCA, HRI, ITW, IVZ, KMB, NEE, NHYDY, NVS, NUE, PCAR, PNR, PII, PHM, DGX, RTX, SHW, SPOT, SYF, TECK, TRU, VZ, XRX, GOOGL, BYD, CNI, CHX, CB, CSGP, ENVA, FFIV, GOOG, HA, MTDR, MSFT, RRC, RHI, RUSHA, SNAP, TDOC, TXN, V, WFRD, and WM report.  Then Wednesday, we hear from ALFVY, APH, ATLKY, ADP, AVY, BA, BOKF, CME, CSTM, EVR, FTV, GD, GBX, GPI, HES, HLT, LTH, LAD, MHO, MCO, MSM, EDU, NSC, ODFL, OMF, OPCH, OTIS, OC, PAG, PRG, RDUS, ROP, R, SLGN, TMUS, TMHC, TDY, TMO, TNL, UMC, VRT, WNC, WAB, AEM, ALGN, ALSN, AMP, NLY, AR, ATR, ASGN, AVB, AGR, BKR, BHE, CACI, CP, CLS, CCS, CHE, CHDN, CMPR, CYH, EW, ESI, EQT, EQIX, EG, FLEX, FLS, FBIN, GL, GGG, ICLR, IEX, IBM, INVH, KALU, KLAC, LSTR, MAT, META, MAA, MOH, MYRG, NBR, NXT, ORLY, OII, PPC, PLXS, RJF, ROL, SEIC, NOW, STC, SUI, TER, TNET, TROX, URI, UHS, VMI, VICI, WCN, WFG, WU, and WHR.  On Thursday, AOS, MO, AMT, AIT, ARCH, AMBP, BSX, BFH, BMY, BC, BG, CRS, CARR, CX, CNP, CMS, CMCSA, CFR, EXP, EME, FAF, FCNCA, FSV, ULCC, FCN, HOG, HAS, HSY, HTZ, HON, IP, KVUE, KDP, KEX, LH, LAZ, LEA, LII, LIN, LKQ, MDC, MAS, MA, MRK, NYCB, NEM, NOC, ORI, OSK, PATK, BTU, PCG, BPOP, RS, RCL, STX, SAH, LUV, STM, FTI, TXT, TTE, TSCO, TPH, UPS, VLO, VLY, VC, VMC, GWW, WST, WEX, WTW, AB, AMZN, AJG, BIO, SAM, COF, CSL, CC, CMG, CINF, COLM, DECK, DXCM, DLR, EMN, EHC, ENPH, ERIE, FE, F, HIG, HUBG, INTC, JNPR, LHX, LPLA, MTX, NOV, OLN, PFG, RSG, RMD, SKX, SKYW, SSNC, TEX, TXRH, X, VALE, WY, and WKC report.  Finally, on Friday, we hear from ABBV, AER, ARLP, AON, ARCB, AN, AVTR, BAH, CBRE, GTLS, CHTR, CVX, CL, DAN, EQNR, XOM, FMX, FTS, GNTX, IMO, LECO, LYB, NWL, NVT, PSX, POR, SAIA, SNY, SWK, TROW, and XEL.

In US Congressional news, I’m sure you heard that Rep. Jordan failed in what was a surprise third vote in his try to become Speaker of the House on Friday.  Just as had happened in the second vote, Jorden got less support, losing 4 more GOP votes than he had gotten in the second vote.  Speaker Pro Tempore adjourned Congress for a long weekend immediately after the vote.  Following adjournment, the GOP Caucus held a secret ballot to confirm their support of Jordan’s candidacy and Jordan got the backing of only 86 of the 221 Republicans.  (So, in the space of an hour, Jordan had gone from 194 public votes to 86 private ones.) He was dropped as the GOP Speaker Nominee (and withdrew his candidacy).  As of Sunday, there were nine sitting GOP Reps. that had filed officially to throw their hat into the ring for the job.  The GOP plans to hear speeches from the nine on Monday and take their next GOP-only vote to choose one on Tuesday.  Sadly, as of Sunday night, the Democrats had not shown enough leadership to publicly throw their support behind one of the nine either. Had they done so, they would have made it easier on moderate Republicans to elect a GOP Speaker with bipartisan support. That would have meant the Speaker was much less indebted to extremist minorities on either side.  So, we continue down the partisan track, and assuming the GOP can choose their candidate Tuesday morning, the whole House will resume voting for the new Speaker later Tuesday.  That will be exactly 24 calendar days and 9 scheduled House working days before another government shutdown ensues.

In miscellaneous news, the Biden Administration made a formal request for $105 billion of funding for Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and US border security. The packaging includes $61 billion for Ukraine ($50 billion of which will actually go to US defense contractors), $14.3 billion for Israel (some of which will also go for US-built missile systems), a bit more than $9 billion for humanitarian aid, $6.4 billion for border operations, $1.2 billion for fighting counterfeit fentanyl entering the country, and $2 billion for Taiwan.

In geopolitical news, two American hostages were released by Hamas on Friday after negotiations made through the UAE.  In other Middle East news, a US Destroyer shot down missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed, Yemeni Houthi rebels that were headed toward Israel.  Elsewhere, ship tracking data has identified one Russian and one Chinese ship that were in the locations of pipeline and telecom cable that were destroyed recently (running between Finland and Estonia).  Sweden said the same two ships were at the location of a telecom cable running between Stockholm and Estonia that was damaged about a day prior to the Finnish damage.  Meanwhile, flying under the radar last week, hours after Russia revoked its ban on nuclear testing, the Biden Administration showed its own ability to rattle sabers by conducting a large high-explosive (non-nuclear) test at US nuclear test site.  The Dept. of Energy said the test was intended to validate new predictive models for the chemicals and radioisotopes used in the blast.  (This will reportedly improve the US ability to detect atomic blasts in other countries.)

In late-breaking news, Japan announced it has launched an antitrust investigation of GOOGL related to mobile phone search monopoly.  Third-party opinions on the topic are to be submitted by November 22.  Elsewhere, CVX announced early today that it has agreed to buy HES for $53 billion in an all-stock deal.  This comes not long after XOM bought PXD as huge consolidation in the US Oil space continues.  (Don’t be surprised if the pair of deals draw antitrust scrutiny since the number 1 (XOM) and number 2 (CVX) oil producers gobbling up significant rivals.  CVX said that after the deal closes, it intends to increase its share repurchase program by another $2.5 billion (on top of the existing $20 billion buyback plan).

With that background, it looks like the bears continue to have control in the premarket. However, all three of the major index ETFs are up off their lows of the early session. It is also worth noting that DIA and QQQ are printing indecisive premarket candles, with more wick than body and wick on both sides. Still, they are all black-bodied candles. So, the market leans bearish early with all three major index ETFs below their T-line (8ema). With no economic news on tap today and more earnings not really coming until after the close, we might get a true read on relative strength to start the week. Trading should be a little less volatile unless we get geopolitical news of some sort. In terms of extension, all three major index ETFs are starting to get stretched out below the T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is now also deep in the bottom of its oversold territory. So, we need a pause or bounce to relieve pressure even if the Bears maintain control. Just remember that the market can stay over-extended a lot longer than we can stay solvent being right too early. So, don’t go betting on “we’re due.”

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Thursday was a volatile day in the morning and the Bear’s market in the afternoon.  The SPY “gapped” up 0.16%, the DIA opened dead flat, and the QQQ gapped up 0.43%.  From there, all three major index ETFs traded sideways for the first 45 minutes, sold off the next hour, and rallied until 12:25 p.m.  Then a short, sharp selloff lasted 15 minutes, reaching new lows for all three major index ETFs.  This was followed by an equally sharp rally to the highs of the day by 1:10 p.m.  However, that was when the Bears took over and sold the market the rest of the day, closing not far off the lows. This action gave us large-body, black candles with larger upper wicks and smaller lower wicks.  All three of those major index ETFs retested and failed their T-line (8ema) from below, while DIA retested and failed its 200sma and QQQ came very close to testing and failing its 50sma.  This all happened on heavier-than-average volume in the SPY, DIA, and QQQ index ETFs.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the red with Consumer Cyclical (-1.46%) out front leading the way lower.  Meanwhile, Energy (-0.29%) held up better than other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was down 0.88%, the DIA lost 0.75%, and QQQ lost 0.94%.  VXX gained 4.95% to close at 26.30 and T2122 dropped down further into (into the bottom of) its oversold territory at 5.24. 10-year bond yields spiked yet again to 4.994% while Oil (WTI) popped again by 2.42% to close at $90.46 per barrel.  So, on Thursday we had a very volatile market.  There is no way to know for sure the cause of the morning volatility or the afternoon selloff.  However, Fed Chair Powell spoke at noon, it was also midday when Rep. Jordan gave up on having a vote today and decided to back giving more power to appointed Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry (while saying he is still running for the job but would back McHenry for few months).  There was also news out of the Middle East midday as the Israeli Defense Minister reportedly green-lighted the expected ground invasion of Gaza and a US Destroyer intercepted drones/missiles launched by the Yemeni Houthis (backed by Iran) toward Israel.

The economic news reported Thursday included Weekly Initial Jobless Claims that came in better than expected at 198k (compared to a forecast of 212k and a previous week’s value of 211k).  At the same time, the Philly Fed Mfg. Index came in weaker than anticipated at -9.0 (versus a forecast of -6.4 but better than the September reading of -13.5).  For reference, a value above zero means improving conditions, and below zero means deteriorating conditions.  Later, September Existing Home Sales (month-on-month) came in better than expected at 3.96 million (compared to a forecast of 3.89 million but down from the August value of 4.04 million). This amounts to a 2.0% decline month-on-month, which is a bit worse than the August decline from July which was -0.7%.  Finally, after the close, the Fed Balance Sheet continued to show it slow and steady decline, as it moved from $7.952 trillion to $7.933 trillion.

In Fed speak news, as mentioned, Fed Chair Powell gave a speech to the Economic Club of NY.  In the speech, he said pretty much what was anticipated.  Powell said inflation remains too high, but progress has been made and the economy remains strong, especially in the labor market (which is also a Fed mandate).  However, his primary tone was to expect rates higher for longer…and the process will be long.  His notable quotes included “Inflation is still too high, and a few months of good data are only the beginning of what it will take”, “While the path is likely to be bumpy and take some time, my colleagues and I are united in our commitment to bringing inflation down sustainably to 2 percent”, “Incoming data over recent months show ongoing progress toward both of our dual mandate goals —maximum employment and stable prices,” and “Does it feel like policy is too tight right now? I would have to say no.”  Then after hours, Dallas Fed President Logan said “We have some time” to see data before deciding on the next rate move.  She indicated the Fed can be deliberate and hinted at continuing the rate pause.  She noted that tightening monetary conditions (caused by rising bond yields) will help slow economic growth, curbing inflation and giving the FOMC the slack needed to wait.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, F laid off another 150 employees at one of its MI plants Thursday, again citing the UAW strike as the reason.  Later, UAW workers in AL ratified a deal with MBGAF (Mercedes) supplier ZF and ended their strike with that supplier.  Elsewhere, in tangentially related news, Reuters reported Thursday that UNP is seeking to renegotiate contracts with its customers, citing the impact of the UAW strike on costs.  However, the primary driver behind the move appears to be inflation impacts, with the UAW strike being a convenient reason to cite for needing renegotiations. 

In stock news, on Thursday, TSLA joined GM and F in slowing its expansion of EV production capacity.  TSLA CEO Musk said, “People hesitate to buy a new car if there’s uncertainty in the economy.”  Later, Reuters reported that Japan’s JFE Steel is in talks to buy a stake in TECK or at least TECK’s metallurgical coal unit.  At the same time, NOK announced it plans to cut 14,000 jobs between now and 2026.  Elsewhere, DG announced the reinstatement of former CEO Vasos (who had left in 2022).  Later, ENPH announced the availability of its EV chargers throughout North America.  (The lack of immediate availability has been a drag in charger installations in 2023.)  By mid-afternoon, STLA announced a deal to do an asset transfer deal with China’s Dongfeng Motor Group. The deal will increase STLA exports, allowing STLA to further penetrate the Chinese markets.  Dongfeng will get STLA land rights and buildings in the swap.  After the close, CVS removed many common decongestants (recently found ineffective by studies) from store shelves and discontinued their sale. 

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the EPA ordered NSC to do more cleanup in East Palestine OH (site of their Feb. derailment and chemical spill).  At the same time, AMZN asked a US District Court to dismiss the FTC lawsuit, claiming the FTC was using poorly defined concepts and terms to punish the company.  (The terms mentioned were “manipulative” or “deceptive.”)  Later, WBA settled a class action suit brought by investors in now-bankrupt RAD for $192 million.  (The investors claimed WBA had misled them about WBA’s interest in buying RAD back in 2017.)  Meanwhile, PFE won unconditional approval for its acquisition of SGEN from EU antitrust regulators.  In the early afternoon, MO filed suit against 34 vape manufacturers, seeking an injunction as it claimed they violated state and federal laws to “illegally compete” with MO’s NJOY vape unit.  At the same time, Bloomberg reported that the FDIC and Fed are considering rules to curb the system leverage by regulating how banks can trade with hedge funds.  Currently, hedge funds are allowed to employ significant leverage by betting on the spread between Bond futures and the cash market price of the same vehicle with banks.  The FDIC and Fed can only regulate the banks but this new rule on banks would be a means of curbing systemic risks posed by hedge funds by denying them the bank trading partners.  Elsewhere, on Thursday the CFPB proposed new rules that would make it easier for consumers to transfer their data between financial service providers.  The “open banking draft” rule is intended to supercharge competition in the financial services sector by giving customers the ability to easily walk away from bad service.  The rules should be finalized in 2024.  (The EU, UK, and others already have such rules.)

After the close, AMTB, ASB, OZK, CSX, KNX, and WAL all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ISRG missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  It is worth noting that the regional banks continued their massive revenue growth quarter-on-quarter (ASB +49.2%, OZK +67.8%, WAL +44.3% just to name three.)

Overnight, Asian markets were red across the board.  South Korea (-1.69%) Thailand (-1.66%), and New Zealand (-1.27%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see the same thing taking shape at midday.  The DAX (-1.24%), CAC (-1.16%), and FTSE (-0.82%) are leading the region lower in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a modestly red start to the day (relative to the rest of the globe).  The DIA implies a -0.22% open, the SPY is implying a -0.21% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.28% open at this hour.  Meanwhile, 10-year bond yields are “down” to 4.933% and Oil (WTI) is up modestly to $90.60 per barrel in early trading.

There is no major economic news scheduled for Friday. However, again we hear from Fed member Harker (9 a.m.) and Mester (12:15 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include AXP, ALV, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, IPG, RF, and SLB.

So far this morning, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, and TLSNY all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AXP and SLB have missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, ALV, IPG, and RF beat on revenue while missing on the earnings line.  It is worth noting that the banks continue to post significant quarter-on-quarter revenue growth.  For example, CMA (+36.0%), HBAN (+35.2%), and RF (+19.7%).

In US Congressional news, Rep. Jordan failed to garner any more support for his bid to become Speaker of the House on Thursday.  So, voting was again postponed (canceled for the day).  Jordan’s GOP opponents leaked to the press that they’ve been planning their opposition and intend to slowly decrease his vote total, by increasing the number who vote for someone else, on each successive vote. (This sounds like a pretty odd approach that would mean some who are in opposition actually vote for Jordan in early rounds of votes. Nonetheless, it was leaked to multiple news outlets.) After another fiery closed-door shouting/swearing match amongst the GOP caucus, opponents refused to even talk with Jordan.  As a result, Jordan said he will now back giving appointed Speaker Pro Tempore “increased interim powers” for the rest of 2023…but will continue running for the job in hopes of ceasing the post in January.  (Jordan believes the two-plus months would allow him to pressure and sway his GOP opponents.  However, other GOP Reps. say the time will make no difference, the bullying/pressure will increase opposition, and the move would only prolong the GOP agony by reigniting the fight in January.)  Meanwhile, the extreme right-wing group of the GOP that brought down former speaker McCarthy despises the idea of empowering McHenry anyway, because he was chosen by and is a very close ally of McCarthy.

In miscellaneous news, while fear of inflation makes the headlines, there are places where disinflation is taking place.  For example, a bumper corn crop has caused global corn stockpiles to grow with the USDA expecting that after the US harvest, US storage of corn will have increased 55% from a year earlier.  As a result, all the companies that use corn inputs are seeing major decreases in cost.  CALM (largest egg producer in the US) says that their input cost per dozen eggs has fallen almost 11% in the 3-months ending on Sept 2 and corn supplies won’t peak for 2-3 months.  Elsewhere, the Biden Administration announced two separate offers to buy oil to refill the strategic petroleum reserve totaling 6 million barrels.  The offers would be filled in December and January.  Meanwhile, NOAA released a forecast saying low water levels in the Mississippi River will persist through at least January, despite an improved drought forecast.  The hope of relief from the drought in the Mississippi River Valley comes from the El Nino weather pattern forecast for this winter. 

In mortgage news, Bloomberg reported Thursday that the average home price in the US is now just over $412,000.  Assuming a 20% downpayment ($82,400), and a 7.2% interest rate, an American family would need to make more than $112k per year and spend no more than 30% of their income on housing.  There are only two problems with that math.  The US average 30-year, fixed-rate, 20% down rate is now 8.5% and the US average annual salary is $70k.  In other words, the average American family cannot afford to buy a home…not even close. In related news, long-term US bond yields (which are loosely tied to mortgage rates) are spiking along with other bond yields. The US 10-year bond briefly traded at a 16-year high Thursday of above 5%.

With that background, it looks like the market is still undecided at this point in the premarket. All three index ETFs gapped modestly lower to start the early session. However, they have been putting in indecisive moves since that open with DIA giving us a small black-body candle, QQQ giving us a small white-bodied candle, and SPY giving us a small Doji. So, the market leans bearish but does not seem to have made up its mind yet. All three major index ETFs are back below their T-line (8ema). With no economic news on tap today and Fed Chair Powell having spoken Thursday, it is not likely the Fed speakers will rock the boat much either today. We could get a little volatility from anything the House does. However, the main news risk would seem to be geopolitics and Middle Eastern war and/or terror news. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far from their T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is now back down well into its oversold territory. So, we still have some slack to the downside, but more slack to the upside if one of the two sides can gather momentum. Just remember that the market can stay over-extended a lot longer than you can stay solvent being right too early. Also, remember that its Friday, Payday, and time to prepare your account for the weekend news cycle.

As always, be deliberate and disciplined…but don’t be stubborn. If you have a loss, admit you were wrong and take that loss before it gets out of hand. And when the price does move in your direction, always move your stops in your favor and take a little profit off the table. You have to keep the “Legend of the man in the green bathrobe” in mind. In a winning situation, it is NOT HOUSE MONEY you’re betting, it’s YOUR MONEY! There is 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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

The market gapped lower on Wednesday, opening down 0.41% in the SPY, down just 0.10% in the DIA, but down 0.73% in the QQQ.  From there, the first 45 minutes saw a sideways chop in all three major index ETFs.  However, then the Bears took over and sold the market off (in a jagged fashion) for the rest of the day.  Only a slight bounce in the last 10-15 minutes kept all three index ETFs from closing on their lows.  This action gave us black-bodied candles in all three.  The QQQ printed a larger-bodied, black Spinning Top candle that crossed back down through its T-line (8ema) and 50sma.  The DIA printed a large-body, black candle that crossed back below its T-line and 200sma.  Meanwhile, the SPY printed a large-body, black candle with a bit more wick on each end than the DIA.  SPY also crossed back below its 8ema.  This happened on just slightly above-average volume in all three. 

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the red with Basic Materials (-2.71%) and Industrials (-2.62%) out front leading the way lower.  Meanwhile, Energy (+0.45%) held up much better than the other sectors (by 0.75%).  At the same time, the SPY was down 1.33%, the DIA lost 0.99%, and QQQ lost 1.31%.  VXX gained 6.41% to close at 25.06 and T2122 dropped down into the middle of its oversold territory at 10.61.  10-year bond yields spiked again to 4.911% while Oil (WTI) popped again to close at $88.16 per barrel.  So, Wednesday was the Bear’s day from premarket into the close.

The economic news reported Wednesday included Preliminary September Building Permits which came in better than expected at 1.473 million (compared to a forecast of 1.455 million but less than the August number of 1.541 million).  This amounted to a Preliminary decline of 4.4% month-on-month (versus a 6.8% month-on-month increase between July and August).  At the same time, September Housing Starts came in light at 1.358 million (compared to a forecast of 1.380 million but well above the 1.269 million in August).  That amounted to a 7.0% increase month-on-month in September versus a 12.5% decline between July and August.  Later, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories showed a much larger than expected drawdown of 4.491-million-barrels (versus a predicted draw of 0.300-million-barrels and drastically different than the prior week’s inventory build of 10.176-million-barrels.  Finally, at the close, the TIC Net Long-Term Transactions for August came in worse than expected at +$63.5 billion (versus a forecast of +$76.8 billion but dramatically higher than the July reading of +$9.5 billion…which itself was revised up from the original reporting).

In Fed news, Fed Governor Waller promoted the idea of a cautious approach to any further Fed Funds rate changes in a speech made at a conference in London.  Waller said, “I believe we can wait, watch, and see how the economy evolves before making definitive moves on the path of the policy rate.”  He went on to outline two scenarios (an economic slowdown that brings down inflation and a sustained strong economy requiring more hikes), but said which will happen remains very unclear.  Later, NY Fed President Williams reaffirmed the FOMC mantra that rates will need to be kept higher for longer to tame inflation.  At a Queens College speech, Willams reiterated that progress has been made in bringing down inflation and said he will advocate rate cuts once inflation pressures ease.  “Right now, we need to keep this restrictive stance of policy in place for some time to get inflation down.”  These two positions were reinforced by the Fed Beige Book released Wednesday, which showed little change in economic activity in the 45 days ending October 6.  In other words, despite the anecdotes of some, the hard data continues to show a strong economy.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, F announced a management shakeup appointing the head of its combustion vehicle unit as the new COO.  The head of its Ford Blue (gas and hybrid) unit will take over as head of the combustion vehicle unit.

In stock news, on Tuesday, HSBC announced it will ban texting from work phones to hopefully head off future investigations for “off book” communications between traders.  At the same time, BA pledged its support to key supplier SPR, in order to overcome the production problems that have plagued SPR (and therefore BA) for a year.  BA did this by providing an agreement under which it will give SPR financial assistance by adjusting SPR prices upward by $190 million.  By mid-morning, AMZN announced it had brought an automated warehouse in Houston, including a humanoid robot worker.  aimed at reducing labor costs, improving inventory accuracy, and increasing order-filling speed.  By early afternoon, members of a Swedish metal worker’s union called for strikes against TSLA in all (seven) of its service centers across that country.  (Around 90% of TSLA employees in Sweden are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.)  The strike was called over salary and pension concerns.  Elsewhere, BNS announced it will terminate 2,700 employees globally (3% of its workforce).  After the close, PCYG announced it would move its listing from NASDAQ to NYSE and chance to the ticker TRAK “around Nov. 2.”  Also after the close, the CEO of COST (Jelinek) announced he will step down in April 2024.  Shortly after this announcement, COST named the current Operations Chief as the new CEO when Jelinek retires.  At the same time, NFLX announced price increases and that the service had added 9 million new users globally.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the SEC proposed a ban on volume-based transaction pricing.  The measure would target brokerages who are routing orders based on volume contracts with middlemen.  In the major anti-trust case now underway, GOOGL began presenting its defense Wednesday.  It called one of its own VPs to testify about the efforts the company has put into improving its (now terrible due to ad and pay-for-placement) search tool since 2004.  Later, Mexico announced that two Chinese TSLA suppliers will invest $1 billion in the Northern Mexican state where TSLA is building a new factory.  Between the two suppliers, Mexico is also expecting to create 14,000 jobs. After the close, F and the NHTSA announced the carmaker was recalling 35,000 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E cars because main battery connectors may overheat resulting in a loss of control while the car is moving.  Also after the close, a US Appeals Court revived a shareholder case against META for violating user privacy and concealing the misuse of user data in 2017-2018.

After the close, COLB, FNB, LRCX, LVS, LBRT, NFLX, SAP, and ZION all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CCI and PPG both missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, AA, DFS, and STLD all beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, EFX, KMI, and TSLA missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that CCI raised its forward guidance while EFX and NFLX lowered guidance.

Overnight, Asian markets were nearly red across the board.  Only Taiwan (+0.07%) managed to hang onto green territory.  Meanwhile, Hong Kong (-2.46%), Japan (-1.91%), and South Korea (-1.90%) led the region sharply lower.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape at midday.  Only Greece (+0.11%) is in the green as the CAC (-0.59%), DAX (-0.22%), and FTSE (-0.88%) lead the region lower in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a mixed open on either side of flat.  The DIA implies a -0.12% open, the SPY is implying a -0.14% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.04% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are spiking again to 4.971% and Oil (WTI) is down more than one percent to $87.37 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday includes Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and Philly Fed Mfg. Index (both at 8:30 a.m.), Sept. Existing Home Sales (10 a.m.), and the Fed Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell (noon), Bostic (4 p.m.), and member Harker 5:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open ALK, AAL, T, BX, EWBC, FITB, FCX, GPC, KEY, MAN, MMC, NOK, PM, POOL, SNA, SNV, TSM, TFC, UNP, WSO, and WBS.  Then, after the close, CSX, ISRG, KNX, and WAL report. 

In economic news later this week, on Friday, there is no scheduled news.  However, again we hear from Fed member Harker (9 a.m.) and Mester (12:15 p.m.).

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, AXP, ALV, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, IPG, RF, and SLB report.

So far this morning, T, FITB, KEY, MAN, MMC, POOL, SNA, TSM, TCBI, TFC, WSO, and WBS all reported beats to both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, AAL, GPC, and PM missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  On the other side, BKU beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  Unfortunately, ALK, BX, and NOK missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that ALK and MAN both lowered their forward guidance.

In US Congressional news, after a day of bullying tactics (including harassing and then trying to intimidate the wife of a GOP opponent) by right-wing media and Rep. Jordan supporters, Jordan failed in his second vote to be made Speaker of the House.  Jordan lost 3 GOP votes and gained 1 between the first and second votes.  Again, the House adjourned after the single vote when it was clear Jordan would not get the votes to win on Wednesday.  At this point, there is more movement toward expanding the powers of unelected Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry as a stop-gap.  However, there are also some more moderate Republicans who say they won’t support that measure unless it is Jordan himself putting the bill forward (they want their pound of flesh related to the way Scalise was torpedoed).  Finally, another group is now pushing for MI Rep. Bergman (Retired Marine General) to be voted in as Speaker.  Late Wednesday, Bergman made the announcement he would run for the GOP nomination, but would only take the job through the end of this Congress (January 2025).  Jordan announced he plans to stay in the race. For their part, most of the GOP side of the aisle is trying to blame all their problems on the Democrats for not magnanimously crossing the aisle to save McCarthy from MAGA and then not doing the same to elect Scalise as Speaker. Another round of voting is planned for Thursday, but the time was not scheduled.

In miscellaneous news, with the spike in Treasury yields, 30-year, fixed-rate, home loans (after 20% down) hit 8% this morning.  That’s the highest level since the year 2000.  Although there has not been enough time for the market to adjust, demand for loans is expected to plummet in response.  Elsewhere, after a call between President Biden, Sec. of State Blinken, and Egyptian President el-Sissi, the US and Egypt have agreed to open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza from the Egyptian side.  In other Gaza news, Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) tends to indicate that the hospital (parking lot) explosion on Tuesday was caused by a misfire of a Hamas missile.  (The area is burnt, indicating a lot of fuel burned off in/after the explosion.  Israeli air strikes would not contain a lot of fuel.  There was also only a small hole caused by kinetic energy from a falling missile, not a huge crater and collapsed building that would be caused by a bomb explosion.  These indicate it was likely a freshly fired missile from very nearby that malfunctioned and crashed/burned in the hospital parking lot.)

With that background, it looks like we gapped a bit lower in the premarket but since then the Bulls have rallied a bit, giving us white-bodied candles. However, the early session candles are small and indecisive (considerable wick). So, the market does not seem to have made up its mind yet. All three major index ETFs are back below their T-line (8ema). QQQ is also below its 50sma and while the DIA is just below its 200sma in the early session. Economic news today is not likely to rock the boat during premarket and Fed Chair Powell’s speech at noon will also likely cause volatility. Lastly, more drama/news out of Congress could have a say in markets. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far from their T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is now back down in the middle of oversold territory. So, we have some slack to the downside, but more slack to the upside if one of the two can gather momentum. Also, remember that the market can stay over-extended a lot longer than you can stay solvent being right too early.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Tuesday saw a fair amount of whipsaw in the Market.  The SPY gapped down 0.72%, DIA gapped down 0.46%, and QQQ gapped down 0.99%.  However, the Bulls stepped in to rally all three major index ETFs until 12:30 p.m. when all three had recrossed the opening gap and reached the high of the day.  Then the Bears took over to sell off the market and recapture a good portion of what the Bulls had taken back during the morning rally by 2 p.m.  The rest of the day saw an hour and 45 minutes of sideways grind and then a rally into the close the last 15 minutes for all three major index ETFs.  This action gave us white-bodied candles in all three.  The QQQ printed a Spinning Top candle that retested and closed back up above its T-line (8ema) and 50sma.  The SPY and DIA both printed white candles with significant upper wicks that stayed up above their T-lines and the DIA stayed above its 200sma.  Again, this all happened on above-average volume in the DIA and below-average volume in both the SPY and QQQ.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the green with Basic Materials (+1.08%) and Consumer Cyclical (+1.00%) out front leading the way higher.  Meanwhile, Utilities (-0.15%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY was flat, the DIA gained 0.03%, and QQQ lost 0.33%.  VXX gained 2.79% to close at 23.55 and T2122 climbed back up to the bottom of the overbought territory at 81.61.  10-year bond yields spiked to 4.836% while Oil (WTI) popped back up to close at $87.73 per barrel.  So, it was a volatile day but at least it came on only a couple of moves.  We gapped down, rallied all morning, and reversed to give back much of the morning rebound.  At that point, Mr. Market was basically worn out.  So, we drifted sideways in the late afternoon only to rally the last 15 minutes.

The economic news reported Tuesday included September Retail Sales month-on-month, which came in stronger than expected at +0.7% (compared to a forecast of +0.3% but less than the August reading of +0.8%).  This included Sept. Core Retail Sales that were also stronger than expected at +0.6% (versus a forecast of +0.2% but with a declining rate of increase since August’s value was +0.9%).  Later, Sept. Industrial Production month-on-month was also stronger than anticipated at +0.3% (compared to a forecast of +0.1% and the August reading of +/-0.0%).  On a year-on-year basis, September Industrial Production came in unchanged at +0.08% versus the August value of +0.08%.  Still later, August Business Inventories month-on-month grew more than expected at +0.4% (compared to a forecast of +0.3% and the July value of +0.1%).  At the same time, August Retail Inventories were lower than predicted at +0.5% (versus a forecast of +0.6% but still higher than the July reading of +/- 0.0%).  Finally, API Weekly Cruce Oil Stocks reported a greater-than-expected drawdown of 4.383-million-barrel (compared to a forecasted 1.267-million-barrel drawdown and far different from the prior week’s 12.940-million-barrel inventory build).

In Fed speak news, Richmond Fed President Barkin indicated he is in the “wait and see” camp but is leaning dovish on Tuesday.  Barkin told a Real Estate Conference, “I see an economy that is much further along the path to demand normalization than much of the data would tell you.” even as “the path for inflation isn’t clear yet.”  He went on to say, “I am still looking to be convinced, both that demand is settling and that any weakness is feeding through to inflation.”  Later while being questioned by reporters, Barkin said “Longer-term rates have moved up, that’s certainly tightened financial conditions…”  After the close, Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari gave hawks some reason for hope when Reuters reported he told a University of Minnesota event that inflation has taken much longer than expected to come down and “it is still too high.”

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, STLA canceled a scheduled presentation at technology show CES in January, blaming the cancellation on the UAW strike.  At the same time, GM announced that it is pushing back the scheduled start of production at its Orion EV truck plan by a year.  While speculated by analysts, the company did not mention the strike as a cause.

In stock news, on Tuesday, WH rejected a $7.8 billion ($49.50/share plus 0.324 shares of CHH) takeover offer from CHH.  This came after a six-month negotiation process.  Later, LCID shares plummeted after they reported Q3 productions and deliveries with minimal increases despite steep discounting.  At the same time, after announcing earnings, JNJ said it has embarked on a 2-year restructuring plan for its orthopedics (medical devices) business unit.  Elsewhere, HSBC announced it has taken further steps to tighten internal communications rules amidst strong scrutiny of the industry for prohibited “off books” communications between traders.  Later, GOOGL and QCOM announced a joint project to develop a RISC-V Snapdragon Chipset to increase the functionality of Wear OS watches.  (This comes after the recent announcement of GOOGL’s latest Pixel Watch 2 using the QCOM Snapdragon processor.)  At the same time, Reuters reported that TSN workers and activists continue their protests outside of the meat company’s headquarters in AR.  The protests are over the company using child labor (through contractors) to clean their slaughterhouses and packing plants.  After the close, Reuters reported that CHK had approached SWN about a potential acquisition in the $12 billion deal value range.  At the same time, Reuters also reported that MSFT is near to bringing on AMZN as a customer for its Office365 via cloud tools (1 million seat licenses) in what insiders said would be more than a $1 billion deal annually for MSFT.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the AVGO merger with VMW was hurt by rumblings from Chinese regulators.  The rumor is that this $61 billion deal is a bargaining chip in the US-China technology sanctions fight.  Later, NKTX shares skyrocketed Tuesday after the FDA approved the company’s genetically engineered therapy for lupus nephritis.  (NKTX closed up more than 112%.)  Elsewhere, the NHTSA announced they have initiated an investigation into GM’s self-driving division (Cruise) related to pedestrian risks posed by their robotaxis.  At the same time, the Fed announced it will not enforce Dodd-Frank Category 2 requirements by the end of 2024.  The rules would have required additional capital requirements for banks of over $700 billion in assets.  BAC was the strongest big bank on the news after having acquired MUFG, which was not compliant with the rules.  Meanwhile, the NHTSA announced TSLA is recalling 55,000 2021-2023 Model X, which are failing to detect low brake fluid.  After the close, META and FTC lawyers argued against one another in a case over the FTC’s toughened privacy rules.  Also after the close, NVDA filed a notice that new technology export restrictions from the US will impact its results by preventing the sale of its high-profit AI products and top-end gaming video cards (which can be used for low-end AI) into China.  The restrictions will also impact AMD and to a lesser extent INTC but neither of them has filed SEC earnings impact statements yet.

After the close, HWC, IBKR, OMC, UAL, and WTFC all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  However, JBHT missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that UAL also lowered its forward guidance.  It is also worth noting that IBKR had 87% revenue growth (quarter on quarter), while PNFP and WTFC both had greater than 54% quarter-on-quarter revenue growth.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the red side.  Shenzhen (-1.24%), Taiwan (-1.21%), and Singapore (-1.11%) led the region lower.  Meanwhile, in Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape midday.  The CAC (-0.61%), DAX (-0.64%), and FTSE (-0.72%) are leading 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 -0.28% open, the SPY is implying a -0.44% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.56% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down a bit to 4.815% and Oil (WTI) has spiked 2.7% to $89.00 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for September Building Permits and Sept. Housing Starts (both at 8:30 a.m.), EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.), and the Fed Beige Book (2 p.m.).  We also hear from Fed members Waller (noon), Williams (12:30 p.m.), Bowman (1 p.m.) and Harker (3:15 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open ABT, ALLY, ASML, CFG, ELV, FHN, MTB, MS, NDAQ, NTRS, PG, STT, TRV, USB, and WGO.  Then, after the close, AA, COLB, CCI, DFS, EFX, KMI, LRCX, LVS, LBRT, NFLX, PPG, SAP, STLD, TSLA, and ZION report. 

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, Sept. Existing Home Sales, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell (noon), Bostic (4 p.m.), and member Harker 5:30 p.m.).  Finally, on Friday, there is no scheduled news.  However, again we hear from Fed member Harker (9 a.m.) and Mester (12:15 p.m.).

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, ALK, AAL, T, BX, EWBC, FITB, FCX, GPC, KEY, MAN, MMC, NOK, PM, POOL, SNA, SNV, TSM, TFC, UNP, WSO, WBS, CSX, ISRG, KNX, and WAL.  Finally, on Friday, AXP, ALV, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, IPG, RF, and SLB report.

So far this morning, ABT, ALLY, ASML, CBSH, ELV, FHN, MTB, MS, NDAQ, PG, and USB all reported beat on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CFG, NTRS, and TRV reported beats on revenue while missing on earnings.  On the other side, WGO missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  However, SCL and WIT missed on both the top and bottom lines. It is worth noting that ABT and ELV raised their forward guidance while CFG and USB lowered guidance.

In US Congressional news, right-wing Re. Jordan failed to get anywhere near enough votes to become Speaker Tuesday, coming in a distant second even though his party has the majority.  20 GOP members voted against him and one abstained, giving him 200 votes after bullying other moderates to fall in line.  After that vote, a second vote was canceled until today when it became clear he would not gain the votes on Tuesday.  Multiple media reports say one “no” vote has said they will vote for Jordan on the next ballot, but others that were “yes” votes said they are leaning toward voting “no” now. Elsewhere, Reuters reported that Israel is asking for $10 billion in cash aid immediately to pay for its retaliation against Hamas and also payments to its citizens impacted by the terror attacks.  However, Bloomberg reports the Administration is now considering a funding request of $100 billion covering Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. (This comes just days after the request was expected to be North of $2 billion and to be fair, I guess 100 is greater than 2.)  Given the race to proclaim and demonstrate support for Israel, these packages are likely to get broad bipartisan support.  GOP Senate Majority Leader McConnell said he expects an assistance bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan as well as doing “something serious” about the US-Mexican border.  However, he did not commit to any amount when pressed by Reuters.  Of course, no package can even be voted on until the GOP finds their next Speaker of the House.

In miscellaneous news, President Biden is in Israel today and his trip to Jordan to meet with Palestinian and Arab leaders was canceled after a Gaza hospital was blown up Tuesday, reportedly killing at least 500.  (It’s a bit difficult to de-escalate or talk about the future of Palestinians without talking to any Palestinians or their supporters.) Upon landing, Biden echoed the Israeli line that the hospital bombing “appears” to be the fault of a failed missile launch by Hamas. Elsewhere, in China, one of the country’s largest developers faces bankruptcy as Country Garden failed to make a payment on its debt and the grace period expired today.

With that background, it looks like the Bears are firmly in control in the premarket despite more strong earnings reports. All three major index ETFs opened the early session down and have printed black-bodied candles (with DIA being the only one of the three looking indecisive). However, only the QQQ has crossed back below their T-line (8ema). QQQ is also crossing down its 50sma in the early session while the DIA remains just above its 200sma. The economic news today is not likely to more markets much, but news out of the House, Fed speakers, or President Biden’s trip to Israel could cause some volatility. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far from their T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is now back just inside the low end of the overbought territory. So, again we have slack to run in either direction, but the probabilities are slightly in the Bears favor.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Markets opened higher on Monday, gapping up 0.52% in the SPY, gapping up 0.62% in the DIA, and gapping up 0.42% in the QQQ.  Then the Bulls followed through in all three major index ETFs, reaching the highs at about 10:30 a.m. in the QQQ and about 11 a.m. in both large-cap ETFs.  From there, SPY and QQQ traded sideways the rest of the day while DIA traded sideways with a slight bearish trend.  This action gave us gap-up, white-bodied candles in all three major index ETFs.  The DIA could maybe be seen as a Morning Star-type signal that crossed back up through its 200sma.  At the same time, QQQ printed a Bullish Harami candle that crossed back up through its 50sma.  The SPY and QQQ also crossed back up through their T-line (8ema).  This all happened on above-average volume in the DIA and below-average volume in both the SPY and QQQ.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green with Consumer Cyclical (+1.63%) out front leading the way higher.  Meanwhile, Energy (+0.63%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY lost 1.05%, the QQQ gained 1.13% and DIA gained 0.94%.  VXX plummeted 9.36% to close at 22.95 and T2122 jumped back up to the top half if its mid-range at 22.95.  10-year bond yields rose again to 4.71% while Oil (WTI) fell almost nine-tenths of a percent to close at $86.92 per barrel.  So, it was the Bull’s day.  Talking heads and market analysts seemed to think the reason was optimism over earnings given the big bank blowout results last Friday.  I don’t know if that is true, it could be optimism from a lack of Israeli ground invasion as of Monday or it could have just been a fluke.  Regardless of the cause, the DIA printed a higher high to go with its recent higher low, and the other two major index ETFs seem to be considering doing the same.  That is the start of a bullish trend.

The only economic news reported Monday was the NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index which came in better than expected but still low at -4.60 (compared to a forecast calling for -7.00 and a September reading of 1.90).  So, according to that value, manufacturing conditions in the NY Fed area aren’t improving (anything above zero means improving conditions) but a higher-than-expected value is seen as bullish.  In Fed Speak news, we did hear from Philly Fed President Harker twice on Monday.  He told a Mortgage Bankers Assn event that the current level of interest rates has killed off access to the housing market for first-time buyers.  He went on to say the housing market could be summed up in seven words: “There are no first-time time buyers.”  Later, Harker made a point to reiterate his stance that (outside of a dramatic change in data) the current Fed Funds rate should be maintained to give markets time to adapt to the higher rates and give the ongoing disinflation process time to work.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, the Executive Chair of F, Bill Ford, appealed to UAW workers to end their 32-day strike.  Ford said, “I call on UAW colleagues…We need to come together to bring an end to this acrimonious round of talks.” Ford went on to say competitors TM, HMC, and TSLA “are loving this strike because the longer it goes on, the better it is for them.”  No new offer came with the public plea and it comes after F negotiators said they were at the limit of what they can afford to spend on wages and benefits. (If I were really speaking to blue-collar factory workers, I’m not sure “acrimonious” is a term I’d use but then again what do I know.) In response to Ford’s statement, UAW President Fain pointed out a 1,500% increase in the money spent on share buybacks by the Big 3 over just the last four years.  For example, GM has put a $5 billion buyback plan in place in August 2022 (up from $3.3 billion prior to that point). 

In stock news, on Monday, TRU warned an industry conference of both increased cost of mortgages as well as many applicants being disqualified with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac policy change reducing the number of credit reports needed from three to two.  (TRU said it may disqualify nearly two million loan applicants, even though TRU hasn’t tested to verify their claims.  I’m also not sure they realize that they are claiming their product isn’t trustworthy.)  At the same time, NVO announced it is set to acquire a new blood pressure drug from KBP Biosciences for $1.3 billion. Later, MRNA reiterated its guidance despite rival PFE drastically reducing its COVID-19 vaccine forecast last week.  MRNA still anticipates $6 billion – $8 billion from its own vaccine sales this fall.  Later, Bloomberg reported that PRTA is exploring a potential sale prior to the release of key data on its Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials in the coming months. Elsewhere, PCTI spiked on the announcement it is being acquired by APH in an all-cash $139.7 million deal.  At the same time, SNAP popped Monday after leaked internal user number targets exceeded industry analyst estimates.  In layoff news, MSFT’s LinkedIn division said it will lay off 668 employees (3% of its workforce) Monday.  At the same time, Sky News reported that RYCEY (Rolls-Royce) will lay off 2,500 employees as soon as today as part of a cost-cutting drive.  After the close, TM suspended production in at least five Japanese factories after a fire at a major supplier.  Also after the close, Bloomberg reported that analyst surveys show AAPL iPhone 15 sales in China are down almost 5% from the same time after the iPhone 14 release.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the Washington Post reported that the Biden Administration has agreed to terms to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. This comes after Venezuela agreed to a competitive, internationally-monitored presidential election in 2024.  At the same time, ESTA was given FDA approval for its “tissue expander” product.  Later, the NHTSA announced that F is recalling 238,364 2020-2022 Ford Explorers due to parking brakes not engaging and risking them rolling away.  Elsewhere, Reuters reports BTI, PM, and IMBBY are working on “heat sticks” infused with nicotine (inhalable) as a way to get around an incoming EU ban on flavored burning tobacco products.  The sticks “heat but don’t burn” to get around the new regulations.  At mid-afternoon, the NHTSA announced that CAR had agreed to pay a $150k fine after an investigation found the Zipcar subsidiary was allowing customers to rent vehicles with uncompleted recall notices.  Meanwhile, GM, TM, F, STLA, and nearly all other major automakers sharply criticized the Biden Administration CAFÉ standards increasing significantly.  The automakers claim the higher NHTSA CAFÉ standards will result in a boost in average vehicle prices by $3,000 by 2032.  (For reference, that is about the normal average ANNUAL price increase of the average US vehicle and the automakers are claiming that over 10 years.)  After the close, Reuters reported that the Biden Administration is working on additional sanctions to eliminate loopholes allowing AI chips to make their way to China.  NVDA and AMD will be the most impacted by changes that might stop sales to third parties who reship the products to China now.

So far this morning, BAC, BK, GS, JNJ, and LMT all beat on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, ERIC missed on revenue while reporting in line with earnings.  (PLD and ACI report closer to the opening bell.)  It is worth noting that JNJ raised its forward guidance.  It is also worth noting that banks continue to show very strong (50%+) quarter-over-quarter earnings growth on the impacts of rising interest rates.

Overnight, Asian markets were green across the board.  Japan (+1.20%), South Korea (+0.98%), and Hong Kong (+0.75%) led the region higher.  Meanwhile, in Europe, the bourses are mixed but lean to the red side at midday with just five of 15 exchanges in the green.  The CAC (-0.26%), DAX (-0.45%), and FTSE (+0.33%) lead the region on volume as usual.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing to a modestly lower start to the day.  The DIA implies a -0.22% open, the SPY is implying a -0.30% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.36% open at this point.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up strongly again to 4.769% and Oil (WTI) is up a third of a percent to $86.98 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday includes September Retail Sales (8:30 a.m.), Sept. Industrial Production (9:15 a.m.), August Business Inventories and August Retail Inventories (10 a.m.), Sept. Federal Budget Balance (2 p.m.), and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks Report (4:30 p.m.).  We also get two Fed speakers (Williams at 8 a.m. and Bowman at 9:20 a.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include ACI, BAC, BK, ERIC, GS, JNJ, LMT, and PLD.  Then, after the close, IBKR, JBHT, OMC, UAL, and WTFC report.

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, Sept. Building Permits, Sept. Housing Starts, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, and the Fed Beige Book are reported.  We also hear from Fed members Waller (noon), Williams (12:30 p.m.), Bowman (1 p.m.) and Harker (3:15 p.m.).  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, Sept. Existing Home Sales, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell (noon), Bostic (4 p.m.), and member Harker 5:30 p.m.).  Finally, on Friday, there is no scheduled news.  However, again we hear from Fed member Harker (9 a.m.) and Mester (12:15 p.m.).

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, ABT, ALLY, ASML, CFG, ELV, FHN, MTB, MS, NDAQ, NTRS, PG, STT, TRV, USB, WGO, AA, COLB, CCI, DFS, EFX, KMI, LRCX, LVS, LBRT, NFLX, PPG, SAP, STLD, TSLA, and ZION report.  On Thursday, ALK, AAL, T, BX, EWBC, FITB, FCX, GPC, KEY, MAN, MMC, NOK, PM, POOL, SNA, SNV, TSM, TFC, UNP, WSO, WBS, CSX, ISRG, KNX, and WAL.  Finally, on Friday, AXP, ALV, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, IPG, RF, and SLB report.

In US Congressional news, it appears Rep. Jordan has made progress in reversing some of the “no” votes among Republicans over his candidacy for House Speaker.  Two key GOP opponents publicly announced they will vote for him on Monday, bringing down GOP opposition by some unknown number.  Jordan can afford to lose eight GOP votes at most…and even then, only if he convinces those eight to vote “present” instead of “no.” The measure will go to the House floor for a vote at noon today. If he fails on the first vote, the most likely scenario is another round-after-round of votes trying to get the extremist candidate over the line and into office. There are two other scenarios being discussed: giving temporary increases in the power to the unelected Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry, and moderate Republicans breaking with the MAGA-wing of the GOP to form a coalition with moderate Democrats in order to elect a compromise Speaker and actually govern. However, those moderate Republicans don’t seem to have the spine to do that, many already caving to MAGA pressure and always fearing retaliation by the vindictive ex-President and his minions.

In miscellaneous news, Reuters reported after hours that dozens of Chinese-listed companies announced plans to buy back shares and/or scrap plans to sell more shares late Monday.  This is widely seen as a “government-encouraged” measure to prop up Chinese markets.  Elsewhere, it is worth noting that today is the 600^th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.   Finally, the White House announced that President Biden will visit Israel tomorrow after a second visit by Sec. of State Blinken.  Sec. of Defense Austin deployed 2,000 medical and logistics troops as of Sunday evening and then another 2,000-man Marine rapid response force to be held close offshore among the flotilla of ships accompanying two aircraft carriers sent to the area “just in case.”

With that background, it looks like the Bears are modestly in control in the premarket despite more strong earnings reports. All three major index ETFs opened the early session flat but have printed small black candles with very little wick so far. However, all three remain above their T-line (8ema) and the QQQ remains just above its 50sma while the DIA remains just above its 200sma. There is economic news today, but the more likely volatility factor would be news from the House Speaker debacle or from the geopolitical front. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far from their T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is back in its mid-range. So, again we have plenty of slack to run in either direction.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

On Friday, markets opened higher to start the day.  The SPY gapped up 0.28%, DIA gapped up 0.34%, and QQQ gapped up 0.20%.  All three major index ETFs then took 30 minutes to figure out their direction.  At that point, the Bears stepped in as all three sold off until shortly after 1:30 p.m.  From there, the SPY, DIA, and QQQ all bobbed their way sideways the rest of the day.  This action gave us black-bodied candles in all three. The DIA printed a Spinning Top that retested and closed above its T-line (8ema) while also retesting and failing to break up through its 200sma.  Meanwhile, the SPY and QQQ both printed larger-body black candles with wicks at both ends.  Both closed back below their T-line (8ema) and the QQQ also retested and crossed below its 50sma.  This happened on average volume in the SPY and QQQ as well as well-above-average volume in the DIA.

On the day, six of the 10 sectors were in the red with Technology (-1.73%) far out in front leading the way lower.  Meanwhile, Energy (+1.83%) and Healthcare (+1.50%) were way out front on the bullish side.  At the same time, the SPY lost 0.50%, the QQQ lost 1.26% and DIA gained 0.12%.  VXX popped more than 12% to close at 25.32 and T2122 jumped back up out of the oversold territory (barely) into the very low end of its mid-range at 21.99.  10-year bond yields dropped again, falling to 4.617% while Oil (WTI) spiked sharply again (on the apparent Israeli ground invasion of Gaza) to close at $87.72 per barrel.  So, it was a bearish day on Friday, but not a decisive one.  Markets may be headed South again but it is not a sure bet.

The economic news reported Friday included the September Export Price Index came above expected at +0.7% (compared to a forecast of +0.5% but much better than August’s +1.1%.  At the same time, the September Import Price Index came in well below anticipated at +0.1% (versus a forecast of +0.5% and far better than August’s +0.6%).  Later, Michigan Consumer Sentiment came in well below predicted at 63.0 (compared to a forecast of 67.2 and well down from the prior reading of 68.1).  At the same time, Michigan Consumer Expectations also were reported lower than anticipated at 60.7 (versus a forecast calling for 65.5 and a prior reading of 66.0).  The Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations made a huge jump coming in at 3.8% (compared to a forecast and prior value of 3.2%).  However, the Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations rose more slightly to 3.0% (up from a forecast and prior reading of 2.8%). 

In Fed Speak news, Philly Fed President Harker told a virtual Delaware Chamber of Commerce group that he thinks rate hikes are done for this cycle. Harker said, “Absent a stark turn in what I see in the data and hear from contacts … I believe that we are at the point where we can hold rates where they are.”  When asked for details, Harker said that by doing nothing (on rates), the Fed is really doing quite a lot (by continuing to shrink its balance sheet).  He said that he sees “steady disinflation” which he believes will take inflation below 3% this year and back to the Fed’s 2% target in 2024.  On the other side, St. Louis Fed President Bullard (perma-Hawk) told an IMF seminar to watch out for “underappreciated inflation risks.”  He also hinted that he would like to see the Fed Funds Rate immediately hiked 1.25% (to 6.5%) if inflation spikes again.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, the UAW did not expand its strike against the Big 3 automakers on Friday. However, the strike anti had already been significantly upped earlier when F’s largest and most profitable plant was struck.  (The companies laid off about 1,000 employees in response, blaming the move on disruptions caused by the strike.)  However, UAW President Fain did say Friday morning that the union is shifting its strike strategy.  From here forward, the union may call for walkouts at any time and without notice.  Later, STLA laid off another 700 workers.  Then, after the close Friday, F announced it was cutting one of three shifts at its MI F-150 EV plant, resulting in 700 layoffs as well.  After the close Friday, Bloomberg reported that the 10 individuals who have been CEOs of GM, F, and STLA had earned more than a cumulative $1 billion in compensation since 2010.  Over that same period, autoworker (union and non-union) pay has declined 17%.  Then on Sunday, Canadian Unifor autoworkers ratified the GM contract agreed after a 12-hour strike last week.

In stock news, QCOM announced layoffs of approximately 2.5% of its workforce on Friday.  The 1,258 job cuts will take effect on December 13.  Later, BA and SPR stocks both slumped Friday when the companies announced they are expanding their plane inspections into production defects on the 737 Max 8 jet.  After the close, PFE slashed its 2023 full-year revenue forecast by 13% and announced it was introducing a $3.5 billion cost-cutting program.  (The reduction was attributed to lower-than-predicted sales of its COVID-19 vaccine.)  At the same time, BLK announced that its investors pulled $13 billion out of long-term investment funds in favor of cash.  Bloomberg reported that analysts had expected $50 billion in inflows and that this was the first reduction from these funds since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, in case you missed it, on Thursday, the US ratcheted up the pressure on Russia by imposing sanctions on the owners of oil tankers that carry crude that is sold for more than the $60 sanction cap price.  That new level of sanction hit XOM on Friday as a ship they chartered was fined by the US Treasury.  At the same time, MSFT said it closed its $69 billion acquisition of ATVI early Friday after getting the approval of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.  Despite this news, the FTC said it was pressing ahead with its lawsuit to block the deal.  Later, TSLA asked a Delaware judge to cut the fees requested by the attorneys that defeated TSLA (after a 3-year legal battle) and won a shareholder case which then forced TSLA Board members to return $919 million they had paid themselves.  The attorneys say they intend to sue TSLA over the refusal to pay while the company calls the fees outrageous at over $10k per hour.  Later, the NY State Public Utilities Commission denied Canadian-listed Windfarm ORSTED the ability to raise electricity prices.  This may impact BP and EQNR which are in the same field but are US-listed.  In mid-afternoon, the FDA ordered BTI (RJ Reynolds) to cease the sale of menthol vaping e-cigarettes.  BTI is expected to file a court challenge to the order, even though it complied with previous bans on “berry flavored” vape products. After the close, the SEC said it would not appeal a court decision saying it was wrong to deny Grayscale Investment’s application to create an ETF for the spot price of bitcoin.

Overnight, Asian markets were red across the board as China held short and medium-term rates steady and injected just under $15 billion in liquidity (less than the market wanted).  Japan (-2.03%), Thailand (-1.63%), and Shenzhen (-1.42%) led the region lower.  However, in Europe, we see a much brighter outlook with all but three of the 15 bourses in the green at midday.  The CAC (+0.15%), DAX (+0.04%), and FTSE (+0.39%) lead the region higher on admittedly modest moves in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.43% open, the SPY is implying a +0.29% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.07% open at this hour. 10-year bond yields have spiked back up to 4.702% and Oil (WTI) is just on the reed side of flat at $87.64 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Monday is limited to NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index (8:30 a.m.) and US Federal Budget Balance (2 p.m.).  However, Fed member Harker speaks twice (10:30 a.m. and 4:40 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open Monday are limited to SCHW (8:45 a.m.).  There are no major earnings reports scheduled for after the close.

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday we get September Retail Sales, Sept. Industrial Production, August Business Inventories, August Retail Inventories, TIC Net Long-Term Transactions, and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks Report.  We also get two Fed speakers (Williams at 8 a.m. and Bowman at 9:20 a.m.).  Then Wednesday, Sept. Building Permits, Sept. Housing Starts, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, and the Fed Beige Book are reported.  We also hear from Fed members Waller (noon), Williams (12:30 p.m.), Bowman (1 p.m.) and Harker (3:15 p.m.).  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, Sept. Existing Home Sales, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  We also hear from Fed Chair Powell (noon), Bostic (4 p.m.), and member Harker 5:30 p.m.).  Finally, on Friday, there is no scheduled news.  However, again we hear from Fed member Harker (9 a.m.) and Mester (12:15 p.m.).

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, ACI, BAC, BK, ERIC, GS, JNJ, LMT, PLD, IBKR, JBHT, OMC, UAL, and WTFC.  Then Wednesday, ABT, ALLY, ASML, CFG, ELV, FHN, MTB, MS, NDAQ, NTRS, PG, STT, TRV, USB, WGO, AA, COLB, CCI, DFS, EFX, KMI, LRCX, LVS, LBRT, NFLX, PPG, SAP, STLD, TSLA, and ZION report.  On Thursday, ALK, AAL, T, BX, EWBC, FITB, FCX, GPC, KEY, MAN, MMC, NOK, PM, POOL, SNA, SNV, TSM, TFC, UNP, WSO, WBS, CSX, ISRG, KNX, and WAL.  Finally, on Friday, AXP, ALV, CMA, EEFT, HBAN, IPG, RF, and SLB report.

In US Congressional news, the dysfunctional GOP House members voted to nominate right-wing Rep. Jordan as House speaker, 124-81 (16 either not present or abstaining) over last-minute candidate Rep. Scott.  However, a second vote asked, “Would vote for Jordan in the full house as a fellow Republican?” On that measure, Jordan got 152 votes but 55 still voted “no, they won’t support Jordan.”  Obviously, that means the extremist candidate will find it hard to get to the 217 votes needed (given 2 vacant seats in the House) since their caucus only had 221 members to start.  So, as the House GOP broke for the weekend, they were no closer to a viable Speaker candidate that could actually be confirmed than they had been when they ousted McCarthy two weeks prior.  On Sunday, it was announced that the House will vote on Jim Jordan’s House Speaker nomination at noon Tuesday.  However, at the same time (midday Sunday), CNN reported a top Republican told it there are still 40 “hard no” votes against Jordan on the GOP side.  As a reminder, there are 32 calendar days left (Nov. 17 is the last day) as of today until the existing CR ends and we get a government shutdown.  Meanwhile, Ukraine has urgent military needs now and Israel (which has no real military need) has US political reasons that it will require House support action even before Nov. 17. (National Security Advisor Sullivan said Sunday that President Biden will push for an aid package for Ukraine and Israel of “significantly more than $2 billion” this week.

In miscellaneous news, on Friday, the SEC adopted new rules requiring transparency on short-selling.  These rules require institutional investors to report short positions and brokers who lend shares for short sales to report then activity to FINRA.  (S3 Partners analysts report that US market institutional short interest is about $927 billion at the moment.)  Elsewhere, RAD filed for bankruptcy late Sunday night in the face of opioid lawsuits and weakening sales.  Finally, AMC reports that the Taylor Swift concert movie raked in $96 million in US sales and $32 million abroad.  This makes the Era Tour the highest-grossing concert movie in history…much to AMC’s delight.

With that background, it looks like the Bulls are very modestly leading the way in the premarket. The two large-cap index ETFs are up above their T-line while the QQQ is retesting that 8ema level from below. All three are now printing white-bodied candles and are at their highs of the early session. DIA is also retesting its 200sma from below again. With heavier news coming later in the week, including earnings, don’t be caught off guard if today is a drifting day in the market. However, there is potential for new in the House Speaker debacle or from the geopolitical front. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far from their T-line (8ema). The T2122 indicator is back at the bottom of its mid-range (but is not oversold yet). So, again we have room to run in either direction.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Markets were essentially dead money the first half of the day Thursday.  The SPY gapped up 0.16%, DIA gapped up 0.22%, and QQQ gapped up 0.15%.  After that the markets traded sideways until just before 1 p.m.  Then we saw a sharp selloff that took us to the lows of the day at 2:20 p.m.  From there, the rest of the day was a steady but modest rally into the close.  That action gave us black-bodied candles in all three major index ETFs.  The QQQ printed a Spinning Top type candle which was also a Bearish Engulfing.  SPY and DIA also printed Bearish Engulfing candles.  However, all three held above their T-line (8ema), after a retest in the SPY and DIA. 

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the red with Basic Materials (-2.05%) far out in front leading the way lower.  Meanwhile, Energy (+0.01%) was the “big winner” by just barely hanging onto the green territory (doing almost 0.80% better than any other sectors).  At the same time, the SPY lost 0.61%, DIA lost 0.52%, and the tech-heavy QQQ lost 0.35%.  VXX increased 1.64% to close at 22.98 and T2122 fell back down into the oversold territory at 13.25.  10-year bond yields fell again, falling to 4.558% while Oil (WTI) closed up slighlty to $83.49 per barrel.  So, if you are a day trader, you’d say the strongest and most significant move of the day was that midday Bearish push. Still, the Bulls ended up recapturing half of the ground they lost in that push.  From a high-level view, Thursday was just a pause or modest pullback in the recent Bull run. There were no major changes with the short-term daily trend remaining bullish.

The economic news reported Thursday was limited to September year-on-year CPI which was a mixed bag.  It came in higher than expected at +3.7% (compared to a forecast of +3.6%, but was in-line with the August reading of +3.7%).  On a month-to-month basis the September CPI was also higher than anticipated at +0.4% (versus the forecast of +0.3% but also significantly better than the August +0.6% value).  At the same time, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims cane in just below expected at 209k (compared to a forecast of 210k and in-line with the revised prior week of 209k).  The most shocking news was EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories which shot higher by 10.176 million barrels.  Compare that to a forecast of just a 0.492-million-barrel build and the prior week’s 2.224-million-barrel drawdown).  Finally, after the close, the Fed’s balance sheet continued to shrink, but only slightly ($4 billion) from $7.956 trillion to $7.952 trillion).

Overnight, Asian markets were nearly red across the board.  Only Malaysia (+0.02%) managed to hang onto green territory.  Hong Kong (-2.33%) was by far (by more than 1.25%) the biggest loser followed by Singapore (-1.02%) and Shenzhen (-0.99%).  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape at midday.  Only two of the bourses are in the green, led by Russia (+0.27%) while the CAC (-0.75%), DAX (-0.77%), and FTSE (-0.32%) lead the region lower in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a mixed start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.07% open, the SPY is implying a -0.10% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.36% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are climbing to 4.614% and Oil (WTI) is up a massive 3.81% to $86.09 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Friday includes September Export Price Index and Sept. Import Price Index (both at 8:30 a.m.)  Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations (all at 10 a.m.).  We also hear from Fed member Harker at 9 a.m.  The major earnings reports scheduled for Friday include BLK, C, JPM, PNC, PGR, UNH, and WFC all before the open.  There are no major reports scheduled for after the close.

In US Congressional news, what was reported midday Thursday by a right-wing media outlet was confirmed.  Rep. Scalise abandoned his bid to be Speaker of the House after failing in the same way McCarthy failed before him (the handful of most extreme GOP members refused to support him and that was untenable with such a small majority over the Democrats). This leaves right-winger Jordan as the leading candidate but reportedly many of the more Centrist GOP Reps. have been pushing Emmert or Cole.  There are also reportedly 1 or 2 GOP members that have approached the Dems to say they may support Jeffries. (I am not sure if that is a practical move of people who actually want to govern or a Machiavellian move to make everything the Dem’s problem, which can then be blamed on Dem’s in 2024?)  Regardless, we look to be heading into another weekend with a House of Representatives that is dysfunctional, divided (in many ways), and unable to convene for business.

So far this morning, JPM, PNC, UNH, and WFC all reported blow-out earnings with beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  These all represented major growth in revenue and earnings.  Meanwhile, BLK missed on revenue while beating on earnings including delivering 4.9% growth on earnings.  (C reports at 8 a.m.)  It is worth noting that UNH raised its forward guidance.

In US Congressional news, Rep. Scalise won a GOP caucus nod and was nominated to be House Speaker. This came on a 113 to 99 vote between Scalise and Rep. Jordan.  It is worth noting that three of Scalise’s 113 votes came from GOP delegates who have no vote where it really counts, in the House.  (An interesting side note is that multiple GOP sources indicated the first ballot actually had ex-Speaker McCarthy leading with 60 votes, Jordan with 47, and Scalise with 31 plus a ton of abstentions.  However, when McCarthy said “no way” all of his support, and more, shifted to Scalise.)  The problem for the GOP is that they need 217 votes to elect a speaker and somewhere between five and 20 the 221 GOP members have said publicly that they won’t vote for Scalise.   So, we may see another fiasco like the record 15 rounds of votes needed to select a crippled-from-the-start McCarthy. As a reminder, beyond the GOP caucus, there are 38 calendar days left until the existing CR ends (Nov. 17 is the last day) and a government shutdown.  There are some, both in government and outside analysts, who say even beyond Americans who would be hurt by a shutdown, Ukraine and Israel may also need House action (money appropriations) even before Nov. 17.

In miscellaneous news, Israel seems to be ready for its ground invasion of Gaza.  After hitting close to 7,000 targets in that 25-mile by 5-mile strip in the last few days, Israel has ordered 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate Southward from the Northern half of Gaza.  Israel also broadened their targets shutting down two airports in Syria.  (It is being speculated that this was to prevent an Iranian official from reaching Syria for a potential “war council.”) 

With that background, it looks like the large-cap index ETFs are little changed in the premarket. However, the QQQ is showing some weakness with the largest candle of the three. However, QQQ was the furthest above its T-line and none of the three are sitting on that 8ema in the premarket. So, the change is nominal. DIA is back below its 200sma and QQQ looks like it will test its 50sma from above today. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are far from their T-line (8ema) but the T2122 indicator has dropped back down into the oversold territory at 13.25. So, again we still have room to run in either direction. However, this latest Bull run is getting some rest at the very minimum. Remember that it’s Friday, payday, and we have a weekend news cycle ahead before markets reopen. Be prepared. Lighten up, hedge your account, or be prepared to deal with the volatility that might happen.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Wednesday was an indecisive day in the market.  Despite a hot PPI, all three major index ETFs opened higher as the SPY gapped up 0.25%, DIA gapped up 0.22%, and QQQ gapped up 0.38%.  From there, all three slowly sold off, recrossing the gap and reaching the lows of the day just before 2 p.m.  However, the Bulls stepped in at that point and led a steeper rally that took the SPY and DIA out very near their highs.  DIA lagged, but still managed to almost close back at its open.  This action gave us white-bodied, Hammer candles in the SPY and QQQ as well as a black-bodied Doji in the DIA.  (DIA is right at its retest of the 200sma from below, QQQ pulled slightly away from its 50sma, and all three sit comfortably above their T-line (8ema).  This happened on less-than-average volume in the SPY and DIA and well-below-average volume in the QQQ.

On the day, seven of the 10 sectors were in the green again with Utilities (+1.33%) way out front again leading the way higher.  Meanwhile, Healthcare (-0.62%) lagged the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.41%, DIA gained 0.17%, and the tech-heavy QQQ gained 0.71%.  VXX fell 1.82% to close at 22.12 and T2122 fell back further into the mid-range at 598.52.  10-year bond yields plummeted again, falling to 4.558% while Oil (WTI) closed down sharply to $83.20 per barrel.  So, if you missed the market Wednesday, you probably thought it was a nothing day.  Those of us who did trade it saw an undulating move that ended with modest gains for the Bulls. Mr. Market may be waiting on CPI or earnings to resume, but clearly, there was no massive fear or greed driving the market.  It was more of a “what else do you have to show me?” kind of day.  

The only economic news reported Wednesday was limited to September PPI, which came in hotter than expected at +0.5% month-on-month (compared to a forecast of +0.3% but still better than August’s +0.7%).  The September Core PPI as also higher than anticipated (but better than the headline number) at +0.3%, versus a forecast and August reading of +0.2%.  Then, after the close, the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report showed a MASSIVE inventory build of 12.940 million barrels (versus a forecast that called for a 1.300-million-barrel build and dramatically different than the prior week’s 4.210-million-barrel drawdown.

In Fed Speak news, Fed Governor Waller said higher market rates may help the FOMC slow inflation, letting the central bank “watch and see” (as opposed to hiking rates again).  “The financial markets are tightening up and they are going to do some of the work for us.”  Later, the September FOMC Minutes came out.  Those meeting minutes showed that, at that time, “most” Fed members agreed that one more rate hike would be appropriate at some future meeting while “some” judged that no more hikes would be needed.  However, the thing that everyone seemed to agree on is that rates would need to be kept higher for longer.  Several of the members suggested that the focus of decisions and communications needs to shift away from how high toward how long to hold rates where they are now.  Finally, several participants noted that even after the Fed starts easing again, Quantitative Tightening (reducing the Fed balance sheet) will likely continue for a long time.  Later, Boston Fed President Collins said it is possible the FOMC is not done hiking rates.  “…And while we are likely near, and could be at, the peak for policy rates, further tightening could be warranted depending on incoming information,” she said.  Collins continued, “Patience will give us time to better separate ‘signal’ from ‘noise’ in the data and to balance risks,”.

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, Reuters reported midday Wednesday that talks between the UAW and the Big 3 have edged closer to a deal.  The report, citing “sources,” noted that there are two main remaining obstacles.  These are first, a union demand to restore defined-benefit retirement plans to pre-2007 levels, which the UAW gave up to save the companies when the industry struggled during the Financial Crisis.  This would force the automakers to take billions of dollars of liabilities onto their books.  Secondly, the UAW wants to include all present and future electric vehicle joint ventures under the union’s contracts.  (Right now, the automakers avoid paying union wages and benefits by organizing those ventures as separate legal entities.)  In a surprise move, union workers began a strike at F’s largest (truck plant in KY) with 8,700 UAW members walking off the job Wednesday evening. This is a sharp increase in pressure since this is F’s most profitable plant (generating $25 billion in annual revenue).

In stock news, speaking of automakers, STLA announced it and its partner Samsung have chosen Kokomo, IN as the site of a second joint-venture EV battery plant.  (This may be a coincidence, but Kokomo is the hometown of UAW President Fain.)  Later, DIS announced it was raising prices at its theme parks by 8.9% on average.  At the same time, AXP announced it is hiking annual fees on a broad range of its cards with the increase going into effect February 28, 2024. In the afternoon, Reuters reported that ERIC has booked a $3 billion impairment charge related to its purchase of Vonage last year.  The company also said, “Core profit fell 39% in Q3.”  (ERIC stock was down more than 3% on the day.)  By mid-afternoon, GS announced it had agreed to sell its Greensky home improvement lender to a consortium of private equity firms.  GS will take a $0.19/share charge in Q3 over the deal.  Elsewhere, the BIRK IPO opened for trade on Wednesday.  Priced at $46/share, the stock opened at $41 and closed down to $40.20 after trading in a $2.50 range.  After the close, VSCO reaffirmed its guidance for the full year 2023.  Also after the close, Australian firm Liontown Resources said it has extended its exclusive due diligence period by a week for its proposed $4.23 billion purchase of ALB.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the NYSE began a delisting process for SSU on Wednesday morning.  Later, the FDA announced it would review MRK’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda on October 16.  This comes after the drugmaker said the drug met both of its primary goals in its recent study.  (The review is over expanded use of the drug which already earned MRK $12.06 billion in the first half of 2023.)  The biggest news in this area came at the close Wednesday when the IRS claimed its audit found that MSFT owes $28.9 billion in back taxes (plus interest and penalties) related to tax periods from 2004 to 2013. (MSFT restructured and changed practices related to profit allocation across regions in 2013.)  MSFT immediately disputed the claim and said it plans to appeal through the IRS system.  After the close, GOOGL, AMZN, and NET jointly reported the largest-ever denial of service (DoS) attack. The attack began in late August using a new technique and was three times larger than any DoS attack seen in the past.

Overnight, Asian markets were mostly green with only three of the 12 exchanges in the region showing even modest red.  Hong Kong (+1.93%), Japan (+1.75%), and South Korea (+1.21%) led the region higher.  In Europe, with the lone exception of Russia (-1.07%) we see green across the board at midday.  The CAC (+0.47%), DAX (+0.57%), and FTSE (+0.77%) are leading the region upward in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward another green start to the day. The DIA implies a +0.34% open, the SPY is implying a +0.36% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.24% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up slightly to 4.571% and Oil (WTI) is up more than 1% to $84.37 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday include September CPI and Weekly Initial Jobless Claims (both at 8:30 a.m.), EIA Crude Oil Inventories (11 a.m.), WASDE Ag Report (noon), Federal Budget Balance (2 p.m.), and the Fed’s Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  We also get a Fed speaker (Bostic at 1 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for Thursday include CMC, DAL, DPZ, FAST, INFY, SVNDY, and WBA all before the open.  There are no major reports scheduled for after the close.

In economic news later this week, on Friday, we get the September Export Price Index, Sept. Import Price Index, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations.  Fed member Harker also speaks at 9 a.m.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, we hear from BLK, C, JPM, PNC, PGR, UNH, and WFC all report as earnings season kicks off again.

In US Congressional news, Rep. Scalise won a GOP caucus nod and was nominated to be House Speaker. This came on a 113 to 99 vote between Scalise and Rep. Jordan.  It is worth noting that three of Scalise’s 113 votes came from GOP delegates who have no vote where it really counts, in the House.  (An interesting side note is that multiple GOP sources indicated the first ballot actually had ex-Speaker McCarthy leading with 60 votes, Jordan with 47, and Scalise with 31 plus a ton of abstentions.  However, when McCarthy said “no way” all of his support, and more, shifted to Scalise.)  The problem for the GOP is that they need 217 votes to elect a speaker and somewhere between five and 20 the 221 GOP members have said publicly that they won’t vote for Scalise.   So, we may see another fiasco like the record 15 rounds of votes needed to select a crippled-from-the-start McCarthy. As a reminder, beyond the GOP caucus, there are 38 calendar days left until the existing CR ends (Nov. 17 is the last day) and a government shutdown.  There are some, both in government and outside analysts, who say even beyond Americans who would be hurt by a shutdown, Ukraine and Israel may also need House action (money appropriations) even before Nov. 17.

So far this morning, DAL, FRCOY, and INFY reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, CMC and WBA beat on the revenue line while missing on earnings.  On the other side, DPZ, FAST, and SVNDY all missed on revenue while beating on earnings.  It is worth noting that WBA lowered its forward guidance.

With that background, and ahead of data, the Bulls seem to be making another move this morning. The three major index ETFs all gapped up to start the premarket and have moved slightly higher, printing white-bodied candles in the early session. During this premarket, the DIA is testing its 200sma from below again and SPY is just under a retest of its 50sma. However, remember the news at 8:30 a.m. may cause volatility and that may carry through at the actual open. Also, remember it is possible we start seeing voting for the latest Speaker of the House today. That could either be non-news or a cause for volatility, depending on how the drama plays out. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far above their T-line (8ema) yet, but QQQ is starting to get just a bit stretched. The T2122 indicator is now back in the center of its mid-range. So, again we have room to run in either direction. However, this latest Bull run is starting to get just a little long in the tooth and in need of a rest.

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

🎯 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 Plans • Private 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

Markets opened just on the green side of flat Tuesday with the SPY opening up 0.16%, DIA opening up 0.34%, and QQQ opening up 0.12%.  However, at that point, the Bulls took over to drive a steady rally that took all three major index ETFs to the highs of the day at noon. Then we drifted sideways until a sharp 15-minute selloff hit at 1 p.m. From there, all three of the major index ETFs traded sideways in a tight range the rest of the day.  This action gave us something like white-bodied, Inverted Hammer candles in the SPY and QQQ.  Meanwhile, the DIA printed a gap-up, white-bodied Doji.  At the same time, QQQ retested and just managed to close above its 50sma while DIA retested but failed to cross up through its 200sma.  This happened on average volume in the DIA and a little less-than-average volume in the SPY and QQQ.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green again with Utilities (+1.59%) leading the way higher.  Meanwhile, Energy (+0.48%) lagged the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.52%, DIA gained 0.40%, and the tech-heavy QQQ gained 0.55%.  VXX fell 3.35% to close at 22.53 and T2122 climbed again to the top of the mid-range and near the overbought territory at 78.48.  10-year bond yields plummeted back down to 4.657% while Oil (WTI) closed down at $85.97 per barrel (essentially where it had opened the day after an overnight move down).  So, Tuesday the Bulls were in control overall. However, the early-afternoon pullback and then the drift sideways leaves not-so-bullish candles (indecisive) in all three major index ETFS.  It just feels like the Bulls have not fully committed (or maybe the Bears have not given up yet).

The only economic news reported Tuesday was Fed speak.  On that front, the day started when Atlanta Fed President Bostic said flat out that the FOMC does not need to raise rates any further and he sees no recession ahead.  Later, Fed Governor Waller reiterated that the Fed is committed to bringing inflation down to its 2% target.  He told a George Mason conference, “Price stability is a primary responsibility of the Federal Reserve.”  He continued, “This is why we have taken forceful steps aimed at reducing inflation – and why we will stay on the job to achieve our objective.”  However, Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari seemed to imply that recently-spiked 10-year bond yields might do some of the lifting, allowing the Fed to ease up.  Kashkari said, “It’s certainly possible that higher long-term yields may do some of the work for us in terms of bringing inflation back down.”  Later asked about a soft landing, Kashkari answered that the chances for a soft landing scenario are looking “favorable.” 

In Autoworker contract talks and strike news, Canadian autoworkers began their strike against GM Tuesday after no new deal was reached by the Monday midnight deadline.  However, Unifor (Canadian version of UAW) and GM reached a tentative deal by midday Tuesday, ending the strike.  The GM deal includes a 25% wage hike (significantly more than GM has offered the UAW in the US).

In stock news, reports emerged Tuesday that TFC is in serious talks to sell its insurance brokerage unit to a private equity firm for $10 billion.  (Semafor reported Stone Point bought 20% of that unit earlier this year and is now looking to buy the remaining 80%.)  Meanwhile, WMT announced it is expanding online healthcare benefits to workers in 28 states following recent acquisitions in that space.  At the same time, TSLA spokesmen denied union claims that health and safety provisions at its German gigafactory were inadequate.  Later, ADBE announced it is rolling out a new AI product that makes new images from uploaded samples.  At midday, an article from “The Information” claimed NFLX was having serious problems with ad sales and ad-supported subscriber acquisition.  NFLX stock closed down 3.27% on the news.  Elsewhere, BA reported 27 jet deliveries in September (a day after their main competitor EADSY reported 55 for the same period).  Later, PWFL stock surged, closing up more than 28% following the announcement of a merger between the company and MIXT.  (MIXT closed up 1.52% after both stocks had a hugely volatile day.)   At the same time, AKRO stock crashed after the company’s main drug failed to meet its goals in a drug trial.  After the close, the Wall Street Journal reported that BIRK has priced its IPO at $46/share.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the CA Public Utilities Commission proposed a $45 million penalty against PCG related to the 2021 Dixie wildfire.  PCG replied by saying they do not contest the violations or conclusions of the investigation (and will pay).  At the same time, Reuters reported that the EU has agreed to undertake anti-subsidy investigations into Chinese steelmakers in a deal with the Biden Administration.  This will be part of ending Trump-era steel tariffs between the EU and US.   Elsewhere, the SEC shortened the deadline for reporting any stock purchase that results in an investor acquiring 5% or greater ownership of a listed company.  The deadline is now 5 business days, down from the previous 10 calendar days.  Later a US Bankruptcy judge approved the reorganization of MNKKQ, in a plan that cuts $1 billion for the settlement the drugmaker must pay victims as part of opioid-related settlements.  The deal also cancels $2 billion in company debt and wipes out existing equity shares.  (This is noteworthy because the bankruptcy was only filed on August 28 and comes just 14 months after the company’s previous bankruptcy.)  JPM is among the lenders that are taking a serious haircut from this bankruptcy plan.  At the same time, the US Supreme Court is hearing an important “whistleblower” case involving UBS, in which a former employee alleged had fired him over his reporting of company violations of investor-protection laws.  Lower courts had found this to be true and a jury has awarded the employee $900k over his wrongful dismissal.  However, company appeals caused the award to be set aside by a district appeals court and SCOTUS is now considering reinstating the award. (This case will have a much wider impact by setting a precedent on what companies can get away with in retaliating against whistleblowers.)

Overnight, Asian markets were heavily on the green side again.  Singapore (-0.19%) was the only exchange in the red.  Meanwhile, South Korea (+1.98%), Thailand (+1.50%), and Hong Kong (+1.29%) led the other 11 exchanges in the region higher.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape with only the CAC (-0.34%) on the red side while the other 14 exchanges are in the green at midday.  The DAX (+0.11%) and FTSE (+0.19%) lead the region higher on volume while a couple of the smaller bourses are up well over 1% in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing to a solidly green open at this point.  The DIA implies a +0.31% open, the SPY is implying a +0.32% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.40% open.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are plummeting again, now down to 4.56%, and Oil (WTI) is off another 0.38% to $85.64 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday includes Sept. PPI (8:30 a.m.), EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (noon), FOMC Meeting Minutes (2 p.m.), and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report (4:30 p.m.).  We also hear from Fed members Bowman at 4:15 a.m., Waller at 10:15 a.m., and Bostic at 12:15 p.m.  There are no significant earnings reports scheduled for Wednesday (it’s the rest day before earnings season begins again on Thursday).

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, Sept. CPI, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, EIA Crude Oil Inventories, Federal Budget Balance, and the Fed’s Balance Sheet are reported.  Finally, on Friday, we get the September Export Price Index, Sept. Import Price Index, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, and Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations.  Fed member Harker also speaks at 9 a.m.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, again there are no reports.  However, earnings season starts again on Thursday, as CMC, DAL, DPZ, FAST, INFY, SVNDY, and WBA report.  Finally, on Friday, we hear from BLK, C, JPM, PNC, PGR, UNH, and WFC all report as earnings season kicks off again.

In miscellaneous news, in what some analysts believe to be a probable Russian action both a undersea gas pipeline and an undersea telecommunication cable between Finland and Estonia were damaged by an explosion Sunday.  The Finnish government said on Tuesday that this was likely done by a deliberate act, not an accident.  Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that the Chinese government is looking at another round of stimulus by selling $137 billion in bonds and investing money in infrastructure projects (a traditional CCP stimulus approach). 

In late-breaking news, mortgage rates climbed again last week with the national average 30-year, fixed-rate, conforming loan rising from 7.53% the week prior to 7.67%.  Applications for refinance loans were flat (up 0.3%) while new home purchase loan applications rose 1% on the week.  However, both numbers were down significantly from a year earlier.  Elsewhere, XOM did reach an agreement to buy PXD for $59.5 billion (which is $253 per share) in an all-stock deal.  (This will greatly expand XOM’s footprint in the Permian Basin Shale area and comes on interesting timing since XOM’s executive leading its Shale Oil and Gas unit was arraigned for Sexual Assault in Texas yesterday.)  Finally, early this morning, the Biden Administration (led by the FTC and CFPB) announced major steps toward banning “junk fees” (read nickel and diming us to death) from banks.  The rules will not become effective until after a 60-day comment and review period.

With that background, it looks like the Bulls are making another modest move this morning, opening the premarket higher and, so far at least, printing white-body candles with tiny wicks in the early session. During this premarket, the DIA is testing its 200sma from below and QQQ is moving just a bit away from its 50sma after Tuesday’s recross to the upside. We do have modest news today including FOMC Minutes and 3 Fed speakers that could lead to a little market reaction. (There could also be some modest reaction to Congress if the GOP is able to become a little less dysfuntional and choose a replacement House Speaker. Though that may be tough since they need a nearly unanimous choice given their tiny majority.) However, it feels like Mr. Market is waiting on something (CPI, Jobless Claims, and/or the start of earnings season). So, don’t be surprised if today is yet another drift-like day. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far above their T-line (8ema) yet and the T2122 indicator is now at the top of its mid-range and just about to enter into the overbought territory. So, we still have room to run in either direction. However, this short Bull run of the last 4 days is starting to get just a little long in the tooth.

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

🎯 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

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