Tuesday saw markets start the year off with a gap lower following Iran’s sending a ship into the Red Sea and AAPL caught a downgrade.  The SPY gapped down 0.66%, DIA gapped down 0.55%, and QQQ gapped down 0.90%.  At that point we had divergence.  The DIA immediately rallied to recross the gap and slowly drifted higher until 1 p.m.  Meanwhile, SPY ground sideways for an hour and then drifted higher to the highs of the day at 12:45 p.m.  At the same time, QQQ sold off sharply after the open until 1:55 a.m. before recovering a portion of the selloff until 12:10 p.m.  However, all three major index ETFs sold off most of the afternoon, reaching the lows at about 3:15 p.m.  This culminated in a sharp rally in the last 20 minutes of the day.  This resulted in a white-bodied Bullish Engulfing candle in the DIA.  SPY printed a gap-down, white-bodied Doji, and the QQQ gave us a gap-down, black-bodied candle with a lower wick.

On the day, five of the 10 sectors were in the red with Technology (-2.46%) far out in front leading the losers while Healthcare (+1.04%) led the five gaining sectors.  At the same time, the SPY lost 0.56%, DIA gained 0.06%, and QQQ lost 1.69%.  The VXX was dead flat at 15.52 and T2122 rose but remained in its midrange at 74.59.  10-year bond yields rose slightly to 3.866% and Oil (WTI) fell to close at $71.65 per barrel.  So, the Bears started off the year with a gap lower.  However, the follow-through seemed to be based more on rotation out of the big dog tech names than a major change in market sentiment.  It is worth noting that both the DIA (strongest index) and QQQ (by far the weakest index) had well-above-average volume while SPY came in just shy of average volume.

The economic news on Tuesday was limited to S&P Dec. Global Manufacturing PMI, which came in just shy of expectation at 47.9 (compared to a forecast of 48.2 and a Nov. value of 49.4).  And November Construction Spending grew, but less than had been anticipated at +0.4% (versus a forecast of +0.5% and the October reading of +1.2%).

There have been no earnings reports yet this morning. UNF reports at 8 a.m.

In stock news, CVX announced it would take a “non-cash writedown” of between $3.5 billion and $4 billion on its oil and gas production in Q4.  (This primarily covers wells in CA and the Gulf of Mexico, which were abandoned.)  Later, RIVN announced that its Q4 deliveries were lower than forecasted or analyst expectations with 13,972 vehicles delivered.  (This was down 10% from the prior quarter and below the average analyst estimate of 14,430.)  Elsewhere, in a new year flood, companies rushed to issue new bond debt Tuesday.  The $29 billion in bonds issued included TM, F, UBS, BNPQY, and others.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, it was a very, very slow day. However, Reuters reported that the FDA approved 50% more new drugs in 2023 than in 2022.  This puts the agency back on par with historical levels. 

In unusual activity news, Bloomberg reports that a Z trader picked up a pile of calls in late October, betting on the real estate rally to continue the rest of the year. They made a tidy $39 million in profit on that bet and have turned around to buy 51,000 more of the Z calls at the $65 strike expiring in May. 

Overnight, Asian markets were mostly in the red.  South Korea (-2.34%), Taiwan (-1.65%), and Australia (-1.37%) led the region lower with only Malaysia (+0.65%) and Shanghai (+0.17%) staying the int green.  In Europe, we see a similar pattern taking shape at midday.  The CAC (-1.35%), DAX (-0.94%), and FTSE (-0.85%) lead the region lower with only two minor exchanges in the green in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures point toward another gap lower to start the day.  The DIA implies a -0.25% open, the SPY is implying a -0.35% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.54% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bonds are up to 3.978% and Oil (WTI) is just on the red side of flat at $70.36 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday includes December ISM Mfg. Employment, Dec. ISM Mfg. PMI, Dec. ISM Mfg. Price Index, and Nov. JOLTs Job Openings (all at 10 a.m.), FOMC December Meeting Minutes (2 p.m.) and API Weekly Crude Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for the day are limited to UNF before the open and then after the close, CALM reports. 

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, Dec. ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Dec. S&P Global Services PMI, Dec. S&P Global Composite PMI, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, and the Fed Balance Sheet report.  Finally, on Friday we get Dec. Avg. Hourly Earnings, Dec. Nonfarm Payrolls, Dec. Private Nonfarm Payrolls, Dec. Participation Rate, Dec. Unemployment Rate, Nov. Factory Orders, Dec. ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, and Dec. ISM Non-Mfg. PMI.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, we hear from CAG, LW, RDUS, RPM, and WBA.  On Friday, GBX and STZ report.

In miscellaneous oil and gas news, the US was the world’s top LNG exporter in 2023, leapfrogging Qatar and Australia after the Freeport LNG terminal came back online.  (The US had dropped out of the number one spot after Freeport in 2022.)  US exports of LNG rose a whopping 14.7% on record gas production.  Elsewhere, Bloomberg also reports that China has front-loaded its oil import quotas for 2024.  Beijing has already granted permission for imports up to amounts that nearly equal all of 2023.  This could lead to heavier than normal oil demand as traders try to take advantage of current lower oil prices…thereby also driving oil prices higher.  (China has never issued a full year’s worth of import quotas in the past in one go.  So, this may be a signal of certainty for the eyes of the Chinese economy.)

In US fiscal news, the Treasury Dept. reported that the gross national debt hit another record high, surpassing $34 trillion.  (As a sidenote, a January 2020 estimate from the Congressional Budget Office had forecast that the US would reach this level of debt in 2029.  So, we reached that level six and change years faster than expected.  It is also interesting to note that total federal tax receipts as a percentage of GDP are down at about 16%.  Of this, 67% comes from individuals, only 27% from corporations, and the rest from customs duties and excise taxes.) 

With that background, it looks like Mr. Market favors the bears as the premarket session gapped a bit lower and has put in black-bodied candles in all three major index ETFs so far. DIA is just giving us a Bearish Harami and remains above its T-line (8ema) in the early session. However, both the QQQ and SPY are moving lower and threatening to take out the Tuesday low during the premarket. So, while the Bulls hold on to the longer-term daily trend, we are seeing a pullback in the SPY and QQQ as well as a consolidation in the DIA. With that said, the rally was in dire need of that rest or pullback to remain healthy as we sit very near all-time highs. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are extended at all from their T-lines. At the same time, the T2122 indicator remains in its mid-range. So, both the Bulls and Bears have room to run if they gather the momentum to do it, but the Bears should continue to be hungry given that the Bulls kept them from making any moves at all the last two months of 2023. Lastly, keep an eye on the Tech Big Dogs. If we are seeing a rotation out of those names (which have dragged markets along for a year or more), it will be hard for markets to do anything except retreat.

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

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The last trading day of the year opened up flat on Friday.  SPY opened 0.05% lower, DIA opened 0.04% lower, and QQQ opened dead flat.  At that point, all three major index ETFs ground sideways in a very, very tight range the first hour before starting to sell off.  SPY and DIA both reached their low of the day at 12:25 p.m. while did it faster by 11:35 a.m. Then all three traded sideways with a slightly bullish trend the entire rest of the day.  This action gave us indecisive candles in all three.  The SPY printed a black-bodied Spinning Top candle that retested and held above its T-line (8ema).  DIA gave us a Doji that also retested its T-line and held above.  Meanwhile, QQQ printed a large body, black-bodied Spinning Top that, again, also retested and held above its T-line.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the red with Technology (-0.66%) and Basic Materials (-0.62%) leading the way lower while Communications Services (+0.09%) and Consumer Defensive (+0.03%) being the only6 ones to hold above flat.  At the same time, the SPY lost 0.29%, DIA lost 0.04%, and QQQ lost 0.43%.  The VXX rose 0.26% to close at 15.52 and T2122 fell back into the midrange at 69.44.  10-year bond yields rose slightly to 3.866% and Oil (WTI) fell to close at $71.65 per barrel.  So, the Bulls took the last day of the year off and the only move was some late-morning profit-taking and then drifting back toward flat.

That ended a very strong year for the stock markets.  QQQ led the way higher with a huge gain of 53.79%.  The SPY gained 24.29% on the year and DIA lagged the vast majority of the year, gaining 13.74%.  All three major index ETFs remain very near all-time highs with QQQ and DIA having been at new all-time highs in the last few days and SPY just within a half of a percent.  The US Dollar (UUP) fell 2.59% on the year, while Oil (USO) fell almost 5%.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields (TNX—X) fell just 0.34% over the year.

The only economic news on Friday was December Chicago PMI, which came in lower than expected at 46.9 (compared to a forecast of 51.0 and the November reading of 55.8).

In stock news, NVDA launched a modified version of its advanced gaming 4090 chip specifically for the Chinese market.  The new chip is five percent slower than the one that is banned for sale to China.  Later, BA announced that all 737 MAX jets operated in China are back in service.  This comes less than a week after BA announced it had made the first delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to a Chinese customer.  At the same time, FSR announced it had delivered 4,700 electric vehicles (priced at $69,000) in 2023.  Later, UNH announced it had agreed to sell its Brazilian operations for $515.24 million.  Elsewhere, PFE, SNY, and TAK announced they plan to raise prices on 500 drugs in the US in what industry analysts say is a bargaining move aimed at stymying the Biden Administration negotiation of 10 high-cost drugs for Medicare.  Later, CALM said it had agreed to buy a TSN chicken processing plant in Dexter, MO.  CALM said it plans to convert the plant into an egg-grading facility. Finally, Bloomberg reports that X (formerly Twitter) is now worth less than one-third of what Elon Musk paid for the platform as advertising sales continue to plummet as right-wing Musk cannot manage to stop offending and then insulting large parts of society and advertisers in particular.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, GOOGL agreed to settle a $5 billion lawsuit that alleged the company secretly tracked the internet use of millions of people.  The terms of the settlement were not made public but may be disclosed on the previously scheduled trial date of Feb. 24.  (The lawsuit originally sought $5,000 per tracked user.)  At the same time, the US Chemical Safety Board announced the findings of its long investigation of a 2020 CHK oil well explosion.  The investigation found that CHK and its contractors failed to use adequate safety and control measures leading to the blast that killed three people.  Elsewhere, a federal judge certified a shareholder class action lawsuit against JNJ Friday, saying the shareholders may pursue damages for JNJ allegedly fraudulently concealing how its talc products had been contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos for five years.  Later, HSY was sued by an FL woman for their candies allegedly lacking the holiday details depicted in the candy’s artistic wrapper representations.  At the same time, a federal judge ruled in favor of TEVA in its patent infringement lawsuit brought by CORT.  Meanwhile, a US District Court upheld an FTC order preventing IQV from acquiring healthcare advertising firm DeepIntent. Later, JERT filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  At the same time, MCD sued a group promoting a boycott of Israeli interests in Muslim-majority Malaysia for $1.31 million, alleging the group had issued false and defamatory statements that hurt MCD operations in that country.  Later, the FDA reported that RBGLY (Reckitt Mead Johnson) is voluntarily recalling batches of baby formula powder due to the possibility of contamination with bacteria.  At the same time, BNPQY signed an agreement to pay $662.3 million in compensation for the misleading practices of its consumer lending unit in France. Finally, the Biden Administration is pressuring ASML to halt shipments of state-of-the-art deep ultraviolet chip lithography equipment to China. ASML agreed to be part of the sanctions set to take effect this month but had rushed to ship orders before the deadline. Now the Biden Administration is pressing hard to stop the last-minute shipments. (It is worth noting that China accounted for 75% of ASML’s Q3 sales.)

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the downside.  Thailand (+1.24%) was the big exception with South Korea (+0.55%) and Australia (+0.49%) rounding out the gainers.  On the red side, Hong Kong (-1.52%), Shenzhen (-1.29%), and Taiwan and Shanghai (both -0.43%) led the region lower.  In Europe, we see a much more evenly split leaderboard at midday.  The CAC (-0.36%), DAX (-0.17%), and FTSE (-0.27%) lead nine bourses lower with six larger-moving bourses in the green in early afternoon trading.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a red start to the year.  The DIA implies a -0.46% open, the SPY is implying a -0.64% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.93% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields have spiked back up to 3.959% and Oil (WTI) is surging up 2.36% to $73.34 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday is limited to December S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (9:45 a.m.).  There are no major earnings reports scheduled for either before the open or after the close.

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, we get December ISM Mfg. Employment, Dec. ISM Mfg. PMI, Dec. ISM Mfg. Price Index, and Nov. JOLTs Job Openings and API Weekly Crude Stocks.  Then Thursday, Dec. ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Dec. S&P Global Services PMI, Dec. S&P Global Composite PMI, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories, and the Fed Balance Sheet report.  Finally, on Friday we get Dec. Avg. Hourly Earnings, Dec. Nonfarm Payrolls, Dec. Private Nonfarm Payrolls, Dec. Participation Rate, Dec. Unemployment Rate, Nov. Factory Orders, Dec. ISM Non-Mfg. Employment, and Dec. ISM Non-Mfg. PMI.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, UNF and CALM report.  Then Thursday, we hear from CAG, LW, RDUS, RPM, and WBA.  On Friday, GBX and STZ report.

In geopolitical news, in the Red Sea, US Navy shot down two anti-ship missiles fired by Yemeni Houthi rebels, which had been fired at an AMKAF (Maersk) ship Sunday. The Houthi then launched four small patrol boats to fire on the ship with small arms, but US Navy helicopters sank those boats, killing several rebels in that process. (Maersk paused Red Sea shipping after the attack despite no damage being suffered.)  This Navy action is part of the US maintaining the safety of Suez-Red Sea shipping lanes while the Houthi try to stop any shipping that might aid Israel and draw attention to the Israeli war on Gaza. In a late-breaking development that has impacted oil prices, Iran has sent a destroyer to the Red Sea after the US action against its Yemeni allies.   

In miscellaneous news, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts ignored the court’s ethics problems as well as all the massive legal decisions it faces ahead related to the ex-president.  Instead, in his Sunday year-end note, Roberts focused on the pros and cons of AI technology.  (Probably unrelated, this came just days after it was found that the ex-president’s legal team had used many fake AI-generated legal citations in their motions filed on his behalf in the last couple of months.  Elsewhere, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD announced it has produced more than 3 million new EVs in 2023.  That very likely means it has again topped TSLA (which had produced 1.35 million in the first three quarters of 2023) as the global EV leader.  In 2022, BYD outproduced TSLA by about half a million cars.  BYD sold 3.02 million vehicles in 2023.  Finally, in terms of starting the year off right, here are 1,000 good news stories you may have missed in 2023.

With that background, it looks like the news out of the Red Sea has markets scared that there could be further escalation of the Israeli-Hama war. All three major indes ETFs opened the premarket flat to modestly higher, but have sold off to form black-body candles that have crossed below the T-line in the SPY and QQQ and are retesting that level in the DIA. So, while the Bulls have held onto the daily trend for quite some time, this looks like a shock were the Bears will make a bid to take back control over the short-term trend. Sitting very near all-time highs, the Bulls retain control over the medium and longer-term trends. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs were extended at all from their T-lines. At the same time, the T2122 indicator is now in its mid-range. So, both the Bulls and Bears have room to run if they gather the momentum to do it, but the Bears should be hungrier given that the Bulls have kept them from making any moves at all for two months.

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

Stocks started the day modestly higher as SPY opened 0.09% higher, DIA opened 0.05% higher, and QQQ opened 0.10% higher.  From that point, all three major index ETFs rallied until 11:30 a.m. and then spent the rest of the day grinding sideways in a fairly tight range.  All three then rallied the last 10 minutes of the day, going out very near the highs.  This action gave us large-body, white candles with very small upper wicks.  As a result, DIA and QQQ closed at another new all-time high close while SPY closed less than half of a percent shy of an all-time high close.  All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) with at least QQQ getting stretched.  This all happened on slightly below-average volume in DIA, below-average volume in the QQQ, and well below-average volume in the SPY.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green with Healthcare (+1.70%) and Basic Materials (+1.67%) out front leading the way higher while Communication Services (+0.58%) lagging behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.61%, DIA gained 0.68%, and QQQ gained 0.51%. The VXX gained 1.48% to close at 16.42 and T2122 spiked up to the top of its overbought territory to close at 96.25.  10-year bond yields fell slightly 3.933% and Oil (WTI) gained 1.53% to close at $73.58 per barrel.  So, the Bulls said “not so fast” to the chorus that had observed how far the rally had run and concluded the market had to pull back. 

There was no major economic news reported Tuesday including November Building Permits, which came in below expectations at 1.460 million (compared to a forecast of 1.470 million and the October 1.498 million).  This was a 2.5% decrease month-on-month.  At the same time, November Housing Starts came in significantly higher than predicted at 1.560 million (versus a forecast of just 1.360 million and an October value of 1.359 million).  This amounted to a 14.8% increase month-on-month.  Later the Oct. TIC Net Long-Term Transactions were reported as dramatically lower than anticipated at +$3.3 billion (compared to a forecast of +$45.8 billion and a September reading of +0.9 billion).  Finally, after the close, the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report showed oil inventories surprisingly increased by +0.939 million barrels (versus a forecast calling for a 2.233-million-barrel drawdown and the prior week’s 2.349-million-barrel drawdown).  This must mean oil production is higher than ever since oil exports are also at all-time highs (5+ million barrels per day).

After the close, SCS reported a miss on revenue while beating on earnings.  At the same time, WOR beat on revenue while missing on earnings.  However, FDX missed on both the top and bottom lines. (FDX, in particular, sold off hard in post-market trade and influenced the entire market lower.)

In stock news, MBGAF (Mercedes), STLA, and VLKAF (Volkswagen) have increased their own subsidy programs (lowered prices) following the termination of the German subsidies for EV purchases.  (The program was ended due to drastic budget cuts when a court ruled the German government could not use unused COVID funding for other purposes.)  The move will cost the car-makers about $5k per electric vehicle sold in 2024.  At the same time, BA announced Lufthansa had ordered 40 BA 737 MAX 8 planes with the option to buy 60 more later.  (EADSY also announced the airline ordered 40 Airbus A220-300 planes with Lufthansa having the option to buy 20 more later.)  Later, XPEV announced that it would cut prices on its electric SUV by 5%.  (The move follows competitor BYD cutting prices by 8% on December 1.)  At the same time, ADM announced a second acquisition in two days, purchasing UK-based flavor and ingredient firm FDL for an undisclosed amount.  (FDL is set to book about $120 million in sales for 2023.)  Reuters reported AFRM has begun offering “buy now, pay later” loans at WMT self-checkout kiosks in 4,500 WMT stores.  The loans only apply to purchases of more than $144 and up to $4,000 and exclude grocery purchases.  The term of the loans is three payments over 24 months.  Elsewhere, MULN announced a 1-for-100 reverse split effective at 12:01 a.m. on December 21.  (The move is intended to help the company come back into compliance with NASDAQ rules requiring a price above $1.00.)  Late in the day, China auto industry analysts said that TSLA saw an impressive 18.83% increase in car registrations last week in China.  This amounted to 18,000 new vehicle registrations.  At the close, LUV announced it reached an agreement in principle with its Pilot’s union.  The new 5-year contract would be worth $12 billion under the terms of the tentative deal.  (The union board still needs to accept and send the contract to union members for approval.) After the close, GOOGL said it would restrict the types of election-related queries to its Bard AI chatbot.  On Tuesday evening, TSLA canceled its annual merit-based stock awards according to Bloomberg.  However, the automaker did give modest cost-of-living increases as an adjustment to base salary. Finally, Tuesday night, CNBC reported that TGT has been lying and making excuses. The financial outlet reported that when the retailer closed nine stores in NY, Portland, and San Francisco it had claimed that theft and violence were driving factors in the decision. However, CNBC reporting found that theft and violence were higher at stores in those areas that were not closed. So, the company was just latching onto a political (GOP) narrative as reasoning to hide otherwise poor performance (in merchandising, marketing, and service).

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, a US district judge granted a motion from KVUE to exclude expert testimony on whether the active ingredient in Tylenol causes Autism or ADHD in a class-action suit against KVUE.  At the same time, Reuters reported that TSLA prevailed in a lawsuit from a woman who alleged TSLA continued to give her abusive husband access to vehicle location data despite a court order of protection.  The court ruled that TSLA was not liable despite prior knowledge of the threat and the protective order since his name was listed as a co-owner on the vehicle title.  Later, TSLA asked a US judge to halt a trial brought by the EEOC alleging the company severely harassed black workers at a CA plant.  TSLA said that two similar cases should “play out” before the EEOC suit goes forward. Elsewhere, Reuters reported that the FAA has no “specific timetable” in mind for the certification of the BA 737 MAX 7 in an article citing the FAA’s top official.  (BA previously said it expects the certification to come this year.  However, the public comment period on a proposed exemption for certification for engine inlet and anti-icing system does not end until December 26.  The largest BA 737 MAX 7 customer, LUV, says it expects FAA to certify the plan by April.  At the same time, USB agreed to pay $36 million to settle allegations the bank illegally blocked unemployed consumers from accessing their unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.  (USB has contracts with 19 states and the District of Columbia to deliver unemployment benefits.)  Tuesday night, major automakers GM, TM, and VOLKAF (Volkswagen) opposed a bid by the NHTSA to force a recall of all 52 million airbag inflators produced by ARC Automotive (as opposed to just the millions already recalled).

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed.  Shenzhen (-1.41%), India (-1.41%), and Shanghai (-1.03%) paced the losses.  Meanwhile, South Korea (+1.78%), Japan (+1.37%), Hong Kong (+0.66%), and Australia (+0.65%) led the gainers.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape at midday with seven of 15 bourses in the red, seven in the green, and one unchanged.  The CAC (+0.08%), DAX (-0.07%), and FTSE (+0.56%) lead the region on volume as usual.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a red start to the day.  DIA implies a -0.18% open, the SPY is implying a -0.20% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.26% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down to 3.879% and Oil (WTI) is up 1.37% to $74.94 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday includes Q3 Current Account (8:30 a.m.), Conf. Board Consumer Confidence and Nov. Existing Home Sales (both at 10 a.m.), and EIA Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include GIS, TTC, and WGO.  Then, after the close, MU and MLKN report.

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q3 GDP, Q3 GDP Price Index, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Nov. PCE Price Index, Nov. Core PCE Price Index, Nov. Durable Goods, Nov. Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations, and Nov. New Home Sales are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, KMX, CCL, CTAS, PAYX, AIR, NKE and WS report.  There are no earnings reports on Friday.

In miscellaneous news, the Fed’s Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) has become increasingly popular in the last week.  The program which loans to banks against their Treasury and agency debt for up to one year at a rate slightly above Fed Funds swaps price has increased nearly 25% in size since the Fed meeting last week.  The reason is that Fed swaps are now pricing in (indicating) that the market expects 1.40% of rate cuts in 2024.  This means the BFTP loan rate is 4.96%, which is more than half a percent lower than the Fed discount window rate of 5.5%. So now $124 billion of BTFP loans are on the Fed balance sheet compared to $100 billion prior to the last Fed meeting.  In essence, the market has cut the Fed rates by half a percent already, even as the FOMC stands pat.

In China news, Reuters reported the Chinese economic analysts have noted disturbing strategy shifts by that country’s retailers, that risk entrenching deflation in the economy.  The shift by retailers is toward carrying only or primarily lower-priced goods and services.  This is seen in a proliferation of bargain stores and major companies offering primarily (or only) cheaper scaled-down versions of their products and services.  This move en masse is drawing comparisons to Japan, which suffered “lost decades” due to deflationary trends.  (As company revenues fall, they cut costs by reducing payrolls and offer cheaper price.  This lowers consumer price expectations and makes it ever harder to sell premium products or raise prices.)  The Reuters report cited many examples and quoted several analysts all predicting a painful economic spiral unless there is massive stimulus or other unforeseen economic good news.

In late-breaking news, inflation in the UK came in softer than expected at 3.9%, which boosted British trader’s hopes for a rate cut soon.  Before that, Richmond Fed President Barkin suggested the Fed would cut rates if progress on inflation continued.  (That was what markets wanted to hear as opposed to other Fed members who have pushed back on speculation that the FOMC will cut rates soon.)  Elsewhere, demand for mortgages in the US fell slightly, despite another decrease in loan rates. This may be due to homebuyers (as well as traders) anticipating better rates in the new year.  The rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate, conforming loan fell from 7.07% to 6.83% last week.  Despite this, demand for refinance loans fell 2% and applications for new home purchase loans were down 1% versus the prior week.

With that background, it looks like the Bears are in control of all three major index ETFs so far in the premarket action. All three opened the early session flat to slightly lower and are giving us larger, black-bodied candles so far in the early session. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. So, overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trends. However, the Bears seem in control of premarket trading. In terms of extension, the three major index ETFs were too far extended above their T-lines last night. However, the early morning move (possibly in reaction to FDX) is taking them back into a less extended state. At the same time, the T2122 indicator is now in the upper part of its overbought range. So, strictly speaking, both the Bulls and Bears have some room to run if they gather the momentum to do it, but the Bears have much more slack to work with if they get going.

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 as SPY gapped up 0.33%, DIA gapped up 0.20%, and QQQ actually opened just on the red side of flat at -0.03%.  At that point, SPY and QQQ traded sideways the rest of the day with a very modest bullish trend to the action.  Meanwhile, DIA wobbled sideways along the open level with a very slight bearish trend after 11 a.m. to end up in the gap.  This action gave us three different candles among the three major index ETFs.  DIA printed a gap-up black-bodied Doji. At the same time, SPY printed a gap-up small, white-bodied candle with a significant upper wick.  And to round things out, QQQ opened just shy of flat and printed a larger-body white candle with a small upper wick.  This happened on well-below-average volume in the SPY and QQQ as well as modestly-below-average volume in DIA.

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the green with Energy (+1.13%) way out front leading the way higher while Utilities (-0.24%) lagged behind the other sectors and was the only sector in the red.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.56%, DIA gained 0.09%, and QQQ gained 0.43%. The VXX gained slightly to close at 16.18 and T2122 climbed back up out of the mid-range and into its overbought territory to close at 86.13.  10-year bond yields rose to 3.945% and Oil (WTI) gained 1.68% to close at $72.63 per barrel.  So, QQQ kept up the rally, closing at another all-time-high-close again.  DIA did the same but in a much more indecisive way.  Meanwhile, SPY made up all the ground it lost last Friday, closing at exactly the same price as Thursday. 

There was no major economic news reported Monday.  Elsewhere, Chicago Fed President Goolsbee said Monday he was confused by the stock market’s reaction after last week’s FOMC meeting.  Goolsbee told CNBC, “It’s not what you say or what the (Fed) Chair says, it’s what do they hear and what do they want to hear?”  He continued saying, “I was confused a bit … was the market just imputing ‘Here’s what we want them to be saying.’ I thought there seemed to be some confusion about how the FOMC even works. We don’t debate specific policies speculatively about the future.”  Earlier in the day, Cleveland Fed President Mester told the Financial Times, “The next phase is not when to reduce rates, even though that’s where the markets are at. It’s about how long do we need monetary policy to remain restrictive in order to be assured that inflation is on that sustainable and timely path back to 2%.”   Later, San Francisco Fed President Daly told the Wall Street Journal that the FOMC must make sure “we don’t give people price stability but take away jobs.”  She went on to say that rate cuts are likely to be appropriate in 2024.  (She did not get more specific on timing.)

After the close, HEI reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  This included 54% earnings growth quarter over quarter.

In stock news, Reuters reported Monday that GS is facing a painful and costly exit from its credit card partnership with AAPL.  Other lenders find the program too risky and expensive, which is driving down what GS can get from selling the partnership.  In fact, key potential buyers of GS’s position include SYF, whose CEO said “You’ve got to have a really good risk-return (for credit card deals)” at a conference early this month. At the same time, UL announced it will sell its Elida Beauty (which includes the Q-top brand) to private equity firm Yellow Wood.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the unit generated $1.02 billion in 2022.  Later, Reuters reported that JPM, YUM, AAL, LOW, KTB, and BLK had all changed their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies after intimidation from right-wing groups who threatened lawsuits to stop any affirmative action.  Elsewhere, IBM announced the purchase of SWDAF’s integration platform for $2.33 billion.  The deal will increase IBM’s capabilities in cloud and AI markets.  Later the Wall Street Journal reported that AMZN is in talks to invest in Diamond Sports Group (a broadcasting network owned by SBGI).  At the same time, WH asked its shareholders to reject a hostile acquisition bid from CHH.  WH management cited that the deal would tie the company up for up to 24 months in regulatory review of the deal, which they claimed would hurt the company’s valuation.  Late in the day, ENPH said it would cut 10% of its workforce (total including employees and contractors).  After the close, CMCSA announced it had found a four-day unauthorized access to its internal systems in October.  The breach likely exposed usernames, passwords, contact details, and partial social security numbers of customers among other data.  Also after the close, ADM announced it had agreed to buy Revela Foods for an undisclosed sum.  Finally, late Monday evening TSLA announced it will increase the pay of workers at its NV plant by 10% starting in early January.  The company did not say so but this was likely a bid to hold off a bid by the UAW union to organize the plant.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the FDA approved the use of ARTQ’s treatment for a skin condition Monday (for patients 9 years and older).  The disease impacts 10 million Americans and this is the first approved treatment.  Later, ADBE announced formally that it is scrapping its $20 billion deal to buy cloud-based designer platform Figma after receiving pushback from EU and UK antitrust regulators.  ADBE will pay a $1 billion termination fee to end the deal. At the same time, AAPL announced it is halting the sale of some (higher end) of its Apple Watches in the US after the ITC ruled against the company in a patent dispute over included medical sensors.  Later, SPWR made an SEC filing that raised doubts about the company’s ability to stay in business.  The filing said lenders made a demand for immediate repayment of $65.3 million in debt after the company failed to report Q3 earnings on time.  (SPWR stock fell 31% on the day of this revelation.)  At the same time, the SEC launched a major lawsuit against TIO, alleging the fintech company fabricated billions of dollars worth of transactions through Nigerian subsidiaries and falsely reported hundreds of millions of fake revenues and assets.  Later, COIN petitioned a federal appeals court to review and overturn the SEC’s denial of the company’s request for new rules covering the digital asset sector.  (The SEC contends no new rules are needed.)  Elsewhere, 21 members of the US House (including at least one Democrat) wrote a letter to President Biden, urging him to launch an investigation of the EU, alleging that the EU Digital Markets Act harms the competitive ability of GOOGL, AMZN, AAPL, META, and MSFT.  Separately, another bipartisan group of lawmakers asked the Dept. of Justice to launch an investigation into whether AAPL violated antitrust laws when it disabled third-party Apps that allowed Android devices to message with the AAPL iMessage application. Later, the state of TN (GOP-run) sued BLK alleging the company breached consumer protection laws by making “misleading” statements about its environmental, social, and corporate governance investment strategies.  A utility subsidiary of BRKB has agreed to pay a $250 million settlement to timber companies in Oregon over wildfires.  After the close, a WA state jury ordered BAYRY (Bayer) to pay $857 million to seven former students and volunteers of a Seattle school district after the company’s PCB chemicals leaked from light fixtures making the plaintiffs sick.

Overnight, Asian markets leaned heavily to the green side with only two exchanges in the red.  Japan (+1.41%) and Australia (+0.84%) led the gainers with most other stock exchanges close to flat.  In Europe, only four of 15 bourses are in the red as the Bulls lead the way at midday.  The CAC (-0.06%), DAX (+0.38%), and FTSE (-0.11%) lead the region on volume as Scandinavian exchanges lead the price moves in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures point toward a modestly green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.16% open, the SPY is implying a +0.13% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.12% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down a touch to 3.905% and Oil (WTI) is off by three-tenths of a percent to $72.26 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday is limited to Nov. Building Permits and Nov. Housing Starts (both at 8:30 a.m.), TIC Net Long-Term Transactions (4 p.m.), and the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings reports scheduled for before the open include ACN and FDS.  Then, after the close, FDX, SCS, and WOR report.

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, Q3 Current Account, Conf. Board Consumer Confidence, Nov. Existing Home Sales, and EIA Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q3 GDP, Q3 GDP Price Index, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Nov. PCE Price Index, Nov. Core PCE Price Index, Nov. Durable Goods, Nov. Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations, and Nov. New Home Sales are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday we hear from GIS, TTC, WGO, MU, and MLKN.  On Thursday, KMX, CCL, CTAS, PAYX, AIR, NKE and WS report.  There are no earnings reports on Friday.

In miscellaneous news, US antitrust regulators (US Dept. of Justice and FTC) released their finalized new guidelines for tougher merger and acquisition scrutiny.  The 51-page set of guidelines expanded the definition of “highly concentrated markets” (which had last been updated in 2010).  The new standards lay the groundwork for challenging big tech mergers by companies like AMZN, GOOGL, AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, etc. among other industries and companies.  Elsewhere, BAC said Monday that they expect the Fed to cut rates four times in 2024 (March, June, September, and December).  As a result, BAC now predicts faster growth and lower inflation in the economy next year.  In supply chain news, the US Dept. of Defense launched an operation to safeguard the Red Sea for commercial traffic in conjunction with the UK Navy and eight other minor contributing countries.

In oil news, Reuters reports that US oil exports hit another record last week and will continue that way the rest of the year.  The driving reason for this increase is oil companies trying to drive down inventories to avoid year-end tax liability.  (This is especially true for storage in the state of TX.)  So far in 2023, US oil exports have averaged 4 million barrels per day (about 500k barrels per day more than 2022’s record exports).  However, exports from the Gulf Coast have averaged more than 5 million barrels per day in the last two weeks.

In late-breaking news, GOOGL agreed to pay $700 million and allow more competition in its Google Play app store.  $630 million will go into a settlement fund for consumers and $70 million to be used by states.  The settlement still requires approval of the court.  (Eligible consumers would get at least $2 and may get more depending on their spending in the GOOGL app store between August 2016 and September 2023.)  All 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are part of the settlement.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to move modestly higher again this morning in premarket action. All three opened the early session higher and are giving us small white-bodied candles so far. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. So, overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trends. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far extended above their T-lines. However, QQQ is starting to get close to extended once again and the T2122 indicator is now in the lower half of its overbought range. So, strictly speaking, both the Bulls and Bears have some room to run if they gather the momentum to do it. The Bears obviously have much more slack to work with if they get going.

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 were essentially dead all day but bookended by volatility.  SPY gapped down 0.50%, DIA gapped down 0.41%, and QQQ opened 0.11% higher.  At that point, all three major index ETFs waffled sideways in a fairly tight range.  SPY spent its day along the opening level.  DIA spent most of the day inside its morning gap.  Meanwhile, QQQ floated sideways above its gap-up open level.  Then the last 10 minutes of the day saw huge volatility as a 5-minute burst higher followed immediately by a 5-minute plummet lower, both on heavy volume, took the market out not far from where it started the day.  This action gave us a gap-down Doji in the SPY, a gap-down white-bodied Spinning Top in the DIA, and a small white-bodied candle with an upper wick in the QQQ.  QQQ gave us an all-time high close with both the large-cap index ETFs closing within a percent of their own all-time high closes.

On the day, nine of the 10 sectors were in the red with Utilities (-1.64%) way out front leading the way lower while Technology (+0.17%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY lost 0.57%, DIA lost 0.19%, and QQQ gained 0.48%. The VXX gained 3.33% to close at 16.14 and T2122 dropped down to just outside its overbought territory to close at 79.52.  10-year bond yields fell again to 3.921% and Oil (WTI) was up slightly to close at $71.79 per barrel.  So, on Friday, the large caps relieved some over-extension while the QQQ kept melting higher.  This was punctuated by volatility that was likely caused by triple witching options expiration day.  This happened on heavier-than-average volume in DIA and QQQ while volume in SPY was average.  It is also worth noting that last week was the seventh-straight strongly bullish week in a row in all three major index ETFs.  So, we are due for at least a rest.

The major economic news reported Friday included the NY Fed Empire State Mfg. Index which came in far below expectations at -14.50 (compared to a forecast of +2.00 and a November value of +9.10).  Later, November Industrial Production (month-on-month) came in a tick lower than predicted at +0.2% (versus a forecast of +0.3% but well above the October reading of -0.9%).  On a year-on-year basis, Nov. Industrial Production was lower but well up from one year ago at -0.39% (compared to the 2022 reading of -0.96%).  Later the S&P Global Mfg. PMI was reported lower at 48.2 (versus a forecast of 49.3 and a prior reading of 49.4).  At the same time, S&P Global Services PMI came in higher than anticipated at 51.3 (compared to a forecast of 50.6 and the prior value of 50.8).  This combined into an S&P Global Composite PMI of 51.0 (up from the prior reading of 50.7).

In Fed talk news, on Friday NY Fed President Williams pushed back against rate cuts, saying “we aren’t really talking about rate cuts right now.”  Williams went on to tell CNBC it was “premature” to speculate about cuts at this time.  However, later, Atlanta Fed President Bostic said he believes the FOMC will begin reducing rates during the third quarter of 2024.  Bostic told Reuters, “I’m not really feeling that this is an imminent thing.”  Still, he then went on to say, “The risk that inflation is going to spike has really, I think, declined significantly. It is not zero, but it is lower.”  He also told the interviewer that he expects a soft landing, saying “no one is talking to me as if large job losses are imminent.”  Lastly, he indicated that his current outlook call for two quarter-point rate cuts in 2024 and that this is less than the three cuts envisioned by many colleagues.

In stock news, on Friday, NIO announced they will launch a cheaper brand of their electric vehicles to Europe in 2025.  At the same time, Bloomberg reported that HCSG and ELV are in a bidding war, competing to buy CI’s Medicare Advantage unit.  Later, in an interview with Bloomberg, BLK said it is adapting to the Fed’s recent shift toward easing in 2024 by moving its fixed-income bond investments toward longer-duration positions.  At the same time, PLTR announced it had received a $115 million contract extension from the US Army.  Elsewhere, FSR said it had begun the final over-the-air software update for their electric vehicles in 2023.  Later, the Wall Street Journal reported that DOCU is in the early stages of exploring a sale.  Potential bidders were said to be both private equity as well as technology firms.  After the close, Reuters reported that KKR had purchased a $7.2 billion portfolio of recreational vehicle loans from BMO.  (The price of the deal was not disclosed.)  After the close, Bloomberg reported that China’s ban on AAPL phones by government agencies/contractors has accelerated and expanded.  It said the new policies forbid people from bringing any such phones or devices to their offices. The article said the policy also included “other foreign device makers” but none were specifically mentioned. 

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, Reuters reported Friday that XOM’s income tax rate has dropped more than 3% over the last 5 years due to massive deductions passed by the Trump Administration.  In fact, accelerated depreciation deductions lowered its rate to 2.5% in last year.  At the same time, the Dutch vehicle authority said that no recall of TSLA vehicles is currently planned in Europe despite the concerns that caused the massive US recall.  Later the NHTSA said it has started an investigation into NSANY (Nissan) related to 455k vehicles over engine failure reports where vehicles have lost power while in motion, raising safety concerns.  Elsewhere, Republicans in the House of Representatives subpoenaed BLK and STT in their effort to prove corporate ESG policies violate antitrust laws.  (BLK responded by saying “Having already produced more than 7,700 documents and 91,000 pages, a subpoena was not necessary but we understand this is the Committee’s practice, and we will continue to cooperate.”  Meanwhile, STT said, “We remain confident that we have not violated any anti-trust laws.”  After the close, Reuters reported that FDA investigators found quality control lapses at MRNA’s main factory, including equipment issues on machines used in the production of COVID-19 vaccines.  The inspections were in September and disclosed Friday as part of a Freedom of Information request.  Later, on Friday evening, a US court struck down the FTC’s order against ILMN’s purchase of Grail (a cancer diagnostic test maker). The three-judge panel ordered reconsideration of the deal.  Finally, Friday night, Reuters reported that ATVI will pay $50 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit by a CA regulator that alleged the company discriminated against women employees.  (The company paid $18 million to settle similar claims brought by the US EEOC.)

Overnight, Asian markets leaned toward the red side with only three of 12 exchanges in the green.  Shenzhen (-1.13%) and Hong Kong (-0.97%) were by far the biggest movers in the region.  In Europe, markets are mixed but also lean toward the red at midday.  The CAC (-0.28%), DAX (-0.30%), and FTSE (+0.59%) lead a region with six bourses in the green and nine in the red in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a start to the day on the green side of flat.  The DIA implies a +0.18% open, the SPY is implying a +0.22% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.09% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are down a bit to 3.911% and Oil (WTI) is up three-quarters of a percent to $71.97 per barrel in early trading.

There is no major economic news scheduled for Monday.  There are also no major earnings reports scheduled for before the open.  Then, after the close, HEI reports.

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday we get Nov. Building Permits, Nov. Housing Starts, TIC Net Long-Term Transactions, and the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks.  Then Wednesday, Q3 Current Account, Conf. Board Consumer Confidence, Nov. Existing Home Sales, and EIA Crude Oil Inventories are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Q3 GDP, Q3 GDP Price Index, Philly Fed Mfg. Index, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, Nov. PCE Price Index, Nov. Core PCE Price Index, Nov. Durable Goods, Nov. Personal Spending, Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Michigan Consumer Expectations, Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations, Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations, and Nov. New Home Sales are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, ACN, FDS FDX, SCS, and WOR report.  Then Wednesday we hear from GIS, TTC, WGO, MU, and MLKN.  On Thursday, KMX, CCL, CTAS, PAYX, AIR, NKE and WS report.  There are no earnings reports on Friday.

In positive miscellaneous news, Quiver Quantitative reported Friday that the Fed pivot during 2024 will unlock an enormous $6 trillion in cash currently stashed in money markets and short-term bonds.  The analyst suggests that this could be the driver for another leg of rally as “dry powder” is put to work seeking higher returns.  BLK data shows that this has been the case in post-hike periods.  In other somewhat hopeful news (in terms of keeping consumers, the engine of the economy, above water), gasoline prices have reached a new low since early 2021.  In addition, mortgage rates are heading in the same downward direction, albeit much more slowly than gas, which could help home buyers. 

In negative miscellaneous news, mining magnate Friedland (who founded IVPAF and IVN.TO) told Bloomberg Friday that copper prices need to reach $15,000/ton before mining firms will build new mines to expand the supply.  He expects demand from new cleaner energy transitions to increase copper prices to $9000 per ton in 2024.  (Up from the current $8470/ton.)  However, according to Friedland, this is nowhere near what is needed to justify expanding operations.  Elsewhere, in the wake of recent Houthi missile attacks, shipping giants AMKAF (Maersk) and HLAGF (Hapag-Lloyd) have suspended shipping through the Red Sea (meaning also through the Suez Canal).  This means shipping routes become longer, slower, and more expensive as ships are now being routed around the horn of Africa instead.  (It is worth noting, that prior to the Israel-Hamas war, 12% of global trade passed through the Red Sea.) In late-breaking news, oil giant BP joined the list of companies rerouting all shipments away from the Suez Canal and Red Sea to reduce risk (at the cost of greatly increased shipping expense and time).

In last-minute news, overnight Japan’s Nippon Steel announced it had agreed to buy X for $14.9 billion. That amounts to $55 per share. X has skyrocketed in premarket trading but remains $5 below the offer price at this point. Elsewhere, LUV has agreed to pay a $35 million fine and $115 million in passenger compensation for last December’s massive spate of thousands of flight cancellations which left two million passengers stranded.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to move modestly higher in premarket action. The SPY and QQQ are giving us very small, white-bodied candles so far in the early session. However, DIA is printing by far the largest and black-bodied candle, having faded most of its premarket gap up. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. So, overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trends. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs are too far extended above their T-lines. However, the T2122 indicator sits just barely outside of its overbought range. This could mean the Bulls need more rest and consolidation to avoid exhaustion. However, strictly speaking both the Bulls and Bears have some room to run if they gather the momentum to do so.

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 gapped higher at the open on Thursday.  The SPY gapped up 0.44%, DIA opened 0.31% higher, and QQQ gapped up 0.40%.  At that point, SPY wobbled sideways around that opening level, visiting the highs of the day again at 1 p.m.  At the same time, QQQ sold off and then bounced back to the open level at about 12:50 p.m.  DIA actually trended modestly higher all morning reaching the high of the day at about 12:50 p.m.  From there, all three major index ETFs sold off sharply reaching the low of the day at 2 p.m.  Then all three rallied the remainder of the day.  This action gave us gap-up, indecisive Doji or Spinning Top candles in all three.  All remain well above their T-line (8ema).  The action also left the DIA at another all-time high and all-time high close, QQQ within 1.3% of its all-time high, and SPY within 1.7% of its all-time high.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the green with Basic Materials (+2.65%) and Energy (+2.47%) out in front leading the way higher while Consumer Defensive (-0.79%) lagged behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.32%, DIA gained 0.43%, and QQQ lost 0.09%.  The VXX fell another 0.57% to close at 15.62 and T2122 ticked down but remained in the top end of its overbought territory to close at 97.90.  10-year bond yields fell again to 3.921% and Oil (WTI) spiked another 3.15% to close at $71.65 per barrel.  So, on Thursday, the market was very stretched and the Bulls needed rest.  However, we gapped higher again at which time markets became undecided as traders realized the market was very stretched.  This all came on above-average volume in the DIA and QQQ, as well as average volume in the SPY.

The major economic news reported Thursday included Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, which came in lower than expected at 202k (compared to a forecast of 220k and the prior week’s 221k).  Meanwhile, Weekly Continuing Claims rose to 1,876k (versus a forecast of 1,887k and the previous week’s 1,856k).  At the same time, Nov. Export Price Index came in better than expected a -0.9% (compared to the -1.0% forecast and the October reading of -0.9%).   On the other side, the Nov. Import Price Index also fell less than predicted at -0.4% (versus a forecast of -0.8% and October’s -0.6%).  At the same time, November Retail Sales remained strong at +0.3% (compared to a forecast calling for -0.1% and October’s -0.2%).  Later, October Retail Inventories were right in line with the anticipated at -0.9% (versus a forecast of -0.9% and much better than the September +0.4%).  At the same time, Oct. Business Inventories were better than we predicted at -0.1% (compared to a 0.0% forecast and a Sept. +0.2%).  Finally, after the close, the Fed Balance Sheet actually GREW by $3 billion this week as it was reported at $7.740 trillion (versus the prior week’s $7.737 trillion).

After the close, COST, LEN, and NASB all reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.  Meanwhile, SCHL missed on both the top and bottom lines.  It is worth noting that LEN raised its forward guidance while SCHL lowered its own guidance.  It is also worth noting that COST announced a special $15/share dividend for holders of record on 12/28 to be payable on 1/15/24.

In stock news, on Thursday, GM fired nine executives and 900 employees (24% of its workforce) from the Cruise autonomous taxi unit amidst a continuing investigation of safety following an Oct. 2 incident where one of the taxis ran over and dragged a pedestrian 20 feet.  At the same time, C announced it would close its municipal business unit (which underwrites loans to state and local governments).  Meanwhile, INTC announced a new line of high-end AI products to be released in 2024, which they claimed were more powerful than the current pure performance leader from NDVA.  Later, T announced they would add RIVN electric vehicles to their corporate fleet in 2024.  (Financial details were not disclosed.)  Elsewhere, a coalition of Nordic institutional investment funds sent a letter to TSLA on Thursday, “expressing concern” that the company has refused to enter into collective bargaining, specifically with Swedish mechanics. (The letter stopped short of threatening to divest but that may be implied given the large funds involved and the region’s social and economic climate.)  Later, Reuters reported that WH franchise operators are expressing concern that the hostile takeover bid launched by CHH could hurt their business.  (80% of the franchisees surveyed said the merger would hurt their individual business.)  Late in the day, BP announced it had restarted a gasoline pipeline in WA state.  The pipeline had been closed after it leaked 25,000 gallons on Sunday.  After the close, GM announced it would lay off 1,300 workers at two MI plants in January.  

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the FDA approved an MDT treatment for atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), which is a major market niche.  At the same time, Italian police seized $94.5 million from UPS over alleged tax fraud and illegal labor practices.  Later, the NRLB released a complaint against SBUX, alleging the coffee company closed 23 stores to discourage unionization as well as eight stores that had recently unionized.  This is now subject to a lawsuit.  At the same time, the FTC announced it would issue its decision on the KR acquisition of ACI for $24.6 billion on January 17.  However, sources reported that the agency is already working on a lawsuit that will be filed to stop that deal as soon as early January.  Later, the FDA issued a warning to CHWY and four other companies for selling (and in some cases making) unapproved animal antibiotics.  At the same time, the NHTSA announced it was opening an investigation into 447k VLKAF (Volkswagen) Golf and Audi A3 cars over fuel leaks.   (Some of these cars were subject to a 2016 recall that was supposed to solve the issue.)  Elsewhere, a judge in San Francisco ruled Thursday that Elon Musk must testify again in the SEC investigation of his $44 billion takeover of Twitter.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but mostly in the green.  Hong Kong (+2.38%) and India (+1.29%) led the gainers while Shanghai (-0.56%) and Shenzhen (-0.35%) paced the losses.  In Europe, we see a similar picture taking shape with 10 of the 15 exchanges in the green at midday.  The CAC (+0.60%), DAX (+0.28%), and FTSE (-0.28%) lead the region higher 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 +0.26% open, the SPY is implying a +0.24% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.33% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields continue to fall and are at 3.902% while Oil (WTI) is up a half of a percent to $71.97 in early trading.  

The major economic news scheduled for Friday includes NY Empire State Mfg. Index (8:30 a.m.), Nov. Industrial Production (9:15 a.m.), S&P Global Mfg. PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI (all at 9:45 a.m.).  The major earnings report scheduled for before the open is limited to DRI.  There are no major earnings reports scheduled for after the close.

In miscellaneous news, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revised the 2024 oil demand forecast Thursday, increasing the projected demand for oil upward by 130k barrels per day in the US.  In total, the IEA increased the global demand forecast by 1.1 million barrels per day.  This revised forecast reflected a more positive outlook on the US economy.  (This was the proximate cause of Thursday’s spike in oil prices.)  At the same time, the US average mortgage rate fell below 7% for the first time in four months.  Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that US car dealer inventory of electric vehicles grew to a 114-day supply.  (This compares to a 71-day supply of cars overall and a 53-day supply of EVs one year ago.)

In geopolitical news, the European Union began formal talks with Ukraine over that country’s admission into the EU.  This was a surprise decision and well ahead of the planned schedule.  However, Putin-lackey Victor Orban of Hungary vetoed a critical EU aid $55 billion aid package for Ukraine. This comes the same week as Republicans blocked another attempt to pass more US aid to Ukraine over their domestic political agenda.  As one result of the loss of outside support for Ukrainian sovereignty and democracy, Russia’s Putin told a 4-hour live Q/A panel that Ukraine’s support is crumbling, his forces remain on the offensive on all fronts, and he has no intention of ending the war until he has conquered all of Ukraine, disarmed then, and installed a neutral (read Russia obedient) government.  In Israel, the defense minister told the press that the war will continue for about seven months according to their projections. Having already extracted a 30-40:1 retribution, and now publicly ruled out both the Palestinian Authority (from the West Bank), Hamas, and foreign troops as post-war governance for the area, the options in Gaza are bleak.  (Only annihilation, subjugation, annexation, or diaspora come to my mind.)  So, it seems Autocracy is all the rage on the political right across the world. 

So far this morning, DRI missed on revenue (slightly = 0.4%) while beating on earnings (significantly = 9.7%).

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to follow through on again. All three major index ETFs opened the premarket a bit higher. However, they are printing small, indecisive (Doji-like) candles so far in the early session. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. So, overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trends. In terms of extension, all three major index ETFs remain extended above their T-lines. The T2122 indicator also remains in the top of its overbought range. This means the Bulls need rest and consolidation to avoid exhaustion in order to keep the rally healthy. We just have to remember that the market can remain stretched too far in either direction a lot longer than we can stay solvent betting on a reversal that hasn’t happened yet. Also remember this is Friday, payday, and a two-day weekend news cycle lies ahead. So, prepare your account by taking profits, hedging, buying insurance, and/or lightening up positions. And keep in mind that chasing a bull after he’s been running is a good way to get gored.

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 saw a dead market all morning and then a rocket ship in the afternoon.  SPY opened 0.07% higher, DIA opened just 0.01% higher, and QQQ gapped up 0.22%.  However, after that, all three major index ETFs just waffled sideways until 2 p.m.  At that point, there was a market-wide shot straight up until 3:05 p.m. (reaching new all-time highs in the DIA) when we saw 20 minutes of profit-taking.  Then the rally started again and lasted into the close where we went out near (SPY and QQQ) or at (DIA) the highs.  This action gave us large, white-bodied candles with very small lower wicks and no (or tiny) upper wicks.  All three major index ETFs remain well above their T-line (8ema).  DIA is at an all-time high close and within 4 cents of its all-time intraday high reached in the afternoon.  Meanwhile, SPY is within 2% of its own all-time high and now sits at the high since the first couple of days of 2022.  QQQ is sitting at its high since Dec. of 2021 and within 1.5% of its all-time high.  In short, the bulls have been on a wild and parabolic run for the last five days.

On the day, all 10 sectors were in the green with interest-sensitive Utilities (+3.72%) way, way out in front leading the way higher while Communications Services (+0.99%) lagged well behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 1.37%, DIA gained 1.45%, and QQQ gained 1.27%.  The VXX fell another 1.19% to close at 15.71 and T2122 spiked back up to the very top of its overbought territory to close at 98.44.  10-year bond yields plummeted to 4.026% and Oil (WTI) jumped 1.73% to close at $69.80 per barrel. So, on Wednesday, the market waited for the Fed.  Then traders heard exactly what they expected and had hoped for.  This led to a wild rally in the last two hours of the day.  These moves were on volume as, for once in the last week, all three major index ETFs were at average volume.

The major economic news reported Wednesday included November PPI (month-on-month), which came in better than expected at 0.0% (compared to a forecast of +0.1% but higher than the October reading of -0.4%).  At the same time, November Core PPI (month-on-month), came in even better than predicted at 0.0% (versus a forecast of +0.2% but in line with the October value of 0.0%).  Later, EIA Weekly Crude Oil Inventories showed a much bigger drawdown than anticipated at -4.259 million barrels (compared to a forecast of a drawdown of -0.650 million barrels and just shy of the prior week’s -4.632 million barrels).  However, the big news of the day was the Fed.

In Fed news, the FOMC held the Fed Funds Rate flat (as expected) for a third straight meeting at 5.25%-5.50% in a unanimous vote.  The Dot Plots show a current Fed Funds Rate projection of 5.40% for yearend (down two-tenths of a percent from the end of September).  One year out, the projections is for a Fed Funds Rate of 4.6% (down half a percent from the late September projection).  Two years out, the dot plot projects 3.6% (down three-tenths of a percent from the September forecast).  Three years out, the Fed projects a Fed Funds Rate of 2.9% (in line with the September projection).  Finally, the long-term projection is for a Fed Funds Rate of 2.5%, which was also in line with the September long-term forecast.  This implies three quarter-point rate cuts in 2024, four more in 2025, and three in 2026.  (It is worth noting that 17 or 19 FOMC members project those three quarter-point rate cuts in 2024.)

In terms of Fed Chair Powell’s Press Conference, he indicated the tightening is likely over with FOMC talks of cuts starting to come into view.  Specifically, in answer to a question Powell said “That’s us thinking we’ve done enough,” adding rate increases are “not the base case anymore.”  Powell said, “Inflation has eased from its highs, and this has come without a significant increase in unemployment. That’s very good news.”  Later, in answer to a question, he said “Recent indicators suggest that growth in economic activity has slowed substantially from the outsized pace seen in the third quarter. Even so, GDP is on track to expand around 2.5% for the year as a whole.”  In explaining how the Fed has been able to beat down inflation without causing a recession (how we got a soft landing), Powell said, “This inflation was not the classic demand overload, pot-boiling over kind of inflation that we think about. It was a combination of very strong demand, without question, and unusual supply-side restrictions, both on the goods side but also on the labor side, because we had a [labor force] participation shock.”  (This seemed to indicate that since Covid was a primary force in inflation, restricting supply while the government ensured demand by helping people…or giving handouts if you’re on that side…inflation was easier to bring back in line while past unmet demand, from Covid supply restrictions, helped prop up the economy.) 

In stock news, on Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that SNAP now has 7 million subscribers for its $3.99 Snapchat+ service launched in July 2022.  At the same time, SON announced a $50/ton price increase for its uncoated recycled paperboard.  Later, TSLA’s problems in Sweden continued to mount as the Swedish Transport Workers Union revealed Wednesday that their members would stop collecting waste at TSLA locations in Sweden in sympathy strikes on behalf of TSLA workers. GOOGL’s venture capital arm (Google Ventures) has hired a “general partner” to specifically focus on AI startups and projects.  Later, GOOGL announced price cuts for its new Gemini AI model.  The price has been cut to just 25%-50% of the June announced price.)  At the same time, SBUX got some good labor news as a third-party investigation found that the company did not engage in a “union-busting playbook.”  However, the report found there were many things the company “can do better” in labor relations.  Later, ETSY announced it would cut 225 jobs (11% of the workforce) in its restructuring plan.  Elsewhere, Reuters reported that DIS and CMCSA have increased advertising spending on the META Instagram platform (by as much as 40%) in the weeks since the two companies (among many others) halted spending on Elon Musk’s X and Musk told them to “Go F themselves.”  At the same time, LCID announced it has assembled more than 800 cars at its new Saudi Arabia plant during the plant’s focus on training new employees. Later, C said they will pay most of the bonuses due to employees who agree to depart (thus avoiding the need for one layoff) as the company undergoes a major restructure that eliminates an entire layer of management.  At the same time, Reuters reported that BP has been able to “claw back” more than $40 million from its former CEO Looney after the oil giant determined he had misled the board over personal relationships with colleagues.  (Looney was fired Wednesday after admitting a relationship with a subordinate a few months ago.)  Later, GM CEO Barra reiterated that the company still plans to end the production of internal combustion vehicles by 2035, despite recent delays in EV projects.  Meanwhile, PFE closed at a 10-year low after the company revised down its 2024 sales forecast to $5 billion below analyst consensus.  PFE said the reduction reflects “a more conservative and reliable” forecast of its Covid vaccine business.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, the NHTSA released documents Wednesday announcing that TSLA will recall more than 2 million of its vehicles (nearly all of them on the road) to fix a faulty Autopilot system that is supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention.  The agency said the faults were design faults and may result in foreseeable misuse of the system (which could impact TSLA liability in many liability cases).  At the same time, ABNB announced it would pay $621 million to settle outstanding Italian income tax obligations for 2017-2021.  ABNB did not admit to tax evasion and will not try to recoup this money from its Italian hosts.  This comes after a judge ordered the seizure of ABNB’s Ireland headquarters over alleged tax evasion last month.  (2022-2023 were not covered by the agreement and remain outstanding issues.)  At midday, Bloomberg reported that its sources indicate AAPL will be hit with an EU antitrust order forcing the company to change the way it blocks App providers from steering customers toward non-AAPL subscription options.  This came from a four-year investigation after SPOT had initiated antitrust claims. (If AAPL fails to comply, it could be fined 10% of global annual sales.)  After the close, UBS announced that it would pay (on behalf of its acquired CS) $10 million to settle SEC charges of providing prohibited mutual fund services.  This came after that company was barred from providing the services after a NJ court found it had violated the law.

After the close, ADBE and NDSN reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.

Overnight, Asian markets were mostly green.  Only Japan (-0.73%), Shenzhen (-0.62%), and Shanghai (-0.33%) were in the red.  Meanwhile, Australia (+1.65%), Thailand (+1.54%), and South Korea (+1.34%) led the gainers.  In Europe, 14 of the 15 bourses are in the green at midday with only Russia (-0.01%) barely in the red.  The CAC (+1.18%), DAX (+0.58%), and FTSE (+1.85%) lead the continent higher in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.32% open, the SPY is implying a +0.34% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.43% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields have fallen back below the key 4% level to 3.941% and Oil (WTI) is up 1.66% to $70.61 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Thursday includes Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Nov. Retail Sales, Nov. Import Price Index, and Nov. Export Price Index (all at 8:30 a.m.), Oct. Business Inventories and Oct. Retail Inventories (both at 10 a.m.), and the Fed Balance Sheet (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings report scheduled for before the open is limited to JBL.  Then, after the close, , COST, LEN, and SCHL report.

In economic news later this week, on Friday, NY Empire State Mfg. Index, Nov. Industrial Production, S&P Global Mfg. PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Friday, DRI reports.

In miscellaneous regulatory news, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission voted on Wednesday to approve Crypto exchange and brokerage Bitnomial to also become its own trade clearinghouse.  This unanimous bipartisan (two GOP and two Dem board appointees) approval was the first vertical integration of brokerage, exchange, and clearinghouse ever approved by the board.  Elsewhere, the SEC voted 4-1 to adopt new clearing rules for the US bond market.  The rules require more bond repo trades to be run through clearinghouses, targeting hedge funds and prop trading firms that have become huge players in bond markets but have not been regulated until now.  This has resulted in massive leverage, debt-based trade known as “basis trades” that have created large systemic risk like bank leverage trading in 2007.  At the same time, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency granted permission for a new type of nuclear reactor Wednesday, the first such approval in 50 years.

In geopolitical news, NATO increased its 2024 budget by 13% to $2.70 billion.  At the same time, over in UAE, the COP28 climate summit ended with an agreement and statement widely seen as weak and ineffective. This can be surmised, without even reading the statement, from the fact that oil-producing countries hailed the agreement as historic.  While the agreement calls for the reduction in consumption of fossil fuels in an orderly fashion, it sets no global targets, let alone country-specific targets other than the platitude of wanting the world to be at zero by 2050 “in keeping with science.”  The statement also calls for the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 globally but again lacks individual country targets or timetables.  In the meantime, fossil fuels now account for 80% of global energy and the figure continues to grow.  The demonstration reactor will be built in TN and is the first low-pressure, molten salt reactor (Thorium fueled) allowed, although there was a similar design built at the Oakridge TN DOE facility decades ago before being abandoned when the industry convinced the DOE to only allow high-pressure, water-cooled, reactors.

So far this morning, ABM and REVG reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to follow through on Wednesday’s Fed move. All three major index ETFs opened the premarket higher and are putting in a small, white-body, indecisive (Doji-like) candle so far in the early session. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. So, overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trends. In terms of extension, all three major index ETFs are now extended far above their T-lines, although QQQ is the most stretched. The T2122 indicator has also jumped back to the very top of its overbought range. This means the Bulls need rest and consolidation to avoid exhaustion and keep the rally healthy. We just have to remember that the market can remain stretched too far in either direction a lot longer than we can stay solvent betting on a reversal that hasn’t happened yet.

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 the day mixed and mostly flat on Tuesday.  SPY opened down 0.08%, the DIA gapped up 0.18%, and QQQ opened dead flat.  Then, after 10 minutes of just gaining their footing, all three major index ETFs rallied higher at best (QQQ) in a good way and at worst (DIA) in a melt-up fashion.  This action gave us white-body candles with lower wicks and no upper wicks except in the DIA.  This took all three to new highs since January 2022 and within 1% to 3.5% of the all-time highs.  Obviously, all three remain above their T-line (8ema).  However, this all happened on far less-than-average volume in the SPY, DIA, and QQQ index ETFs.

On the day, five of the 10 sectors were in the green and five in the red with Healthcare (+0.67%) out in front leading the way higher while Energy (-1.39%) lagged well behind other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.46%, DIA gained 0.47%, and QQQ gained 0.80%.  The VXX fell another 2.87% to close at 15.90 and T2122 fell out of its overbought territory to end in the upper part of the mid-range at 71.47.  10-year bond yields fell a bit to 4.204% and Oil (WTI) dropped another 3.55% to close at $68.79 per barrel.  So, on Tuesday the bulls again proved unphased by unchanged CPI data (did not fall but was not expected to fall) and continued to rally modestly higher.  Some may call it a “melt higher.”  The lack of volume may be a larger symptom or, quite possibly, a wait for the Fed on Wednesday afternoon.

The major economic news reported Tuesday included November CPI (month-on-month), which came in slightly above expectations at +0.1% (compared to a forecast of +0.0% and the October +0.0% reading).  At the same time, November CPI (year-on-year) came in just as anticipated at +3.1% (versus a +3.1% forecast and down slightly from the October value of +3.2%).  Simultaneously, the Nov. Core CPI (month-on-month) was reported as predicted at +0.3% (compared to the +0.3% forecast and a tick higher than October’s +0.2% reading).  On a year-on-year basis, Nov. Core CPI was flat at +4.0% (versus the +4.0% forecast and October reading).  Later, the November Federal Budget Balance showed a larger deficit than planned at -$314.0 billion (versus a -$301.1 billion forecast and far greater than the October $-67.0 billion deficit).  Then, after the close, the API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks report showed a larger-than-expected drawdown of 2.349 million barrels (compared to a -1.500 million barrel forecasted draw and the prior week’s 0.594-million-barrel inventory build).

In Fed Rate news, Tuesday evening (a day after the CPI release) Fedwatch tells us 98.2% of traders are betting rates do not change Wednesday.  Just 1.8% now expect a quarter-point hike on 12/13.  For January (1/31), there is a 92.2% probability of no change, a 6.1% chance of a quarter-point rate cut, and a 1.7% chance of a 0.25% rate hike.  The March 20 probabilities include 54.2% of the current rates, a 42.3% chance of a quarter-point reduction, a 2.6% chance of a half-percent cut, and a 1.0% probability of a quarter-point hike.  Finally, in May (5/1), the probabilities include 0.5% of a quarter-point hike from our current rates, a 25.5% chance of the same rates we have now, a 48.7 chance of a quarter-point rate cut, a 23.9% probability of a half-percent cut, and a 1.4% chance of three-quarters of a percent rate cut from current levels.

In stock news, on Tuesday, SPWR entered into an amendment and waiver of its credit agreement with lenders.  As part of the amendment, SPWR received $25 million of new revolving credit and existing lenders will also allow access to $25 million of existing credit that had been halted.  (The deal requires the company to provide creditors with updated financial data every four weeks.)  At the same time, Reuters reported that GM and KMTUY (Komatsu) have said they will jointly develop hydrogen fuel cells for electric mining trucks.  Later, CHH “went hostile” in its bid to acquire WH.  CHH went public with its cash and stock offer in October ($8 billion at the time but now down to $7.2 billion due to stock price declines). CHH, which owns about 2% of WH, is now in the process of selecting a slate of board candidates to propose against the current board in a proxy fight.  At the same time, BA announced it delivered 56 airplanes in November, including 45 737 MAX, two 777 freighters, two 767s, six 787 Dreamliners, and one P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.  Elsewhere, STLA announced its Fiat brand will begin selling a fully-electric version of its “500 model” car in 2024.  At the same time, PFE said it expects to close its $43 billion deal to acquire SGEN this week.  Later, Reuters reported that Type-2 Diabetes patients are having difficulty being reimbursed for multi-use drugs, specifically the massively popular weight loss drugs from NVO and LLY.  This could pose a headwind for the companies as insurers UNH, CI, and others are now requiring prior authorization to cover the drugs.  At the same time. Bloomberg reported that WBA has started early discussions about exiting its “Boots” UK pharmacy business.  (WBA thought about this in the past but shelved the idea.  Bloomberg reports internal discussions have just begun again.)  Meanwhile, Reuters reported that LHX said it had suspended its acquisition activity (and mergers) “for the foreseeable future” as it seeks to strengthen its balance sheet.  After the close, it was announced that the CVLY and ORRF boards had approved their merger in an all-stock deal, creating a bank with a valuation of $5.2 billion.  The new bank will trade under ORRF.

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, Reuters reported Tuesday that AMZN will defend its acquisition of IRBT at a closed EU hearing.  This comes three weeks after EU antitrust officials said the deal would likely squeeze out other robot cleaners from AMZN’s online marketplace.  At the same time, in front of a 15-judge panel, ILMN accused EU antitrust regulators of reaching beyond their remit in their investigation of ILMN’s $7.1 billion acquisition of Grail.  Undaunted, the EU antitrust regulators counter-accused ILMN of trying to rewrite the EU merger rule book. (If ILMN loses this appeal, it has already said it will divest the already closed acquisition within one year.)  In the US, the Dept. of Transportation said Tuesday it is launching a new regulatory effort that will eventually require carmakers to implement technology preventing intoxicated drivers from starting a car.  At the same time, Reuters reported that AAPL has offered to let rivals access their “tap and go” mobile payments systems in an effort to settle EU antitrust charges and avoid massive fines.  Later, a group of hedge funds filed suit in the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals against the SEC in a bid to vacate two new rules that require transparency of short-selling.  Late in the day, a federal judge in VA ruled in favor of CSCO in a patent infringement claim from Centripetal Networks.  A different judge in the same court had awarded Centripetal $2.75 billion in 2020, but a federal appeals court overturned the decision and forced a retrial.  At the same time, AAPL announced it will now require a judge’s order before it will hand over customer push notification data to law enforcement.  (Push notification data is very useful for geolocating a phone over time.  In other words, tracking the phone’s past locations.)  Up to this point, AAPL had been handing over that data upon request from any law enforcement agency.  After the close, a Brazilian judge approved the bankruptcy of the operator of 140 SBUX stores in that country.  Also after the close, AMZN asked a DE judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by shareholders over the company’s Kuiper satellite launch contracts.  The suit had alleged a conflict of interest as AMZN’s launch contracts were given to the former CEO’s Blue Origin company without considering alternatives such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed with the outnumbered exchanges in the red moving much more than the more numerous green exchanged.  Shenzhen (-1.54%), Thailand (-1.16%), and Shanghai (-1.15%) paced the losses with Australia (+0.31%) and Japan (+0.25%) being the only appreciable gainers.  In Europe, a different picture is taking shape at midday as all but two of the 15 exchanges are in the green.  The CAC (+0.37%), DAX (+0.17%), and FTSE (+0.35%) lead the gainers while Finland (-0.30%) and Norway (-0.04%) are the only red on the board in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a very modest green start to the day.  The DIA implies a +0.11% open, the SPY is implying a +0.11% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.17% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields have fallen again to 4.181% and Oil (WTI) is up a third of a percent to $68.87 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Wednesday include Nov. PPI and Nov. Core PPI (both at 8:30 a.m.), EIA Crude Oil Inventories (10:30 a.m.), Fed Rate Decision, Fed Statement, Current Q4 Interest Rate Projection, Q4 1^st Year Projection, Q4 2^nd Year Projection, Q4 3^rd Year Projection, and FOMC Economic Projections (all at 2 p.m.), and the Fed Chair Press Conference (2:30 p.m.).  The major earnings report scheduled for before the open is limited to ABM and REVG.  Then, after the close, ADBE and NDSN report.

In economic news later this week, on Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Nov. Retail Sales, Oct. Business Inventories, Oct. Retail Inventories, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, NY Empire State Mfg. Index, Nov. Industrial Production, S&P Global Mfg. PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Thursday, we hear from JBL, COST, LEN, and SCHL.  Finally, on Friday, DRI reports.

In geopolitical news, Houthi rebels in Yemen took credit for a missile attack on a Norwegian oil tanker in the Red Sea.  The group claimed it attacked (in support of Palestine) because the tanker was delivering oil to an Israeli oil terminal.  Elsewhere, the US Departments of Treasury and State announced new sanctions on hundreds of people and entities in China, Turkey, and UAE as part of its crackdown on evading sanctions on Russia. 

In miscellaneous news, Reuters reported Tuesday that in November global sales of fully-electric vehicles and electric hybrid vehicles rose 20% versus the prior year to a new record of 1.4 million vehicles.  The report (citing market research firm Rho Motion) said the sales growth was strongest in North America and China which more than offset reduced sales in Europe.  Of the 1.4 million cars sold, 70% were fully electric with the remaining 30% hybrid. This news runs counter to “conventional wisdom” that, given that F is cutting production plans for the F-150 Lightning by 50%, seems to say the demand for electric vehicles is falling.  In other news, more leverage has entered the stock market as XXXX (4x leveraged S&P500 ETN) began trading earlier this month.  (This ETN is run by BMO and is the first US foray into 4x leverage in the form of ETN.)

So far this morning, ABM and REVG reported beats on both the revenue and earnings lines.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to start the day higher (ahead of PPI data anyway) but are doing so in an indecisive way as we still await the Fed this afternoon. All three major index ETFs opened the premarket slightly higher and are putting in a small, white-body, indecisive (Doji-like) candle so far in the early session. All three remain well above their T-line (8ema) this morning. The market seems to be waiting on the Fed. However, the market also thinks it knows what the news will be (no rate hike, no cut, but a promise of “higher for longer” and no promises to be led by future data). Overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trend. So, even the indecision causes a drift higher. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs is extended too far from its T-line although QQQ is getting close. The T2122 indicator has also dropped back out of its overbought territory into the upper end of the mid-range. So, both the Bulls and Bears have slack to run…if either of them can find the momentum.

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

Monday saw an open just on the red side of flat with SPY opening down 0.09%, DIA gapping up 0.14%, and QQQ opening down 0.12%.  At that point, both large-cap index ETFs meandered sideways until 11 a.m., while QQQ rallied.  From there, SPY and QQQ sold off modestly until 11:35 a.m. before starting a rally that lasted until 2:15 p.m.  Then they both ground modestly lower and sideways with only the SPY rallying back the last 10 minutes of the day to close very near the high of the day.  Meanwhile, DIA ground sideways from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. when it followed the other major index ETFs in rallying the rest of the day, with it too closing near the high of the day.  This action gave us, large, white-bodied candles with only the DIA having any real wick (lower).  All three also broke out to new highs that had not been seen since January 2022.  Obviously, all three remain above their T-lines.

On the day, eight of the 10 sectors were in the green with Technology (+0.74%) out in front leading the way higher while Energy (-0.35%) lagged well behind other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.39%, DIA gained 0.43%, and QQQ gained 0.85%. The VXX fell another 2.27% to close at 16.37 and T2122 fell but still remains in overbought territory at 87.32. 10-year bond yields climbed a bit to 4.241% and Oil (WTI) rose a quarter of a percent to close at $71.42 per barrel.  So, Monday saw the bulls continue their rally but in a modest fashion on a no-news and no-earnings day ahead of the FOMC meeting.  So, we go into the CPI reports on a bullish note.  This all happened on far less-than-average volume in all three major index ETFs.

The only major economic news reported Monday was the NY Fed 1-Year Consumer Inflation Expectations which came down 0.2% between November and December to 3.40%.  This was the lowest reading since April 2021.  The report said the 3-year and 5-year inflation expectations remained steady at 3.0% and 2.7% respectively.

As the FOMC begins its meeting today, here are the Fedwatch Fed Fund Forecast probabilities as of Monday evening.  For December (Wednesday), 97.1% of Fed Futures bets expect no rate hike while 2.9% expect a hike of a quarter-point.  For January (1/31), 97.8% expect rates to be where they are now, 0.2% expect rates to be a quarter percent higher than now, and 2.1% expect a quarter-point rate cut.  For March (3/24) the bets start to lean more heavily toward a cut.  56.8% expect rates as they are now, 42.3% expect a quarter-point cut, and 0.9% expect a half-percent rate reduction.  By May (5/24) only 25% expect rates as they are now, 50.4% expect rates to be a quarter-point lower, 24% expect them to be a half of a percent lower, and 0.5% expect rates to be three-quarters of a percent lower. So, the market is expecting rate cuts to begin in the first half of 2024. You’ll have to decide whether the Fed will disappoint them (keeping to their “higher for longer” mantra) or not…and either way, how the market will react. However, traditionally, markets start to flag slightly before rate cuts begin.

After the close, CASY and ORCL reported that they missed on revenue while also beating on the earnings line.  However, it is worth noting that ORCL did raise its forward guidance.

In stock news, on Monday, TSLA was urged by four Nordic region pension funds to respect collective bargaining for its employees.  The public letter the funds sent said TSLA’s behavior was deeply troubling and not only contrary to the region’s labor model but against human rights.  Later, GM and EVGO announced the opening of the first 17 sites in its nationwide electric vehicle fast-charging network.  Elsewhere, Reuters reported that MSFT had struck a deal with the AFL-CIO union federation where the company agreed to remain neutral in the efforts of unions to encourage its workforce to join a union. The two also agreed to work together in the future related to AI technology and its impact on the workforce.  Later, an SEC filing showed that BRKB had cut its holdings of HPQ by more than half.  The filing showed Berkshire Hathaway now holds 5.2% of HPQ stock (about 51.5 million shares).  The BRKB sales of HPQ took place in November.  After the close, HAS announced it is eliminating 900 more jobs (after having announced 1,000 job cuts in January 2023) amid weak toy sales.  The cuts are expected to take place sometime “in the next 18-24 months.” Also after the close, F announced it would cut production of F-150 Lightning (electric truck) by 50% in 2024 due to “changing market demand.”

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, on Monday China’s Industrial Ministry announced that over 90% of new electric vehicles will qualify for that country’s tax incentives.  Later, a US judge said Monday that he will hear arguments in META’s request to block the FTC from reopening a 2019 consent agreement (including a $5 billion penalty) after the FTC said the company misled parents on how much control they had over children’s messenger accounts among other things.  The judge said he will hear arguments in late January.  At the same time, in Brazil, the main airline lobbying group IATA urged the state and state-run oil company PBR to slash fuel prices charged to airlines.  The statement called current jet fuel prices “excessively high” and “do not reflect the reality of an oil-producing country.”  The IATA said high fuel costs are the main challenges facing airlines in Brazil.  Later, workers at non-union automakers HMC, HYMTF (Hyundai), and VLKAF (Volkswagen) filed unfair labor practice charges against the companies Monday according to a release by the UAW union. The charges accuse the companies of launching anti-union activities and preventing workers from organizing union campaigns.  Late in the day Monday, the US Sec. of Commerce told Reuters that the US was in discussions with NVDA regarding the conditions under which the company can sell AI chips to China.  Sec. Raimondo made it clear that NVDA is forbidden from selling its most sophisticated semiconductors to China.  After the close, SNY said it terminated an exclusive deal to license a drug from Maze Therapeutics for the treatment of Pompe disease after the FTC objected.  The $755 million deal (signed in May) would have granted SNY a US monopoly on treatments for that disease.  Finally, late Monday evening a federal jury found that GOOGL Android App Store (Play Store) has been protected by anticompetitive barriers that have damaged smartphone consumers and software developers.  The unanimous verdict follows a four-week trial and will impact hundreds of millions of Android phone owners globally, making it a major blow to GOOGL. In fact, this could cost GOOGL billions upon billions of dollars in lost app store fees. (Expect at least months, if not years, of appeals before GOOGL gives up this fight. AAPL largely won a very similar case.)

Overnight, Asian markets were mixed but leaned toward the green side.  Hong Kong (+1.07%) was by far the biggest mover and led eight exchanges higher while New Zealand (-0.58%) paced the four losing exchanges.  Meanwhile, in Europe, we see a more even split of seven bourses in the red and eight in the green at midday (all on modest moves).  The CAC (+0.14%), DAX (-0.16%), and FTSE (+0.52%) lead the region on volume (as always) in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., the Futures are pointing toward a start to the day that is just on the green side of flat.  The DIA implies a +0.18% open, the SPY is implying a +0.05% open, and the QQQ implies a +0.12% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields have dropped hard to 4.189% overnight and Oil (WTI) is down another half of a percent to $70.94 per barrel in early trading.

The major economic news scheduled for Tuesday includes Nov. CPI and Nov. Core CPI (both at 8:30 a.m.), EIA Short-term Energy Outlook (noon), Nov. Federal Budget Balance (2 p.m.), and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks (4:30 p.m.).  The major earnings report scheduled for before the open is limited to JCI.  However, there are no major reports scheduled after the close.

In economic news later this week, on Wednesday, Nov. PPI, Nov. Core PPI, EIA Crude Oil Inventories, Fed Rate Decision, Fed Statement, Current Q4 Interest Rate Projection, Q4 1^st Year Projection, Q4 2^nd Year Projection, Q4 3^rd Year Projection, FOMC Economic Projections, and the Fed Chair Press Conference are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Nov. Retail Sales, Oct. Business Inventories, Oct. Retail Inventories, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, NY Empire State Mfg. Index, Nov. Industrial Production, S&P Global Mfg. PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Wednesday, ABM, REVG, ADBE, and NDSN report.  On Thursday, we hear from JBL, COST, LEN, and SCHL.  Finally, on Friday, DRI reports.

In grain and/or export news, Reuters reported Monday that bulk grain shippers across the US Gulf Coast will be sailing longer routes and paying higher freight costs to avoid the drought-caused record-high transit fees, load-size restrictions, and congestion of the Panama Canal through most of 2024. (Only 18 of the 35 normal transits per day will be allowed as of February and those ships will all be at greatly reduced maximum drafts, meaning much lower load capacities than in the past.)  It is hoped that Panama’s wet season (April-May) may begin to refill drought-stricken lakes used to operate the canal locks.  However, forecasters have been calling for another year of low rainfalls in the region as climate changes.  The immediate impact is that the vast majority of grain ships no longer transit the Panama Canal en route to Asia (the primary US customer).  Instead, in October the USDA said 33 of 38 grain ships crossed the Caribbean and Atlantic to transit the Suez Canal (adding 20 days and more than doubling freight costs in a notoriously thin-margin grain trading business).  From a stock market point of view, it is hard to predict the ramifications. Input costs for major domestic grain users such as ADM, GM, KHC, etc. may fall as US grain stockpiles rise. It’s also possible that markets will adjust by forcing farmers to produce less grain (or a different mix), which could drive input costs down for other sectors (like livestock feed). Or, Asian customers may simply recognize the changing climate effects and absorb the added costs (more likely the government will recognize the situation and subsidize grain shipping to avoid the loss of exports). In any event, the climate will force changes to the 2024 grain markets, even just through shipping costs.

So far this morning, JCI missed on both the revenue and earnings lines.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are looking to continue higher (before CPI data) but in a very tepid way. All three major index ETFs opened the premarket slightly higher and are putting in a small, white-body, indecisive (Doji-like) candle so far in the early session. All three remain above their T-line (8ema) this morning. It seems pretty obvious that the market is waiting on CPI but even more likely on the Fed. However, in both cases, the market thinks it knows what the news will be (flat inflation and flat rates). So, while we may well get more “wait and see” for the Fed decision Wednesday, the risk is on the side of a CPI surprise. Overall, the Bulls remain well in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trend. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs is extended too far from its T-line (but QQQ is heading in that direction). However, the T2122 indicator remains well into its overbought territory. So, both the Bulls have a little room to run and the Bears have plenty of slack to run…if either of them can find the momentum.

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 diverged at the open Friday.  The SPY gapped down 0.17%, DIA opened dead flat, and gapped down 0.48%.  However, the Bulls stepped in immediately for a strong rally until 10:20 a.m. in all three major index ETFs.  The next two hours were spent in a volatile bearish move back down to the prior close at 12:20 p.m.  The Bulls then stepped in to lead a long, steady rally that lasted until we saw profit-taking that lasted 15 minutes of the day (most heavily in the DIA).  This action gave us white-bodied, larger candles in all three major index ETFs.  The SPY broke out of its recent range to a new level that has not been seen since March of 2022.  QQQ did not break its 11/29 highs but is right at those levels. For its part, DIA printed something that could be seen as a Morning Star if you squint, but remains in its Bull Flag pattern.  However, it is worth noting that this again happened on less-than-average volumes in the SPY, DIA, and QQQ.

On the day, seven of the 10 sectors were in the green with Energy (+1.28%) out front leading the way higher while Consumer Defensive (-0.51%) lagged well behind the other sectors.  At the same time, the SPY gained 0.43%, DIA gained 0.36%, and QQQ gained 0.45%. The VXX fell 2.90% to close at 16.75 and T2122 spiked back up into its overbought range at 93.95. 10-year bond yields spiked to 4.229% and Oil (WTI) burst up 2.77% to close at $71.26 per barrel.  So, Friday saw morning volatility and then a sustained and steady rally that took us to the highs of the day late and was only broken by very late profit-taking.  This also capped a sixth-straight week of gains in all three of the major index ETFs. 

The major economic news reported Friday included November Nonfarm Payrolls, which came in better than expected at +199k (compared to a +180k forecast and the Oct. reading of +150k).  At the same time, November Private Nonfarm Payrolls came in just shy of anticipated at +150k (versus the forecast of +153k and the +85k Oct. value).  The Nov. Participation Rate rose slightly to 62.8% (compared to a 62.7% forecast and October value).  Altogether, this gave us a significantly lower Nov. Unemployment Rate of 3.7% (versus a 3.9% forecast and 3.9% October reading).  At the same time Nov. Avg. Hourly Earnings (month-on-month) rose slightly to +0.4% (compared to a forecast of +0.3% and the Oct. value of +0.2%).  However, on a year-on-year basis November Avg. Hourly Earnings remained stable at +4.0% (versus both a forecast and Oct. reading of 4.0%).  Later, Michigan Consumer Sentiment was reported far better than had been predicted at 69.4 (compared to a forecast of 62.0 and a November value of 61.3).  At the same time, Michigan Consumer Expectations also far exceeded what was anticipated at 66.4 (versus a 57.0 forecast and a 56.8 November value).  Meanwhile, the Michigan 1-year Inflation Expectations were DOWN SHARPLY to 3.1% (compared to a forecasted value of 4.3% and the prior reading of 4.5%).  Likewise, the Michigan 5-year Inflation Expectations were also sharply lower at 2.8% (versus a forecast of 3.1% and a previous value of 3.2%).

In stock news, on Friday, HON announced it had reached a deal to buy the security unit of CARR for $4.95 billion in cash.  Later, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety expressed concerns over the design of the TSLA Cybertruck. The group said using a thick steel skin and sharp angles on the body to improve the frame rigidness poses a safety hazard during crashes.  Later, Reuters reported that SBUX has reached out to unions to mend relations after more than a year of fighting unions and taking action against potentially organizing employees.  The letter said SBUX is open to ideas from the union on how bargaining could resume as quickly as possible.  Elsewhere, TSLA announced that its Model Y standard range vehicle is now sold out in China for the rest of 2023.  Later, LUV flight attendants rejected a tentative agreement between their union and the airline.  The deal had called for a 20% immediate raise and then 3% per year over a five-year contract.  (AAL and UAL are still in negotiations with their flight attendants and DAL attendants are not unionized.  In addition, LUV has not yet reached a deal with its pilots either.)   Later, TTM announced it would raise the price of its commercial vehicles by 3% on January 1^st.  On Sunday, Reuters reported that CI has abandoned its attempt to acquire HUM after the two companies could not agree on a price.  Instead of the acquisition, CI plans to announce a $10 billion share buyback plan.  At the same time, a group of funds led by Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital have made a $5.8 billion offer to buy M according to the Wall Street Journal.  The offer includes $21/share that they did not own as of December 1^st.  

In stock government, legal, and regulatory news, on Friday the FTC requested more information about the CVX acquisition of HES.  (This comes after 23 Democratic Senators had requested the agency look into the deal’s antitrust ramifications in November.)  At the same time, Bloomberg reported that the FTC is also examining MSFT’s investment into ChatGPT, again in terms of whether it might violate antitrust laws.   (Later, the UK announced it is also studying the MSFT-OpenAI collaboration.) Later, FDX was sued by a company formerly contracted by FDX to deliver packages in CA and OR.  The suit alleges that FDX has engaged in systematic and illegal business practices that amount to racketeering.  Elsewhere, GOOGL criticized a potential order from EU antitrust regulators that may require it to sell its profitable adtech business (the platform through which ads are sold).  GOOGL claimed that such a divestment was not proportional to the circumstances and is not right for GOOGL’s advertising partners. (Essentially, claiming that they should be allowed to control the ad sales platform and that nobody else could run it as well as GOOGL.)  Later, the FDA made a major announcement, approving two gene-editing treatments for sickle cell disease.  The therapies were produced by VRTX and BLUE using the CRISPR gene editing technology.  At the same time, AMZN asked a federal court to dismiss an FTC lawsuit, claiming that no consumer harm had been proven in the FTC’s allegations of antitrust violations by AMZN using algorithms to push up prices and feature the highest margins.  AMZN claimed these are all common retail practices.  Later, TSLA defended its “Autopilot” self-driving feature in court Friday, claiming that the state of CA implicitly approved its feature and branding when it had not taken action against the company in previous investigations.  (This was part of the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles lawsuit seeking to suspend TSLA’s license to sell vehicles with that feature in the state and requiring the company to make restitution to consumers who had bought TLSA cars believing they could safely drive autonomously.)  

In dividend and buyback news last week, MA hiked its dividend by 15.8% (to $0.66 per share) and approved a new $11 share buyback program.  Later, XOM said it would raise the pace of its buybacks following the announcement of its purchase of PXD.  The increased buyback program will not be $20 billion (up from $17.5 billion) through 2025.  At the same time, AVGO hiked its quarterly dividend by 14.1% to $5.25/share.  Meanwhile, MBI announced a special $8.00/share dividend for owners of record 12/18 with an ex-div date of 12/26/23.  (That was 108% of the stock price at the time it was announced.)  Later, DE announced an 8.9% dividend increase to $1.47/share.  At the same time, OC raised its dividend by 15.4% to $0.60/share.

Overnight, Asian markets were mostly green.  Japan (+1.50%), Shenzhen (+0.82%), and Shanghai (+0.74%) led the region higher with only two exchanges in the red.  In Europe, things are much more bearish at midday with only seven of the 15 exchanges in the green.  The CAC (+0.27%), DAX (+0.04%), and FTSE (-0.51%) lead the region on volume and Russia (-0.96%) is the biggest mover in early afternoon trade.  In the US, as of 7:30 a.m., Futures are pointing toward a flat start to the morning.  The DIA implies an unchanged open, the SPY implies a -0.03% open, and the QQQ implies a -0.08% open at this hour.  At the same time, 10-year bond yields are up again to 4.272% and Oil (WTI) is off by two-thirds of a percent to $70.76/barrel in early trading.

There is no major economic news scheduled for Monday.  There are no major earnings reports scheduled for before the open.  However, after the close, CASY, and ORCL report.

In economic news later this week, on Tuesday we get November CPI, Nov. Core CPI, EIA Short-term Energy Outlook, Nov. Federal Budget Balance, and API Weekly Crude Oil Stocks.  Then Wednesday, Nov. PPI, No.v Core PPI, EIA Crude Oil Inventories, Fed Rate Decision, Fed Statement, Current Q4 Interest Rate Projection, Q4 1^st Year Projection, Q4 2^nd Year Projection, Q4 3^rd Year Projection, FOMC Economic Projections, and the Fed Chair Press Conference are reported.  On Thursday, we get Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Weekly Continuing Jobless Claims, Nov. Retail Sales, Oct. Business Inventories, Oct. Retail Inventories, and the Fed Balance Sheet.  Finally, on Friday, NY Empire State Mfg. Index, Nov. Industrial Production, S&P Global Mfg. PMI, S&P Global Services PMI, and S&P Global Composite PMI are reported.

In terms of earnings reports later this week, on Tuesday, we hear from JCI.  Then Wednesday, ABM, REVG, ADBE, and NDSN report.  On Thursday, we hear from JBL, COST, LEN, and SCHL.  Finally, on Friday, DRI reports.

In miscellaneous news, the SEC announced it will vote next Wednesday (and is now widely-expected to approve) a major rule change that would force more Treasuries trading to go through clearing houses.  The clearing houses act as counter-parties to every trade in the event either the buyer or seller defaults, which ensures every trade is made. The rule is expected to reduce volatility in the $25 trillion US bond market.  It will also have the effect of reducing hedge funds leveraged debt bets.  Elsewhere, Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average US 30-year fixed loan rate dropped to 7.03% this week.  This was the lowest rate since early August.  Meanwhile, one of the world’s largest coffee brokers, Mercon Coffee Group, filed for bankruptcy in the US.  The company said its major lenders chose to not extend credit agreements, leaving the company with very tight working capital conditions.  Finally, we have some economic news out of China.  Chinese exports in November rose 0.5% from the same month in 2022.  However, Chinese imports in November shrank 0.6% compared to the same month in 2022. 

In Oil news, on Friday the US Dept. of Energy asked for bids to sell it 3 million barrels of crude oil (for delivery in March 2024) to refill the US Strategic Petroleum Reverse.  Elsewhere, after announcements from XOM and CVX last week, the EIA said it is now clear that US oil production will reach new record amounts again in 2024.  This comes after a recent all-time high of 13.2 million barrels per day was averaged for September. Meanwhile, early on Monday OXY agreed to buy CrownRock (a major private Permian Basin oil producer which produces roughly 140k barrels per day with 100k new acres under development) for $12 billion.

With that background, it looks like all three major index ETFs are again looking to give us indecisive inside-day candles in the premarket again. All three major index ETFs opened the premarket slightly lower and are putting in small and mostly indecisive (Doji-like) candles so far in the early session. All three remain above their T-line (8ema) this morning. The overall character of the early session suggests that either Traders are waiting for the Fed decision on Wednesday (which 98.4% believe will be no hike) or that it’s just early on a Monday. Overall, the Bulls are in control of both the longer-term trend and the short-term trend. However, the short-term trend is much more consolidating than a strong bullish trend in the large-cap indices with the QQQ trying to resume the rally. In terms of extension, none of the three major index ETFs is extended too far from its T-line. However, the T2122 indicator is again well into its overbought territory. So, both the Bulls have a little room to run and the Bears have plenty of slack to run…if either of them can find the momentum.

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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