Stock Market Blog -Jun 29th

The market was mostly flat this week as we approach the end of the month, and the quarter. The market held up in spite of a very disappointing GDP report.  Bonds rose slightly, driving interest rates a little lower again. Gold was flat, like the rest of the markets.
Between now and the start of earnings reports in a couple of weeks, we could see a dull market as summer season begins as well.

 

New all time highs:   ATVI, AGN, CCE, FL, LNG, SLB, TRIP

All time lows:   -

Pops:    MTW,    Drops:  

Next week:  Economic reports,  **Monthly Jobs report**  -short week : Happy 4th July!

Earnings:     


 

Market Commentary

I continue to think we will see the S&P500 hit the 2000 mark, and the Small Caps (IWM -Russell 2000) finally take out their previous high near 120. the long term up-trend is still in place.

Implied Volatility in the Options market continues to hold near multi-year lows. If you are an Options trader, because of the low Volatility, this is a good time to trade Calendar Spreads, or trade long positions on the VIX or other volatility products.

This week's charts:

S&P 500 -holding at the highs
10yr Interest Rates -
Labor Force Participation Rate (10 year chart)

Commodities/Futures (charts):
Crude Oil was mostly flat, closing at 105.74-holding above $100

Natural Gas dropped a bit, closing at 4.40
Gold was up a bit, closing at $1320 -holding above $1300
The 30 year Bond was up a bit, closing near 136.91

The US Dollar was down a bit, closing at 80.08

NEWS:

Stocks end mildly up; second weekly gain for Nasdaq
Why there could be fireworks in the markets ahead of July 4
GoPro and tech stocks have great week
Google's vision: Android everywhere

Stocks: 2014 half-time report
Markets are blissful as trouble mounts
3 Leading Stocks That Mutual Funds Are Buying
Fed could trigger next world crisis: Stephen Roach

Stock Market Blog -Jun 22

The market rallied after the Fed meeting then remained flat for the rest of the week, through quarterly options expiration on Friday. Of course we hit all time highs again. Gold also rallied, closing past the $1300 level once more. Volatility levels are almost at all time lows (VIX). We could however see the NASDAQ100 break out past the 3800 level next week,  the S&P500 reach for the 2000 level, and the DOW reach for 17000.

The British Pound vs the Dollar crossed the $1.70 mark.

FDX rallied on earnings.

ORCL and COH dropped after reporting earnings.

New all time highs:  ABT, AN, APC, BUD, CL, DFS, EOG, JNJ, HAL, KMX, COP, PEP, PSX, SN, TRV, WFC, CVX, XOM,
All time lows:   -

Pops:       Drops:  

Next week:  Economic reports,  

Earnings:     MU WAG MON CAG

 

 

 

Market Commentary

We got the anticipated bounce I mentioned last week! The stock indexes are again at all time highs (exc. the Small caps), as we approach the end of the Quarter. The low VIX could be a signal for a turning point in the near future. Meanwhile, if you are a trend trader, stick with this up-trend till it exhausts itself.  Gold and Gold Miners seem to have turned, so there may be some opportunity there.

If you are an Options trader, because of the low Volatility, this is a good time to do Calendar Spreads.

Leading DOW stocks

This week's charts:

S&P 500 -all time highs again!
10yr Interest Rates -holding
Labor Force Participation Rate (10 year chart)

Commodities/Futures (charts):
Crude Oil was mostly flat, closing at 106.83 -continuing to rise

Natural Gas dropped, closing at 4.53
Gold was up, closing at $1316
The 30 year Bond dropped a bit, closing near 135.34

The US Dollar was mostly unchanged, closing at 80.44


 

NEWS:

Gold surges and S&P 500 at new high

Dow 17,000 to come? Maybe next week

Energy costs a potential threat to bull market (vid)
Fed has it wrong and it could cost you: Strategist (vid)
Fed tapers $10 billion more; economic outlook cut

The Dreaded 'R-Word' Is Making a Return
'We Are Living In the Greatest Debt Bubble of All Time'

Why Apple could be a 'momentum story' again: Pro

Hi, I’m a tablet – I’ll be your waiter tonight
Samsung unveils lighter and slimmer tablet

China hints at purchase of Greek bonds, reiterates targets
China Trumps Iran/Ukraine For Market Risk
Argentina: We will not default on restructured debt

Stock Market Blog -Jun 15th

This week the market took a small break from the recent non-stop rally. Oil rallied however.
INTC popped after raising forecasts. AAPL pulled back a bit, but we'll likely see $100 before long -that will get us back to the all time high of $705 (split adjusted).

New all time highs:  APC, CP, DYN, EOG, FOX, TRV, TV
All time lows:   -

Pops:    FDO, INTC, OPEN, YELP   Drops:   DAL, LULU

Next week:  Economic reports,   CPI report, Fed meeting, quarterly Options expiration

Earnings:     

 

 

Natural Gas stocks doing well...

 

 

Market Commentary

From last week: 'We are at the upper end of the recent rally, so we could see a turn next week.'

-so this week's pullback was not unexpected. Lets see where it goes from here -we could get a bounce as we approach the end of the quarter, as well as Options expiration. I have a hunch we'll soon see the S&P500 at 2000 as well, since it's so close. Of course, DOW 17000 is fast approaching too.

If you are an Options trader, because of the low Volatility, this is a good time to do Calendar Spreads.

 

This week's charts:

S&P 500 -small pullback so far
10yr Interest Rates -holding
Labor Force Participation Rate (10 year chart)

Commodities/Futures (charts):
Crude Oil rallied, closing at 106.91 -continuing to rise

Natural Gas was mostly flat, closing at 4.74
Gold was up, closing at $1274
The 30 year Bond was up a bit, closing near 135.78

The US Dollar was mostly unchanged, closing at 80.65

NEWS:
Stocks: Friday the 13th bounce
The Week Ahead: Why You Shouldn't Invest Like a Hedge Fund
Charting the approach of S&P 2000
This Bearish Russell 2000 Pattern is Still Alive
Six Indicators To Confirm The Bear Market
4 stocks that have tripled — and are set for more gains

Time to say RIP RadioShack; is Best Buy next?
World Bank: 'Now is the time to prepare for next crisis'
Number of millionaires worldwide skyrocketed in 2013
Without Iraq's oil, prices could hit $150-$200: Pickens

Stock Market Blog -Jun 8th

The market rocketed to all time highs again this week. Seems like no matter what the news, the market just continues to move up. The unemployment rate came in at 6.3%, but the U-6 rate, and the labor participation are still troubling. Gold dropped again.

New all time highs:  AXP, CSX, COP, CVS, DFS, DIS, FOXA, HAL, KR, MMM, SNDK, WAG, WFC, WAG, ,
All time lows:   -

Pops:     Drops:   HTZ

Next week:  Economic reports,   

Earnings:     

Market Commentary

We are at the upper end of the recent rally, so we could see a turn next week. The DOW and the S&P500 are hitting all time highs, while the VIX is hitting lows. Stick with the trend if you are a trend trader, look for a reversal if you are a contrarian. This market has been very resilient, so a 'long' bias would probably work in your favor.

If you are an Options trader, because of the low Volatility, this is a good time to do Calendar Spreads.

This week's charts:

S&P 500 -rally mode -all time highs!
10yr Interest Rates -dropping
Labor Force Participation Rate (10 year chart)

Commodities/Futures (charts):
Crude Oil was down a bit, closing at 102.66  -holding above $100
Natural Gas was up, closing at 4.71
Gold was down, closing at $1252
The 30 year Bond dropped, closing near 135.37

The US Dollar was unchanged, closing at 80.43

NEWS:
Stock market heads higher after jobs report
Recent market rally lacks conviction
Finally! Job market returns to 2008 peak
ECB getting closer to Fed-style stimulus
US job market recovers losses yet appears weaker
Watch Art Cashin: Why the stock market keeps rising

Apple to be 'cheap' Monday. Will you buy?
The Collapse in Rates That’s Causing Fits
7 steps to a market crash
The risks of VIX-tied investing
Kiss Gold Bull Market Goodbye