War…What is it Good For?

Absolutely nothing?  Well…vol came under pressure again last night despite the recent 10/20 cross and obvious escalation in risk of military action in Ukraine. Apparently the threat of war is good for stocks. Nevertheless, the futures heard and obeyed and continue to eye the VIX breakdown threat which works more often than not.continued for members… … continue reading →

It’s a Wonderful Market

SPX and ES had no trouble reaching our initial downside targets — a backtest of their January highs.  We wondered, however, whether the SMA20s, loitering just below, might come into play. Sure enough, ES tagged its SMA20 with ease.  But, emini traders strongly resisted a drop through the SMA20 – bad mojo, don’t you know. … continue reading →

Facebook’s Faceplant

$20 billion here, $20 billion there.  Pretty soon you’re talking real money. Maybe Zuck should have accelerated his sales a bit more. Facebook’s disastrous conference call and outlook has seen the stock plummet 25% from its earlier highs.Note that this brings FB back below: (1) the trend line which has buoyed it since April 4; … continue reading →

Is Market Integrity Even a Thing Anymore?

Want to know where markets are going?  Just check Facebook.  The stock, that is. As I pointed out in March [see: Facebook Flops] the stock is a very reliable indicator of overall market direction.  And, right now, it’s threatening new all-time highs. But, its accomplishment raises an important question: does it matter how the stock … continue reading →

The Market’s Latest “Lucky” Bounce

That’s a relief!  For months, pundits have been arguing whether the Fed needed to hike interest rates three times or four times this year — you know, because of all the growth coming down the pike. Fed Über-Dove and “Man Who Thinks Market Integrity is Overrated” Jim Bullard just announced that the correct number is … continue reading →

Should We “Like” Facebook?

The last time I posted about FB was October 24 [see: CIW Oct 24, 2012], when I happened to hear Donald Trump repeatedly mention the stock as he was being interviewed about something else all together. BTW, interesting chart on Facebook.  I knew something was up when I heard Donald Trump touting the stock on … continue reading →