March 19, 2024

Russell 2000 lags all other Indices

The Market: The Russell 2000 (IWM) was the only index on the WSC Scoreboard to finish lower on the session which was led by the Dow (DIA). Most of the indices on the WSC Scoreboard finished the session higher but HeathCare (XLV) was hit hard finishing –1.33% lower.  XLV remains only one of two sectors still up YTD but was hurt today by comments from Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who, after a privately held company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, announced a 5,000% price increase in its treatment for toxoplasmosis, called specialty drug prices “outrageous” and vowed to lay out a plan to…

Volatility & Chop continues

The Market: Volatility continues to be the name of the game which is why you can have a 40+ point day like today and still have the S&P 500 within a range/wedge.  While it is possible that we extend today’s rally by gaping higher tomorrow, it is not our expectation and if we do open higher tomorrow we would watch the downward sloping 20 day SMA as resistance. Overall, a light Economic Calendar this week Thursday and Friday having the most significant data points (Unemployment Claims, PPI, and Consumer Sentiment).       Reported EPS 9/8/15 After the Close:  …

A day of rest after 4 up

Index & Sector performance 2/12/14 The Market: This morning at StockTwits we noted that after four solid days higher traders should expect a consolidation day which is ultimately what ended up happening but not before the S&P rallied to the pivot at $1823.25ES.  Traders should watch that level now as upside resistance and look to 1805-10 as support.     The following noteworthy companies are scheduled to report earnings before tomorrow’s open: PEP, APA, DISCA, NLSN, HOT, TAP, BKW, AVP, NGLS, CAB, GNC, SON, AFSI, OWW   Analyst Comments:         The Game Plan:

Week in Review

DJIA +11.75 (+0.08%) to 14,712.55; S&P 500 -2.92 (-0.18%) to 1,582.24; NASDAQ -8.11 (-0.28%) to 2,840.55 With the exception of the Dow, the markets were on the downside Friday but only slightly so on what was a relatively uneventful options expiration.  All in all I would call today another consolidation day.  The S&P 500 started relatively flat and then moved lower until noon EST where it set a bottom and rallied the remainder of the day including a quick peak into positive territory just before the close which was eventually sold leave the small loss on the day.  In economic news we saw real GDP growth…

Week in Review

DJIA +8.37 (+0.06%) to 13,981.76; S&P 500 -1.59 (-0.10%) to 1,519.79; NASDAQ -6.63 (-0.21%) to 3,192.03 A pretty lack luster Friday to close off a lack luster week.  There wasn’t a shortage of events and things the market could use to drive direction one way or the other but it simply chose not to.  The market seems firmly pitted between valuations that may seem somewhat extended and technicals that would like a pullback but the continued accommodating environment from the Fed and also the Government as they continue to run deficits and even if cutting it is slow to not shock the economy.  How the market…

Daily Wrap

DJIA -9.52 (-0.07%) to 13,973.39; S&P 500 +1.05 (+0.07%) to 1,521.38; NASDAQ +1.78 (+0.06%) to 3,198.66 The market has been flexing its muscle and trying to show many different things.  If your a basketball fan you might say the market is trying to show it can take you to the hole and also hit the step back jumped.  The market faced another down move today and ultimately looking back at the chart the first 5 minute bar of the day market the lows.  The market continued a steady climb higher and likely used the Unemployment claims, which came in better than expected (341K vs 361K…

Week in Review

DJIA +149.21 (+1.08%) to 14,009.79; S&P 500 +15.06 (+1.01%) to 1,513.17; NASDAQ +36.97 (+1.18%) to 3,179.10 I have been looking and highlighting a pattern that seemed to be begging for higher prices in the short term and why the stance has been that while ultimately I would like to see a broader pullback/correction to provide the markets a better base to then press higher from again, in the short term it felt that every dip was an opportunity for a long trade.  Friday’s action now for me has brought the S&P 500 into the levels I was looking for and…

Daily Wrap

DJIA -49.84 (-0.36%) to 13,860.58; S&P 500 -3.85 (-0.26%) to 1,498.11; NASDAQ -0.18 (-0.01%) to 3,142.13 Today’s action all maintained in a narrow range as the market’s seem to be waiting for tomorrow’s non-farm payroll report.  We had Unemployment claims come in slightly above expectations but after factoring in the previous two weeks wide beats it all averages out to still be positive as of late.  We had other economic data and as always you can visit the Event’s Calendar for the release of economic data, scheduled meetings and other news that could move the market. With such a narrow day it…