The US stock market has begun 2018 on a very positive note with the S&P 500-tracking SPY ETF up 1.3% YTD already. But stock markets outside of the US are doing even better so far this year. As shown in the first snapshot below, regional ETFs have moved sharply higher within their normal trading ranges. All…
Stocks and ETFs are breaking out everywhere (despite some really scary headlines about the chaos in the White House). This chart of the Biotechs looks really great, and there are tons of charts that look very similar. Tech stocks are back, and they are just starting another run into new high territory after being out-of-favor…
February natural gas prices pulled back around a percent and a half today as traders worried about warm risks in the medium and long-range weather forecasts. Still, buying into the settle helped prices close just above the $3 level. For the first time in awhile, it was the front of the natural gas strip that…
TV Sentiment For The Next 12 Months The chart below shows the financial TV sentiment for the economy, stocks, volatility, emerging markets, inflation, treasury yields, and commodities from 2013 to 2018. It’s amazing to see how this sentiment indicator had almost 100% optimism for inflation in 2017, but inflation didn’t perk up. As a result…
Gold moved visibly higher during the first session of the year and this time mining stocks accompanied it. In fact, it seems that they are back on the track after a short pause. What’s the likely reason behind this year’s rally and what does it imply going forward? Let’s jump right into the mining stock…
I’ve pointed this out before, but it bears repeating: despite the large buildup in US government debt under Obama, the Obama administration ran a pretty restrictive monetary policy. In fact, compared to the other large, developed economies, Obama actually had the most restrictive post-crisis fiscal stance. I think this makes sense if you listen to comments…
With Brent Crude oil driving higher on Wednesday — up nearly $1 and trading at $67.59 in early afternoon New York trading – Morgan Stanley analysts Martijn Rats and Amy Sergeant point out that European refining margins have weakened recently. This is creating a negative correlation, where refining stocks head lower as the underlying product, Brent crude, moves higher….
Market Analysis Record weekly US ethanol production and strong live-stock numbers during the first quarter of 2017/18’s crop season has likely sparked a record domestic disappearance of corn utilizing a sizable portion of this year’s 2nd largest US corn supplies. The combination of expanding US fuel demand and better utilization of higher ethanol blends, particularly…
The Chart of the Day belongs to Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG). Since the Trend Spotter signaled a buy on 12/5 the stock gained 7.17%. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with products for professional horticulture as well. The Company’s brands…
Last year was quite an eventful one for the U.S. healthcare sector in particular. The economy witnessed the Republican tax reform becoming law and three rate hikes by the Fed. Thanks to both, healthcare was one of the top performers of 2017. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) rallied 19.5% year. This momentum…
