Theory vs. Action

September 5, 2020 By in Bonds, Interest Rates, S&P 500, TNX

Successful market speculators and traders, are not intellectuals.  There’s a difference between smart and savvy.

This is why scientific professionals such as doctors and engineers (author’s empirical opinion), are some of if not the worst market losers.

That statement is backed up by many sources, just two of which are below:

In Dr. Alexander’s book Come Into My Trading Room, he gives a brief reference to a Cybernetics PhD., market trader that had to ‘overcome’ his intellectual superiority to be successful.

In Market Wizards, Ed Seykota discussed a need to use his MIT Engineering degree (his intellect) in ways that won’t hurt him too badly in the marketplace.

There are now two theories on the U.S. bond market (links below) and we’ve been monitoring that market closely.  The bond action, TNX, looks like it’s about to break out with rates higher.

On Friday, we saw the market and bonds move lower together. 

The next meltdown may be a simultaneous collapse of the market and bonds.

The effect of such a move would be to wipe out retirees, the middle class and wealth management firms all at the same time.

Bond theory says, bonds will remain under control and interest rates low.  Bond action says, bonds will be sold off with rates rising.

Going to price action of the 10-year, it’s critical juncture status from the last post has not changed.  In fact, price action shows bonds even more tenuous.

Professional trading is based on price action, not theory.

At this juncture, going short (selling) the bond market (not advice) appears to be the lower risk position.

The past week has the press and public all aghast at a minor (percentage wise) blip lower. 

We’re probably on the last bubble for this cycle.  The markets could ‘air-pocket’ into several gaps lower; say, 25% – 50%, overnight.

Be Prepared

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Straight-Down: Biotech

September 4, 2020 By in Biotech, BIS, IBB

Not happening: Do not pass Go.  Do not collect $200 dollars.

From the open, IBB headed straight down; decisively penetrating support at the 130.00 – area.

Next potential support and a possible chance of a rebound, is around 125.00.  At this point, it’s not looking good.

Right now, volatility is high.

The low risk part of this move, that is, price action over the past three months, is over.

Another low-risk (short) entry point may never happen.  Biotech could just collapse from here. 

Remember, Stockman’s quote:  ‘It’s $2-Trillion of bottled air’.

Since were following the tenets set down by the market masters linked here, we’ll sit tight at this point. 

A reasonable stop level for BIS (2X, inverse ETF) can now be moved to around 33.50. For illustration only. Not a recommendation. Not financial advice.

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Better Than Expected: Not Really

September 4, 2020 By in Biotech, BIS

It’s just after the market open and there’s better than expected news on employment. That is, until you factor in temporary Census workers, skewing data to the upside. 

The Money GPS has long been providing real data and analysis (for years) on the market’s end-game.  Time stamp 7:24, at this link identifies the boost in employment numbers resulting from (Census worker’s) temporary hiring.

All this brings us back to price action.  What is the market saying about itself?

For biotech, there’s a possibility for a rise into a Fibonacci retrace level during this session. The hourly chart below, captured just three minutes after the open, shows the action thus far.

From empirical observation, IBB exhibits behavior where stop running, equalization of forces are complete around 11:30 a.m. EST. 

Depending on general market forces (S&P 500), if there’s going to be a reversal, it typically happens at (or before) that time.

If the down-trend is to continue, we’re looking for a test and reversal at either the 28.6%, or 38.2%, retrace level.

If or when that happens, it will be the trader’s discretion (not a recommendation) to either enter a short position or increase an existing position … or stand aside.

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

All But One

September 3, 2020 By in Biotech, BIS, Dow 30, IBB, Real Estate, Russell 2000, S&P 500 1 Comment

Of the nine market indices listed below, only one has a bearish weekly MACD cross-over:  Biotech

IYM:  Basic Materials

IBB:  Biotech

DIA:  Dow 30

IYT:  Dow transports

QQQ:  NASDAQ 100

IYR:  Real Estate

IWM:  Russell 2000

SOXX:  Semiconductors

SPY:  S&P 500

Yesterday, the indices were are at all time highs except for real estate (IYR), biotech (IBB), and Russell 2000 (IWM). 

Looking at IYR and IWM, we can see, although they are below the high, there’s still a persistent up-trend.

Even with today’s on-going reversal (three-hours before close), only biotech has posted a bearish, weekly MACD cross-over.

Of course, it won’t be known until after the fact why biotech is unique.  A hint at what might be the reason, is here (if it’s still available).

A gallery of the weekly index charts, listed above (as of 9/2/20) can be found here.

The focus of this firm, since June 3rd, exactly three months ago, has been biotech and its impending reversal.

A significant short position has been established over those three months via BIS, the 2X, inverse fund. Current Stop: 32.18

So, just what is ‘significant’?  How big is that?

To be transparent, without giving specifics, avoiding the usual internet keyboard warrior, and/or hater, the position is as follows:

We’re short what amounts to a full year’s wage for the typical American worker.  Fair enough?

When the position is closed out, results will be posted on the company site, located here.

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Ten-Thousand: True or False?

September 1, 2020 By in Biotech, IBB 1 Comment

That’s right.  Only 10,000 people in the U.S. have actually died of the ‘speck’ as the single mitigating factor.  True, or False.

shutterstock_26779105For those working the biotech sector,  it doesn’t matter.  Price action will decide.

This firm, is heavily short biotech for many reasons other than a potential (and likely) world-wide hoax.

We’re already expecting biotech to vaporize in a reversal and melt-down. 

Of course, if it turns out it really is the biggest hoax ever, how’s that going to affect all the biotech firms rapidly working on a cure for the common cold?

If the truth comes out all the pent up ‘investor’ demand for (or hopes to profit on) an injection are false, one could expect ‘vaporize’ to go ‘nuclear’ as everyone rushes for the exit.

Biotech price action shows it’s in a down channel. 

Yesterday’s session hit the upper channel line.  At the same time, it retraced a Fibonacci 38%, of the entire down move that began in July.

Today’s session was decisively lower. Price action posted a low below yesterday’s low (bearish).  In addition, IBB closed within the previous trading range; also bearish.

2020-09-01_15-15-55-IBB-Daily-4-bar-notes

 

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Prepping For The Downside

August 30, 2020 By in 1929, AMGN, Biotech, BIS, Coal, Corn, IBB

The more sophisticated market participants work the downside.  That’s where the biggest (and fastest) money is made.

shutterstock_242289160Trading books and specifically Reminisces of a Stock Operator, (first published in 1923) detail how the wealthiest traders in the world prefer downside action.

The markets are now stretched to obscene levels and could go higher, still.

Just this past week, we have interest rates breaking out to the up-side, a-la August, 1987.

Being long anything other than corn or wheat and the occasional down-trodden coal miner,  seems to be a high risk plan (not a recommendation).

Positioning for the downside in the appropriate market, might be a lower risk option than riding the insanity to the top … wherever that is.

Which brings us to inverse biotech fund, BIS.  The daily chart shows the well-heeled know something’s up.

2020-08-30_9-32-52-IBB-Daily-5-bar-lanscape-notesSpeculative volume for potential downside in biotech is increasing.  Last Friday’s volume in BIS was the highest in nearly four years.

BIS was trading higher throughout the entire session until the last few minutes.  It closed slightly lower for the day and thus colored the volume bar red.

That minor BIS downturn (up turn in IBB) can be traced directly to Amgen (AMGN) which is now part of the Dow 30, effective Monday the 31st.

It’s important to note that for the past four months, volume activity in IBB has remained relatively unchanged.  Not so with BIS.

We’re nearing the Labor Day Weekend during the next sessions.  The market will be closed on Monday, September 7th.

Back in the day of 1929, the market made its all time high on September 3rd, the Tuesday after the Labor Day Weekend.

 

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Peabody Energy (BTU) Reversal

August 28, 2020 By in BTU, Coal, Natural Gas, Solar Minimum 2 Comments

Way below the media radar, coal prices are reversing off a four-year low.  Peabody Energy (BTU) is reversing as well.

iStock-166215263-CoalWhy would coal, a supposed dead product be reversing now?

The list could be endless depending on one’s level of awareness.

Here are a couple of potential reasons.

No. 1

Were entering a 400-year solar minimum with decreased sun-spot activity and colder (much colder) earth temperatures.

The natural result of such activity is a decreased earth magnetosphere and increased cosmic ray activity.

Go outside during a sunny day … the sun’s rays are not warm anymore, there hot!  They feel like burning, searing energy on the skin.  The magnetosphere is weak, letting more radiation come in.

Under such conditions (more cosmic rays) volcanic activity picks up big time.  Scientists (those still honest) have not been able to figure this one out.  It just is.

So, we’re one major eruption away from the entire earth being covered with an ash cloud.  Bye, bye solar … instantly.

No. 2

Natural gas prices are rising dramatically.  Remember the Winter of Discontent update?  That update was spot-on.  It also included the level UNG could retrace (which it did) as a test, before moving higher.

UNG is up over 44%, from those levels.  One of many (now false) ideas for natural gas, was that it’s cheap.  Not any more.

Just two potential reasons for a coal reversal at this point.  Those with advance knowledge may be taking positions.  We see it in the price action.

As always, anything can happen and coal could resume a downward trajectory.  However, if BTU is able to hold above the 2.50-level, it may have already seen its all-time lows.

Keep in mind with BTU, we’re dealing with an equity in serious trouble.  It’s not hyperbole to say, the only thing that could save this company is a major reversal in coal prices.

2020-08-28_12-05-35-BTU-Daily-4-bar-landscape-notes

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

 

Hulking Shell

August 27, 2020 By in 1987, Biotech, BIS, Bonds, IBB, TBT

That’s what the average investor’s portfolio could be a scant two months from now if the analysis is correct.

Fotosearch_k7478570-BW-border

That is; markets are stretched to obscene levels, bonds breaking down, rates rising; the nearest corollary is August, 1987.

From a timing standpoint, it could be important.  That August was a Fibonacci 34 (-1) years ago.  Well within the margin of error.

Yesterday’s trade set-up (not a recommendation) was timed perfectly.

Today, that trade (if entered) would be up by about 2.8% at current levels.  The stop now gets moved to 15.54, today’s low.  Of course, this is for illustration purposes only.

For a bond trade, 2.8% is significant for a single day.  It looks like much higher rates are ahead.

Meanwhile, biotech (IBB) has given yet another sell, sell-short signal.  IBB briefly penetrated yesterday’s high of 133.39, and is reversing.

If price action continues lower, it’s a bull trap; a false breakout.

We’re actively short the sector via BIS (not a recommendation).

2020-08-27_11-53-45-TBT-Daily-5-bar-notes

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Bonds: Back To Breakout

August 26, 2020 By in 1987, Bonds, Interest Rates, TBT, TMV 2 Comments

shutterstock_1713590722The bond market is key.

If interest rates breakout from this point, we’ve got a set-up that mimics August 1987, on steroids.

The chart below shows ten-year interest (rates up, bonds down) is back at the trend-line.

It’s before the open and pre-market (as of this post) also has the ten-year (and the TLT) trading lower.

Two well known and liquid inverse funds for bonds are TBT (2X-inverse) and TMV (3X-inverse).

A price action insert of TBT, is shown on the TNX chart.

There’s a potential for today’s price action to make a new daily high.

If so, a possible trade (not a recommendation) would be an entry at the last session high, 15.74, with the stop at the last session low, 15.50.

If such a position could be opened, the risk therefore is 0.24-pts, barring any catastrophic adverse move.

2020-08-25_23-03-54-TNX-Daily-3-bar-notes

 

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.

Character Change: CORN

August 26, 2020 By in Corn

Fotosearch_k5736206Changes in character; price action, volume or both, tells us something’s gong on behind the scenes.

For the Teucrium CORN fund, it’s obvious.

Trading volume has increased dramatically.

CORN has the highest level of sustained daily volume in the fund’s history.

Price action has confirmed the 400%, trend line … at least for now.

2020-08-25_21-11-28-CORN-Daily-4-bar-notes

Charts by StockCharts

Note:  Posts on this site are for education purposes only.  They provide one firm’s insight on the markets.  Not investment advice.  See additional disclaimer here.