Friday, July 18, 2014

Friday, July 18, 2014

Summary: 

·         Yesterday's price action was dominated by the downing of a Malaysian Airliner over the Ukraine.  On top of that, investors world-wide were concerned with the new sanctions leveled against Russia. Unexpected events that may be geo-political in nature drive price where it goes.  Price finished lower, but you knew that. 
·         The Tech sector provided conflicting viewpoints.  eBay and SAP both beat bottom-line estimates.  The PHLX Semiconductor Index was pressured, and after SanDisk's (SNDK) cautious guidance, the Index declined. 
·         Economic Data:
o   Initial jobless claims dropped to 302,000.  Continuing claims are also falling. 
o   Housing starts fell to 893,000 from 985,000.  This is the lowest point for over a year.  Single family home construction is in a downward trend. 
o   Philadelphia Fed's Business Outlook Survey strengthened. 
o   Today Consumer Sentiment is due to be released. Expectations are that it will improve over June.  If so, the stock market will very likely recover much of yesterday's loss.
·         Today:
o   The USA stock market will open higher.  Price will still be affected by yesterday's sell off.  Expect the market to move higher unless some unexpected news occurs, but at first traders will sell and attempt to close the up-gap 
o   Bullish factors -
§   S&P 500 above 50 MVA, 200 MVA.  The current Price in the futures market is above the Monthly opening (barely).  Basically, price is bullish period. 
§  VXX (VIX ETF) is down this morning, but not strongly.  Expect more down movement once market opens.  Fear is subsiding at the moment.
§  Equity futures markets are all up. 
o   Bearish factors -
§  Oil is down which should be good for consumers.  This is a minor bearish factor.
§  Banking sector is being hammered.  Banking needs to reverse to the upside if the price is to continue upward from the overnight move. 
§  Today is option expiration day, and there may be an opportunity for traders to take a short early in the day (1st 40 minutes).  After that, unless there is major news the market will show buying, but mostly price will be choppy.
§  Israel and Palestine are into a major battle. So far, markets world-wide are not showing large concern with the world-wide consequences.  
o   Result?  Choppy - summer doldrums will ruin any major moves.  Remember the world is a very dangerous place now, and geo-political factors can move the USA equity markets down in a NY minute.

o   SUPPORT on S&P is 1948 or so.  This is yesterday's low in the futures market.  

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