Pre-Market Update: The bulls tried to end their four-session slide and push near-term resistance on Wednesday, but the bears won the second half of the session to keep pressure on the market’s key support levels. Volatility remains elevated, but the VIX closed at a neutral level despite the mixed session.
Buy to open the WFM February 32 calls (WFM160219C00032000, $0.50, up $0.02) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF, $20.56, up $0.17) is holding its 200-day moving average following another test to the $20 level this week. While near-term support appears to be holding, there is still risk to $18.50 and the late-August low of $18.52 on a close below this level. Near-term resistance is at $21, followed by $21.50.
Pre-Market Update: The bears got their second-straight win on Tuesday following another volatile trading session. However, the bulls put up a good fight, and they made an appearance in positive territory after holding support on the opening pullback.
Buy to open the BAC March 13 calls (BAC160318C00013000, $0.40, down $0.03) at current levels.
Buy to open the BAC April 14 calls (BAC160415C00014000, $0.30, down $0.03) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Shares of Whole Foods Market (WFM, $29.50, up $0.12) traded to a fresh 52-week low of $28.07 on Monday, and the company is scheduled to announce its latest earnings figures following Wednesday’s close. The 52-week high is at $57.57, and shares are down nearly 50% from their peak.
Pre-Market Update: The bears got their second-straight Monday win yesterday, and they have won four of the past five by keeping the pressure on the bulls. There was a slight rebound off of yesterday’s lows, however, and backup support held despite the fresh 52-week lows in tech and the small-caps.
Mid-Market Update: My weekend research showed that a continued pullback was in store for the market this week, and I mentioned in this morning’s Pre-Market Update that the January and August lows could come into play.
The bears snapped a two-week losing streak following Friday’s pullback to the market’s lower levels of support. The bulls’ failure to clear major resistance levels continues to be a problem, with lower highs and lower lows coming into play, and tech and the small-caps are in danger of testing fresh lows for the year if there is no recovery this week.
Pre-Market Update: The bears snapped a two-week losing streak following Friday’s pullback to the market’s lower levels of support. The bulls’ failure to clear major resistance levels continues to be a problem, with lower highs and lower lows coming into play, and tech and the small-caps are in danger of testing fresh lows for the year if there is no recovery this week.
Mid-Market Update: The broad market is getting clocked following a worse-than-expected jobs report this morning. Nonfarm payrolls came in at 151,000 versus expectations for a reading of 190,000. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 4.9% — down from 5%. This is misleading to some degree, however, as more people continue to drop out of the workforce and therefore aren’t counted.
Pre-Market Update:The bulls pushed higher highs shortly after the open on Thursday, but they struggled to hold those gains throughout the day. The bears took advantage of the nervousness ahead of this morning’s monthly jobs report, and the market finished mixed for the second-straight session.
Buy to open the BAC March 13 calls (BAC160318C00013000, $0.68, down $0.11) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were strong ahead of the opening of overseas markets, but they weakened before Wall Street got to work. This was an indication that another choppy session could be in store, and that is exactly what we have seen so far today.
The bears continued their assault to lower lows on Wednesday, and they were looking to get their third-straight win. However, the bulls fought back during the second half of trading to regain positive territory and keep the current trading range in play. Volatility was insane yesterday, but it tried to level out following the whipsaw action.
Pre-Market Update: The bears continued their assault to lower lows on Wednesday, and they were looking to get their third-straight win. However, the bulls fought back during the second half of trading to regain positive territory and keep the current trading range in play. Volatility was insane yesterday, but it tried to level out following the whipsaw action.
Buy to open the BAC March 13 calls (BAC160318C00013000, $0.68, down $0.11) at current levels.
Take profits and sell to close the second half of the QQQ March 93 puts at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO, $33.60, down $1.02) is scheduled to announce its latest earnings figures this Wednesday, Feb. 3, after the market closes.
Take profits and sell to close the first half of the QQQ March 93 puts at current levels.
Pre-Market Update: The bears gained some momentum from Tuesday’s market losses, and the major indices closed at their backup support levels following the 2% pullback. Volatility was elevated, but it didn’t set off any alarm bells, as the VIX held resistance. However, the small-cap index led Tuesday’s tumble, and it is now down 22% from its 52-week high.
Buy to open the QQQ March 93 puts (QQQ160318P00093000, $1.00, up $0.40) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO, $33.60, down $1.02) is scheduled to announce its latest earnings figures this Wednesday, Feb. 3, after the market closes.
Buy Hansen Medical (HNSN) common stock at current levels.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls struggled from the start of Monday’s session, as fresh support was tested and stretched on the slight pullback, but they nearly got the win in the final hours of yesterday’s action. Tech managed to close in positive territory, and that sector of the market got some additional good news after the bell from Alphabet’s (GOOG, $752, up $9.05) impressive earnings report.
Mid-Market Update: The height of earnings season has quickly passed, but there are a number of noteworthy companies reporting in February and March that will keep Wall Street’s interest piqued.
The bulls survived another volatile week to get their second-straight weekly win as the bears retreated during Friday’s session. The surge and rebound past key resistance levels was a bullish sign after wrapping up the worst January since 2009. However, stronger overhead hurdles remain, and February is always a tricky month to trade.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls survived another volatile week to get their second-straight weekly win as the bears retreated during Friday’s session. The surge and rebound past key resistance levels was a bullish sign after wrapping up the worst January since 2009. However, stronger overhead hurdles remain, and February is always a tricky month to trade.
Mid-Market Update: The bears were on track to get the win this week, and all of the major averages were lower heading into today’s session. However, the bulls could secure the comeback win if they maintain today’s strong rally in tech and the small-caps, which were down roughly 2% mid-week, and, at current levels, they are almost there.
Pre-Market Update: The back-and-forth action in the market continued on Thursday, as the bulls rebounded to push resistance once again. However, the tight trading range that has developed this week could carry over into next week if current levels hold. In any event, the bulls will be looking to keep their momentum today in order to end this horribly bearish January on a high note.
Mid-Market Update: The market got off to a good start at the open this morning, but the major indices quickly lost their gains about an hour into the session. The choppy session can be attributed to number of good earnings reports that are conflicting with a lousy gross domestic product (GDP) forecast.
The Stop Limit at $1.30 triggered on the second half of the HOG February 37.50 puts.
The market struggled on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)’s latest policy statement, and the major indices ended the day by closing near their session lows. The zombies were slightly dovish in their update, but they left interest rates unchanged while saying that they are watching global market developments. They maintained their upbeat view of the U.S. economy, but it failed to attract buyers to the market.
Pre-Market Update: The market struggled on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)’s latest policy statement, and the major indices ended the day by closing near their session lows. The zombies were slightly dovish in their update, but they left interest rates unchanged while saying that they are watching global market developments. They maintained their upbeat view of the U.S. economy, but it failed to attract buyers to the market.
Take profits and sell to close the first half of the HOG February 37.50 puts at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were showing weakness ahead of the open this morning following the negative reaction to Apple’s (AAPL, $95.11, down $4.88) earnings. Shares opened just above $96 and have tested a low of $94.04 today.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls rebounded on Tuesday to push resistance, and they were looking for Apple (AAPL, $99.99, up $0.55) to announce an impressive quarter in order to keep their momentum. The bears were hoping for an earnings miss and a sour outlook, but both sides got their wish, as Apple topped earnings estimates while falling shy of Wall Street’s revenue forecasts.
Take profits and sell to close the first half of the CSCO February 24 calls at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Qualcomm (QCOM, $48.53, up $0.95) is scheduled to report its latest quarterly earnings after Wednesday’s close, and the company could silence its critics and halt its sliding stock price by posting better-than-expected results.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls failed to hold their momentum from last week on Monday, as the bears dominated trading during yesterday’s session. The losses were kept somewhat in check, however, with fresh support holding and volatility staying slightly relaxed. The action will likely pick up steam by the end of the week, as corporate earnings and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes will surely stir the pot.
Buy to open the OPK March 7 puts (OPK160318P00007000, $0.35, up $0.05) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: The financial stocks are taking another leg to the downside today, as a number of high-profile names in the space are trading at or near fresh 52-week lows. The sector is down 12% year-to-date, making it the second-worst performer in the S&P this year.
Pre-Market Update: The market had its first winning week of 2016 last week following a strong finish on Friday. However, two-straight winning sessions hardly makes for a trend, and it’s a little too soon to say that a “V-shaped” recovery is in store. On the other hand, the near-term outlook appears promising, as a number of the technical indicators I follow have turned bullish.
The market had its first winning week for 2016 following a strong Friday finish. Two-straight winning sessions hardly make a trend, and it’s a little too soon to a say a “V-shaped” recovery is in store. However, the near-term outlook appears promising as a number of technical indicators I follow turned bullish.
Mid-Market Update: With the East Coast on high alert due to blizzard-like conditions, the bears decided to hibernate for the day. The bulls are taking advantage of their inaction, and Wall Street is rushing to buy stocks ahead of the weekend. The market is on track to finish the week in the green for the first time in 2016, providing the current gains hold.
Buy Twitter (TWTR) common stock at current levels.
Sell to open the TWTR February 15 call (TWTR160219C00015000, $3.50, up $0.05) at current levels.
Buy to open the CSCO February 24 calls (CSCO160219C00024000, $0.42, down $0.02) up to $0.52 (Limit Order).
Buy to to open the CSCO March 25 calls (CSCO160318C00025000, $0.30, down $0.01) up to $0.40 (Limit Order).
Pre-Market Update: The bulls showed some strength for the second-straight session, but they struggled with resistance and continued weakness in the small-caps. The bears are still on the prowl, and they have been dominant on Fridays over the past few months, making today an important session.
Mid-Market Update: The bulls are battling back and have held positive territory for much of the session. However, the gains are starting to fade, and the final hour of trading will be important in determining tomorrow’s momentum.
The market suffered its worst trading day in months on Wednesday, as volatility soared to fresh highs and the August lows came back into play. However, the bulls recovered nicely from the mid-day madness, and the small-caps rebounded to regain positive territory by closing bell.
Pre-Market Update: The market suffered its worst trading day in months on Wednesday, as volatility soared to fresh highs and the August lows came back into play. However, the bulls recovered nicely from the mid-day madness, and the small-caps rebounded to regain positive territory by closing bell.
The Stop Limit at $0.95 on the second half of the GM February 28 puts has triggered on today’s rebound in GM shares.
Mid-Market Update: Shares of Starbucks (SBUX) are holding the 50-week moving average at $54.53 but face further risk to $50, and possibly $45 and the 100-week moving average, on an earnings miss, or lowered guidance. A rebound to $57.50-$60 could come on a blowout quarter, but that might be asking a lot.
Raise the Stop Limit on the GM February 28 puts from $0.65 to $0.95 on the other half of the trade.
Cancel orders to buy the KSS February 42.50 puts (KSS160219P00042500, $1.32, up $0.48).
Buy to open the GRMN February 30 puts (GRMN160219P00030000, $0.93, up $0.18) at current levels.
Buy to open the HOG February 37.50 puts (HOG160219P00037500, $1.20, up $0.15) at current levels.
Buy to open the KSS February 42.50 puts (KSS160219P00042500, $0.95, up $0.11) at current levels.
Pre-Market Update:The S&P 500 Volatility Index stayed subdued throughout the session before a late day surge to 27.59. The bulls held resistance at 27.50 with risk to 30-35, if breached. The bears held support at 25 following the morning trip to 25.21. The action in the VIX remains slightly bearish as there are additional layers of support at 23.50-22.50 that carry more weight.
Mid-Market Update: I have a couple of Profit Alerts as the Stop Limits on Intel (INTC) and Nike (NKE) have been breached. I have also raised the Stop Limit on our General Motors (GM) trade.
It felt like a Paul Simon week for the bulls as they struggled with resistance before totally collapsing to fresh 2016 lows on Friday. The August 2015 lows are now in play, and the bears will be looking for weak corporate earnings to keep their momentum.
Pre-Market Update: It felt like a Paul Simon week for the bulls as they struggled with resistance before totally collapsing to fresh 2016 lows on Friday. The August 2015 lows are now in play, and the bears will be looking for weak corporate earnings to keep their momentum.
Mid-Market Update: The market was behind the eight ball after midnight, as futures were down nearly 1%. The pre-market action worsened heading into this morning’s open, which was a classic sign that lower lows would come into play.
The Stop Limit of $1.20 triggered on the first half of the INTC February 30 puts.
Take profits and sell to close the first half of the GM February 28 puts at current levels.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls showed some moxie on Thursday after facing fresh 2016 lows in a make-or-break session. The bears came close to creating total chaos, but they failed to hold down the market’s lower levels of support. Today’s action will likely determine next week’s momentum, as the major averages remain mixed for the week.
The Stop Limit of $0.74 triggered on the GRMN February 30 puts.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were showing another bullish open this morning, and the subsequent action has played out much like it has for the past week. The opening rally faded again, but it happened much more quickly today than it has in prior sessions. Trading has been choppy since the open, but there are some important clues we need to watch into the closing bell.
Wednesday’s opening rally felt suspicious, and the first 30 minutes of trading action confirmed that feeling, as the market gave back all of its gains and then some. The freefall to lower lows was a bearish sign and, to make matters worse for the bulls, volatility spiked into the closing bell.
Pre-Market Update: Wednesday’s opening rally felt suspicious, and the first 30 minutes of trading action confirmed that feeling, as the market gave back all of its gains and then some. The freefall to lower lows was a bearish sign and, to make matters worse for the bulls, volatility spiked into the closing bell.
Buy to open the INTC February 30 puts (INTC160219P00030000, $0.60, up $0.18) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: I mentioned previously that the financial stocks and earnings would be in focus this week. I previewed Citigroup (C)’s numbers ahead of its report on Friday in yesterday’s Pre-Market Update, and I’m still watching C for a possible bullish, bearish or strangle option trade ahead of Thursday’s close.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls battled the bears during Tuesday’s session, and both sides held their near-term support and resistance zones. Volatility pulled back a little, but it will likely heat up again as more fourth-quarter corporate earnings and economic news flow in over the rest of the week. A number of major earnings announcements from the financial sector, along with the retail sales report on Friday, should give us clues as to how the rest of January could play out.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were showing a strong start to this morning’s trading session, as volatility in overseas markets slowed. However, China’s stock market and currency are still trying to find their respective bottoms, and the nervousness of continued lower lows is keeping the slick-talking pros on the sideline.
Take profits and sell to close the MYL February 47.50 puts at current levels.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls rebounded on Monday to slow the bears’ momentum following another volatile day on Wall Street. The push to lower lows to start the week was another bearish sign, but the market showed a bit of resiliency throughout the session to keep the bullish hope alive. The weakness in tech and the small-caps remains a concern, but both held their key levels of support.
Buy to open the GRMN February 30 puts (GRMN160219P00030000, $0.70, up $0.07) at current levels.
Buy to open the GM February 28 puts (GM160219P00028000, $0.69, down $0.21) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were negative overnight after taking the cue from overseas markets. China once again made headline news this morning, as the Shanghai Composite Index sank another 5% ahead of Wall Street’s open.
Buy to open the WMT February 60 puts (WMT160219P00060000, $0.73, down $0.05) at current levels.
Buy to open the NKE February 55 puts (NKE160219P00055000, $0.77, down $0.18) at current levels.
The Stop Limit of $1.10 triggered on the GRMN February 32.50 puts.
The Stop Limit of $1.15 triggered on the KSS February 45 puts.
For the past several years the Portfolio has mainly been bullish. At times, I have added bearish positions and this will likely be the year I return to this strategy in a much bigger way. Shorting stocks is like owning a stock long, except you want shares to go lower. You will have to have funds in your brokerage account to do these type of transactions but don’t let this deter you from making money in what could be a nasty 2016.
Pre-Market Update: The start of 2016 greeted traders with a bearish thunder, as the market suffered its most volatile week in the history of Wall Street. The selling pressure was extended into Friday’s closing bell, with the bears pushing fresh lows. Volatility also spiked, and it is approaching the late-summer highs from last year.
Buy to open the C February 45 puts (C160219P00045000, $1.10, up $0.02) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: The bulls were banking on a stabilization of China’s market and a blowout jobs report this morning. They got both, as futures were forecasting a strong opening after China’s stock index gained 2% and nonfarm payrolls came in at 292,000.
The Stop Limit at $1.30 on the second half of the SNE February 24 puts has triggered.
Pre-Market Update: The bears broke through the market’s major support levels on Thursday to get the August and September lows back in play, and the bulls continued their retreat into the second half of trading to trigger lower lows. The market was literally saved by the closing bell, with a six-session slide on the Nasdaq in progress.
Buy to open the GRMN February 32.50 puts (GRMN160219P00032500, $0.72, up $0.24) at current levels.
Buy to open the MYL February 47.50 puts (MYL160219P00047500, $0.96, up $0.26) at current levels.
The Limit Order to close the first half of the EMR February 44 puts at $1.80 has triggered.
Set a Stop Limit at $1.30 on the second half of the EMR February 44 puts.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were forecasting another nasty open this morning in response to continued woes in China overnight. U.S. markets plunged 2% at the start of trading today following the shortest trading session in the history of China’s stock market.
The market pulled back on Wednesday, as the major indices stayed underwater throughout the session. The damage was minimal, but volatility has heightened heading into the final trading day of 2015.
Pre-Market Update: The bears pushed fresh lows into Wednesday’s close, and they are now on the brink of testing the August and September bottoms on continued weakness. The bulls need a counter-rally and some good news over the next few days, but Friday’s jobs report is looming.
Buy to open the EMR February 44 puts (EMR160219P00044000, $1.20, up $0.34) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: The bulls were ambushed at the open this morning over worries that North Korea had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. The reports haven’t been verified, but the escalation of geopolitical concerns was enough to rattle the markets.
Take profits and sell to close the first half of the SNE February 24 puts at current levels.
Set a Stop Limit at $0.90 on the second half of the SNE February 24 puts.
Pre-Market Update: The bulls battled back on Tuesday to get the market win, and they may have formed a possible short-term “double bottom” in the process. Although the bears failed to push lower lows compared to Monday’s action, the technical picture remains cloudy with a continued chance of higher volatility.
Mid-Market Update: With Alcoa (AA, $9.31, down $0.40) officially scheduled to announce its fourth-quarter numbers after the close next Monday, Jan. 11, the start of earnings season is just around the corner.
Pre-Market Update: Wall Street was greeted with a 2% loss to start the first trading session of 2016. The major indices took out their mid-December lows soon afterwards and finished at the bottoms of their ongoing three-month trading ranges.
Buy to open the DDD February 11 calls (DDD160219C00011000, $0.50, up $0.32) at current levels.
Mid-Market Update: Futures were showing major volatility ahead of the open this morning, as circuit breakers were triggered on China’s stock exchange following a 7% shellacking. The nastiness followed through here in the United States, and the major indices were punished at the start of trading today.
Buy to open the KSS February 45 puts (KSS160219P00045000, $1.10, down $0.05) at current levels.
Pre-Market Update: It’s not often that the last trading day of the year ends up holding the fate for some of the major indices, but it did in 2015. The bulls had a slight grip on the S&P 500 heading into last Thursday’s open, but that failed to hold following a nasty open.
