While the wholesale disappearance of retail traders from stock markets is hardly a novel observation, it has taken on a whole new meaning in Japan, where the lack of carbon-based investors has prompted Deutsche Bank to ask if “Japan’s stocks are still traded at all by humans.” As Deutsche strategist Masao Muraki writes, since the…
Annual total return for 10 Clean Energy Stocks model portfolio compared to benchmark through 12/222017. 2017 is turning into a second banner year in a row for my “Ten Clean Energy Stocks” model portfolio. I expected at best to make high single-digit returns after the impressive 20% (while my benchmark fell 4%). Instead, the portfolio produced a…
My Swing Trading Approach Not looking to force anything during this last trading week of the year. Light volume will limit new opportunities. Indicators VIX – Minor pop on Friday, puts it back near the pivotal “10” mark. T2108 (% of stocks trading below their 40-day moving average): Sideways on Friday. No major move – remains at…
It seems clear on the GBP/JPY chart that the pair is moving in tight ranges with slight bullish bias awaiting stronger catalysts for the GBP to overcome the resistance at 152.00 for a stronger bullish chance. The pair’s moves during the last trading sessions were between 152.00 and 151.25, showing a bullish stability still in…
Perhaps my favorite (albeit slow-moving) analog of all time is the financial sector (symbol XLF). In spite of a market that is generally still quite strong, the financials are starting to stall and sputter. Here’s what’s been happening recently: Taking a big step back, you can see the “You Are Here” moment in the analog, accentuated in…
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCMP) stock surged in early trading on Tuesday after the company finalized an agreement to sell itself to Mallinckrodt PLC (NYSE: MNK) for $2.1 billion. Excluding debt, the acquisition is valued at approximately $840 million. mcmurryjulie/Pixabay Sucampo Pharmaceuticals to be acquired by Mallinckrodt Mallinckrodt will pay $18 per share, which is a…
While personal service companies like salons and barbershops are technically lumped into the broader retail sector, these operations have the benefit of being “un-Amazon-able.” However, an improved economy has sparked a trend toward higher-quality brands in this space, leaving low-budget options like Regis Corporation (RGS – Free Report) in the dust. Regis Corporation owns, franchises and operates beauty salons….
A popular view is that a new cyclical gold bull market commenced in December-2015. If so, the gold bull is now two years old. At the same time, the following weekly chart shows that the gold/SPX ratio (the US$ gold price divided by the S&P500 Index) recently made a 10-year low. Is it possible for…
Of the four regional Federal Reserve surveys released to date, all are in expansion. Analyst Opinion of Richmond Manufacturing The important Richmond Fed subcategories declined with backlog contracting, The data is worse than last month. Market expectations from Bloomberg / Econoday was 20 to 31 (consensus 23). The actual survey value was 20 [note that…
At last, tax reform is happening! Last week, President Donald Trump celebrated the passage of the most important legislation so far of his presidency. The final bill falls far short of the “file on a postcard” promise of Trump’s campaign. It even falls short of the bill trotted out by Congressional Republicans just a few…
