It Is Not Over Until the Fat Franc Flies?

(This is an excerpt from an article I originally published on Seeking Alpha on June 11, 2012. Click here to read the entire piece.) As global financial markets seem set to rally in a reflex “risk on” reaction to the bailout of Spain’s banks, one small corner of the financial universe remains notably somber: the … Read more

T2108 Update (June 11, 2012) – False Hope and A Fade

(T2108 measures the percentage of stocks trading above their respective 40-day moving averages [DMAs]. To learn more about it, see my T2108 Resource Page. You can follow real-time T2108 commentary on twitter using the #T2108 hashtag. T2108-related trades and other trades are posted on twitter using the #120trade hashtag) T2108 Status: 24.2% VIX Status: 23.6 … Read more

Chart Review: Spain ETF (EWP) Breaks Its March, 2009 Low

The iShares MSCI Spain Index Fund ETF (EWP) broke below its March, 2009 lows this week. EWP is now trading at 8 1/2 year lows. This major milestone is more confirmation that we can expect another roiling summer full of eurozone headlines. I provide a weekly and a daily chart for perspective. Note how volume … Read more

U.S. Markets Keep Grinding Higher As Europe Snaps Back

A month ago, I laid out the case for the S&P 500 sustaining its upward momentum. I pointed to 1300-1310 as the next point of strong resistance. As the S&P 500 nears that point (half of a percent away now), I marvel at how quickly this test has come. T2108, the percentage of stocks trading … Read more

Spain’s Turn to Bring A Frown to Markets

The stock market has already started cooling off from overbought conditions, but the weakening euro, increasing bond yields, and widening spreads have markets on edge yet again. After listening to a Planet Money segment on the financial problems in Spain called “A Theme Park, An Airport And The Next Banking Crisis” by Chana Joffe-Walt, I … Read more