Yet Another Timely Lesson from Economic Exuberance

“One-Twenty Two” is a different narrative for students and fans of financial markets. This blog often examines the investing and trading implications of extremes in financial markets. By definition, an extreme condition marks a top or a bottom in prices and invites contrary thinking. For example, the cyclical concepts of “overbought” and “oversold” measure temporary … Read more

Why Stock Market Signals Outweigh Headlines: Lessons from A Pandemic

The Misdirection The New York Times (NYT) created buzz with a report alleging that members of the Trump administration enabled “elite traders” to profit off the coronavirus-driven collapse in the stock market. While the administration confidently reassured the public about the coronavirus (COVID-19), members of the administration reportedly shared their concerns about “uncertainties” at a … Read more

The Volatility Index During Oversold Periods In the Stock Market

When the stock market last flipped to oversold trading conditions, I expected at least one more spike in the volatility index (VIX) before oversold trading ended. I define oversold as a period of trading in the stock market when AT40 (T2108), the percentage of stocks trading above their respective 40-day moving averages (DMAs), closes below … Read more

How to Warn Investors and Guarantee A Correct Prediction

The Warning The CNBC headline warned investors: “Widespread overconfidence is putting investors in a dangerous situation, Invesco’s Kristina Hooper warns.” I typically skip right past such headlines. Yet my recent switch to a cautiously bearish short-term trading call made me more receptive to the big tease. I expected to read stock market predictions about the … Read more

Economic Reality: Unemployment and the Federal Reserve Balance Sheet

In early July, I rolled out an “economic reality” index to provide a sober summary of the economic trials and tribulations facing millions of Americans even as those of us with trades and investments in the stock market enjoy the largesse of monetary and fiscal stimulus. I am now putting the chart comparing continuing claims … Read more