ONE-TWENTY TWO: Trading Financial Markets
Exploring the poetry in financial markets for students of money and economy since the year 2000.
The Market Breadth Summary The Stock Market Summary I have been making the case for months that the AI trade is topping. This last week’s price action added yet more confirmation. While the NASDAQ dropped 2% for the week, nine of the eleven S&P 500 sectors finished higher, led by healthcare, materials, and utilities. That … Read more
The Market Breadth Summary: Punished The Stock Market Summary The Federal Reserve actually did it. America’s central bank channeled Kevin Warsh’s previous jawboning into an actual rate hike. The Fed’s first such move since 2023 was well-priced by the Fed fund futures market, but the stock market was initially caught off-guard. The rate hike punished … Read more
The Market Breadth Summary The Stock Market Summary Technology finally cracked under the weight of multiple pressure points. The biggest catalyst came from the AI spending race as companies such as Intel and Alphabet made it clear that they intend to continue increasing capital expenditures (capex) to remain competitive. Investors responded by focusing on the … Read more
The Market Breadth Summary Stock Market Commentary The major indices closed marginally lower for the week, but market conditions deteriorated notably beneath the surface as the AI panic continued to weigh on stocks. The week started off with broad-based selling in the wake of an AI doomsday post from a little known research group called … Read more
Stock Market Analysis Summary Mounting pressure on software stocks stands out as weakening market breadth coincides with multiple key technical breakdowns. A neutral stance remains appropriate as market breadth continues to deteriorate, offsetting selective AI-driven strength in semiconductors and small caps. Buying decisions stay highly selective, with technical confirmation guiding risk while bearish signals continue … Read more