Russell 2000

Dow, Nasdaq And S&P All At Record Highs!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here), the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) and the S&P 500 (see chart here) are all at record highs. Stocks continue to be on a tear with 3 of the 4 major indexes closing at all time highs on Friday. What’s more the S&P 500 (see chart here) closed above the 3000 mark for the first time ever. The one index that still has work to do before making a new high is the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart below). I am not exactly sure why the Russell is lagging behind the big boys but if the Russell 2000 gets going then who knows how many more records will fall.

That said, for the first time in a while the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 have both entered into overbought territory which is above the 70 value level of relative strength index also know as the RSI. The Nasdaq Composite is fast approaching overbought conditions as well. The Russell 2000 is no where near overbought. I do expect a bit of a pullback in the coming weeks which would be rather healthy for stocks after such a strong performance. I have never been a fan of buying into record highs although momentum traders would disagree. Another factor to consider is we are heading right into second quarter earnings reporting season. Earnings reporting season could be a catalyst to pause the summer rally especially with the percentage of companies issuing warnings so far (click here)

The tariffs that our administration have imposed is expected to have a negative effect on the top and bottom lines of many U.S. companies. What I will be looking for is how much of an affect these tariffs are having on corporate America. The other side of the coin is if tariffs weigh heavier than what is anticipated, this could be yet another reason for the Federal Reserve to move to cutting interest rates which is the real reason I think we are hitting all time highs. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Russell 2000 - Paula Mahfouz

 

 

Fed Rate Cuts Back In Play?

Posted on by George Mahfouz

The question over the past week or so is whether or not Fed rate cuts are back in play? The May jobs numbers were way below expectations with the economy only adding 75,000 jobs. This is a far cry from the 180,000 that economists were expecting in the month of May. As intuitive as it seems a weak jobs report should equal a continuing sell-off in the markets. Not the case in the first half of the month for stocks. In fact the Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here), the S&P 500 (see chart here), the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) and the small cap Russell 2000 (see chart below) all have rallied sharply so far this month. So how is it that stocks are rallying with a slowing job market? Two out of the past four months the jobs number has come in below 100,000. This is giving hope to the markets that the Federal Reserve may actually start cutting interest rates as opposed to raising them and this is why the markets are rallying. Lower interest rates has been a boon for stocks for the past decade and if the Fed starts lowering rates again, we could see all-time highs again.

What’s more is the technical shape of the aforementioned key indexes. As stocks have rallied this month, 3 out of the 4 major averages have blown through their moving averages which can provide resistance point if a stock or index is trading below their respective averages. Since the June rally began, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (click here for chart) recaptured it’s 200-day, 100-day and 20-day moving averages as did the S&P 500 ( click here for chart) and the Nasdaq Composite (click here for chart). However the small-cap Russell 2000 (click here for chart) has run into its 100 and 200 day moving averages and has found resistance at these key pivot points.

Let’s see how the rest of June goes and see if this past weeks consolidation will offer yet another leg up in the markets. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Russell 2000 - George Mahfouz Jr

Strong Economy Equals A Strong Stock Market!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

The economy posted a 3.2% gain in the first quarter and as the saying goes, a strong economy equals a strong stock market! Is it any wonder as to why the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) hit an all-time high on Monday! The same rings true with the S&P 500 (see chart below). The S&P 500 hit an all-time high on Monday as well. Now the Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here) has a bit more work to do in order to tap its own record as does the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here). However, I am sure the bulls will take 2 out of the 4 major averages setting all time highs. What is also helping the stock market is how the Federal Reserve has taken a cautious approach to raising rates any further. In fact, there are calls out of Washington DC asking the Fed to start lowering rates to stimulate the economy even further. Now I am not so sure that the Fed will accommodate Washington’s request, but I do think it is safe to say that we should not see a rate hike in the near future or maybe not at all for the rest of this year.

One note of caution to me is that with nearly half of corporate America reporting their Q1 earnings so far, we are seeing on average a year over year decline in earnings. There are still 100’s of companies set to report over the coming weeks but if this trend continues, this will be the first year over year decline in corporate earnings in years. I will be keeping an eye on this development.

The technical shape of the aforementioned indexes remain intact. The Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 and the Russell 2000 all are trading above their respective key moving averages. However, both the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) and the S&P 500 (see chart here) have entered into overbought territory according to the relative strength index also know as the RSI. That said, I would not be surprised to see at the very least some consolidation or an outright healthy pullback. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

S&P 500 - Paula Mahfouz

Will Earnings Take The S&P To All Time Highs?

Posted on by George Mahfouz

Now that earnings reporting season is upon us, will Q1 corporate earnings take the S&P 500 (see chart here) to all time highs? We are about to find out. For the first time in months the S&P 500 (see chart here) closed above the 2900 mark and is now within striking distance of its record close of 2940 set back in September. Once again the markets feel like they are in melt up mode. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart below) closed on Friday at 26412 just 500 points away from its record high, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) is approaching the 8000 level a level it hasn’t seen in months, and last but not least the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) is approaching the 1600 level and trading above its 200-day moving average.

The technical shape of the markets also appear to be healthy heading into Q1 earnings reporting season. All of the aforementioned indexes are trading above their 20-day, 100-day and 200-day moving averages. A good sign. Furthermore, none of these averages are in overbought territory this according the the relative strength index. Yet, another good sign.

Back to Q1 earnings reporting season. Although analysts and market pundits expect corporate earnings to have declined this quarter, I will be paying attention to the guidance that companies give. It’s no secret there has bee a global slowdown lately due to a variety of factors. However, if companies give better than expected guidance, then most likely we should indeed see new record highs.

Companies to look out for this week that are reporting are, Citigroup (NYSE: C), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Netflix (NasdaqGS: NFLX), United Continental Holdings (NasdaqGS: UAL), Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT), Alcoa (NYSE:AA), Las Vegas Sands, Corp. (NYSE: LVS), PepsiCo, Inc. (NasdaqGS: PEP), American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Honeywell International (NYSE: HON) just to name a few. Let’s see if Q1 earnings reporting season becomes the catalyst for new record highs. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Dow Jones Industrial Average - Paula Mahfouz

 

 

 

 

Stocks End Q1 On Fire!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

Stocks ended the first quarter of the year on fire! The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here) closed Q1 up over 11%, the S&P 500 (see chart here) closed the first quarter up over 12% which is the best performing quarter in years for this bellwether, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) closed up more than 17% and the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart below) closed out the first quarter of the year up over 14%. Yes folks these gains are incredibly impressive especially considering how global growth is slowing. That said, these eye-popping market gains are not too surprising considering the sharp sell-off that stocks experienced in that latter part of 2018. Without a doubt the aforementioned indexes were way oversold in late December and an oversold bounce of some sort was definitely in the cards. As we know, market swings can and do overshoot to downside such as what we saw in late 2018 and now the question is, will we overshoot to the upside?

It sure does not appear that way at least from a technical perspective and according to the Relative Strength Index (RSI). The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here), the S&P 500 (see chart here), the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) and the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) are no where near overbought conditions yet. This despite all of these key indices rallying double digits in Q1. What’s more, all but one of these indices are also trading above their key moving averages including their 20-day, 100-day and 200-day with the lone exception being the small-cap Russell 2000. Now there could be some consolidation going on here over the next few weeks and up until first quarter earnings reporting season begins which would actually be healthy for the markets.

Speaking of the upcoming earnings reporting season, this could be the one catalyst that sheds the most light for the rest of the year on how stocks will fare. It is no secret global growth has slowed and I think corporate America will speak to whether this current global slowdown is just a blip on the radar or something much more meaningful.

Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Russell 2000 - Paula Mahfouz

 

Is A Retest In The Cards?

Posted on by George Mahfouz

Stocks apparently want to move higher and now the question comes to mind is a retest of the all time highs in the cards? Well if you look at the S&P 500 (see chart below) it sure seems so. The S&P 500 (chart) is at the earliest stages of technically breaking out of a 4 month trading range. Back in early November and again in early December the S&P flirted with the 2800 level before failing that level each time. In fact, in early December when the S&P tried to break the 2800 level not only did it fail to break through, it also went on to hit multi-year lows by the end of December. This is the time period where the bears started to growl and predict that stocks would continue to fall. Fast forward to today and not only did stocks reverse course since that late December sell-off, but now the key indices appear to be on the verge of breaking out. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here) also has bounced off its multi-year lows in December and is trading above its key moving averages, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) from a technical standpoint is also on the verge of breaking out, however the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) has work to do to reclaim its 200-day moving average.

So what does all this technical jargon mean? It’s no secret the markets trade in algos and bots. Many of these algorithm trading platforms are programmed to certain technical indicators i.e. the 20-day, 50-day, 100-day and 200-day moving averages and/or the relative strength index aka the RSI. Furthermore, in many instances when the key indices are setup at a breakout level such as where the S&P 500 (see chart here) and the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) find themselves at, momentum traders also come up to the plate and act. So we could very well indeed see the markets make a run to retest the all-time highs. Paula and I wish everyone a safe and Happy St. Patricks Day!

Good luck to all 🙂

~George

S&P 500 - George Mahfouz Jr

Best Start Of The Year In Decades!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

Stocks have opened the month of March rip roaring again adding to the best start of the year for the averages in decades. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here) opened the trading day up over 200 points, the S&P 500 (see chart here) opened up over 20 points, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart below) opened up over 55 points and the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) opened up over 11 points. These gains are adding to the double digits percentage gains the markets have already realized in 2019.

So why such a strong start to the year? I am not trying to sound like a broken record but this 10 year long bull market is a head scratcher.  No matter what has been thrown at one of the longest bull markets in history, nothing seems have an adverse affect. You name the crises and stocks shrug it off. Whether it is a geopolitical event, the Federal Reserve raising rates or the daily chaos that comes out of Washington, nothing has disrupted this incessant rise in stocks. We did get a definitive correction late last year in where the bears came out of hibernation and predicted the end of the bull market and that a 40% correction is now imminent. Well don’t look now but we are not too far off from setting new all time highs in the aforementioned indexes.

Technically speaking it appears that the coast is clear for now as well. All of the major averages are now trading above their respective 20-day, 50-day and 200 day moving averages which is a very bullish sign. The one caveat to the technical shape of the market is that stocks are a bit overextended. Overbought conditions do exist technically and according to the relative strength index also known as the RSI. That said, the pullbacks that do occur continue to be met with support with buyers stepping in willing to add to their existing positions or open up new positions. The trend remains your friend in our current environment. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Nasdaq Composite - Paula Mahfouz

8 In A Row!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

8 in a row is the number of weeks that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart below) and the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) have notched gains. The S&P 500 (chart) and the small-cap Russell 2000 (chart) have also rallied sharply. So what’s going on? Earnings reporting season is well underway and so far it’s been somewhat of a mixed bag, although more bullish than bearish I would say. I think the obvious reason the rally is continuing is the fact the government did avoid another partial shut down this week and the chatter that has been coming out of China and the U.S. is that progress is being made towards an agreement on tariffs. That said, I am leery about an agreement coming together in the near future simply due to how both sides seemingly come together then fall back on whatever the tariff subject matter of the day. If there are any delays or signs of negotiations going sideways this could put a lid on the current rally and act as the catalyst for another pullback or correction. Some other chatter that has come up recently is corporate buybacks and how some politicians want to cap buybacks or outright regulate them. My friends if this happens, this too can be a catalyst for a pause and reversal of the 2019 market rally. Company buybacks have been a huge tailwind for this decade long bull market and if buybacks actually do become regulated, then things could look very different going forward especially in market sell-offs. We will see if this is just political chatter or something more.

Regardless of the pending outcome of the tariff negotiations or the balance of the Q4 earnings reporting season, I think we are due for a potential pullback of some sort after running for 8 straight weeks. The markets as a whole are a bit extended especially the small-cap Russell 2000 (chart)  which has entered overbought conditions with its RSI aka the Relative Strength Index (click here RSI) closing out the week at a value of 74.

Good luck to all 🙂

~George

Dow Jones Industrial Average - George Mahfouz Jr.

 

Earnings And The Fed!

Posted on by George Mahfouz

Stocks took off this week and we can blame earnings and the Fed! Now that we are fully into earnings reporting season the investors so far have liked what they see. Couple that with the Federal Reserve coming out on Wednesday stating that the central bank is “changing its tune” on interest rates, and you have a one-two bull market punch. Also on Wednesday, Fed Chairman Powell stated “the case for raising rates has weakened somewhat” and that the Federal Reserve will be more patient toward further rate hikes. Stocks rallied hard on the Fed’s new position along with stronger than expected earnings reports that are coming in from corporate America. For the month of January, The Dow Jones Industrial Average (see chart here) is up over 2000 points, the S&P 500 (see chart below) is also up over 200 points, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) is up 800 points and the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) closed out the month of January up 175 points. January 2019 has been one of the best performing months in years.

Let’s take a look at the technical shape of the markets from a moving averages perspective. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (chart) has just broken through its 200-day moving average, while the S&P 500 (chart) and the Nasdaq Composite (chart) are both sitting on its 100-day moving average and the small-cap Russell 2000 (chart)is not too far behind. There are still plenty of earnings reports that will be released over the next few weeks and to me this is the remaining catalyst that could drive stocks higher here in the short term. Let’s keep in mind there are still other catalysts on the horizon that could put the brakes on this most recent rally with the government having yet another deadline to reach a deal on border security and of course the looming tariff deal with China. If one or both of these deals do not get done, I think we will be having a different conversation in March. Until then, let’s enjoy the current wave of positive news and market action and then see what kind of adjustments that would possibly need to be made. Good luck to all 🙂

~George

S & P 500 - Paula Mahfouz

 

What Bear Market?

Posted on by George Mahfouz

The major averages in December entered into bear market territory and seemingly was heading even lower. But lo and behold and fast forward to today and we see that the key indices have all come roaring back.  The definition of a “bear market” is when a stock or an index goes down 20% or more from its highs and that was definitely the case in the second half of 2018. The Dow Jones Industrial (see chart here) is now back over 24,000 after dropping below 22,000 in December, the S&P 500 (see chart here) is back over 2,600 after dropping below 2,400, the Nasdaq Composite (see chart here) is now over 7,100 after hitting a low of 6,190 and the small-cap Russell 2000 (see chart here) it trading above 1,400 after hitting a low in December of 1,267.

The sharp V shaped bounce back in such a short period of time is very impressive. I do not think anyone expected such a sharp rebound in just a month. This surprise move is also happening despite the ever increasing chaos and turmoil out of Washington DC. Is it me or has it gotten to the point of utter disgust with what is happening to our country. I am not much of a political advocate in either direction but the narcissism and antics coming out of DC is unbelievable. What’s more is that they are using the government shutdown as the pawn to get their way, again unbelievable.

Ok enough of that and back to the markets. We are now heading straight into earnings reporting season and to me this without a doubt will be a significant catalyst as to whether or not stocks will continue to rise or pause. Of course any type of meaningful progress with the trade war and China could also play a major role. The Federal Reserve has been more vocal with interest rates and indicating that they are more apt to more of a wait and see approach as to any additional rate hikes in near term. There is a lot at hand here which should determine whether or not this bounce back rally will continue. Good luck to all 🙂

~George