Archive for Stock Market News – Page 27

Nvidia hype is dangerous, but AI should be in your investment mix

By George Prior

The hype surrounding chipmaker Nvidia’s earnings is dangerous, but all investors should consider Artificial Intelligence (AI) exposure, affirms the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations.

The analysis from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as investors worldwide await the California-based semiconductor designer Nvidia’s results on Wednesday – which come after the closing bell – to see how it performs against sky high Wall Street expectations after an impressive first quarter.

He comments: “Nvidia’s shares have jumped almost 210% this year on the frenzy around its uses within AI.

“Clearly, this is huge and, as such, all eyes will be on the earnings and also the future guidance from the company after the bell on Wednesday.

“If earnings are again stellar and guidance robust, it will help reignite the tech rally which has stalled in recent weeks. If they don’t, we expect short-term market volatility.”

The deVere CEO warns, however, that as the volume is getting louder, and the frenzy is reaching fever pitch regarding Nvidia and other so-called ‘Magnificent Seven’ tech stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Alphabet), the heat needs to be taken down a gear.

“This level of hype is dangerous as it could lead investors to assume that these stocks are a silver bullet to build long-term wealth – and they are not, at least not on their own,” he warns.

“While I believe that exposure to these mega-cap tech stocks should be part of almost every investor’s portfolio, as they have robust fundamentals and are future-focused, especially in AI, they should not be exclusive.”

“These stocks are incredibly important, of course, but they’re not a panacea. I fear some investors will get burned unless some of the frenzy is turned down.”

“Diversification is, as ever, investors’ best tool for long-term financial success. As a strategy, it has been proven to reduce risk, smooth-out volatility, exploit differing market conditions, maximise long-term returns and protect against unforeseen external events.”

That said, the deVere CEO remains bullish on AI-orientated investments as part of the mix.

“The buzz surrounding AI companies is grounded in tangible technological advancements and their potential to reshape industries across the board.

“The transformative capabilities of AI, coupled with its cross-industry disruption, data-driven nature, and rapid innovation, make it a compelling investment opportunity.

“As the AI market continues to expand and evolve, investors who recognise its potential are well poised to reap the rewards of this exciting technological revolution.

“Including AI exposure in investment portfolios isn’t just a trend – it’s a strategic move that aligns with the future of innovation and economic growth. Just do it judiciously.”

About:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

Trade of the Week: SPX500_m demands proof out of Nvidia, Jackson Hole

By ForexTime

  • S&P 500 on course to end 5-month winning streak
  • Nvidia’s forecasted 10% post-earnings move may jolt SPX500_m
  • Friday speech by Chair Powell to shape Fed rate hike bets
  • Last Friday’s (August 18th) “doji” points to market indecision ahead of such a pivotal week
  • Listed below: potential scenarios, support and resistance levels

It’s been an angsty August so far for the S&P 500.

This benchmark index, which is widely used to measure the overall performance of the US stock market, has fallen by about 4.8% so far this month.

The S&P 500 also appears headed for its worst monthly performance since December 2022 (down 5.9%), while its previous monthly drop was back in February 2023 (down 2.6%).

 

This week, the SPX500_m (which tracks the underlying S&P 500) is at the mercy of two of the largest market themes of 2023 coming head-to-head:

 

1) AI-mania: just hype? or real earnings booster?

Investors hope that artificial intelligence would supercharge corporate earnings for decades to come, even as the technology promises to change our everyday lives.

And few have benefited from such expectations more than Nvidia.

This chipmaker’s stocks still boast of a 196.3% year-to-date climb, being the best-performing stock on the S&P 500 so far this year, despite having dropped 8.8% from its all-time high set on July 18th.

This chipmaker still has a market cap of over US$ 1 trillion (that’s $1,000,000,000,000), making it the 4th largest stock on the benchmark S&P 500 index.

Nvidia is due to release its latest quarterly results after US markets close on Wednesday, August 23rd.

Markets are currently predicting that this stock could move by 10.2%, either up or down, on Thursday – the day after Nvidia’s earnings release.

Of course, whether this stock climb higher or drops lower depends on the reaction to Nvidia’s financial results last quarter, as well as its forward guidance for future earnings.

Broadly speaking, if Nvidia can convince markets that the AI-hype is truly translating into a meaningful earnings boost, that could help the SPX500_m pare recent losses.

 

 

2) US interest rates – higher for longer?

The annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, organized by the Kansas City Fed, is set to happen between August 24th – 26th, bringing together the world’s top central bankers, policymakers, and economists.

The highlight is, of course, the speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, on Friday, August 25th.

After all, Chair Powell leads the world’s most influential central bank – the US Federal Reserve.

 

Since 2022, markets have been obsessing over how high the Fed would send US interest rates.

My article this time last year (dated 22 August 2022), in previewing last year’s Jackson Hole symposium, carried these words:

And here’s the biggest question on everyone’s minds: how much higher will the Fed hike US interest rates?

12 months later, yet the same question remains in play.

There’s also an added layer to that question posed in August 2023:

How long will the Fed maintain its benchmark rates at its peak, before considering a rate cut?”

 

Here are the market’s current expectations surrounding US interest rates:

  • merely an 11% chance that the Fed would trigger another 25-basis point HIKE at its September FOMC meeting
  • one-in-three chance (38% odds) that there would be one more 25-bps HIKE by the Fed between now and end-2023
  • one-in-three chance (35% odds) that there would be a 25-bps CUT by March 2024
  • 87% chance of a Fed rate CUT by May 2024

 

How did markets react to Powell’s speech at 2022’s Jackson Hole event?

As a reminder, Chair Powell’s speech back on 26 August 2022 triggered a 3.4% drop in the S&P 500 on the day.

The benchmark stock index went on to fall by a further 11.85% after the previous symposium concluded, reaching its trough in October, before going on to stage an AI-fuelled rally since (albeit with a pullback so far in August 2023).

It was clear then that traders and investors willingly took to heart Powell’s tough messaging back then about “unusually large” Fed rate hikes.

Although the days of 75-bps Fed rate hikes are now relegated to the past, markets remain primed to react to Powell’s policy signals this week.

 

As for Chair Powell’s speech ahead of this coming weekend, here are some potential scenarios that may affect the SPX500_m:

  1. If Chair Powell delivers a higher-for-longer message, i.e. US interest rates could go even higher and stay at that peak for longer than what markets currently expect, that could drag the SPX500_m even lower.After all, tech stocks generally do not like the thought of higher US interest rates.

    And the biggest components of the S&P 500 are Big Tech names such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and of course, Nvidia.

  2. On the other hand, if Chair Powell surprises markets and suggests that the Fed has raised its benchmark rates high enough to finally subdue multi-decade high inflation in the US, that could be cause for rejoicing among SPX500_m bulls.

 

 

From a technical perspective …

The doji candlestick formed last Friday, August 18th, points to indecision among traders, especially leading into such a week that promises stern test for the US stock market.

This doji could herald a period of price consolidation, or perhaps even the formation of a new trend.

 

Keeping in mind the looming fundamental catalysts as well was technical setups …

Here are some key levels to look out for on the SPX500_m daily chart:

POTENTIAL SUPPORT

  • 4335:  intraday low on August 18th/late-June lows
  • 100-day SMA and key Fibonacci level
  • 4301 – 4260: early-June range

 

POTENTIAL RESISTANCE

  • 4400: psychologically-important mark/Fib retracement
  • 4452 – 4463: June cycle highs
  • 50-day simple moving average (SMA)

 

 


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

COT Stock Market Charts: Weekly Speculator Bets led by S&P500-Mini & the VIX

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday August 15th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by S&P500-Mini & VIX

The COT stock markets speculator bets were lower this week as three out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while the other four markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was S&P500-Mini (41,162 contracts) with the VIX (18,419 contracts) and the Nasdaq-Mini (16,048 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the DowJones-Mini (-7,252 contracts) with the Russell-Mini (-6,768 contracts), the Nikkei 225 (-34 contracts) and MSCI EAFE-Mini (-587 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.


Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend
Aug-15-2023OIOI-IndexSpec-NetSpec-IndexCom-NetCOM-IndexSmalls-NetSmalls-Index
S&P500-Mini2,220,08422-118,4084796,1475322,26152
Nikkei 22516,97419-70065-596321,29645
Nasdaq-Mini267,495425,16980-4,71620-45353
DowJones-Mini104,21671-3,221652,8794034246
VIX395,24070-25,98510031,6130-5,62867
Nikkei 225 Yen51,699395,8605214,72951-20,58940

 


Strength Scores led by VIX & Nasdaq-Mini

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (100 percent) and the Nasdaq-Mini (80 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The Nikkei 225 (65 percent) and DowJones-Mini (65 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (16 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength score is the Russell-Mini (29 percent).

Strength Statistics:
VIX (100.0 percent) vs VIX previous week (86.6 percent)
S&P500-Mini (47.1 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (40.9 percent)
DowJones-Mini (64.8 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (85.3 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (80.2 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (70.9 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (29.2 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (33.3 percent)
Nikkei USD (64.5 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (64.7 percent)
EAFE-Mini (15.5 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (16.3 percent)

 

Nikkei 225 & DowJones-Mini top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the Nikkei 225 (36 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The DowJones-Mini (28 percent), the VIX (21 percent) and the S&P500-Mini (13 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The MSCI EAFE-Mini (-14 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (21.1 percent) vs VIX previous week (14.8 percent)
S&P500-Mini (13.2 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (7.3 percent)
DowJones-Mini (27.9 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (65.0 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-0.2 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (-16.2 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (-2.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (-0.5 percent)
Nikkei USD (35.8 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (36.4 percent)
EAFE-Mini (-14.4 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-8.5 percent)


Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

VIX Volatility Futures COT ChartThe VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -25,985 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 18,419 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -44,404 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 100.0 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 0.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 67.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Short Position.

VIX Volatility Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:25.942.25.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:32.434.27.1
– Net Position:-25,98531,613-5,628
– Gross Longs:102,229166,94122,357
– Gross Shorts:128,214135,32827,985
– Long to Short Ratio:0.8 to 11.2 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):100.00.067.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:21.1-18.8-12.8

 


S&P500 Mini Futures:

SP500 Mini Futures COT ChartThe S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -118,408 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 41,162 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -159,570 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 47.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 53.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 52.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

S&P500 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:11.773.611.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:17.069.310.9
– Net Position:-118,40896,14722,261
– Gross Longs:258,9241,634,627263,621
– Gross Shorts:377,3321,538,480241,360
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.1 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):47.153.252.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:13.2-15.17.3

 


Dow Jones Mini Futures:

Dow Jones Mini Futures COT ChartThe Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -3,221 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -7,252 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 4,031 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 64.8 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 39.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 45.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Dow Jones Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:31.051.713.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:34.049.013.5
– Net Position:-3,2212,879342
– Gross Longs:32,25753,90914,419
– Gross Shorts:35,47851,03014,077
– Long to Short Ratio:0.9 to 11.1 to 11.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):64.839.745.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:27.9-23.07.3

 


Nasdaq Mini Futures:

Nasdaq Mini Futures COT ChartThe Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 5,169 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly rise of 16,048 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -10,879 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 80.2 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 19.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 52.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nasdaq Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:26.056.715.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:24.058.415.4
– Net Position:5,169-4,716-453
– Gross Longs:69,459151,54940,682
– Gross Shorts:64,290156,26541,135
– Long to Short Ratio:1.1 to 11.0 to 11.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):80.219.652.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-0.2-0.52.1

 


Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

Russell 2000 Mini Futures COT ChartThe Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -71,279 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -6,768 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -64,511 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 29.2 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 68.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 37.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:9.283.94.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:22.871.04.3
– Net Position:-71,27967,8273,452
– Gross Longs:48,652441,97626,060
– Gross Shorts:119,931374,14922,608
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.2 to 11.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):29.268.637.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-2.32.2-0.6

 


Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures COT ChartThe Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -700 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -34 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -666 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 64.5 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 32.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 44.6 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:13.261.825.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:17.365.317.4
– Net Position:-700-5961,296
– Gross Longs:2,24210,4894,243
– Gross Shorts:2,94211,0852,947
– Long to Short Ratio:0.8 to 10.9 to 11.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):64.532.344.6
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:35.8-32.0-2.7

 


MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures COT ChartThe MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -23,496 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly fall of -587 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -22,909 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 15.5 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 79.4 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 50.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: New Sell – Short Position.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:7.489.12.9
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:13.284.91.2
– Net Position:-23,49616,8386,658
– Gross Longs:29,476356,11711,619
– Gross Shorts:52,972339,2794,961
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.0 to 12.3 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):15.579.450.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-14.48.623.3

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

Mid-Week Technical Outlook: Major World Indices

By ForexTime 

Caution was the name of the game on Wednesday as more disappointing Chinese economic data left investors on edge.

Market players seem to be on the defense with renewed fears of a hawkish Fed sapping risk appetite. In the currency space, Sterling jumped after UK inflation remained higher than expected last month. Although consumer prices fell sharply to 6.8% in July, down from 7.9% in June, it was still above the 6.7% forecast. Looking at commodities, oil slipped for a third day while gold prices hovered around $1900.

Much attention will be directed towards the FOMC meeting minutes this evening which could offer key clues on the central bank’s next policy move. In the meantime, our focus falls on the global equity space with the tool of choice none other than technical analysis.

SPX500_m to extend losses?

The S&P 500 experienced a sharp selloff yesterday, closing below its 50-day SMA for the first time since March. This development could signal further downside with the next key levels of interest at 4390 and 4332, respectively. Should prices push back above 4500, bulls may target 4580.

NQ100_m breakout pending?

After breaking below the 50-day SMA, the Nasdaq 100 has traded within a narrow range with support at 14975 and resistance at 15300. A breakout below the current support could open a path toward 14250, just below the 100-day SMA. Should prices push back above 15300, bulls may eye 15925.

UK100_m eyes key support

UK100 bears remain in the driving seat on the daily charts with prices approaching key support at 7250. A breakdown below this level may encourage a decline towards 7180 and potentially lower. Should 7250 prove to be reliable support, prices may rebound back towards the 50-day SMA.

GER40_m trapped within wide range

The GER40 Index has been trapped within a range since April 2023 with major support at 15500 and resistance at 16500. Prices are trading below the 50 and 100-day SMA while the MACD trades to the downside. A break below 15700 may see prices test 15500. If bulls can take prices back above the 50-day SMA, the next key level of interest can be found at 16350.

STOX50_m choppy affair

As the subtitle says, the STOX50_m remains a choppy affair on the weekly charts. Support can be found at 4215 and resistance at 4480. A decline below 4215 may see bears target 4020, a level just above the 100-week SMA.

HSI50_m under pressure

The recent breakdown on the HSI50_m could signal further downside in the short to medium term. Should bears secure a solid close below 18200, this could open a path toward 17300. If prices experience a rebound from 18200, the next key level of interest can be found at 19500 – where the 100 and 200-day SMA reside.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

COT Stock Market Charts: Weekly Speculator Changes led by S&P500-Mini

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday August 8th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by S&P500-Mini

The COT stock markets speculator bets were higher this week as six out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while only one market had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the S&P500-Mini (40,478 contracts) with the DowJones-Mini (2,451 contracts), MSCI EAFE-Mini (1,279 contracts), Nasdaq-Mini (526 contracts), Nikkei 225 (180 contracts) and the Russell-Mini (1,780 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The market with a decline in speculator bets this week was the VIX with a drop of -2,238 contracts on the week.


Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend
Aug-08-2023OIOI-IndexSpec-NetSpec-IndexCom-NetCOM-IndexSmalls-NetSmalls-Index
S&P500-Mini2,221,70923-159,57041139,8955919,67551
Nikkei 22516,18717-66665-453331,11942
Nasdaq-Mini267,79743-10,8797113,62732-2,74848
DowJones-Mini106,566754,03185-2,46729-1,56436
VIX376,60461-44,4048748,88211-4,47873
Nikkei 225 Yen48,866335,8315215,50453-21,33538

 


Strength Scores led by VIX & DowJones-Mini

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (87 percent) and the DowJones-Mini (85 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The Nasdaq-Mini (71 percent) and Nikkei 225 (65 percent) come in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (16 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength score is the Russell-Mini (33 percent).

Strength Statistics:
VIX (87.1 percent) vs VIX previous week (88.7 percent)
S&P500-Mini (40.9 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (34.9 percent)
DowJones-Mini (85.3 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (78.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (70.9 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (70.6 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (33.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (32.2 percent)
Nikkei USD (64.7 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (63.6 percent)
EAFE-Mini (16.3 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (14.7 percent)

 

DowJones-Mini & Nikkei 225 top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the DowJones-Mini (65 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The Nikkei 225 (36 percent), the VIX (15 percent) and the S&P500-Mini (7 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Nasdaq-Mini (-16 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the EAFE-Mini (-8.5 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (14.9 percent) vs VIX previous week (13.8 percent)
S&P500-Mini (7.3 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (5.9 percent)
DowJones-Mini (65.0 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (49.4 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-16.2 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (-15.7 percent)
Russell 2000-Mini (-0.5 percent) vs Russell 2000-Mini previous week (3.9 percent)
Nikkei USD (36.4 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (40.3 percent)
EAFE-Mini (-8.5 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-10.1 percent)


Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

VIX Volatility Futures COT ChartThe VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week was a net position of -44,404 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -2,238 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -42,166 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 10.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 73.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Short Position.

VIX Volatility Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:25.245.36.4
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:37.032.37.6
– Net Position:-44,40448,882-4,478
– Gross Longs:95,022170,48124,125
– Gross Shorts:139,426121,59928,603
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.4 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):87.110.873.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:14.9-12.8-13.6

 


S&P500 Mini Futures:

SP500 Mini Futures COT ChartThe S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week was a net position of -159,570 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 40,478 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -200,048 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 40.9 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 59.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 51.1 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

S&P500 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:10.874.511.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:18.068.210.9
– Net Position:-159,570139,89519,675
– Gross Longs:240,9131,654,088261,201
– Gross Shorts:400,4831,514,193241,526
– Long to Short Ratio:0.6 to 11.1 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):40.959.251.1
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:7.3-9.05.7

 


Dow Jones Mini Futures:

Dow Jones Mini Futures COT ChartThe Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week was a net position of 4,031 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 2,451 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 1,580 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 85.3 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 28.8 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 36.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Dow Jones Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:31.051.313.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:27.253.614.9
– Net Position:4,031-2,467-1,564
– Gross Longs:33,02754,69314,336
– Gross Shorts:28,99657,16015,900
– Long to Short Ratio:1.1 to 11.0 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):85.328.836.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:65.0-45.9-1.6

 


Nasdaq Mini Futures:

Nasdaq Mini Futures COT ChartThe Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week was a net position of -10,879 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 526 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -11,405 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 70.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 31.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 48.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nasdaq Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:26.256.714.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:30.351.715.8
– Net Position:-10,87913,627-2,748
– Gross Longs:70,170151,96939,533
– Gross Shorts:81,049138,34242,281
– Long to Short Ratio:0.9 to 11.1 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):70.931.548.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-16.216.25.8

 


Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

Russell 2000 Mini Futures COT ChartThe Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week was a net position of -64,511 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly boost of 1,780 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -66,291 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 33.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 66.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 30.5 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:9.583.84.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:22.071.54.5
– Net Position:-64,51163,2531,258
– Gross Longs:48,700430,72624,588
– Gross Shorts:113,211367,47323,330
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.2 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):33.366.030.5
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-0.52.0-8.4

 


Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures COT ChartThe Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week was a net position of -666 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 180 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -846 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 64.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 33.1 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 42.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:9.265.725.2
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:13.368.518.2
– Net Position:-666-4531,119
– Gross Longs:1,48310,6314,073
– Gross Shorts:2,14911,0842,954
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.0 to 11.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):64.733.142.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:36.4-30.5-7.1

 


MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures COT ChartThe MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week was a net position of -22,909 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 1,279 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -24,188 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 16.3 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 76.7 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 58.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Weak Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Weak Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:6.689.63.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:12.385.91.0
– Net Position:-22,90914,6128,297
– Gross Longs:26,299357,20212,404
– Gross Shorts:49,208342,5904,107
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.0 to 13.0 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):16.376.758.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-8.50.133.9

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

US Agency Places US$2.6M Order With Drone Firm

Source: Streetwise Reports  (8/8/23)

News Update The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is buying 172 drones for US$2.6 million from this company, which one analyst says builds “best-in-class” unmanned aircraft systems.

Red Cat Holdings Inc. (RCAT:NASDAQ) announced that the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is buying 172 Teal 2 drones for US$2.6 million from subsidiary Teal Drones.

The order was requested by the U.S. Air Force Security Forces for defending bases and installations and was sourced by global operations support company Noble Supply & Logistics LLC.

The Teal 2, designed as a leading unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for night operations, has been approved through the U.S. Department of Defense and is equipped with advanced high-resolution thermal imaging.

“The Teal 2’s industry-leading night-vision capabilities will be a strong asset in helping the Air Force to secure airfields and bases after dark,” said Red Cat Chief Executive Officer Jeff Thompson.

“Looking forward, ThinkEquity expects Red Cat’s revenue and operating income to increase,” ThinkEquity analyst Ashok Kumar wrote in March. “The investment bank estimates revenue will reach US$11.9 million in FY23 and then more than triple to US$37 million in FY24.”

Puerto-Rican-based Red Cat has deployed 200 new high-speed drones on behalf of Ukraine and is also in an ongoing US$90 million deal to provide drones for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Drone technology is changing military dynamics worldwide. The Ukraine conflict has raised awareness of their capabilities on the battlefield and has increased defense spending in the West.

The company’s increased entrenchment within U.S. military complex bodes well for additional large contract awards going forward, especially the SSR Tranche 2 program that is expected to be worth over US$300 million and awarded within 12 months.

“Looking forward, ThinkEquity expects Red Cat’s revenue and operating income to increase,” ThinkEquity analyst Ashok Kumar wrote in March. “The investment bank estimates revenue will reach US$11.9 million in FY23 and then more than triple to US$37 million in FY24.”

The Catalyst: A ‘Best-in-Class’ Drone

The firm finished building out its state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, and invested in raw materials, drones in production, analyst Kumar wrote. This “should support strong sales over 2023,” he wrote.

“Revenue drivers include the infrastructure opportunity, current and future contracts with the [U.S.] Border Patrol and the Short Range Reconnaissance program,” Kumar explained.

“It is thought very likely that it will do so before much longer, and this being so, the stock is believed to be at another favorable buy spot right now,” Technical Analyst Clive Maund wrote on July 27, and said he was staying long, and he “regarded it as a very good point to add positions.”

“Red Cat’s current inventory of chips is big enough to build thousands of drones, and the company has the capacity to manufacture this many in a month,” Kumar wrote. “Now, with a developed and trained salesforce in place, Red Cat is continuing to build its sales pipeline.”

The company’s drone is “best-in-class,” he wrote, and it is getting positive responses from the military and first responders, its target market.

Red Cat “should benefit from new and repeat orders over calendar 2023,” he noted.

Technical Analyst Clive Maund said the stock “continues to have the prospect of winning some very big orders for its drones.”

“It is thought very likely that it will do so before much longer, and this being so, the stock is believed to be at another favorable buy spot right now,” he wrote on July 27.

Maund said he was staying long, and he “regarded it as a very good point to add positions.”

“It’s worth keeping in mind the strongly bullish implications of the big high-volume rally in the middle of June because it could very well make such a move again, which is a growing probability given the strong Accumulation line and the way that moving averages are swinging into positive alignment with a bullish moving average cross pending — so next time it makes such a move more of the gains are likely to stick,” Maund wrote.

High-End Thermal Imaging in Small Form Factor

The Teal 2 is equipped with Teledyne FLIR’s new Hadron 640R sensor, providing end-users with the highest resolution thermal imaging in a small form factor. Other technology partners in the Teal 2 project include Athena AIReveal Technology, and Tomahawk Robotics.

It’s not just on the battlefield that the drones are shining. Red Cat has signed on to provide two drones to the Bureau of Land Management for resource management and fire control coordination roles. That authorization includes another prospective 14 purchases in the future.

Red Cat’s Skypersonic division uses the company’s drones to examine difficult or dangerous-to-reach infrastructure. It should benefit from the US$1 trillion U.S. Federal Infrastructure Bill passed in 2021 that will create demand for drone inspection services across many civil improvement projects, including roads, bridges, and towers.

The company may also benefit from the United States’ announcement of a US$300 million arms package for Ukraine, which includes air defense systems.

Ownership and Share Structure

According to Red Cat, 37.27% of the stock is held by management and insiders. Reuters notes that CEO Thompson owns 22.13%. CEO of Fat Shark RC Vision Systems Gregory Ralph French has 8.67%. COO Allan Thomas Evans has 2.41%. Director Nicholas Liuzza has 1.76%. CFO Joseph Hernon has 0.47%, and CEO of Teal Drones George Matus has 0.58%.

Institutional investors have 9.01%. The Vanguard Group Inc. has 2.3%. Pelion Venture Partners has 1.62%. BlackRock Institutional Trust has 0.61%, and Geode Capital Management LLC has 0.49%.

The rest is in retail.

Red Cat Holdings has a market cap of US$53.59 million, with 55.54 million shares outstanding, and trades in a 52-week range of US$2.65 and US$0.7676.

 

Important Disclosures:

  1. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Red Cat Holdings Inc.
  2. Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
  3. The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

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US CPI to restore NQ100_m closer to 16,000?

By ForexTime 

Astute traders would have noticed some interesting price action on the NQ100_m of late.

After breaking out of an ascending triangle which was in formed from 9th June to 11th July ( 23 trading days), current price action sees NQ100_m bouncing off the support area of a bullish flag.

A flag is a short channel that usually slopes in the opposite direction of a trend, and is usually a continuation pattern.

This support area coincides with the former ascending triangle resistance, which is now support.

Worthy of note is the fact that this support area (former ascending triangle resistance) has held the fort since the 3rd of August.

Interestingly, yesterday’s price action also saw the 50-day SMA on the daily chart act as a dynamic support with a rejection of price at the 15151.3 low to close within the flag pattern.


From a fundamental perspective …

Tomorrow’s (Thursday, August 10th) US inflation report could be a major catalyst for NQ100_m’s next big move!

Inflation is typically measured by the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services.

The upcoming print is expected to show that both headline and core CPI rose by 0.2% in July 2023 compared to June 2023 (month-on-month). This would match June’s 0.2% month-on-month readings as well.

However, for the year-on-year figures (July 2023 vs. July 2022), this is where the action may stem from.

The headline CPI is expected to tick back higher to 3.3%, versus June’s 3% year-on-year number.

Meanwhile, the core CPI (which excludes more volatile food and energy prices) is expected to moderate slightly down to 4.7% from June’s 4.8%.

Looking further out to Friday, August 11th, the measures of consumer inflation expectations over the next 1-10 years could also influence markets.

 

Ultimately, if these CPI prints come in well below market expectations, this should signal that the Fed’s rate hikes are having the desired effect, and should further dampen any notion of additional rate hikes for the remainder of the year.

The narrative above should see NQ100_m’s prices rally to test and possibly break the flag resistance. (see above chart)

If the flag’s resistance is breached, the measured move objective would be the distance of the flagpole which is more than 10,000 points (measuring from 10th Julys low of 14933.8 to 19th, Julys high of 15947.7)

A strong upside breakout may even push this tech-heavy index back closer to the psychologically-important 16,000 mark.

On the other hand, bears are set to look out for a set of stronger-than-expected CPI prints for the NQ100_m to test and possibly break the flag’s support.

This would mean the past ascending triangles resistance, which is now acting as support at 15270, would have to give way first.

After that, bears will be targeting the crucial support lines seen at its 50-day SMA as well as the lower bound of this current “flag”.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

Where I’m investing my money this summer: deVere CEO

By George Prior 

Savvy investors around the world are using the ‘summer markets’ period to consider rebalancing their portfolios and, speaking in a recent social media post, the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations said this summer he’s investing in three key areas.

deVere Group’s Nigel Green, specifically, said he is increasing his investment exposure to semiconductors, energy, and Bitcoin.

He explains: “Many investors reduce their market activity during this summer, which leads to lower trading volumes and less liquidity, and this in turn traditionally creates price inefficiencies and increased volatility.

“When used effectively and efficiently, volatility can be an extremely powerful investment tool as you can enhance your portfolios with high quality assets at lower entry points.

“This year, the volatility could be heighted following a wave of central bank decisions last week which could suggest that a new era for monetary policy is on its way.”

Nigel Green continues: “Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern tech. They power a wide range of devices and applications, including smartphones, computers, automotive electronics, data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and much more.

“As the world becomes ever-more digitalised and interconnected, the demand for semiconductor components will grow exponentially.

“In addition, due to the growing need for them, there’s a global race by governments for more advanced semiconductors and quicker and more resilient supply chains. As such, there will be a raft of substantial support packages to the industry.”

The second area which the deVere CEO is actively increasing exposure to this summer is energy.

He says: “Investors are largely ignoring energy and prices are lower than almost any other sector – so already a huge advantage.

“I’m piling in now as I believe that as interest rates peak and the global economy turns a corner, which could be within a year or so, demand for energy will soar.”

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, is the third major asset class of interest for Nigel Green, currently.

“Not only does Bitcoin remain one of the best performing asset classes of the decade, I believe its performance will further strengthen. Both institutional and retail investors are increasingly seeing the value of a digital, global, borderless and tamper-proof currency and store of value.

“This trend will increase as adoption picks up further and as confidence grows again in the global economy.”

As ever, the deVere CEO stresses the importance of diversification.  “While these three asset classes are catching my eye, my main focus is always diversification.

“There remains one clear way for investors to maximise returns relative to risk: the time-honoured practice of portfolio diversification.

“A considered mix of asset classes, sectors, regions and currencies offers protection from market shocks. A good fund manager will help investors capitalise on the opportunities that volatility brings and sidestep potential risks as and when they are presented.”

He concludes: “The investment adage ‘Sell in May and go away’, is a myth.

“The so-called ‘Summer Swoon’ is an important period for investors who are serious about building wealth for the long-term.”

About:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of more than 70 offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

COT Stock Market Charts: Weekly Speculator Bets led by DowJones-Mini & S&P500-Mini

By InvestMacro

Here are the latest charts and statistics for the Commitment of Traders (COT) data published by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The latest COT data is updated through Tuesday July 25th and shows a quick view of how large traders (for-profit speculators and commercial entities) were positioned in the futures markets.

Weekly Speculator Changes led by DowJones-Mini & S&P500-Mini

The COT stock markets speculator bets were lower this week as three out of the seven stock markets we cover had higher positioning while the other four markets had lower speculator contracts.

Leading the gains for the stock markets was the S&P500-Mini (31,070 contracts) with the DowJones-Mini (8,557 contracts) and the Nikkei 225 (265 contracts) also showing positive weeks.

The markets with the declines in speculator bets this week were the MSCI EAFE-Mini (-10,114 contracts) with the Nasdaq-Mini (-11,871 contracts), VIX (-1,853 contracts) and Russell-Mini (-3,067 contracts) also registering lower bets on the week.


Data Snapshot of Stock Market Traders | Columns Legend
Jul-25-2023OIOI-IndexSpec-NetSpec-IndexCom-NetCOM-IndexSmalls-NetSmalls-Index
S&P500-Mini2,243,36124-232,61530215,4137017,20250
Nikkei 22516,31417-2,599521,8034779638
Nasdaq-Mini260,62337-10,672717,629283,04359
DowJones-Mini111,965841,4167823434-1,65036
VIX397,69571-42,1428946,3929-4,25074
Nikkei 225 Yen51,636389,1876215,90654-25,09326

 


Strength Scores led by VIX & DowJones-Mini

COT Strength Scores (a normalized measure of Speculator positions over a 3-Year range, from 0 to 100 where above 80 is Extreme-Bullish and below 20 is Extreme-Bearish) showed that the VIX (89 percent) and the DowJones-Mini (78 percent) lead the stock markets this week. The Nasdaq-Mini (71 percent) comes in as the next highest in the weekly strength scores.

On the downside, the MSCI EAFE-Mini (6 percent) comes in at the lowest strength level currently and is in Extreme-Bearish territory (below 20 percent). The next lowest strength score is the S&P500-Mini (30 percent).

Strength Statistics:
VIX (88.7 percent) vs VIX previous week (90.1 percent)
S&P500-Mini (30.1 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (25.4 percent)
DowJones-Mini (77.9 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (53.7 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (71.1 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (77.9 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (30.7 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (32.5 percent)
Nikkei USD (52.1 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (50.4 percent)
EAFE-Mini (6.4 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (18.8 percent)

 

DowJones-Mini & Nikkei 225 top the 6-Week Strength Trends

COT Strength Score Trends (or move index, calculates the 6-week changes in strength scores) showed that the DowJones-Mini (48 percent) leads the past six weeks trends for the stock markets. The Nikkei 225 (26 percent), the VIX (19 percent) and the S&P500-Mini (15 percent) are the next highest positive movers in the latest trends data.

The Nasdaq-Mini (-15 percent) leads the downside trend scores currently with the EAFE-Mini (-3 percent) coming in as the next market with lower trend scores.

Strength Trend Statistics:
VIX (18.5 percent) vs VIX previous week (12.8 percent)
S&P500-Mini (14.7 percent) vs S&P500-Mini previous week (12.1 percent)
DowJones-Mini (48.1 percent) vs DowJones-Mini previous week (44.2 percent)
Nasdaq-Mini (-15.1 percent) vs Nasdaq-Mini previous week (-4.4 percent)
Russell2000-Mini (4.3 percent) vs Russell2000-Mini previous week (-1.9 percent)
Nikkei USD (26.2 percent) vs Nikkei USD previous week (28.8 percent)
EAFE-Mini (-2.8 percent) vs EAFE-Mini previous week (-1.9 percent)


Individual Stock Market Charts:

VIX Volatility Futures:

VIX Volatility Futures COT ChartThe VIX Volatility large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -42,142 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -1,853 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -40,289 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish-Extreme with a score of 88.7 percent. The commercials are Bearish-Extreme with a score of 9.0 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 74.2 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Downtrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Downtrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Short Position.

VIX Volatility Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:24.746.26.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:35.334.57.0
– Net Position:-42,14246,392-4,250
– Gross Longs:98,339183,70923,761
– Gross Shorts:140,481137,31728,011
– Long to Short Ratio:0.7 to 11.3 to 10.8 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):88.79.074.2
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bullish-ExtremeBearish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:18.5-15.5-19.3

 


S&P500 Mini Futures:

SP500 Mini Futures COT ChartThe S&P500 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -232,615 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly increase of 31,070 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -263,685 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 30.1 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 69.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 50.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

S&P500 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:10.675.411.5
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:21.065.810.8
– Net Position:-232,615215,41317,202
– Gross Longs:238,3331,692,161258,370
– Gross Shorts:470,9481,476,748241,168
– Long to Short Ratio:0.5 to 11.1 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):30.169.650.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:14.7-12.8-2.2

 


Dow Jones Mini Futures:

Dow Jones Mini Futures COT ChartThe Dow Jones Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of 1,416 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly gain of 8,557 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -7,141 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 77.9 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 34.3 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 35.8 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Dow Jones Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:31.751.012.7
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:30.450.814.2
– Net Position:1,416234-1,650
– Gross Longs:35,44557,12414,218
– Gross Shorts:34,02956,89015,868
– Long to Short Ratio:1.0 to 11.0 to 10.9 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):77.934.335.8
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:48.1-30.0-10.6

 


Nasdaq Mini Futures:

Nasdaq Mini Futures COT ChartThe Nasdaq Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -10,672 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lowering of -11,871 contracts from the previous week which had a total of 1,199 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 71.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 27.6 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 59.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nasdaq Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:25.456.216.3
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:29.553.315.1
– Net Position:-10,6727,6293,043
– Gross Longs:66,261146,46942,387
– Gross Shorts:76,933138,84039,344
– Long to Short Ratio:0.9 to 11.1 to 11.1 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):71.127.659.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-15.15.832.6

 


Russell 2000 Mini Futures:

Russell 2000 Mini Futures COT ChartThe Russell 2000 Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -68,769 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decline of -3,067 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -65,702 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish with a score of 30.7 percent. The commercials are Bullish with a score of 66.2 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 42.4 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Russell 2000 Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:10.482.35.8
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:23.570.24.9
– Net Position:-68,76963,6445,125
– Gross Longs:54,699433,20630,730
– Gross Shorts:123,468369,56225,605
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.2 to 11.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):30.766.242.4
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BearishBullishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:4.3-3.9-0.4

 


Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures:

Nikkei Stock Average (USD) Futures COT ChartThe Nikkei Stock Average (USD) large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -2,599 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly lift of 265 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -2,864 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bullish with a score of 52.1 percent. The commercials are Bearish with a score of 46.9 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bearish with a score of 38.3 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

Nikkei Stock Average Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:9.664.526.0
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:25.553.421.1
– Net Position:-2,5991,803796
– Gross Longs:1,55910,5194,236
– Gross Shorts:4,1588,7163,440
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.2 to 11.2 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):52.146.938.3
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):BullishBearishBearish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:26.2-20.1-8.8

 


MSCI EAFE Mini Futures:

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures COT ChartThe MSCI EAFE Mini large speculator standing this week totaled a net position of -30,964 contracts in the data reported through Tuesday. This was a weekly decrease of -10,114 contracts from the previous week which had a total of -20,850 net contracts.

This week’s current strength score (the trader positioning range over the past three years, measured from 0 to 100) shows the speculators are currently Bearish-Extreme with a score of 6.4 percent. The commercials are Bullish-Extreme with a score of 87.5 percent and the small traders (not shown in chart) are Bullish with a score of 54.0 percent.

Price Trend-Following Model: Strong Uptrend

Our weekly trend-following model classifies the current market price position as: Strong Uptrend. The current action for the model is considered to be: Hold – Maintain Long Position.

MSCI EAFE Mini Futures StatisticsSPECULATORSCOMMERCIALSSMALL TRADERS
– Percent of Open Interest Longs:6.290.13.1
– Percent of Open Interest Shorts:13.884.31.3
– Net Position:-30,96423,5357,429
– Gross Longs:24,995365,84312,565
– Gross Shorts:55,959342,3085,136
– Long to Short Ratio:0.4 to 11.1 to 12.4 to 1
NET POSITION TREND:
– Strength Index Score (3 Year Range Pct):6.487.554.0
– Strength Index Reading (3 Year Range):Bearish-ExtremeBullish-ExtremeBullish
NET POSITION MOVEMENT INDEX:
– 6-Week Change in Strength Index:-2.83.3-2.3

 


Article By InvestMacroReceive our weekly COT Newsletter

*COT Report: The COT data, released weekly to the public each Friday, is updated through the most recent Tuesday (data is 3 days old) and shows a quick view of how large speculators or non-commercials (for-profit traders) were positioned in the futures markets.

The CFTC categorizes trader positions according to commercial hedgers (traders who use futures contracts for hedging as part of the business), non-commercials (large traders who speculate to realize trading profits) and nonreportable traders (usually small traders/speculators) as well as their open interest (contracts open in the market at time of reporting). See CFTC criteria here.

Pay Attention to This Group of Investors (They Know More)

The stock market actions of corporate insiders is revealing

By Elliott Wave International

It stands to reason that executives of a corporation know more about the goings-on of their business than outsiders.

So, it’s wise to pay attention to their stock market actions regarding their own shares.

Yes, the stock market has been rising. As I write, the Dow Industrials is up for the eighth day in a row.

However, trends can turn on a dime, and if the action of insiders is a clue, that turn may be arriving sooner than many stock market participants anticipate.

Here are just a few Yahoo! Finance headlines from the past few weeks:

  • American Express Insiders Sold US$9.9m Of Shares Suggesting Hesitancy (July 17)
  • Possible Bearish Signals with Lockheed Martin Insiders Disposing Stock (July 12)
  • International Business Machines Insiders Sell US$5.6m Of Stock, Possibly Signaling Caution (July 4)

These are by no means all the corporations where insiders have been selling company shares. I just picked out three well-known names as examples.

The July Elliott Wave Financial Forecast, a monthly publication which covers major U.S. financial markets, discussed corporate insider selling and said:

Insiders may sell for various reasons, but one of them isn’t that they believe their firm’s share price is going higher.

That doesn’t mean that insiders are always right or that their market timing is perfect, but as the July Elliott Wave Financial Forecast also notes, it’s best not to ignore the actions of insiders. The publication also showed this chart and added:

There is one group of investors that is selling shares: insiders. … When insider block sales surged in the early months of [a big down wave], the August 2000 Elliott Wave Financial Forecast noted, “Insiders want out.” As the bear market of 2000-2009 illustrated, when insiders sell, it’s best not to pooh-pooh their stance.

In addition to the Insider Transaction Ratio, also pay close attention to the stock market’s Elliott wave structure.

If you’re unfamiliar with Elliott wave analysis, or simply need a refresher, here’s a quote from the Wall Street classic book, Elliott Wave Principle: Key to Market Behavior, by Frost & Prechter:

The primary value of the Wave Principle is that it provides a context for market analysis. This context provides both a basis for disciplined thinking and a perspective on the market’s general position and outlook. At times, its accuracy in identifying, and even anticipating, changes in direction is almost unbelievable.

Enjoy free access to the online version of Elliott Wave Principle: Key to Market Behavior by becoming a member of Club EWI, the world’s largest Elliott wave educational community. Club EWI is free to join and allows you complimentary access to a wealth of Elliott wave resources on investing and trading.

Just follow this link to get started: Elliott Wave Principle: Key to Market Behavior — get free and unlimited access.

This article was syndicated by Elliott Wave International and was originally published under the headline Pay Attention to This Group of Investors (They Know More). EWI is the world’s largest market forecasting firm. Its staff of full-time analysts led by Chartered Market Technician Robert Prechter provides 24-hour-a-day market analysis to institutional and private investors around the world.