One group that has been struggling lately is the semiconductor sector. Led by Intel, this group has often led bull and bear moves within the tech-heavy Nasdaq and even for the SPX 500. Last week was a tough one for Intel – analysts slashed earnings estimates and Intel warned that they will miss their numbers…
DetailsA big week is upon us as the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meets for their second two-day session. In anticipation of their meeting, market volatility is elevated somewhat, because so many traders are anxious to learn what direction the Fed will take their interest rate policy. There is general consensus that the Fed may…
DetailsIt has to be frustrating to be a bear in this market. Just when it seems that the market has reached its breaking point and will plunge to new lows, it instead turns tail and heads higher. In fact, ever since the correlation bubble popped in January 2012, there have been a slew of reasons for…
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The retail sector has certainly provided the stock market with its fair share of ups and downs. As fickle as the consumer is, we have seen some names take off over the past few months while others have been saddled with weaker margins, little guidance, complaints about a stronger dollar, and just plain lousy inventory.…
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Today we stepped back a bit and looked at the charts to assess the damage done in this latest barrage of selling. Tuesday was vicious. From the outset, there was no room to bid in this market – the rough news from Europe and Asia really hammered any opportunities into oblivion. Furthermore, yesterday’s bounce was…
DetailsUnderstanding technical analysis is an art form that is shaped by experience – and it is critical for trading options. As a charting veteran, I have evaluated thousands of charts, a daily ritual that typically includes 100 charts in a single day. That may seem exhausting, but it is required if I want to perfect…
DetailsDuring today’s webinar, the name of the game was options trading risk management. As any seasoned trader or investor will tell you, it’s tough to sell when you have a winner, but it is paramount to have a strategy in place. If you don’t, that winner can quickly turn into a loser, and your days…
DetailsMedivation (MDVN) is part of a white hot biotech group that has been leading the markets to all time highs. We have seen “first tier” names such as Gilead, Celgene, Regeneron, Biogen-Idec and Amgen showing great leadership, which brings others along with it (“A rising tide lifts all boats!”). Medivation is a biopharmaceutical company specializing…
DetailsI often hear analysts and talking heads discuss reasons for the stock market’s movements. Their conclusions are really just a collection of their emotions packaged together to form a result. I have to ignore their commentary, because if I listen too carefully, I may get swept up trying to rationalize the action. We all know…
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During today’s webinar, I spent quite a bit of time talking about the recent market developments and market structure. Because sentiment is starting to get a bit overbought and heated, everyone is asking, “Is a market pullback coming?” The answer, of course, is, “Maybe.” A pullback certainly would not be surprising given its current condition.…
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