Daily State of the Markets

History Doesn't Suggest Major Correction is Due

The question of the day is relatively straightforward at this time: Will we see a meaningful decline (defined as a loss of -10 percent or more) on the S&P 500 in the near term or not? From the bears' perspective, the answer is an unequivocal "yes." Our furry friends cite the o…

Can The Market Survive the Mo-Mo Meltdown?

By now, you are no doubt aware that there is a major dichotomy occurring in today's stock market. 2013's big winners are suddenly 2014's misery positions. Mo-mo has become a no-no. And many of the former leaders have been beaten unmercifully over the last two months. You've probab…

The Question of the Day Is...

While the exploration of the various catalysts that might trigger the next bear market in stocks is certainly an important endeavor, the near-term action in the stock market is fascinating to say the least at the present time. Thus, we will cross our fingers and hope that the bears can be…

10 Bear Market Catalysts To Watch For

To be sure, the current stock market environment is challenging. Intraday volatility is quite high, the major indices are not marching to the beat of the same drum, and holding the wrong stock or sector ETF has proved to be a frightening affair in 2014. In case you can't relate to…

Stock Market Indices Singing a Not-So Happy Tune

Paul Schatz is filling in for Dave M. this morning. Without further ado, here is Paul's take on the current "state of the markets." 2014 may be young, but so far, it’s exhibiting a very different character than 2013 with the rate of ascent completely flat lining and the high…

2014: Deja Vu All Over Again?

If the stock market action thus far in 2014 has made you a little uneasy, you are not alone. If you find yourself wanting to beat your head against the door, don't fret, you've got company. And if you are spending an inordinate amount of time yelling at your screens, don't despair - the g…

Bears Got It Wrong Again (On Bonds)

As I may have mentioned a time or twenty, I'm not a big fan of basing investment decisions on one's "macro view." Such an approach would appear to be anchored in logic. The first step is to establish your macro view of the world. In other words, you first decide what is likely to happen t…

The Cycles Say "Beware!" (Or Do They?)

Raise your hand if you find yourself longing for the good 'ol days of 2013 right about now. You remember, right? The days when stocks marched merrily higher on the back of an improving economy, record earnings and a Fed that was about as friendly as they have ever been. The days when QE-i…

Free Money Trumps Valuations Issues

The stock market in 2014 has been challenging (for both sides) to say the least. However, the action of the last two days has been especially crazy. And while this market can and often does turn on a dime, we believe the message that seems to be emanating from all the volatility seen this…

Is It 'Time' For a Major Correction?

This report is being written on Sunday, April 13 and is slated to be published on Tuesday, April 15. As such, there will be ample time for the algos to "go the other way" and make the subject matter about to be discussed seem untimely and/or not necessary. However, since the research bein…