U.S. markets showed opening strength on Wednesday and ahead of the Fed announcement on interest rates. As expected, the FOMC raised the funds rate target by quarter-point with the major indexes losing steam immediately following the news. The major indexes made higher highs from the previous session ahead of the Fed news but the nasty finish was disappointing on the 2%-3% intraday swings....
Continue reading >>U.S. markets showed strength on Tuesday following 3 sessions of heavy selling pressure as the start of the Fed’s 2-day meeting on interest rates got underway. While most of Wall Street is expecting a quarter-point rate hike, the hope is the Fed’s language will soften for future rate hikes, or none, in 2019. If the Fed decides to hold off on a rate hike, it will look as though the...
Continue reading >>U.S. markets showed continued weakness on Monday after falling deeper into correction territory as Wall Street prepares for Wednesday’s Fed decision on interest rates. The small-caps fell into bear market territory after falling 20% below its all-time high from August while Tech gave up its gains for the year. The Dow fell 2.1% after trading to an intraday low of 23,456. Major...
Continue reading >>U.S. markets opened Friday’s session lower with downside momentum into the closing bell despite encouraging trade news. China said it would suspend an additional tariff on U.S. autos while also confirming it would reduce a 40% charge on U.S. auto imports to 15% for 90 days. Global growth concerns and slightly disappointing economic news overshadowed the positive development with the major...
Continue reading >>Small-Caps Slack as VIX Holds 20 U.S. markets struggled on Thursday after trading in a tighter trading range with the major indexes finishing mixed. Despite some positive developments, ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China remain the biggest factor influencing momentum. The small-caps led the overall market pullback while the blue-chips showed strength. Volatility continues to...
Continue reading >>VIX Trending Lower but Still Elevated U.S. markets showed momentum throughout much of Wednesday’s action as the major indexes held their gains after President Trump said trade talks with China by phone were moving along very well. While this remains a major headwind, the market responded well as it could be anticipating a deal sooner rather than later. Although there was a slight fade...
Continue reading >>