Market Indicators

August Seasonality - Indicator of the Week – August 06, 2012

This August seasonality may not be as bad a month as the reputation of previous years has shown. Reasons for this bullish comes in the guise of an election year as well as market sentiment!

Stock Returns after a Big Market Move – July 30, 2012

The facts behind the statement that “when the market makes a sizeable move in one direction, it's a sign for individual stock returns that move in the opposite direction” -- therefore, to confirm or deny this assertion the tracking of individual stocks after big market moves is undertaken.

Pessimism in the Stock Market, July 24, 2012

A closer look at the latest release of data illustrates that only 22% of investors are bullish, while nearly 42% are bearish – pessimism gone mad! However, by employing a philosophy that looks beyond the depressed state of crowd sentiment, there is a supporting theory, where an investigation of prior instances of extreme bearishness unveils an optimistic caveat you should be aware of.

VIX and Historical Volatility - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – July 16, 2012

Recently, the historical volatility overtook the VIX. So, by looking back at some prior instances, we are able to see what this means to the market moving forward -- confirming that these signals are very good buying opportunities.

Seasonality for Mid-Year - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead, July 02, 2012

The mid-year seasonality appears to be a little more positive for markets this year, as there are currently a low number of bullish investors, according to the Investors Intelligence sentiment poll, which is good news for the rally to continue.

Technical Analysis - Comparing Tools - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead - June 25, 2012

Technical analysis involves evaluating a stock simply by looking at its price chart. This article looks at some of the more popular technical tools being employed and compares their accuracy over the past several years and how this information may be applied to trading in the week ahead.

The SPX and the 200-Day Moving Average - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead, June 11, 2012

The SPX index's popular 200-day moving average is analyzed after this benchmark trendline was breached and reclaimed in a matter of mere days. The numbers are studied to determine how previous breaks for this moving average have played out for the SPX.

Options Costs, June 04, 2012

In this analysis, strategies are examined to determine which ones would have been more profitable so far in 2012. Considering options costs and the returns generated from cheap or expensive moves presents some very interesting results.

Memorial Day Returns - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead , May 29, 2012

For investors, traders and the stock market, Memorial Day returns appear to produce a bullish theme in many instances.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX) returns for the week have been pretty bullish. Since 2000, the average Memorial Day week return is 0.86%, while the typical week is relatively flat.

Also, there is some positive news for the rest of the year, surrounding this market indicator.

The MACD Sell Signal Market Indicator for the Week Ahead, May 21, 2012

For the week ahead, observation of the MACD indicator on the SPX weekly chart provides more insight to market strategies. This article gives insight as to the accuracy of this sell signal and how to interpret further market progression.

Another indicator, the 50-day moving average is also discussed and shows results as to its accuracy within the market strategy!

Earnings Season Quantified - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead - May 07, 2012

We're now about half way through the April/May earnings season. Looking at optionable, liquid stocks, there were 579 companies that reported earnings in April. This article takes a look at the earnings returns from previous years during the April/May earnings season, and gives an insight as to whether April can tell us anything about what may lie in store for May. A few potential earnings-related plays for May are also provided.

VIX Options and Bullish Bets, May 02, 2012

Since the CBOE Market Volatility Index (VIX) is "cheap," as well as other various VIX products -- such as VIX options – at this present time, therefore, making ideal instruments for hedging equity portfolios.

Indicators and Stock Returns - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead , April 30, 2012

In the week ahead it is interesting to take a look at how individual stocks have performed, depending on certain characteristics. A look at several indicators helps to clarify the situation – market capitalization returns, prior month's returns and buy-to-open (BTO) option volume data.

April Expiration Week - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead , April 16, 2012

At the end of this week, equity options are set to expire. Expiration week has tended to be a bit bearish over the last couple of years -- averaging a slight loss, with 52% of those weeks being positive. Will this be a similar occurrence for April? -- this article discusses the various possibilities!

Good Friday and the Stock Market, April 09, 2012

The stock market, including the NYSE, is closed on Good Friday, when many financial institutions and government offices are open. The reasons behind the closing have prompted some great theories which are discussed in this article.

Easter Seasonality and the Effect on the Stock Market - Market Indicator for the Week Ahead, April 08, 2012

Easter seasonality is now with us, and according to the table included in this article, the fact that the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is positive on the year should make us quite optimistic for the rest of 2012.

A question often asked -- does the seasonal change marked by the Easter holiday, with the U.S. stock market closed on the preceding Good Friday, tend to produce anomalous returns? To further clarify this question an analysis of the historical behavior of the S&P 500 Index before and after the holiday was conducted.

Earnings Season Impact, April 03, 2012

There are a few key reasons why this earnings season will be unique and more volatile than others we have seen in the recent past. This article provides an insight into why some stocks will soar -- and some will plummet dramatically!



Correlation Gauging for Stock Picking in 2012! - February 20, 2012

Correlation gauging has have fallen significantly this year, indicating it might be time once again to utilize a stock-picking prowess. In 2011 stock correlation peaked at around 90%, and spent most of the year above 80%. In 2012, it has fallen dramatically, and currently stands around 43%.

Wall Street Week Ahead – Market Indicator for November 28, 2011 - Black Friday and the Market's Reaction

This article looks at the market's post-Black Friday performance during the week ahead, and offers up a selection of retail stocks that might be capable of bringing some glad tidings to your portfolio.

The origin of Black Friday – gold market scandal of 1869, today’s interpretation and importance of the day leading on to “Cyber Monday” are also discussed.

Wall Street Week Ahead – Market Indicator for November 21, 2011 - Trading Thanksgiving

In the week ahead on Wall Street the Turkey, or Thanksgiving, Effect will need to be negotiated. It is a well-documented stock market phenomenon that the market is unusually bullish both the day before and the day after Thanksgiving. Compelling reasons to trade this week!

Wall Street Week Ahead – Market Indicator for November 14, 2011 - S&P 500 Index

The Week Ahead on Wall Street provides an Array of SPX Components to be Considered!

The Week Ahead – Market Indicators for November 07, 2011 - Sector Analysis Using Technical’s and Sentiment

The Market Indicator for the Week Ahead, centers on the Utility Sector and how to Profit from this Insight!

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead - October 31, 2011 - Leading and Lagging Stocks

The market’s leading and lagging stock, which might be poised to outperform during the near term!

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead - October 24, 2011 - The Dow and the Trading Range

With the Dow making new medium-term lows before swiftly rebounding to new medium-term highs, it seems that this might signal an imminent breakout to higher levels -- or perhaps it just indicates a more volatile range!

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – October 17, 2011 – Buy-to-Open Activity

The buy-to-open (BTO) call/put ratio on CBOE Market Volatility Index (VIX) options has continued to decline, and is now approaching extreme lows, which could indicate a market rally.

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – October 10, 2011 - Sentiment Polls

Sentiment analysis is an important area of market trading decisions, therefore tracking of sentiment polls becomes essential to determine the direction of market movements. Three of importance are…..read more.....

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – October 03, 2011 - Five-Month Losing Streaks and the Fourth Quarter

By taking a closer look at individual stocks to see if any stood out during the fourth quarter of the last five years, by reviewing returns on the most liquid stocks at hand, it was determined that only four equities had positive returns in each of the last five fourth quarters. These outperformers are listed.....

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – September 26, 2011 - Hedging with VIX Calls vs. SPY Puts

Sep 26, 2011 ... Alternative reactions are occurring due to the market performance – hedging with VIX Calls compared to using SPY Puts….the decision to .....

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead – September 19, 2011 - Five-Week Expiration Cycle

Sep 19, 2011 ... This article explains the meaning of options cycles, and then goes on to discuss which stocks are most likely to outperform during October's Five-Week Expiration Cycle.

Market Indicator for the Week Ahead - February 28, 2011 - VIX Spikes

When the market begins falling, traders rush to hedge their investments. A popular market indicator used to hedge is to buy put options on the SPX causing significant effects, especially on the VIX.

Market Indicator for the Week Ending February 25, 2011 - Breaking Down Analyst Ranks by Sector

An in-depth study of the market indicator, “Analyst Rankings” of Sectors, by breaking them down, and analyzing the impact to the investor and the implications expected.

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