Bubble-nomics: SP and Nasdaq Straining at Resistance And the Remnants of Fear

The SP is trying to break out of the trend and hold it's gains. I would not get in front of this, unless you wish to guarantee an opportunity for an additional short squeeze. Remember, the wiseguys can peek into your collective hand at will, and read your strategy within milliseconds of your executing it. That is why playing short term trends is becoming increasingly difficult for the individual speculator.



It is useful to watch the Nasdaq 100 at key support and resistance levels, as well as the broader indices. The SP futures are generally the 'push' where the flash and sizzle of bull markets occur of late. Buying the futures drags much of the market behind it. But this can only last for so long unless additional 'real' buying steps in.



Formidable retracement. Now the rally must show its mettle and either confirm an economic recovery or the start of a new bubble led by financial assets, or not.



Little pricing in of fear, but the markets remain thin and a bit uneasy.



The Dollar is hanging on to support.

SP and Nasdaq 100 Futures

Here is where the equity markets stand.

Remember that tomorrow is options expiry for February.

As an aside, the bear raid on gold that occurred in conjunction with a non-announcement from the IMF about their previously announced gold sale did not stick, with prices snapping back today to the paint at which the raid hit, first the miners, and then the metals, largely in the thin after hours trade.

Next week is an option expiry in the metals futures markets, and the US is planning on auctioning an enormous amount of Treasuries, so we would not be complacement at this point.

Still, it was gratifying to see that Dennis Gartman bought back the gold position he sold before the rally. He sold at the bottom, let's see if he can do better and not jinx us for a short term top.

On Deck for January 2010: 1060 or 1160 in the SP 500?

Here is a slightly different view of the SP 500 daily chart, showing potential retracement levels if it breaks down.

Try not to get in front of the move. This market is 70% program trading again.

Bonne Heureuse Année mes amis


SP 500 March Futures with Fibonacci Retracements (if there is a serious correction)



Longer Term View of the SP 500



And Then There Is Tech..



VIX: Back to Complacency
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.

T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding

The banks must be restrained, the financial system reformed, and balance restored to the economy before there can be any sustained recovery.