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However, he said his highest-confidence trade for next year is copper.

‘I think that it’s easier to see — and highly likely to see — copper moving higher next year,’ Tiggre explained.

That said, he’s not quite ready to pull the trigger on copper stock purchases.

‘I’m not rushing out to buy yet, because I think even in the little time we have left this year we’re going to see more bad economic news, and Dr. Copper with a PhD in economics always goes down with that sort of news. So I’m looking to that as a buying opportunity — I’m looking to maximize my upside by taking advantage of that.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Stock futures are trading slightly lower Monday morning as investors gear up for the final month of 2024. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.18%, alongside declines in Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and Nasdaq 100 futures, which dropped 0.13% and 0.17%, respectively. The market’s focus is shifting to upcoming economic data, particularly reports on manufacturing and construction spending, ahead of this week’s key labor data releases.

November was a standout month for equities, with the S&P 500 futures rallying to reflect the index’s best monthly performance of the year. Both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved all-time highs during Friday’s shortened trading session, with the Dow briefly surpassing 45,000. Small-cap stocks also saw robust gains, with the Russell 2000 index surging over 10% in November, buoyed by optimism around potential tax cuts.

As trading kicks off in December, investors are keeping a close eye on geopolitical developments in Europe, where France’s CAC 40 index dropped 0.77% amid political concerns, while Germany’s DAX and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 showed smaller declines.

S&P 500 futures will likely continue to act as a key barometer for market sentiment, particularly as traders assess the impact of upcoming economic data and global market developments.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

This 15-minute chart of the S&P 500 Index shows a recent trend where the index attempted to break above the resistance level near 6,044.17 but retraced slightly to close at 6,032.39, reflecting a minor decline of 0.03% in the session. The candlestick pattern indicates some indecisiveness after a steady upward momentum seen earlier in the day.

On the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator, the value sits at 62.07, having declined from the overbought zone above 70 earlier. This suggests that the bullish momentum might be cooling off, and traders could anticipate a short-term consolidation or slight pullback. However, with RSI above 50, the overall trend remains positive, favoring buyers.

The index’s recent low of 5,944.36 marks a key support level, while the high at 6,044.17 could act as resistance. If the price sustains above the 6,020 level and RSI stabilizes without breaking below 50, the index could attempt another rally. Conversely, a drop below 6,020 could indicate a bearish shift.

In conclusion, the index displays potential for continued gains, but traders should watch RSI levels and price action near the support and resistance zones for confirmation.

The post Stock Futures Lower after S&P 500 futures ticked down 0.18% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Stock futures climbed on Wednesday, driven by strong performances from Salesforce and Marvell Technology, following upbeat quarterly earnings. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 215 points (0.5%), while S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced by 0.7%.

Salesforce surged 12% after reporting fiscal third-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations, showcasing robust demand in the enterprise software sector. Meanwhile, chipmaker Marvell jumped 14% after surpassing earnings estimates and providing optimistic fourth-quarter guidance, indicating resilience in the semiconductor industry.

This movement follows a mixed session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed with small gains, while the Dow dipped slightly. The broader market has experienced a modest start to December, contrasting with November’s robust rally, but analysts anticipate a resurgence in momentum. LPL Financial’s George Smith pointed out that December historically sees strong market performance, particularly in the latter half of the month.

However, economic data introduced some caution. ADP’s report revealed that private payrolls grew by just 146,000 in November, missing estimates of 163,000. This signals potential softness in the labor market, with investors now awaiting Friday’s November jobs report for further clarity.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

Based on the provided stock chart, which appears to be a 15-minute candlestick chart for the S&P 500 Index, here’s a brief analysis:

The chart shows a clear upward trend, with higher highs and higher lows indicating bullish momentum over the analyzed period. The index has steadily climbed from a low of approximately 5,855 to a recent high of 6,053.58, suggesting strong buying interest.

Key resistance is observed near 6,050-6,053 levels, as the price has struggled to break above this zone in the most recent sessions. If the index breaches this level with strong volume, it could lead to further upward movement. Conversely, failure to break out may lead to a pullback, with potential support around the 6,000 psychological level and 5,980, where consolidation occurred previously.

The candlestick patterns show relatively small wicks, indicating limited volatility, which could imply steady market confidence. However, the bullish rally could be overextended, warranting caution for traders, especially if any negative catalysts emerge.

In summary, the short-term trend is bullish, but traders should monitor resistance levels and volume for signs of a breakout or reversal. It’s also essential to watch broader market factors, as indices are often influenced by macroeconomic data and sentiment.

The post S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures jumped 0.7% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Despite attempts to break higher, Tractor Supply Co. (TSCO) may be setting up for a potential move lower. Recent price action and valuation concerns suggest that TSCO’s upside might be limited in the near term.

In this analysis, we’ll outline the technical signs of weakness, delve into the fundamentals that appear stretched, and review a limited-risk options strategy to capitalize on a bearish outlook. All of this was identified instantly using the OptionsPlay Strategy Center within StockCharts.com, demonstrating how subscribers can uncover similar opportunities instantly.

From a technical standpoint, TSCO has shown troubling signs:

  • Failed Breakout. After initially breaking out above the $290 resistance area in October, TSCO has failed to maintain any meaningful follow-through. Instead, it has slid back into its prior trading range between $265 and $290.
  • Underperformance and Negative Momentum. This inability to hold higher ground has coincided with relative underperformance versus the S&P 500. As the stock struggles to sustain gains, negative price momentum suggests increasing downside risks.

FIGURE 1. DAILY CHART OF TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. The stock is retreating toward its previous trading range between $265 and $290. Tractor Supply is also underperforming the S&P 500, and the MACD indicates momentum is slowing down.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Beyond the chart, TSCO’s fundamentals raise questions about its valuation:

  • Modest Growth, High Valuation. With an expected EPS growth of just 7% and revenue growth of 4%, TSCO’s top and bottom line expansion trails its industry peers. Yet the stock trades at a hefty 25x forward earnings multiple.
  • Slim Margins and Rising Debt. A net margin of only 7% offers limited cushion to navigate headwinds, especially as the company’s debt load increases each quarter. Paying a premium multiple for modest growth, narrow margins, and escalating leverage challenges the justification for TSCO’s current valuation.

Recent earnings announcements provide mixed signals. On the positive side, Q3 2024 net sales rose by 1.6%, and gross margin improved by 56 basis points, reflecting some operational efficiencies. The company also reported EPS in line with expectations and pursued strategic acquisitions like Allivet to bolster its pet product segment. However, TSCO faced a slight decline in comparable store sales, a 5.3% decrease in net income, and missed analyst sales estimates. Sluggish discretionary spending and higher expenses have also weighed on performance. Looking forward, TSCO must navigate a delicate balance between growing sales and managing costs—an increasingly challenging task if consumer spending remains tepid.

Options Strategy: Call Vertical Spread

To position for a potential downside, the OptionsPlay Strategy Center suggests selling a Jan 24, 2025 $285/$300 Call Vertical @ $5.70 Credit. This entails:

  • Selling January 24, 2025, $285 Call at $9.70
  • Buying January 24, 2025, $300 Call at $4.03
  • Net Credit: $5.70 per share (or $570 per contract)
  • Maximum Potential Reward: $567
  • Maximum Potential Risk: $933
  • Breakeven Point: $290.70
  • Probability of Profit: 63%

This neutral-to-bearish strategy generates premium income upfront and profits if TSCO remains below $290.70 at expiration (see strategy details below).

FIGURE 2. SELLING A CALL VERTICAL SPREAD IN TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. Here you see the strategy details of selling a Jan 24, 2025 $285/$300 call vertical.Image source: OptionsPlay Strategy Center in StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Unlock Real-Time Trade Ideas with OptionsPlay Strategy Center

 The bearish opportunity in TSCO was identified swiftly using the OptionsPlay Strategy Center, which is now available at StockCharts.com. The platform’s Bearish Trend Following scan zeroed in on TSCO as a candidate for downside exposure and even structured the optimal options trade in real-time.

By subscribing to the OptionsPlay Strategy Center, you gain access to:

  • Automated Market Scanning. Instantly discover trade opportunities aligned with various market outlooks and strategies.
  • Optimal Trade Structuring. Receive tailor-made options strategies that consider both your conviction and risk tolerance.
  • Time-Saving Insights. Access actionable ideas within seconds, eliminating hours of manual research and enabling more informed decision-making.

FIGURE 3. TRACTOR SUPPLY CO. WAS A CANDIDATE UNDER THE BEARISH TREND FOLLOWING SCAN.Image source: OptionsPlay Strategy Center in StockCharts.com.


Don’t miss out on valuable trading opportunities. Subscribe to the OptionsPlay Strategy Center today and streamline your trading approach. With tools designed to keep you ahead of the market, you can consistently find the best options trades and harness them efficiently every day.

Looking for options trade ideas? In this video, Tony presents some of the best options trading strategies! After discussing special 0DTE strategies, the big picture, and individual sectors and industries, Tony covers bullish and bearish ideas for stocks including NVDA, SHOP, GOOGL, META, CAT and many more.

This video premiered on December 9, 2024.

Stock futures are trading slightly lower Monday morning as investors gear up for the final month of 2024. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.18%, alongside declines in Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and Nasdaq 100 futures, which dropped 0.13% and 0.17%, respectively. The market’s focus is shifting to upcoming economic data, particularly reports on manufacturing and construction spending, ahead of this week’s key labor data releases.

November was a standout month for equities, with the S&P 500 futures rallying to reflect the index’s best monthly performance of the year. Both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved all-time highs during Friday’s shortened trading session, with the Dow briefly surpassing 45,000. Small-cap stocks also saw robust gains, with the Russell 2000 index surging over 10% in November, buoyed by optimism around potential tax cuts.

As trading kicks off in December, investors are keeping a close eye on geopolitical developments in Europe, where France’s CAC 40 index dropped 0.77% amid political concerns, while Germany’s DAX and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 showed smaller declines.

S&P 500 futures will likely continue to act as a key barometer for market sentiment, particularly as traders assess the impact of upcoming economic data and global market developments.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

This 15-minute chart of the S&P 500 Index shows a recent trend where the index attempted to break above the resistance level near 6,044.17 but retraced slightly to close at 6,032.39, reflecting a minor decline of 0.03% in the session. The candlestick pattern indicates some indecisiveness after a steady upward momentum seen earlier in the day.

On the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator, the value sits at 62.07, having declined from the overbought zone above 70 earlier. This suggests that the bullish momentum might be cooling off, and traders could anticipate a short-term consolidation or slight pullback. However, with RSI above 50, the overall trend remains positive, favoring buyers.

The index’s recent low of 5,944.36 marks a key support level, while the high at 6,044.17 could act as resistance. If the price sustains above the 6,020 level and RSI stabilizes without breaking below 50, the index could attempt another rally. Conversely, a drop below 6,020 could indicate a bearish shift.

In conclusion, the index displays potential for continued gains, but traders should watch RSI levels and price action near the support and resistance zones for confirmation.

The post Stock Futures Lower after S&P 500 futures ticked down 0.18% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Stock futures climbed on Wednesday, driven by strong performances from Salesforce and Marvell Technology, following upbeat quarterly earnings. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 215 points (0.5%), while S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced by 0.7%.

Salesforce surged 12% after reporting fiscal third-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations, showcasing robust demand in the enterprise software sector. Meanwhile, chipmaker Marvell jumped 14% after surpassing earnings estimates and providing optimistic fourth-quarter guidance, indicating resilience in the semiconductor industry.

This movement follows a mixed session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed with small gains, while the Dow dipped slightly. The broader market has experienced a modest start to December, contrasting with November’s robust rally, but analysts anticipate a resurgence in momentum. LPL Financial’s George Smith pointed out that December historically sees strong market performance, particularly in the latter half of the month.

However, economic data introduced some caution. ADP’s report revealed that private payrolls grew by just 146,000 in November, missing estimates of 163,000. This signals potential softness in the labor market, with investors now awaiting Friday’s November jobs report for further clarity.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

Based on the provided stock chart, which appears to be a 15-minute candlestick chart for the S&P 500 Index, here’s a brief analysis:

The chart shows a clear upward trend, with higher highs and higher lows indicating bullish momentum over the analyzed period. The index has steadily climbed from a low of approximately 5,855 to a recent high of 6,053.58, suggesting strong buying interest.

Key resistance is observed near 6,050-6,053 levels, as the price has struggled to break above this zone in the most recent sessions. If the index breaches this level with strong volume, it could lead to further upward movement. Conversely, failure to break out may lead to a pullback, with potential support around the 6,000 psychological level and 5,980, where consolidation occurred previously.

The candlestick patterns show relatively small wicks, indicating limited volatility, which could imply steady market confidence. However, the bullish rally could be overextended, warranting caution for traders, especially if any negative catalysts emerge.

In summary, the short-term trend is bullish, but traders should monitor resistance levels and volume for signs of a breakout or reversal. It’s also essential to watch broader market factors, as indices are often influenced by macroeconomic data and sentiment.

The post S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures jumped 0.7% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.