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Category: Paul’s Insights

Market Passes Another Test

On Wednesday I wrote about The Important Test that the stock market faced with Microsoft, MMM and Boeing all reporting either weaker than expected numbers or guided lower for at least Q1. Remember, if my bullish case was to be proven wrong for Q1, it would be because the market wasn’t prepared for even more corporate weakness. Look at the far right of the chart. Microsoft opened down about 5% and closed yesterday at new highs for 2023. MMM opened […]   Read More
Date: January 27, 2023

The Important Test Begins

You would have to have been asleep for the past month to have missed my 2023 Fearless Forecast. It has been posted so many times along with a myriad of media interviews. In that I said one of the key tests for my bullish thesis would be market reaction to what would be a slew of pre-announcements and lower guidance for Q1. I wasn’t arrogant enough nor stupid enough to believe the news could possibly be rosy throughout earnings season. […]   Read More
Date: January 25, 2023

When Markets Don’t Accommodate You Pivot Quickly

Friday was a large options expiration, a day when exaggerated moves can be seen, especially when what is supposed to happen doesn’t. The stock market had another strong day on Friday after two down days. In the best of bull markets a two-day decline is a universal time to buy. However, I am not saying this is one of those times, just that it’s something to keep in mind. And I wanted to share some super short-term thoughts from Friday […]   Read More
Date: January 23, 2023

Fed Should Stop Right Now

As I mentioned the other day, a pause to refresh or a mild pullback would be good for the stock market after running hot and heavy this year so far. On Wednesday we saw weaker economic data in retail sales and before that, Empire Manufacturing. Unlike previous soft data the stock market fell with bad news being bad news. At the same time, the Fed heads were out in full force reiterating their stance for higher interest rates for longer. […]   Read More
Date: January 19, 2023

Bulls Looking Good

The market returns from the three-day weekend having seen a strong rally since January 5th and a few important metrics hit. All of the major stock market indices have been participating in the advance with mid and small caps being the most impressive. They have already exceeded their highs from December 13th which was the last emotional reversal lower. The Dow, S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 have yet to come close. How they behave around those price levels will be […]   Read More
Date: January 17, 2023

Biggest Economic Report of All-Time

This morning, the government released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December. Almost every piece came exactly as expected. The index fell 0.1% in December. 6.5% year over year. Stripping out food and energy as they do because, let’s face it, who really needs to eat, drive or heat the home, core CPI rose 0.3%. 5.7% year over year. It’s the report that the media made out to be the single most important report ever. They said it could have […]   Read More
Date: January 12, 2023

Markets OK – Jobs & Inflation

Stocks came into 2023 on slippery footing but managed to eke out a gain after the first five days. Yale Hirsch’s Stock Trader’s Almanac had a quaint piece about as goes the first five days of the year, so goes January. And as goes January so goes the year. It all nice and tidy except that it does not stand up to scrutiny this century. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the pundits tell everyone, “Don’t […]   Read More
Date: January 10, 2023

2023 Fearless Forecast – Year of the Bull

Intro to the Fearless Forecast Each and every year, I spend some time in Q4 collecting my thoughts about how I see the next 12 months unfolding in the financial markets, economy, etc. While I do really enjoy looking into my super secret crystal ball as I do throughout the year, I also know that it’s a fairly futile exercise to forecast 12 months out. First, we do not manage client portfolios according to my opinion in any time frame. […]   Read More
Date: January 7, 2023

Santa Did Call – 2023 Should Be Good For All

For the past few weeks I heard pundit after pundit scream about how the Santa Claus Rally (SCR) will fail this year or is failing this year or even crashing. The fact of the matter is that the SCR ended at Wednesday’s close with a gain of 0.81%. That is inarguable fact. Santa Claus came to Broad and Wall so bears will not call, or at least that’s how the botched adage goes. In other words we see no warning […]   Read More
Date: January 5, 2023

Strong & Telling Market Action On The Way – Santa Delivering

2023 is finally here and most in the business will not miss 2022. Good riddance and adios to the most challenging year for stocks and bonds combined since at least the Great Depression. As we turn the page I wish you a 2023 full of good health, happiness, peace and prosperity! I thank you for reading, for questioning and for commenting. I am truly grateful and appreciative. Although I am not one for big resolutions, I will say this; my […]   Read More
Date: January 3, 2023