Lets take our regular look at five of the main US indexes
sp'500
The SPX climbed for a second consecutive week, breaking a new historic high of 3385, and settling +52pts (1.6%) to 3380. Momentum ticked upward, and remains on the high side. RSI 72s is certainly on the high side, and on any fair basis, the market is m/t technically/cyclically over-stretched. I would note the key 10MA at 3268, things only turn interesting for the bears with a settlement under it, and right now, there is zero sign of a ceiling/turn.
Nasdaq comp'
Tech climbed for a second consecutive week, the 16th gain of 20, breaking a new historic high of 9748, and settling +210pts (2.2%) at 9731. RSI 77s... the very high side, but there is zero sign of a ceiling/turn.
Dow
The mighty Dow climbed for a second week, breaking a new historic high of 29568, settling +295pts (1.0%) at 29398.
NYSE comp'
The master index climbed for a second week, settling +165pts (1.2%) to 14097, but notably shy of the Jan' historic high.
Trans
The 'old leader' - Transports, struggled, settling +5pts (0.1%) at 10862. This week's candle is spiky from around the 10MA, and leans s/t bearish. Further adverse Corona headlines will be especially problematic for the airlines and shippers.
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Summary
All five of the main US equity indexes saw net weekly gains.
The Nasdaq is leading the way higher, whilst the Transports lagged.
The SPX, Nasdaq comp', and Dow broke new historic highs.
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Looking ahead
It will be a short four day trading week.
Earnings:
M - RIG
T - WMT, MDT, VMC, GPRN, FANG, A, HLF, DVN
W - BHC, GRMN, ADI, IMAX, AG, APRN, SJM, SEDG, Z, KL, PAAS, STMP, MOS, FIVN
T - DPZ, AKS, NEM, OLED, DBX, ZS, FSLR, FIT
F - DE, TECK, DSX
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Econ-data:
M - CLOSED
T - Empire state manu', housing market index
W - Housing starts, PPI, FOMC mins (2pm)
T - Weekly jobs, phil'fed, leading indi', EIA Pet' & NG reports, Fed' bal' sheet
F - *OPEX*, PMI comp', existing home sales,
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Final note
For now, most in the western world don't much care about Corona (if they did, the shelves in the grocery shops would be at least half empty). After all, why worry, as the virus remains almost entirely a Chinese problem?
However, even if the virus remains localised to China, that sure doesn't mean its an issue to entirely dismiss. With around a third of the Chinese populace (even Beijing for a few days) on lock down, all manner of economic ramifications are developing.
If Corona remains a significant issue into/across March - as seems probable, its going to be an increasing problem for the global supply chain, as China is a massive supplier of a great many things.
The 'official' Corona case total can be expected to reach 100k in about a week. It does remain the case though, the Chinese derived data is from a communist leadership whose priority is arguably more about 'saving face' than individual lives. Interesting read: https://www.china-mike.com/chinese-culture/cult-of-face/
Meanwhile, US, and global equities, are absolutely being juiced by the central banks. Continued QE and further rate cuts can be expected into the spring, not least on the excuse of 'Corona'.
There is the ongoing Democrat nomination process (the next vote is Feb'22nd, in Nevada), but for now, the market doesn't care that Sanders is the front runner. The DNC will no doubt fight Bernie - just as they did in 2016, as this political circus does make for some sideline entertainment.
We have some 'interesting' weeks ahead. For some... it will be their last few weeks.
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Enjoy the three day break.
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*the next post on this page will (likely) appear 5pm EST, Tuesday Feb'18th.