IWM - iShares Russell 2000 ETF
| Previous Close | 168.55 |
| Open | 168.70 |
| Bid | 167.87 x 3200 |
| Ask | 167.97 x 1800 |
| Day's Range | 167.34 - 168.78 |
| 52 Week Range | 144.25 - 170.56 |
| Volume | 16,006,202 |
| Avg. Volume | 16,111,657 |
| Net Assets | 43.96B |
| NAV | 167.94 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | N/A |
| Yield | 1.30% |
| YTD Daily Total Return | 1.27% |
| Beta (5Y Monthly) | 1.18 |
| Expense Ratio (net) | 0.19% |
| Inception Date | 2000-05-22 |
- InvestorPlace
Stocks Are Bullish, But Traders Are Still Cautious
Over the last few weeks, we have shared some of our concerns about the market -- falling margins, slowing manufacturing, yield inversions, etc.Source: Shutterstock We've also covered some of the issues traders are talking about that aren't likely to have a long-term or predictable impact on the major indices -- the outbreak of the coronavirus from China, the Democratic presidential primary, Brexit.So far, it appears that our generally positive outlook was justified, if perhaps a little overly cautious.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsHowever, we still recommend maintaining a careful stance because most of the fundamental issues facing the market remain unchanged. In this week's update, let's do a quick review of some potential trouble spots in market sentiment and what might motivate a shift in our outlook in either direction. Yields Remain FrustratingLately, you may have seen headlines in the financial press about long-term Treasury bond prices falling again.Although the yield curve -- comparing the 10-year yield to the 2-year yield -- hasn't inverted since last August, falling long-term yields are worrisome on their own because of their status as a leading indicator for minor (and sometimes major) corrections in the market.As you can see in the following chart, the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds, as represented by the CBOE 10-year Treasury Note Yield Index (TNX), has been falling since just before the Christmas holiday. However, prices on the S&P 500 have been rising during that period.Source: Charts by TradingView Historically, a divergence like this that lasts for more than a month has a 74% chance of ending with a 7%-15% correction in stock prices within 60 days. There is a lot of variability in the data, but the pattern is reliable enough to warrant watching the market closely.The last time we saw this sort of divergence was in the third quarter last year when the market pulled back against resistance twice in a row. Risky Assets Like IWM and XLP Are UnderperformingA confirmed bullish rally is usually led by the riskiest asset classes, like small-capitalization stocks, high-yield bonds and emerging-market stocks. Currently, those asset classes are lagging safety assets like Treasury bonds and large-cap stocks.As you can see in the following chart, small-cap stocks (light blue), as represented by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM), are still trading below their recent highs. On the other hand, consumer staples (candles), as represented by the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLP), have been setting new records this week.Source: Charts by TradingView The positive takeaway in a situation like this is that at least investors are taking on new risk -- even if it is in the safest sectors.However, in our experience, if this second divergence continues, we will likely experience greater volatility in March. A very similar situation occurred just prior to the volatility we experienced in the third quarter last year. It's also similar to the situation right before the bear market in late 2018. Sentiment IndicatorsOne of the ways we can get an internal view of the market is through sentiment indicators that look at derivatives pricing for signs of stress. For example, one of our favorites is the CBOE SKEW index, which measures the pricing of put options on the S&P 500. Investors use puts to hedge against risk. If the SKEW is high, investors are hedging, meaning they are nervous.Sometimes the SKEW index can be very wrong, but when it reaches extremes it is usually correct. The spike in the SKEW that occurred on Dec. 19, 2019 turned out to be a false alarm. But our concern is that the lows on the SKEW haven't returned to normal levels. Instead, they continue to rise with the market.As you can see in the following chart, the SKEW is still at moderate levels. But, the floor for the index is higher than it has been since the fall of 2018. This indicates that option prices remain elevated and big traders are still keeping their hedges close.Source: Charts by TradingView The Bottom LineWe don't bet against the market trend, so our outlook remains positive for now. But this update was a chance to explain why we feel a cautious approach is best. We should increase our tolerance for adding risk if rates start to rise, risky assets begin outperforming again or sentiment begins to improve.Conversely, if the indicators we have discussed continue to deteriorate, we will want to be a bit more aggressive about hedging our own risk. We may even want to seek some opportunities to the downside.One of the advantages we have as option traders is our ability to be flexible about how much risk we are taking on and our capacity to determine what that risk looks like.This is especially important right now because it gives us the opportunity to harvest extra premium from the options market.John Jagerson & Wade Hansen are just two guys with a passion for helping investors gain confidence -- and make bigger profits with options. In just 15 months, John & Wade achieved an amazing feat: 100 straight winners -- making money on every single trade. If that sounds like a good strategy, go here to find out how they did it. John & Wade do not own the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 20 Stocks to Buy From the Law of Accelerating Returns * 10 Strong Lottery Ticket Stocks That Could Soar in 2020 * 7 U.S. Stocks to Buy on Coronavirus Weakness The post Stocks Are Bullish, But Traders Are Still Cautious appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- MarketWatch
Money flows into tech stocks are stronger than ever, a possible contrarian indicator
Popular technology stocks are leading the U.S. stock market higher. A way to understand the strength in those tech stocks is segmented money flows, which are like an X-ray of stocks. About a month ago I wrote that something rare had just happened in popular tech stocks.
- Investopedia
The Market Dip Came and Went in a Flash
We may not be out of the woods yet, so it's a good time to prepare your buy list in anticipation of more corrective price action.
- ETF Trends
Small Caps Are Outperforming but Beware, Says Portfolio Manager
While small caps offer investors the potential for large gains despite more volatility, there is one issue to look out for according to one portfolio manager. A CNBC report noted the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) , which tracks the small-cap-heavy Russell 2000 index. “Valuations are quite attractive [there] compared to their large-cap brethren,” said John Petrides, portfolio manager at Tocqueville Asset Management.
- Zacks
Pick These US Small-Cap ETFs to Fight the Coronavirus Scare
Threatened by coronavirus? Here are a few U.S. small-cap ETFs to your rescue.
- Investopedia
3 Charts That Suggest Markets Are Headed Higher
While many retail investors are expecting a trend reversal after recent gains, patterns suggest that the markets could be headed higher.
- Investopedia
Massive ETF Buying Was a Bearish Signal Again
I have a nasty habit. Everybody knows driving barefoot is illegal. Yet, I can't help it; I drive without shoes. I've heard that many race car drivers preferred driving barefoot: they could feel the car better.
- Yahoo Finance
Coronavirus fears could trigger a 10% to 20% selloff in the stock market: strategist
The stock market is unlikely out of hot water when it comes to the realities stemming from the coronavirus.
- Investopedia
Big Money Index Shows Markets Are Ready for Pullback
Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) was muscling in on their territory. This reminds me of everyone buying stocks. The Russell 2000 rebalances, which makes the index more equally weighted compared to the S&P and NASDAQ.
- Investopedia
7 Low-Overhead ETFs for Your 401(k)
These seven ETFs with low expense ratios and good track records could make excellent long-term additions to your 401(k).
- Investopedia
How to Play an Overbought Market: Outlier Stocks
As the market goes up day after day, you may wonder: "When is a good time to get in, and where do I put my money?"
- Zacks
5 Small-Cap ETFs Beating S&P 500 in 2020
Small-cap ETFs have been beating the S&P 500 this year, thanks to a more compelling valuation, decent U.s. economic growth momentum, a dovish Fed and easing trade tensions.
- Investopedia
Lift Off
Indexes dramatically launched to new highs while sector allocations show mixed strategies. Is NextEra a utility company or a growth stock?
- Investopedia
Market Risk Lurks
With volatility indexes trying to price in the risk of falling prices, precious metals prices pop, with palladium seeing demand.
- Investopedia
Where 2019 Left Off
As the Nasdaq maintains last year';s trajectory, Netflix is poised for gains ahead of earnings. Will housing demand decline in 2020?
- Investopedia
Worry-Free Markets Post More Record Highs
The label was unceremoniously placed on China by the U.S. Treasury Department last August amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries. This bit of market-positive news on the U.S.-China trade front comes just as volatility stemming from political and military conflict between the U.S. and Iran within the past week has cooled. Although geopolitical and trade risks certainly remain, the significant easing of tensions for the time being has propelled substantial market moves.
- Investopedia
Big Buying in Stocks Is Accelerating
With markets heavily overbought, buying for the long term should be fine, but traders should not expect short-term greatness.
- MarketWatch
Something rare is happening among popular technology stocks
Investors — from individuals to professionals to institutions — are bullish on stocks including Facebook and Microsoft.
- Investopedia
Buyers' Remorse
Investors pause at high prices while the technology sector continues its surge, and 5G has captured investor attention.
- Investopedia
Subtle Warnings
Dow theory gives a subtle warning signal as volatility indexes adjust asynchronously while Amazon and Netflix surge higher.
- Investopedia
Big Money Index Signals That Markets Will Pull Back
With overbought conditions suggesting an impending market pullback, it's likely time to reduce risk or do some hedging.
- Investopedia
Sellers Counterpunch
The bears clawed back as markets anticipated more bad news, but GE stock appears to be bucking the trend.
- Investopedia
Volatility Ahead
Low volatility last year could lull investors into complacency, while option sellers are still concerned about falling prices.
- Investopedia
January Barometer
Does January predict the rest of the year? We look at the January Barometer's track record and try to solve the problems with this indicator.
- Yahoo Finance Video
MARKETS: SPY and QQQ approaching critical resistance; bullish on Take-Two Interactive (TTWO)
Joining Yahoo Finance's Myles Udland is Brian Shannon, CMT and founder of www.alphatrends.net, who breaks down the price action in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) as well as Take-Two Interactive (TTWO).
