US small capped stocks may be on the verge of breaking out. The ishares Small capped Russell 2000 index ETF has been range bound since late 2018. That is, the Russell has been unable to put in a materially significant high since then. Meanwhile, the larger capped SPX index has been putting in higher highs Read More
The troubled TSX
The trouble with the TSX index is that it is a concentrated index. In truth, that’s because the Canadian market is a concentrated market economy. For instance, the TSX 300 index holds: 32% weighing in financials. 16% is in energy….We’re talking almost 50% of the index in just 2 sectors!!! After that…Industrials and minerals come Read More
TSX Outlook
The TSX has shown signs of life this year. That’s because oil, despite its pullback over the past couple of weeks from $65-ish into the high $50’s, has rallied from its $45 low in December. As well, we’ve seen a bit of strength in defensive stocks like utilities telecoms and REIT’s this year. Normally, one Read More
Trapped in a box
The SPX 500 and the TSX 300 indices seem to be trapped in boxes. The SPX is yet again testing its ceiling in the mid 2900’s. So too is the TSX as it struggles to blow through the mid 16,000’s. Both indices show an amazing commonality of divergences between the return to these old Read More
Ask me anything
Gold is a simple trade
Armchair Canadian economics
“As long as I have logic and rationale I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.” I’m not sure who made that quote, but it’s the way I look at Canadian economic policy right now. And that policy plays into why the loonie continues to fall, and may continue to do so Read More
Why so serious?
While down in Florida, I did plenty of work, including some speaking engagements, blogs, and even did a fairly decent sized stock rotation within the ValueTrend Equity Platform. But I had plenty of time for R&R mixed in with that work (I almost never take a non-working vacation). As I often do while in Florida, Read More
For what its worth
I thought I would pull some comments (excluding the individual stock names) from an update we just emailed out to our clients. I want to emphasize that these comments should not be taken as investment advice. You have to make your own decisions, or consult with a qualified advisor. I can be wrong – and Read More
It’s the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine.
Rock band REM sang a truly great song called “It’s the end of the world (as we know it)”. Many of you have heard the song, I’m sure, but if you wish to marvel at how lyrist Mike Mills can carry off a fairly rapid flow of complex lyrics – click here. Today, I’d like Read More
Materials, Energy & Gold cage match!
Ultimate fighting and wrestling fans might have heard of something called a “cagematch”. This is where 2 or more fighters get in the ring surrounded by a cage. Last man/woman standing wins. Picture a cage match between a group of very worn out and weakened fighters. The Canadian resources sector has been an underperforming Read More