NEW YORK (ETF Digest) -- The more conservative price-weighted Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) rallied led mostly by higher priced constituents (IBM, CAT, MMM, KO, DD and etc.) Tech and the S&P took a different path with the former led lower by Apple and the latter with just about everything else.
The early Retail Sales report (.8% vs .3% consensus & 1% previous) was well-received early as even ex-auto & gasoline sales data was fine. However, the Empire State Mfg Survey (6.7 vs 18 consensus & 20.21 previous was a large negative miss. That was followed quickly by Home Market Index (25 vs 29 consensus & prior 28) which was another disappointment. Apple (AAPL) continues to see selling for the fifth straight day as downside momentum builds. This added to the negative sentiment.
The selling taking place in Apple began with concerns about the eBook publishing troubles. Some analysts wondered next whether many Apple owners would be as willing as previously to upgrade to new products given higher costs and new connectivity plans required for iPhones and iPads. For me, seeing the outsized level of call options being bought by investors reflects too much bullish speculation, meaning a correction would be likely.
The dollar continued to weaken on both euro repatriation thinking and a report that China was allowing banks to short sell dollars. Argentina seized 51% of YPF (majority owned oil & gas producer owned by Spain's Repsol) in true communist third world style. (As if Spain didn't have enough problems at home.)
Gold prices were lower while bond prices rallied once again reducing yields. The deadline to fund an IRA and etc. is Tuesday April 17, 2012 for the 2011 deduction is my understanding. This will lead to a spike in some volume as individuals wait until the last moment to make their funding contribution. Sure enough, volume was higher than recent trading days most likely abetted by contributions which get invested quickly.
Tweet me on twitter and facebook me on facebook.
SPY - The SPDR® S&P 500® ETF is a fund that, before expenses, generally corresponds to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Index. Our approach is designed to provide portfolios with low portfolio turnover, accurate tracking, and lower costs.
See more details
IWM - The iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the small capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market as represented by the Russell 2000 Index. The index represents the approximately 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index.
See more details
QQQ - PowerShares Capital Management LLC is passionate about our goal of delivering the highest quality investment management available through one of the more benefit-rich investment vehicles ever created, the exchange-traded fund. PowerShares QQQ¿, formerly known as "QQQ" or the "NASDAQ- 100 Index Tracking Stock®", is an exchange-traded fund based on the Nasdaq-100 Index®. The Fund will, under most circumstances, consists of all of stocks in the Index. The Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international nonfinancial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually.
See more details Continue to U.S. Sector, Stocks & Bond ETFs
Select the service that is right for you!
COMPARE ALL SERVICESAction Alerts PLUS
TRY IT FREEJim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock Advisor
TRY IT FREENew! $49.95/yr
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Stocks Under $10
TRY IT FREEDavid Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Real Money
TRY IT FREE24/7 market commentary from Jim Cramer and 20+ veteran Wall Street gurus. Get access to the latest trading ideas on stocks, options, and ETFs as well as a real-time forum to see the pros exchanging their investment ideas.
Product Features:
- Jim Cramer + 20 Wall Street pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Real-time trading forum
- Actionable trade ideas
Real Money Pro
TRY IT FREEAll of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass + 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options Profits
TRY IT FREEOur options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV