Stocks Sell off into the Night
Filed Under Market Commentary |
6:30amEST Stocks put in a massive Distribution Day as stocks get sold to their lows at the close.
The most newsworthy item of the day was the poor ISM numbers that were released before the market opened. ISM non-manufacturing numbers showed a clear contraction in the non-manufacturing session fueling fears that we are indeed headed or are in a recession. It took no time for stocks to react negatively once the bell rung on the NYSE. All major indexes were down well over 1% and volume surged at the open. There were points throughout the day when the market seemed to gain footing only to be knocked back down. As we rolled into the final hour, when Institutions step in we saw stocks get beat back into the lows of the day. An overall weak tape and a massive distribution day for the markets.
There are a few ways one could play this market:
1) Cash!
Not too much excitement there but you will be preserving your capital so when we do have the proper setup in the market you will have the proper reserves to begin operating on the long side. Going long here does not make sense. The overall market is atrocious and is not offering proper risk/reward settings.
2) Short!
Shorting is definitely an option here however, most do not have the skill to properly short this market. I would definitely shy away from shorting if you are new to trading and have not lived through 00-02. Too often shorts can get squeezed and they are not quick to take profits. You must be nimble and willing to cut losses short and be quick to take profits.
3) Use Ultrashorts!
I think this is a fine way for those who do not have the experience shorting to use the ultrashort ETFs from PRO. I like TWM, SDD, QID, EFU, DXD. I would not allocate my whole portfolio but I would take advantage of these.
Its a tough environment out there, do not get caught up in the hype!
Market Speculator
Last 5 posts in Market Commentary
- The Stock Market Battle - November 19th, 2008
- Stocks Rocket Off Multi-Year Lows - November 14th, 2008
- The Stock Market is Lacking Leadership - November 10th, 2008
- Stocks Crumble; Investors Look Ahead to an Obama Presidency - November 6th, 2008
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