Central banks are buying gold, China is buying gold … and gold prices continue to slide lower. This doesn’t make sense if you’re following fundamental research. Seasonality however projected the recent drop. What’s next based on seasonal patterns? ... >> READ MORE...

On Wednesday President Obama nominated Janet Yellen to chair the Federal Reserve board. Interestingly, there was a glaring contradiction between the President’s assessment of Janet Yellen and her own.... >> READ MORE...

What’s the most important number in the financial world? You could ask Congress … but of course they couldn’t agree on it. The most important number in finance pulls almost every financial market in its wake. One more hint: The Federal Reserve (thinks it) is in control of it.... >> READ MORE...

For most of the year stocks – in particular the Nasdaq - have been on fire. Now investors are getting burnt. The most asked question is whether this is just a flash in the pan type correction or the beginning of something bigger.... >> READ MORE...

Investors have been complacent for most of 2013, but this changed quickly. A, thus far, fairly shallow 4% decline in the S&P 500 has investors scared enough to drive the VIX above a previously unconquered 5-year old resistance level.... >> READ MORE...

Fear is on the rise just as the VIX is headed for a major seasonal signal. Based on seasonality, the VIX offers two major trading opportunities every year; one of them is in October. Here’s what seasonality says about the next VIX move.... >> READ MORE...

We’ve all heard the ‘canary in the mine’ analogy. Bond investors are said to be smarter than stock investors and thus considered the canary in the mine. If that’s true, the SPDR Barclays Junk Bond ETF is about to chirp.... >> READ MORE...

Tightrope walkers know the value of a safety net. You may never actually need the safety net, but it will save your life if you do. Key support levels for stocks are safety nets for investors, as a drop below support is often ‘deadly’ for a portfolio... >> READ MORE...

In times of uncertainty, it’s always helpful to know what others are doing. You can follow the ‘smart money’ or do the opposite of ‘dumb money’ investors. Here’s what ‘smart money’ option traders are doing right now.... >> READ MORE...

The government shutdown is unfortunate, embarrassing, avoidable and now even perverse. As it turns out, the same parties that are at fault for furloughing some 800,000 federal employees actually profit financially from their actions.... >> READ MORE...