Gary Townsend's Instablog Gary Townsend - Since 2007, a founding partner, CEO and Portfolio Manager of Hill-Townsend Capital LLC, a long/short equity financial sector fund based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Mr. Townsend has 30 years banking, regulatory, and investment experience. He started his business career in 1978, as a consultant and advisor on anti-dumping trade issues primarily to foreign manufacturers based in Asia. In 1982, he began a 15 year career as a U.S. government banking regulator. In 1990,he was recruited to build out a new, independent federal regulatory agency, the Federal Housing Finance Board, regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. As Chief Examiner and Director of Supervision and Examination, Mr. Townsend organized and implemented supervisory examinations of the 12 FHLBanks and Office of Finance with particular emphasis on their funding activities, use of derivatives, safety and soundness and regulatory compliance. In 1998, Townsend joined FBR Capital Markets as a sell-side analyst, applying his banking and regulatory experience to the investment analysis of commercial banks of all market capitalizations. In 2007, Forbes.com named him as "Best Brokerage Analyst" for commercial banks; also Starmine ranked him the #2 earnings estimator (out of 109 analysts) and in the top 10% of analysts for stock picking and earnings accuracy. Townsend left FBR in November 2007 to launch Hill-Townsend Capital LLC. He holds a CPA designation (1999) and a MBA from George Washington University (1979). Gary Townsend http://seekingalpha.com/author/gary-townsend/instablog U.S. Futures Rebound; Asia And Europe Head Higher http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1868141-u-s-futures-rebound-asia-and-europe-head-higher?source=feed 1868141 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Thursday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately lower. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +2.61% above 1608.53 resistance, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume. Hong Kong markets were closed. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. Chinese equities advanced on speculation of policy reform. In Europe, equity markets are higher. Commodities are mostly higher. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is focused on consumer confidence.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.876%, from 1.881% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 13 bps, unchanged from 13 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.21% and 3.91%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets regressed to neutral, from neutral to bullish the prior day. CBOE skew rose to 121.22, from 119.41 the prior day, and moving above a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1650.47, down -0.50% from 1658.778 the prior day. The index is up +4.31% since April 26th, and +53.6% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.54%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.03%, compared to the prior week's +1.19% gain. In May, the index is up +3.31%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +16.3%. Next resistance is at 1657.79. First support is at 1645.88.

Friday, the BKX fell -0.58%%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.78%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +5.77%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +17.3%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are moderately higher, a near the top of a 1652-1655 range. After a fair value adjustment of +0.02 points, SPX equity futures are at 1555.00, up +6.98 points. The SPX opens +2.65% and +4.50% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.56%, and +11.8% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Thursday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately lower, with the SPX and DJI closing off the prior day's record highs. The NYSE composite lost -.65%, followed by the SPX, DJI, and Nasdaq, which fell -0.50%, -0.28%, -0.18%, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with gainers 0.66:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were technology, which rose +0.99%, and basic materials and industrials, which fell at least -0.30%. Laggards were utilities, health care, and consumer services, which fell -0.81%.

NYSE volume fell -7.80% to 684.39 million shares, from 742.26 million shares the prior day, 0.96x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1658.78 prior day close, the SPX traded narrowly lower through late afternoon, and then faded into the close, ending at 1650.47. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.81 close, the VIX rose to an early morning 13.46 intraday high, then eased down to 12.80 through most of the session. The index closed at 13.07, up +2.03%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -31.3% lower volume, the DJ Transports fell -0.80%, compared to the DJI's -0.28% loss. From its prior 6,519.88 record close, the TRAN traded narrowly until early afternoon, then began a decline that led the broader markets lower. The index traded closed at 6,4067.69. The index closed +3.67% and +4.77% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.54%, and +17.2% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) fell to 68.63, from 73.33 the prior day, retreating to the top of an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.52% to 121.22, from 119.41 the prior day, moving above a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield fell -5.38 bps to end at 1.8809%, from 1.9347% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.03%, +0.76%, +0.83%, and +0.49%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.31%, +2.65%, +4.10%, and +2.31%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +15.7%, +16.3%, +14.8%, and +12.4%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1645 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1658.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume. Hong Kong was closed for Budda's birthday. The NKY gained +0.67% on a -16.2% volume decrease. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% on a -12.3% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +1.38% on a +14.4% volume increase. Commentary focused on currency developments, corporate earnings, and speculation that the Chinese government will accelerate economic reforms.

This week, the NKY closed up +3.63%. The HSI closed down -1.02%. The SHCOMP closed up +1.60%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +9.21%. The HSI is up +1.52%. The SHCOMP is up +4.82%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +45.6%. The HSI is up +1.88%. The SHCOMP is up +0.61%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Friday at 15,138.12, compared to 15,037.24 the prior day. The index gapped lower to open below 14,950 and fell to an early 14,902.30 intraday low, but the index reversed higher by mid-session and trended higher to a late 15,157.32 intraday high. The index closed ended +8.06%, +15.5%, +26.5%, and +44.6% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were utilities and telecommunications, which rose at least +0.29%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.03%. Laggards were financials, health care, and consumer services, which fell at least -0.23%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,082.68, compared to 23,044.24 at the prior close. The index closed -3.34% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.9% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index opened slightly stronger and rallied to a late morning 23,163.00 intraday high before easing through the afternoon. The index ended +2.26% and +2.91% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were financials, basic materials, and consumer services, which rose at least +1.21%. Laggards were consumer goods, which rose +0.13%, and health care and telecommunications, which fell at least -0.10%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,282.87, compared to 2,251.72 at Thursday's close. The index opened modestly lower, but immediately moved higher and traded narrowly around breakeven through mid-session. The index rallied through the afternoon to a late 2,287.85 intraday high. The index closed -6.23% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +16.5% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +2.92% and +1.42% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.50% higher. Leaders were basic materials, technology, and industrials, which rose at least +1.89%. Laggards were consumer goods, telecommunications, and health care.

In Europe, the major equity indexes reversed early losses and are moderately higher at mid-session. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.19%, +0.35%, +0.38%, and +0.19%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +0.06% and +0.25%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,791.83 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,822.26 high. The index currently trades at 2,813.47. Most market segments are higher. Leaders are oil and gas, financials, and utilities, which are up at least +0.62%. Laggards are health care, technology, and telecommunications, which are down at least -0.29%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +1.00%, +1.25%, +0.90%, and +1.25%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.73%, +4.32%, +3.59%, and +5.92%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.72%, +13.7%, +9.73%, and +10.1%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14650%, down from 0.14700% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27360%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.26 bps, compared to 15.31 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.60 bps, up from 13.40 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -17.217 bps, compared to -16.790 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields fell to 4.21%, from 4.31% the prior day and up from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.91%, compared to 3.98% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.30%, compared to 1.33% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 13 bps, unchanged from 13 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are slightly lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.229% and 1.876%, respectively, compared to 0.229% and 1.881% Thursday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.674%, compared to 1.652% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.882, compared to a US$83.985 intraday high and US$83.588 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.670 50-day, US$81.562 100-day, and US$80.933 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2862, compared to a US$1.2850 intraday low and US$1.2882 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.2994 50-day and US$1.3138 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.54, compared to ¥102.26 the prior day. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.66.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -23.10, from -10.60 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -11.34 and -7.92 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly higher, with higher energy, lower precious metals, higher aluminum and copper, and mostly higher agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 13.07, up +2.03% from 12.81 at the prior close. The VIX is -2.06% below its 13.35 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.22, down -0.23% from 16.26 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -12.8% below its 18.61 20-day moving average, -30.9% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +2.95% above the 15.76 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed Thursday at 15.69, up +3.98% from 15.09 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -1.82% below its 15.98 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.52% to 121.22, from 119.41 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· At 9:55, University of Michigan confidence, with 77.9 survey and 76.4 prior.

· At 10:00, April leading indicators, with +0.2% survey and -0.1% prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - March machine orders rose +14.2%, compared to +3.5% survey and +4.2% revised prior.

· Eurozone - March MoM construction output fell -1.7%, compared to -0.3% revised prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On May 14th, the May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. On Wednesday, the SPX fell -0.50% to close at 1650.47, from 1658.78 the prior day and 1633.77 4 days prior. The 2 sell countdown associated with the May 14th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +2.61% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. On May 3rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On May 16th, the sell setup perfected. Thursday, the index closed at 60.16, down -0.58% from 6.51 the prior day and 58.53 four days prior. The sell countdown associated with the May 16th perfection progressed to 2.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Thursday, the VIX rose +2.03% to 13.07, from 12.81 at the prior close and 12.59 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish flip canceled a buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +25.5% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Thursday's -0.04% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2882, from 1.2887 the prior day and 1.2989 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 6. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.82% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On May 15th, the May 3rd buy setup perfected. On Thursday, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. The rate ended at 1.8809%, from 1.9347% the prior day and 1.8973% four days prior.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 17th, the index closed up +3.63% at 15,138.12, from 14,607.54 the prior week and 13,316.48 four weeks' prior. The index closed +3.36% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. On May 7th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Friday, the index rose +0.67% to 15,138.12, from 15,037.24 the prior day and 14,782.21 four days prior. The May 7th sell setup perfected. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection completed. The perfection set a 15,412.34 risk level, which is based on the May 16th 15,155.72 intraday high and 276.21 point range. The new risk level replaced the prior 14,115.54 risk level. The index closed -1.78% below the new risk level.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 16th, the index closed at 23,082.68, down -1.02% from 23,321.22 the prior week and 22,013.57 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 4. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +3.25% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On May 13th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% to 23,082.68, from 23,044.24 the prior day and 23,321.2 four days prior. The May 13th buy setup progressed to 4. The May 2nd sell countdown was unchanged at 6. The index closed -3.34% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 17th, the index closed the week up +1.60% at 2,282.87, from 2,246.83 the prior week and 2,244.64 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 3.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +1.38% to 2,282.87, from 2,251.81 at the prior close and 2,241.92 4 days prior. The sell countdown progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, on January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Thursday, the index fell -0.10% to 2,806.70, from 2,809.58 the prior day and 2,785.24 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +0.72% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 462 reporting companies, 328 or 71.0% surprised positively on earnings, with a +4.90% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 221 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.22), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.56). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.59% and +11.2%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral, compared to neutral to bullish the prior day. Composite options are neutral, index options are neutral, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.97, compared to 0.78 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.86, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 1.35, compared to 0.69 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.82, compared to 0.84 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.80 and 0.83, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -7.80% to 684.39 million shares, from 742.26 million shares the prior day, 0.98x the 697.99 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -623 (compared to +278 the prior day), or 0.66:1. Up volume was 0.43:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -21.7%, and the KBW bank index closed at 60.16, down -0.58% from 60.51 at the prior close. The index traded narrowly until late in the session, with an early 60.76 intraday day high, but then fell late in the session to a 60.06 intraday low. Volume rose to 47.123 million shares, from 60.174 million shares the prior day, or 0.94:1x the 49.906 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks underperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX fell -0.14%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.78%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +5.77%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +17.3%, better than the SPX's +15.7% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +3.81% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +84.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. The index closed -50.4% below its March 30, 2007, record 121.16 high. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +53.6% in the same period.

Technical indicators worsened modestly. The index remains well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +4.70% and +6.11% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +8.93% and +15.6% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since last August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +30 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +10 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +8 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.77 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +22 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.67 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.20 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +30.0037, from +31.976 the prior day. Relative strength fell to 70.19, from 73.89 the prior day, still in an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.59; next support is at 59.89.

]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 09:27:10 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Thursday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately lower. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +2.61% above 1608.53 resistance, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume. Hong Kong markets were closed. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. Chinese equities advanced on speculation of policy reform. In Europe, equity markets are higher. Commodities are mostly higher. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is focused on consumer confidence.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.876%, from 1.881% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 13 bps, unchanged from 13 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.21% and 3.91%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets regressed to neutral, from neutral to bullish the prior day. CBOE skew rose to 121.22, from 119.41 the prior day, and moving above a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1650.47, down -0.50% from 1658.778 the prior day. The index is up +4.31% since April 26th, and +53.6% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.54%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.03%, compared to the prior week's +1.19% gain. In May, the index is up +3.31%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +16.3%. Next resistance is at 1657.79. First support is at 1645.88.

Friday, the BKX fell -0.58%%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.78%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +5.77%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +17.3%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are moderately higher, a near the top of a 1652-1655 range. After a fair value adjustment of +0.02 points, SPX equity futures are at 1555.00, up +6.98 points. The SPX opens +2.65% and +4.50% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.56%, and +11.8% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Thursday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately lower, with the SPX and DJI closing off the prior day's record highs. The NYSE composite lost -.65%, followed by the SPX, DJI, and Nasdaq, which fell -0.50%, -0.28%, -0.18%, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with gainers 0.66:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were technology, which rose +0.99%, and basic materials and industrials, which fell at least -0.30%. Laggards were utilities, health care, and consumer services, which fell -0.81%.

NYSE volume fell -7.80% to 684.39 million shares, from 742.26 million shares the prior day, 0.96x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1658.78 prior day close, the SPX traded narrowly lower through late afternoon, and then faded into the close, ending at 1650.47. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.81 close, the VIX rose to an early morning 13.46 intraday high, then eased down to 12.80 through most of the session. The index closed at 13.07, up +2.03%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -31.3% lower volume, the DJ Transports fell -0.80%, compared to the DJI's -0.28% loss. From its prior 6,519.88 record close, the TRAN traded narrowly until early afternoon, then began a decline that led the broader markets lower. The index traded closed at 6,4067.69. The index closed +3.67% and +4.77% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.54%, and +17.2% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) fell to 68.63, from 73.33 the prior day, retreating to the top of an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.52% to 121.22, from 119.41 the prior day, moving above a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield fell -5.38 bps to end at 1.8809%, from 1.9347% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.03%, +0.76%, +0.83%, and +0.49%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.31%, +2.65%, +4.10%, and +2.31%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +15.7%, +16.3%, +14.8%, and +12.4%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1645 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1658.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume. Hong Kong was closed for Budda's birthday. The NKY gained +0.67% on a -16.2% volume decrease. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% on a -12.3% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +1.38% on a +14.4% volume increase. Commentary focused on currency developments, corporate earnings, and speculation that the Chinese government will accelerate economic reforms.

This week, the NKY closed up +3.63%. The HSI closed down -1.02%. The SHCOMP closed up +1.60%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +9.21%. The HSI is up +1.52%. The SHCOMP is up +4.82%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +45.6%. The HSI is up +1.88%. The SHCOMP is up +0.61%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Friday at 15,138.12, compared to 15,037.24 the prior day. The index gapped lower to open below 14,950 and fell to an early 14,902.30 intraday low, but the index reversed higher by mid-session and trended higher to a late 15,157.32 intraday high. The index closed ended +8.06%, +15.5%, +26.5%, and +44.6% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were utilities and telecommunications, which rose at least +0.29%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.03%. Laggards were financials, health care, and consumer services, which fell at least -0.23%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,082.68, compared to 23,044.24 at the prior close. The index closed -3.34% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.9% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index opened slightly stronger and rallied to a late morning 23,163.00 intraday high before easing through the afternoon. The index ended +2.26% and +2.91% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were financials, basic materials, and consumer services, which rose at least +1.21%. Laggards were consumer goods, which rose +0.13%, and health care and telecommunications, which fell at least -0.10%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,282.87, compared to 2,251.72 at Thursday's close. The index opened modestly lower, but immediately moved higher and traded narrowly around breakeven through mid-session. The index rallied through the afternoon to a late 2,287.85 intraday high. The index closed -6.23% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +16.5% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +2.92% and +1.42% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.50% higher. Leaders were basic materials, technology, and industrials, which rose at least +1.89%. Laggards were consumer goods, telecommunications, and health care.

In Europe, the major equity indexes reversed early losses and are moderately higher at mid-session. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.19%, +0.35%, +0.38%, and +0.19%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +0.06% and +0.25%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,791.83 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,822.26 high. The index currently trades at 2,813.47. Most market segments are higher. Leaders are oil and gas, financials, and utilities, which are up at least +0.62%. Laggards are health care, technology, and telecommunications, which are down at least -0.29%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +1.00%, +1.25%, +0.90%, and +1.25%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.73%, +4.32%, +3.59%, and +5.92%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.72%, +13.7%, +9.73%, and +10.1%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14650%, down from 0.14700% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27360%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.26 bps, compared to 15.31 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.60 bps, up from 13.40 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -17.217 bps, compared to -16.790 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields fell to 4.21%, from 4.31% the prior day and up from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.91%, compared to 3.98% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.30%, compared to 1.33% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 13 bps, unchanged from 13 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are slightly lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.229% and 1.876%, respectively, compared to 0.229% and 1.881% Thursday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.674%, compared to 1.652% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.882, compared to a US$83.985 intraday high and US$83.588 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.670 50-day, US$81.562 100-day, and US$80.933 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2862, compared to a US$1.2850 intraday low and US$1.2882 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.2994 50-day and US$1.3138 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.54, compared to ¥102.26 the prior day. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.66.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -23.10, from -10.60 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -11.34 and -7.92 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly higher, with higher energy, lower precious metals, higher aluminum and copper, and mostly higher agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 13.07, up +2.03% from 12.81 at the prior close. The VIX is -2.06% below its 13.35 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.22, down -0.23% from 16.26 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -12.8% below its 18.61 20-day moving average, -30.9% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +2.95% above the 15.76 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed Thursday at 15.69, up +3.98% from 15.09 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -1.82% below its 15.98 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.52% to 121.22, from 119.41 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· At 9:55, University of Michigan confidence, with 77.9 survey and 76.4 prior.

· At 10:00, April leading indicators, with +0.2% survey and -0.1% prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - March machine orders rose +14.2%, compared to +3.5% survey and +4.2% revised prior.

· Eurozone - March MoM construction output fell -1.7%, compared to -0.3% revised prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On May 14th, the May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. On Wednesday, the SPX fell -0.50% to close at 1650.47, from 1658.78 the prior day and 1633.77 4 days prior. The 2 sell countdown associated with the May 14th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +2.61% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. On May 3rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On May 16th, the sell setup perfected. Thursday, the index closed at 60.16, down -0.58% from 6.51 the prior day and 58.53 four days prior. The sell countdown associated with the May 16th perfection progressed to 2.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Thursday, the VIX rose +2.03% to 13.07, from 12.81 at the prior close and 12.59 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish flip canceled a buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +25.5% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Thursday's -0.04% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2882, from 1.2887 the prior day and 1.2989 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 6. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.82% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On May 15th, the May 3rd buy setup perfected. On Thursday, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. The rate ended at 1.8809%, from 1.9347% the prior day and 1.8973% four days prior.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 17th, the index closed up +3.63% at 15,138.12, from 14,607.54 the prior week and 13,316.48 four weeks' prior. The index closed +3.36% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. On May 7th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Friday, the index rose +0.67% to 15,138.12, from 15,037.24 the prior day and 14,782.21 four days prior. The May 7th sell setup perfected. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection completed. The perfection set a 15,412.34 risk level, which is based on the May 16th 15,155.72 intraday high and 276.21 point range. The new risk level replaced the prior 14,115.54 risk level. The index closed -1.78% below the new risk level.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 16th, the index closed at 23,082.68, down -1.02% from 23,321.22 the prior week and 22,013.57 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 4. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +3.25% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On May 13th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% to 23,082.68, from 23,044.24 the prior day and 23,321.2 four days prior. The May 13th buy setup progressed to 4. The May 2nd sell countdown was unchanged at 6. The index closed -3.34% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 17th, the index closed the week up +1.60% at 2,282.87, from 2,246.83 the prior week and 2,244.64 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 3.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +1.38% to 2,282.87, from 2,251.81 at the prior close and 2,241.92 4 days prior. The sell countdown progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, on January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Thursday, the index fell -0.10% to 2,806.70, from 2,809.58 the prior day and 2,785.24 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +0.72% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 462 reporting companies, 328 or 71.0% surprised positively on earnings, with a +4.90% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 221 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.22), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.56). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.59% and +11.2%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral, compared to neutral to bullish the prior day. Composite options are neutral, index options are neutral, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.97, compared to 0.78 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.86, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 1.35, compared to 0.69 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.82, compared to 0.84 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.80 and 0.83, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -7.80% to 684.39 million shares, from 742.26 million shares the prior day, 0.98x the 697.99 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -623 (compared to +278 the prior day), or 0.66:1. Up volume was 0.43:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -21.7%, and the KBW bank index closed at 60.16, down -0.58% from 60.51 at the prior close. The index traded narrowly until late in the session, with an early 60.76 intraday day high, but then fell late in the session to a 60.06 intraday low. Volume rose to 47.123 million shares, from 60.174 million shares the prior day, or 0.94:1x the 49.906 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks underperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX fell -0.14%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.78%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +5.77%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +17.3%, better than the SPX's +15.7% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +3.81% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +84.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. The index closed -50.4% below its March 30, 2007, record 121.16 high. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +53.6% in the same period.

Technical indicators worsened modestly. The index remains well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +4.70% and +6.11% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +8.93% and +15.6% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since last August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +30 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +10 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +8 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.77 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +22 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.67 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.20 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +30.0037, from +31.976 the prior day. Relative strength fell to 70.19, from 73.89 the prior day, still in an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.59; next support is at 59.89.

]]> This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Thursday U.S. equity indexes closed moderately lower. The SPX DJI Nasdaq and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5- 10- 20- and 50-day moving averages. The SPX clo U.S. Futures Ease As Jobless Claims Rise, April Starts Disappoint http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1864451-u-s-futures-ease-as-jobless-claims-rise-april-starts-disappoint?source=feed 1864451 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Wednesday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately higher, setting fresh record highs on the SPX and DJI. The TRAN also closed at a record high, confirming the DJI's record close. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +3.12% above 1608.53 resistance, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed mixed on mixed volume, with greater strength in China. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are mixed. Commodities are mostly lower. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is focused on the latest weeks' jobless claims and April housing starts.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.9000%, from 1.9347% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 13 bps, up from 10 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.26% and 3.96%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1658.778, up +0.51% from 1650.34 the prior day. The index is up +4.84% since April 26th, and +54.3% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.54%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +3.83%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +16.3%. Next resistance is at 1664.62. First support is at 1649.81.

Tuesday, the BKX rose +1.10%, outperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +3.38%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +6.38%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +18.0%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly lower, and near the bottom a 1650-1656 range. After a fair value adjustment of +1.93 points, SPX equity futures are at 1552.50, down -3.93 points. The SPX opens +3.51% and +5.17% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.25%, and +12.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Wednesday. On higher and above average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, with the SPX and DJI at new closing record highs. The SPX rose +0.51%, followed by the DJI, NYSE composite, and Nasdaq, which rose +0.40%, +0.37%, and +0.26%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 1.20:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed higher. Leaders were consumer goods, financials, and utilities, which rose at least +0.82%. Laggards were industrials and technology, which rose at least +0.12%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.42%.

NYSE volume rose +6.02% to 742.26 million shares, from 700.13 million shares the prior day, 1.05x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1650.34 prior day close, the SPX opened lower at the open and set an early 1646.68 intraday low, but the index reversed higher by mid-morning and rose to a 1661.49 early afternoon intraday high. Profit taking pulled the index back to 1651 by 3:00, but the index rallied through the final hour. The 1658.78 close was a new record. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.77 close, the VIX rose to an early afternoon 13.43 intraday high, then eased down through the close. The index closed at 12.81, up +0.31%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +27.3% greater volume, the DJ Transports rose +0.84%, compared to the DJI's +0.40% gain. Its record close confirmed the DJI's. From its prior 6,465.78 close, the index opened modesty lower, but quickly reversed higher and rose to a mid-session 6,531.93 intraday high. The index traded narrowly through the close, ending at 6,519.88. The index closed +4.94% and +5.74% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +9.62%, and +18.3% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 73.33, from 71.49 the prior day, and moving farther into an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +2.80% to 119.41, from 116.16 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield fell -3.93 bps to end at 1.9347%, from 1.9740% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.54%, +1.04%, +1.02%, and +1.15%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.83%, +2.94%, +4.29%, and +2.98%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +16.3%, +16.6%, +15.0%, and +13.1%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1650 (the prior day's close), then 1641 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1665.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed mixed, with better strength in China. The NKY closed lower, but above 15,000 for a 2nd consecutive session. Volumes were also mixed. The NKY fell -0.39% on a -13.8% volume decrease. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.17% on a -12.3% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +1.22% on a +53.8% volume increase. Commentary focused on currency developments and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +2.94%. The HSI is down -1.02%. The SHCOMP is up +0.22%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +8.49%. The HSI is up +1.52%. The SHCOMP is up +3.39%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +44.7%. The HSI is up +1.88%. The SHCOMP is down -0.76%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Thursday at 15,037.24, compared to 15,096.03 the prior day. The index opened modestly higher, but reversed lower and fell to support at 14,900 by mid-session. The index traded narrowly into the final hour, when the index rallied back above 15,000. The index closed ended +8.02%, +15.3%, +26.2%, and +44.1% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were utilities and telecommunications, which rose at least +0.29%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.03%. Laggards were financials, health care, and consumer services, which fell at least -0.23%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,082.68, compared to 23,044.24 at the prior close. The index closed -3.34% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.9% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index opened slightly stronger and rallied to a late morning 23,163.00 intraday high before easing through the afternoon. The index ended +2.26% and +2.91% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were technology, consumer goods, and industrials, which rose at least +0.65%. Financials fell -0.02%. Laggards were telecommunications, basic materials, and oil and gas, which fell -0.67%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,251.81, compared to 2,224.80 at Wednesday's close. The index opened lower, but reversed higher early in the session and trended higher to close just short of its 22,52.86 late session high. The index closed -7.50% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.9% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.68% above and -0.06% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.11% higher. Leaders were telecommunications, technology, and financials, which rose at least +1.58%. Laggards were consumer goods, oil and gas, and health care.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are mixed. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, and DAX are up +0.09%, +0.23%, and +0.38%, respectively, while the CAC 40 is down -0.13%. The Spanish IBEX 35 is down -0.21%, and Italian FTSE MIB is up +0.46%. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,794.19 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,815.77 high. The index currently trades at 2,811.38. Most market segments are higher. Leaders are financials, consumer goods, and health care, which are up at least +0.36%. Laggards are technology, oil and gas, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.50%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.96%, +1.22%, +0.47%, and +1.36%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.69%, +4.29%, +3.16%, and +6.03%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.68%, +13.7%, +9.27%, and +10.2%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14700%, down from 0.14500% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.31 bps, compared to 15.01 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.30 bps, down from 12.90 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -16.705 bps, compared to -15.835 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.26%, from 4.34% the prior day and up from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.96%, compared to 4.01% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.38%, compared to 1.38% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 13 bps, unchanged from 10 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are slightly lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.233% and 1.939%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.935% Wednesday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.706%, compared to 1.698% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.839, compared to a US$83.995 intraday high and US$83.830 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.652 50-day, US$81.523 100-day, and US$80.928 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2875, compared to a US$1.2847 intraday low and US$1.2887 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.2996 50-day and US$1.3141 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.52, compared to ¥102.49 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.553.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -10.60, from -7.70 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -7.70 and -2.90 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and mostly higher agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.81, up +0.31% from 12.77 at the prior close. The VIX is -5.60% below its 13.57 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.40, down -1.42% from 16.64 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -13.4% below its 18.94 20-day moving average, -30.2% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +4.08% above the 15.76 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.69, up +3.98% from 15.09 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -1.82% below its 15.98 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +2.80% from 119.41, from 116.16 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· The latest weeks' initial and continuing jobless claims were 360K and 3009K, compared to 330K and 3000K survey and 328K and 3013K revised prior.

· April MoM housing starts were 853K, compared to 970K survey and 1021K revised prior.

· At 10:00, May Philadelphia Fed, with 2.0 survey and 1.3 prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· China - April FDI rose 0.4%, compared to +6.2% survey and +5.7% prior.

· Japan - 1Q2013 preliminary annualized GDP was +3.5%, compared to +2.7% survey and +1.0% revised prior.

· Eurozone - YoY 1Q2013 GDP rose +1.2%, in-line with +1.2% survey and prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On May 14th, the May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. On Tuesday, the SPX rose +0.51% to close at 1658.78, from 1650.34 the prior day and 1626.67 4 days prior. The sell countdown associated with the May 14th perfection progressed to 2. The index closed +3.12% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. On May 3rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Wednesday, the index closed at 60.51, up +1.10% from 59.85 the prior day and 58.33 four days prior. The May 3rd sell setup perfected. The perfection canceled the 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection, and initiated a sell countdown.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Wednesday, the VIX rose +0.31% to 12.81, from 12.77 at the prior close and 13.13 at the 4 days' prior close. The bearish flip canceled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +23.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Wednesday's -0.26% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2887, from 1.2920 the prior day and 1.3043 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 5. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.78% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Wednesday, the rate ended at 1.9347%, from 1.9740% the prior day and 1.8109% four days prior. The May 3rd buy setup perfected. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. On May 7th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Thursday, the index fell -0.39% to 15,037.24, from 15,096.03 the prior day and 14,604.54 four days prior. The May 7th sell setup progressed to 8. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 12. The index closed +6.53% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On May 13th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% to 23,082.68, from 23,044.24 the prior day and 23,321.2 four days prior. The May 13th buy setup progressed to 4. The May 2nd sell countdown was unchanged at 6. The index closed -3.34% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Thursday, the index rose +1.22% to 2,251.81, from 2,224.80 at the prior close and 2,246.83 4 days prior. The bullish price flip canceled the May 14th buy setup at 2. The 9 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, on January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Wednesday, the index rose +0.50% to 2,809.58, from 2,795.63 the prior day and 2,773.16 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +0.83% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 455 reporting companies, 326 or 71.7% surprised positively on earnings, with a +4.84% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 218 or 48.0% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.65%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.27), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.57). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.63% and +11.2%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.78, compared to 0.80 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 0.69, compared to 0.96 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.84, compared to 0.71 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.83, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume rose +6.02% to 742.26 million shares, from 700.13 million shares the prior day, 1.05x the 703.65 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +278 (compared to +1,024 the prior day), or 1.20:1. Up volume was 22.07:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -5.15%, and the KBW bank index closed at 60.51, up +1.10% from 59.85 at the prior close. The index was last above 60 is late 2008. The index opened with modest weakness, but immediately reversed higher and rallied through early afternoon its 60.74 intraday high. The index eased back to 6.20 in mid-afternoon, but rallied again into the close. Volume rose to 60.174 million shares, from 63.444 million shares the prior day, or 1.20:1x the 60.174 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.56%.

This week, the BKX is up +3.38%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +6.38%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +18.0%, better than the SPX's +16.3% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +4.42% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +85.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. The index closed -50.1% below its March 30, 2007, record high. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +54.3% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index is well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +5.87% and +6.90% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +9.73% and +16.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +30 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +11 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +10 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +8 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.55 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +19 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.65 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +4 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.19 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +3 bps.

The directional movement indicator widened to +31.976, from +26.411 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 73.89, from 71.23 the prior day, moving farther into an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.93; next support is at 59.90.

]]> Thu, 16 May 2013 09:17:03 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Wednesday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately higher, setting fresh record highs on the SPX and DJI. The TRAN also closed at a record high, confirming the DJI's record close. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +3.12% above 1608.53 resistance, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed mixed on mixed volume, with greater strength in China. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are mixed. Commodities are mostly lower. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is focused on the latest weeks' jobless claims and April housing starts.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.9000%, from 1.9347% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 13 bps, up from 10 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.26% and 3.96%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1658.778, up +0.51% from 1650.34 the prior day. The index is up +4.84% since April 26th, and +54.3% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.54%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +3.83%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +16.3%. Next resistance is at 1664.62. First support is at 1649.81.

Tuesday, the BKX rose +1.10%, outperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +3.38%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +6.38%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +18.0%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly lower, and near the bottom a 1650-1656 range. After a fair value adjustment of +1.93 points, SPX equity futures are at 1552.50, down -3.93 points. The SPX opens +3.51% and +5.17% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.25%, and +12.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Wednesday. On higher and above average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, with the SPX and DJI at new closing record highs. The SPX rose +0.51%, followed by the DJI, NYSE composite, and Nasdaq, which rose +0.40%, +0.37%, and +0.26%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 1.20:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed higher. Leaders were consumer goods, financials, and utilities, which rose at least +0.82%. Laggards were industrials and technology, which rose at least +0.12%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.42%.

NYSE volume rose +6.02% to 742.26 million shares, from 700.13 million shares the prior day, 1.05x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1650.34 prior day close, the SPX opened lower at the open and set an early 1646.68 intraday low, but the index reversed higher by mid-morning and rose to a 1661.49 early afternoon intraday high. Profit taking pulled the index back to 1651 by 3:00, but the index rallied through the final hour. The 1658.78 close was a new record. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.77 close, the VIX rose to an early afternoon 13.43 intraday high, then eased down through the close. The index closed at 12.81, up +0.31%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +27.3% greater volume, the DJ Transports rose +0.84%, compared to the DJI's +0.40% gain. Its record close confirmed the DJI's. From its prior 6,465.78 close, the index opened modesty lower, but quickly reversed higher and rose to a mid-session 6,531.93 intraday high. The index traded narrowly through the close, ending at 6,519.88. The index closed +4.94% and +5.74% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +9.62%, and +18.3% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 73.33, from 71.49 the prior day, and moving farther into an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +2.80% to 119.41, from 116.16 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield fell -3.93 bps to end at 1.9347%, from 1.9740% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.54%, +1.04%, +1.02%, and +1.15%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.83%, +2.94%, +4.29%, and +2.98%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +16.3%, +16.6%, +15.0%, and +13.1%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1650 (the prior day's close), then 1641 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1665.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed mixed, with better strength in China. The NKY closed lower, but above 15,000 for a 2nd consecutive session. Volumes were also mixed. The NKY fell -0.39% on a -13.8% volume decrease. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.17% on a -12.3% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +1.22% on a +53.8% volume increase. Commentary focused on currency developments and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +2.94%. The HSI is down -1.02%. The SHCOMP is up +0.22%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +8.49%. The HSI is up +1.52%. The SHCOMP is up +3.39%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +44.7%. The HSI is up +1.88%. The SHCOMP is down -0.76%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Thursday at 15,037.24, compared to 15,096.03 the prior day. The index opened modestly higher, but reversed lower and fell to support at 14,900 by mid-session. The index traded narrowly into the final hour, when the index rallied back above 15,000. The index closed ended +8.02%, +15.3%, +26.2%, and +44.1% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were utilities and telecommunications, which rose at least +0.29%, and oil and gas, which fell -0.03%. Laggards were financials, health care, and consumer services, which fell at least -0.23%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,082.68, compared to 23,044.24 at the prior close. The index closed -3.34% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.9% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index opened slightly stronger and rallied to a late morning 23,163.00 intraday high before easing through the afternoon. The index ended +2.26% and +2.91% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were technology, consumer goods, and industrials, which rose at least +0.65%. Financials fell -0.02%. Laggards were telecommunications, basic materials, and oil and gas, which fell -0.67%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,251.81, compared to 2,224.80 at Wednesday's close. The index opened lower, but reversed higher early in the session and trended higher to close just short of its 22,52.86 late session high. The index closed -7.50% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.9% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.68% above and -0.06% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.11% higher. Leaders were telecommunications, technology, and financials, which rose at least +1.58%. Laggards were consumer goods, oil and gas, and health care.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are mixed. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, and DAX are up +0.09%, +0.23%, and +0.38%, respectively, while the CAC 40 is down -0.13%. The Spanish IBEX 35 is down -0.21%, and Italian FTSE MIB is up +0.46%. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,794.19 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,815.77 high. The index currently trades at 2,811.38. Most market segments are higher. Leaders are financials, consumer goods, and health care, which are up at least +0.36%. Laggards are technology, oil and gas, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.50%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.96%, +1.22%, +0.47%, and +1.36%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.69%, +4.29%, +3.16%, and +6.03%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.68%, +13.7%, +9.27%, and +10.2%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14700%, down from 0.14500% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.31 bps, compared to 15.01 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.30 bps, down from 12.90 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -16.705 bps, compared to -15.835 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.26%, from 4.34% the prior day and up from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.96%, compared to 4.01% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.38%, compared to 1.38% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 13 bps, unchanged from 10 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are slightly lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.233% and 1.939%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.935% Wednesday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.706%, compared to 1.698% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.839, compared to a US$83.995 intraday high and US$83.830 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.652 50-day, US$81.523 100-day, and US$80.928 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2875, compared to a US$1.2847 intraday low and US$1.2887 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.2996 50-day and US$1.3141 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.52, compared to ¥102.49 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.553.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -10.60, from -7.70 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -7.70 and -2.90 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and mostly higher agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.81, up +0.31% from 12.77 at the prior close. The VIX is -5.60% below its 13.57 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.40, down -1.42% from 16.64 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -13.4% below its 18.94 20-day moving average, -30.2% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +4.08% above the 15.76 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.69, up +3.98% from 15.09 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -1.82% below its 15.98 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +2.80% from 119.41, from 116.16 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· The latest weeks' initial and continuing jobless claims were 360K and 3009K, compared to 330K and 3000K survey and 328K and 3013K revised prior.

· April MoM housing starts were 853K, compared to 970K survey and 1021K revised prior.

· At 10:00, May Philadelphia Fed, with 2.0 survey and 1.3 prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· China - April FDI rose 0.4%, compared to +6.2% survey and +5.7% prior.

· Japan - 1Q2013 preliminary annualized GDP was +3.5%, compared to +2.7% survey and +1.0% revised prior.

· Eurozone - YoY 1Q2013 GDP rose +1.2%, in-line with +1.2% survey and prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On May 14th, the May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. On Tuesday, the SPX rose +0.51% to close at 1658.78, from 1650.34 the prior day and 1626.67 4 days prior. The sell countdown associated with the May 14th perfection progressed to 2. The index closed +3.12% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. On May 3rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Wednesday, the index closed at 60.51, up +1.10% from 59.85 the prior day and 58.33 four days prior. The May 3rd sell setup perfected. The perfection canceled the 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection, and initiated a sell countdown.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Wednesday, the VIX rose +0.31% to 12.81, from 12.77 at the prior close and 13.13 at the 4 days' prior close. The bearish flip canceled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +23.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Wednesday's -0.26% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2887, from 1.2920 the prior day and 1.3043 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 5. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.78% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Wednesday, the rate ended at 1.9347%, from 1.9740% the prior day and 1.8109% four days prior. The May 3rd buy setup perfected. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. On May 7th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. Thursday, the index fell -0.39% to 15,037.24, from 15,096.03 the prior day and 14,604.54 four days prior. The May 7th sell setup progressed to 8. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 12. The index closed +6.53% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On May 13th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. On Thursday, the HSI rose +0.17% to 23,082.68, from 23,044.24 the prior day and 23,321.2 four days prior. The May 13th buy setup progressed to 4. The May 2nd sell countdown was unchanged at 6. The index closed -3.34% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Thursday, the index rose +1.22% to 2,251.81, from 2,224.80 at the prior close and 2,246.83 4 days prior. The bullish price flip canceled the May 14th buy setup at 2. The 9 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, on January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Wednesday, the index rose +0.50% to 2,809.58, from 2,795.63 the prior day and 2,773.16 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +0.83% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 455 reporting companies, 326 or 71.7% surprised positively on earnings, with a +4.84% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 218 or 48.0% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.65%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.27), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.57). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.63% and +11.2%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.78, compared to 0.80 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 0.69, compared to 0.96 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.84, compared to 0.71 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.83 and 0.83, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume rose +6.02% to 742.26 million shares, from 700.13 million shares the prior day, 1.05x the 703.65 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +278 (compared to +1,024 the prior day), or 1.20:1. Up volume was 22.07:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -5.15%, and the KBW bank index closed at 60.51, up +1.10% from 59.85 at the prior close. The index was last above 60 is late 2008. The index opened with modest weakness, but immediately reversed higher and rallied through early afternoon its 60.74 intraday high. The index eased back to 6.20 in mid-afternoon, but rallied again into the close. Volume rose to 60.174 million shares, from 63.444 million shares the prior day, or 1.20:1x the 60.174 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.56%.

This week, the BKX is up +3.38%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +6.38%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +18.0%, better than the SPX's +16.3% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +4.42% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +85.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. The index closed -50.1% below its March 30, 2007, record high. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +54.3% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index is well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +5.87% and +6.90% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +9.73% and +16.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +30 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +11 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +10 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +8 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.55 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +19 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.65 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +4 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.19 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +3 bps.

The directional movement indicator widened to +31.976, from +26.411 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 73.89, from 71.23 the prior day, moving farther into an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.93; next support is at 59.90.

]]> SPX DJI RTY TRAN CCMP NYA VIX SKEW NKY EURUSD USGG10YR HSI SHCOMP SX5E CAC DAX FTSE JPY GBP EUR U.S. Futures Ease After Weak Empire Manufacturing; Tokyo Advances Strongly http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1860071-u-s-futures-ease-after-weak-empire-manufacturing-tokyo-advances-strongly?source=feed 1860071 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Tuesday, U.S. equity indexes closed higher, setting fresh record highs on the SPX and DJI. The TRAN also closed at a record high, confirming the DJI's record close. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +2.60% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume, with greater strength in Japan. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately higher. Commodities are lower. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is limited to the April NFIB small business optimism survey and import prices.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.9539%, from 1.974% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 10 bps, unchanged from the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.37% and 4.02%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1650.34, up +1.01% from 1633.77 the prior day. The index is up +4.30% since April 26th, and +53.6% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.01%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +3.30%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1656.38. First support is at 1639.03.

Monday, the BKX rose +1.80%, outperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.26%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +5.22%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +16.7%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly lower, and near the bottom a 1645-1648 range. After a fair value adjustment of -0.76 points, SPX equity futures are at 1546.00, down -1.24 points. The SPX opens +3.33% and +4.79% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.86%, and +12.0% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Tuesday. On higher, but below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, though the SPX and DJI set new closing record highs. The SPX rose +1.01%, followed by the NYSE composite, DJI, and Nasdaq, which rose +0.83%, +0.82%, and +0.69%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 2.03:1 losing stocks. All SPX market segments closed at least +0.1% higher. Leaders were financials, oil and gas, and industrials, which rose at least +1.14%. Laggards were telecommunications, utilities, and technology.

NYSE volume rose +17.9% to 700.13 million shares, from 593.71 million shares the prior day, 0.99x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1633.77 prior day close, the SPX moved higher at the open and rallied to nearly 1650 by mid-session. The index traded narrowly lower until the final hour, when the index rallied to close just off its 1651.10 intraday high. The 1650.34 close was a new record. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.55 close, the VIX rose in early trading to a 13.21 intraday high, then eased down through the close. The index closed at 12.77, up +1.75%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +14.0% greater volume, the DJ Transports rose +1.92%, compared to the DJI's +0.82% gain. Its record close confirmed the DJI's. From its prior 6,344.00 close, the index rallied through the session to end just below its late 6,466.71 intraday high. The index closed +4.55% and +4.99% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.93%, and +17.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 76.64, from 67.38 the prior day, and moving into an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew fell -2.52% to 116.16, from 119.16 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +5.41 bps to end at 1.9740%, from 1.9199% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.02%, +0.64%, +0.76%, and +0.77%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.30%, +2.53%, +4.02%, and +2.60%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +15.7%, +16.1%, +14.7%, and +12.7%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1635 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1656.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed higher, with particular strength in Japan, where the NKY closed above 15,000 for the first time since early 2008. Volumes were mixed. The NKY rose +2.29% on a +42.8% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.50% on a +8.89% volume increase. The SHCOMP rose +0.36% on a -2.81% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +3.34%. The HSI is down -1.19%. The SHCOMP is down -0.98%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +8.91%. The HSI is up +1.35%. The SHCOMP is up +2.15%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +45.2%. The HSI is up +1.71%. The SHCOMP is down -1.95%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Wednesday at 15,096.03, compared to 14,758.42 the prior day. The index gapped higher to open above 14,960 and traded to a 15,108.83 mid-session intraday high. The index fell back to support at 15,020 in mid-afternoon, but rallied into the close. The index closed ended +9.07%, +16.4%, +27.3%, and +45.1% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were telecommunications, consumer goods, and indutrials, which rose at least +2.69%. Laggards were utilities, which rose +0.66%, and financials and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.11%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,044.24, compared to 22,930.28 at the prior close. The index closed -3.27% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.7% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index gapped higher to open above 23,070, but traded narrowly through mid-session, when it rallied sharply to the 23,163.56 intraday high. The index eased through the session's remainder, finding support at 23,020. The index ended +2.40% and +2.74% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were consumer goods, technology, and oil and gas, which rose at least +0.57%. Financials rose +0.44%. Laggards were consumer services and industrials, which rose at least +0.2%, and basic materials, which fell -2.97%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,224.80, compared to 2,217.01 at Tuesday's close. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, but rallied in the final two hours to end just off its 2,225.12 intraday high. The index closed -8.61% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +13.5% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +0.50% above and -1.34% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed at least higher. Leaders were technology, health care, and consumer services, which rose at least +0.76%. Laggards were oil and gas and financials, which rose +0.9%, and basic materials, which fell -0.14%.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately higher. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.18%, +0.12%, +0.08%, and +0.04%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +1.01% and +0.44%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,782.83 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,808.43 high. The index currently trades at 2,808.43. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are financials, industrials, and consumer goods, which are up at least +0.12%. Laggards are oil and gas, basic materials, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.51%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.48%, +4.06%, +3.16%, and +5.56%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.47%, +13.5%, +9.28%, and +9.74%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14500%, down from 0.14600% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.03 bps, compared to 15.11 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.70 bps, down from 12.80 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -15.914 bps, compared to -15.215 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.36%, from 4.34% the prior day and from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 4.02%, compared to 4.01% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.39%, compared to 1.37% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 10 bps, unchanged from 10 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are unchanged, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.245% and 1.974%, respectively, compared to 0.245% and 1.974% Tuesday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.668%, compared to 1.683% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro and Japanese yen, but weaker compared to the British pound. The dollar trades at US$83.890, compared to a US$83.913 intraday high and US$83.595 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.618 50-day, US$81.481 100-day, and US$80.922 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2864, compared to a US$1.2862 intraday low and US$1.2975 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.3001 50-day and US$1.3145 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.73, compared to ¥102.42 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.39.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index improved to -7.70, from -8.00 the prior day. The index is mixed compared to its respective -7.56 and -4.51 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and lower agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.77, up +1.75% from 12.55 at the prior close. The VIX is -7.16% below its 13.76 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.91, down -1.30% from 17.14 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -11.6% below its 19.13 20-day moving average, -28.0% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +0.08% above the 16.90 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.09, down -1.89% from 15.38 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -6.32% below its 16.11 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew fell -2.52% to 116.16, from 119.16 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· The latest week's MBA mortgage applications fell -7.3%, compared to +7.0% prior.

· May empire manufacturing was -1.43, compared to 4.00 survey and 3.05 revised prior.

· At 9:15, April industrial production, with -0.2% survey and +0.4% prior.

· Capacity utilization, with 78.3 survey and 78.5 prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - April consumer confidence was 44.5, compared to 45.5 survey and 44.8 prior.

· Eurozone - QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.2%, compared to -0.1% survey and -0.6% prior.

· France - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.2%, compared to -0.1% survey and -0.2% revised prior.

· Germany - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP rose +0.1%, compared to +0.3% survey and -0.7% revised prior.

· Italy - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.5%, compared to -0.4% survey and -0.9% prior.

· Portugal - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.3%, compared to -0.3% survey and -1.8% prior.

· United Kingdom - BOE raised its 1Q2013 growth forecast to +0.5%, based on lower inflation and improving business conditions.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Monday, the SPX rose +1.01% to close at 1650.34, from 1633.77 the prior day and 1632.69 4 days prior. The May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. The index closed +2.60% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Tuesday, the index closed at 59.85, up +1.80% from 58.79 the prior day and 58.75 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Tuesday, the VIX rose +1.75% to 12.77, from 12.55 at the prior close and 12.66 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish flip canceled a 2 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +22.7% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Tuesday's -0.42% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2920, from 1.2975 the prior day and 1.3153 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 4. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.53% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Tuesday, the rate ended at 1.9740%, from 1.9199% the prior day and 1.7665% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 8. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Wednesday, the index rose +2.29% to 15,096.03, from 14,758.42 the prior day and 14,191.48 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 11. The index closed +6.95% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Wednesday, the HSI rose +.50% to 23,044.24, from 22,930.28 the prior day and 23,211.48 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 3. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.51% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Wednesday, the index rose +0.36% to 2,224.80, from 2,217.01 at the prior close and 2,32.97 4 days prior. The May 14th buy setup progressed to 2. The buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection progressed to 9.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Tuesday, the index rose +0.66% to 2,795.63, from 2,777.39 the prior day and 2,784.62 at the prior 4 days' close. The 5 sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection was unchanged. The index closed +0.33% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 451 reporting companies, 323 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.14% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 216 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.62%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.26), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.55). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.64% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.80, compared to 0.86 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.87, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 0.96, compared to 0.96 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.89 and 0.94, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.71, compared to 0.82 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.84 and 0.84, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume rose +17.9% to 700.13 million shares, from 593.71 million shares the prior day, 0.99x the 709.84 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +1,024 (compared to -686 the prior day), or 2.03:1. Up volume was 3.67:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume rose +47.3%, and the KBW bank index closed at 59.85, up 58.79, up +1.80% from 58.79 at the prior close. The index rallied modestly at the open but rallied consistently through early afternoon, the trending higher to a late 59.88 intraday high. Volume rose to 63.444 million shares, from 43.076 million shares the prior day, or 1.29:1x the 49.313 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +1.48%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.66%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +5.22%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +16.7%, better than the SPX's +15.7% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +3.28% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +83.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +53.6% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +5.27% and +5.94% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +8.71% and +15.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +21 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +10 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +8 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +9 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.36 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +10 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.61 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.16 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator widened to +26.411, from +19.742 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 71.23, from 66.08 the prior day, and moving into an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.21; next support is at 59.17.

]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:42 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Tuesday, U.S. equity indexes closed higher, setting fresh record highs on the SPX and DJI. The TRAN also closed at a record high, confirming the DJI's record close. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +2.60% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher, though relative strength indicators have moved into overbought ranges.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed higher on mixed volume, with greater strength in Japan. Commentary remained focused on the currency and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately higher. Commodities are lower. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is limited to the April NFIB small business optimism survey and import prices.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields are lower, easing to 1.9539%, from 1.974% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 10 bps, unchanged from the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.37% and 4.02%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1650.34, up +1.01% from 1633.77 the prior day. The index is up +4.30% since April 26th, and +53.6% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +1.01%. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +3.30%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +15.7%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1656.38. First support is at 1639.03.

Monday, the BKX rose +1.80%, outperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.26%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +5.22%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +16.7%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly lower, and near the bottom a 1645-1648 range. After a fair value adjustment of -0.76 points, SPX equity futures are at 1546.00, down -1.24 points. The SPX opens +3.33% and +4.79% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.86%, and +12.0% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Tuesday. On higher, but below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, though the SPX and DJI set new closing record highs. The SPX rose +1.01%, followed by the NYSE composite, DJI, and Nasdaq, which rose +0.83%, +0.82%, and +0.69%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 2.03:1 losing stocks. All SPX market segments closed at least +0.1% higher. Leaders were financials, oil and gas, and industrials, which rose at least +1.14%. Laggards were telecommunications, utilities, and technology.

NYSE volume rose +17.9% to 700.13 million shares, from 593.71 million shares the prior day, 0.99x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1633.77 prior day close, the SPX moved higher at the open and rallied to nearly 1650 by mid-session. The index traded narrowly lower until the final hour, when the index rallied to close just off its 1651.10 intraday high. The 1650.34 close was a new record. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.55 close, the VIX rose in early trading to a 13.21 intraday high, then eased down through the close. The index closed at 12.77, up +1.75%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +14.0% greater volume, the DJ Transports rose +1.92%, compared to the DJI's +0.82% gain. Its record close confirmed the DJI's. From its prior 6,344.00 close, the index rallied through the session to end just below its late 6,466.71 intraday high. The index closed +4.55% and +4.99% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +8.93%, and +17.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 76.64, from 67.38 the prior day, and moving into an overbought range. The CBOE put/call skew fell -2.52% to 116.16, from 119.16 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +5.41 bps to end at 1.9740%, from 1.9199% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.02%, +0.64%, +0.76%, and +0.77%, respectively. Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +3.30%, +2.53%, +4.02%, and +2.60%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +15.7%, +16.1%, +14.7%, and +12.7%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1635 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1656.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed higher, with particular strength in Japan, where the NKY closed above 15,000 for the first time since early 2008. Volumes were mixed. The NKY rose +2.29% on a +42.8% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.50% on a +8.89% volume increase. The SHCOMP rose +0.36% on a -2.81% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +3.34%. The HSI is down -1.19%. The SHCOMP is down -0.98%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +8.91%. The HSI is up +1.35%. The SHCOMP is up +2.15%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +45.2%. The HSI is up +1.71%. The SHCOMP is down -1.95%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Wednesday at 15,096.03, compared to 14,758.42 the prior day. The index gapped higher to open above 14,960 and traded to a 15,108.83 mid-session intraday high. The index fell back to support at 15,020 in mid-afternoon, but rallied into the close. The index closed ended +9.07%, +16.4%, +27.3%, and +45.1% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were telecommunications, consumer goods, and indutrials, which rose at least +2.69%. Laggards were utilities, which rose +0.66%, and financials and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.11%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,044.24, compared to 22,930.28 at the prior close. The index closed -3.27% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.7% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index gapped higher to open above 23,070, but traded narrowly through mid-session, when it rallied sharply to the 23,163.56 intraday high. The index eased through the session's remainder, finding support at 23,020. The index ended +2.40% and +2.74% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were consumer goods, technology, and oil and gas, which rose at least +0.57%. Financials rose +0.44%. Laggards were consumer services and industrials, which rose at least +0.2%, and basic materials, which fell -2.97%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,224.80, compared to 2,217.01 at Tuesday's close. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, but rallied in the final two hours to end just off its 2,225.12 intraday high. The index closed -8.61% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +13.5% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +0.50% above and -1.34% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed at least higher. Leaders were technology, health care, and consumer services, which rose at least +0.76%. Laggards were oil and gas and financials, which rose +0.9%, and basic materials, which fell -0.14%.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately higher. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.18%, +0.12%, +0.08%, and +0.04%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +1.01% and +0.44%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved lower to an early 2,782.83 intraday low, but reversed higher to a mid-session 2,808.43 high. The index currently trades at 2,808.43. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are financials, industrials, and consumer goods, which are up at least +0.12%. Laggards are oil and gas, basic materials, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.51%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.76%, +0.99%, +0.48%, and +0.91%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +3.48%, +4.06%, +3.16%, and +5.56%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +6.47%, +13.5%, +9.28%, and +9.74%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14500%, down from 0.14600% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, unchanged from 0.27410% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.03 bps, compared to 15.11 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.70 bps, down from 12.80 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -15.914 bps, compared to -15.215 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.36%, from 4.34% the prior day and from the 4.039% May 3rd low. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 4.02%, compared to 4.01% the prior day, and up from the 3.822% May 3rd low. German 10-year debt yields are 1.39%, compared to 1.37% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 10 bps, unchanged from 10 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are unchanged, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.245% and 1.974%, respectively, compared to 0.245% and 1.974% Tuesday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.668%, compared to 1.683% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro and Japanese yen, but weaker compared to the British pound. The dollar trades at US$83.890, compared to a US$83.913 intraday high and US$83.595 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.618 50-day, US$81.481 100-day, and US$80.922 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2864, compared to a US$1.2862 intraday low and US$1.2975 the prior day. The euro trades worse than its US$1.3001 50-day and US$1.3145 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥102.73, compared to ¥102.42 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.39.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index improved to -7.70, from -8.00 the prior day. The index is mixed compared to its respective -7.56 and -4.51 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and lower agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.77, up +1.75% from 12.55 at the prior close. The VIX is -7.16% below its 13.76 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 16.91, down -1.30% from 17.14 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -11.6% below its 19.13 20-day moving average, -28.0% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +0.08% above the 16.90 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.09, down -1.89% from 15.38 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -6.32% below its 16.11 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew fell -2.52% to 116.16, from 119.16 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· The latest week's MBA mortgage applications fell -7.3%, compared to +7.0% prior.

· May empire manufacturing was -1.43, compared to 4.00 survey and 3.05 revised prior.

· At 9:15, April industrial production, with -0.2% survey and +0.4% prior.

· Capacity utilization, with 78.3 survey and 78.5 prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - April consumer confidence was 44.5, compared to 45.5 survey and 44.8 prior.

· Eurozone - QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.2%, compared to -0.1% survey and -0.6% prior.

· France - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.2%, compared to -0.1% survey and -0.2% revised prior.

· Germany - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP rose +0.1%, compared to +0.3% survey and -0.7% revised prior.

· Italy - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.5%, compared to -0.4% survey and -0.9% prior.

· Portugal - Preliminary QoQ 1Q2013 GDP fell -0.3%, compared to -0.3% survey and -1.8% prior.

· United Kingdom - BOE raised its 1Q2013 growth forecast to +0.5%, based on lower inflation and improving business conditions.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Monday, the SPX rose +1.01% to close at 1650.34, from 1633.77 the prior day and 1632.69 4 days prior. The May 2nd sell setup perfected and initiated a sell countdown. The index closed +2.60% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Tuesday, the index closed at 59.85, up +1.80% from 58.79 the prior day and 58.75 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Tuesday, the VIX rose +1.75% to 12.77, from 12.55 at the prior close and 12.66 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish flip canceled a 2 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +22.7% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Tuesday's -0.42% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2920, from 1.2975 the prior day and 1.3153 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 4. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.53% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Tuesday, the rate ended at 1.9740%, from 1.9199% the prior day and 1.7665% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 8. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Wednesday, the index rose +2.29% to 15,096.03, from 14,758.42 the prior day and 14,191.48 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 11. The index closed +6.95% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Wednesday, the HSI rose +.50% to 23,044.24, from 22,930.28 the prior day and 23,211.48 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 3. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.51% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Wednesday, the index rose +0.36% to 2,224.80, from 2,217.01 at the prior close and 2,32.97 4 days prior. The May 14th buy setup progressed to 2. The buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection progressed to 9.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Tuesday, the index rose +0.66% to 2,795.63, from 2,777.39 the prior day and 2,784.62 at the prior 4 days' close. The 5 sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection was unchanged. The index closed +0.33% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 451 reporting companies, 323 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.14% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 216 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.62%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 16.0x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 15.0x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.26), and 13.5x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.55). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.64% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.80, compared to 0.86 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.87, respectively. The index put/call ratio is 0.96, compared to 0.96 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.89 and 0.94, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.71, compared to 0.82 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.84 and 0.84, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume rose +17.9% to 700.13 million shares, from 593.71 million shares the prior day, 0.99x the 709.84 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +1,024 (compared to -686 the prior day), or 2.03:1. Up volume was 3.67:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume rose +47.3%, and the KBW bank index closed at 59.85, up 58.79, up +1.80% from 58.79 at the prior close. The index rallied modestly at the open but rallied consistently through early afternoon, the trending higher to a late 59.88 intraday high. Volume rose to 63.444 million shares, from 43.076 million shares the prior day, or 1.29:1x the 49.313 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +1.48%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.66%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +5.22%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +16.7%, better than the SPX's +15.7% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +3.28% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +83.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +53.6% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +5.27% and +5.94% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +8.71% and +15.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +21 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +10 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +8 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +9 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.36 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +10 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.61 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.16 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator widened to +26.411, from +19.742 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 71.23, from 66.08 the prior day, and moving into an overbought range. Next resistance is 60.21; next support is at 59.17.

]]> SPX DJI RTY TRAN CCMP NYA VIX SKEW NKY EURUSD USGG10YR HSI SHCOMP SX5E CAC DAX FTSE JPY GBP EUR U.S. Futures Ease Higher; Asia Closes Lower; Europe Lower On Weaker German Confidence http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1855921-u-s-futures-ease-higher-asia-closes-lower-europe-lower-on-weaker-german-confidence?source=feed 1855921 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Monday, U.S. equity indexes closed mixed. The SPX closed fractionally higher and set another record closing high. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.57% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed lower on lower volume. Commentary remained focused on the currency, regulatory, and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately lower, but closed higher last week and are higher in May. German economic sentiment was below forecast. Commodities are mixed. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is limited to the April NFIB small business optimism survey and import prices.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields eased to 1.902%, from 1.893% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 10 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.29% and 3.95%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1633.77, up +0.004% from 1633.70 the prior day. The index is up +3.26% since April 28th, and +52.0% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +0.76% gain. In May, the index is up +2.27%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.6%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1637.60. First support is at 1628.34.

Monday, the BKX rose +0.44%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +0.44%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +3.36%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +14.7%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly higher, and near the top of a 1627-1632 range. After a fair value adjustment of -0.28 points, SPX equity futures are at 1531.25, up +0.32 points. The SPX opens +2.54% and +3.90% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +6.92%, and +11.0% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Monday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed modestly mixed, as the SPX eked out a fractional gain to set a new closing record high. The Nasdaq rose +0.06%, the SPX rose +0.04%, but the NYSE composite and DJI fell -0.06% and -0.18%, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with gainers 0.63:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were health care, financials, and consumer goods, which rose at least +0.06%. Laggards were utilities, telecommunications, and basic materials, which fell at least -0.53%.

NYSE volume fell -5.84% to 593.71 million shares, from 630.52 million shares the prior day, 0.83x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1633.70 prior day close, the SPX gapped lower and traded to an early 1626.74 low. By mid-session, the index reversed higher and reached a 1636.00 intraday high in early afternoon, then traded around breakeven through the close. The 1633.77 close was a new record. Market volatility fell. From its prior 12.59 close, the VIX rose in early trading to a 12.87 intraday high, but fell to 12.50 in late afternoon. The index closed at 12.55, down -0.32%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +6.68% greater volume, the DJ Transports fell -0.49%, compared to the DJI's -0.18% loss, but -1.05% off the May 8th record high close. From its prior 6,375.52, the index fell to 6,324.48 in early trading, but recovered to nearly breakeven by mid-session. The index eased through the afternoon. The index closed at 6,344.00. The index +2.94% and +3.16% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.08%, and +15.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 67.38, from 67.36, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.01% to 119.16, from 117.97 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +2.26 bps to end at 1.9199%, from 1.8973% the prior day.

Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. The prior week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +2.27%, +1.70%, +3.30%, and +1.75%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.6%, +15.2%, +13.9%, and +11.8%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1631 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1637.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed lower, on lower volume. The NKY fell -1.11% on a -21.3% volume decrease. In Hong Kong, the HSI fell -0.26% on a -7.12% volume decrease. The SHCOMP fell -1.11% on a -3.45% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments, Chinese regulatory developments, and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +1.03%. The HSI is down -1.68%. The SHCOMP is down -1.33%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +6.48%. The HSI is up +0.85%. The SHCOMP is up +1.80%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +42.0%. The HSI is up +1.21%. The SHCOMP is down -2.30%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Monday at 14,758.42, compared to 14,782.21 the prior day. The index gapped higher and traded to an early 14,839.79 intraday high, but eased back to breakeven by mid-morning and reversed lower by mid-afternoon. The index traded as low as 14,755.08 just before the close. The index closed ended +7.10%, +14.4%, +25.0%, and +42.3% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Market segments closed mixed. Leaders were oil and gas, telecommunications, and utilities, which rose at least +1.83%. Laggards were basic materials, consumer services, and financials, which fell at least -0.31%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 22,930.28, compared to 22,989.81 at the prior close. The index closed -3.74% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.4% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index gapped higher to open above 23,120 and touched 23,145.91 in early trading. The index immediately eased and reversed lower by mid-session, finding support through the afternoon at 22,900. The index ended +2.16% and +2.26% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were technology, telecommunications, and industrials, which rose at least +0.15%. Laggards were financials, oil and gas, and basic materials, which fell at least -0.35%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,217.01, compared to 2,241.92 at Monday's close. The index opened modestly lower, but trended lower through the morning session to an early afternoon 2,205.92 intraday low. The index eased higher to the close to narrow the day's losses. The index closed -8.93% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +13.3% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +0.15% above and -1.75% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least -0.51% lower. Leaders were health care, utilities, and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.81%. Laggards were consumer goods, technology, and telecommunications.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately lower. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.42%, -0.10%, -0.45%, and -0.21%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are down -0.87% and -0.43%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved higher to an early 2,785.41, but immediately reversed lower and fell to a mid-morning 2,760.93 intraday low. The index currently trades at 2,766.20. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are consumer goods and technology, which are up at least +0.17%, and oil and gas, which is down -0.26%. Laggards are financials, utilities, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.72%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.67%, -0.01%, -0.80%, and -0.18%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.78%, +2.54%, +1.20%, and +1.92%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.01%, +3.02%, +1.85%, and +4.42%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +4.95%, +12.3%, +7.88%, and +8.56%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14600%, down from 0.14650% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, down from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.01 bps, compared to 15.38 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.00 bps, unchanged from 13.00 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -15.160 bps, compared to -14.998 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.30%, from 4.29% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.96%, compared to 3.98% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.36%, compared to 1.36% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 10 bps, down from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.237% and 1.905%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.920% Monday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.668%, compared to 1.683% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is mixed, stronger compared to the euro and British pound, but weaker compared to the Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.363, compared to a US$83.399 intraday high and US$83.277 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.585 50-day, US$81.436 100-day, and US$80.914 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2961, compared to a US$1.2949 intraday low and US$1.2975 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3004 50-day and US$1.3149 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.63, compared to ¥100.82 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.20.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -8.00, from -7.30 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -7.00 and -3.91 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mixed, with lower energy, lower precious metals, mixed aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.55, down -0.32% from 12.59 at the prior close. The VIX is -9.15% below its 13.81 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.62, down -0.29% from 17.67 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -8.62% below its 19.28 20-day moving average, -25.0% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +3.45% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.38, down -1.28% from 15.58 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -5.24% below its 16.23 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.01% to 119.16, from 117.97 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· April NFIB small business optimism was 92.1, compared to 90.3 survey and 89.5 revised prior.

· April MoM import prices fell -0.5%, compared to -0.5% survey and -0.2% revised prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - April preliminary machine tool orders fell -24.1%, compared to -21.5% prior.

· Eurozone - March MoM industrial production rose +1.0%, compared to +0.5% survey and +0.3% revised prior.

· Germany - May ZEW economic sentiment fell to 36.4, from 40.0 survey and 36.3 prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Monday, the SPX rose +0.004% to close at 1633.77, from 1633.70 the prior day and 1625.96 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed +1.57% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Monday, the index closed at 58.79, up +0.44% from 58.53 the prior day and 58.28 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Monday, the VIX fell -0.32% to 12.55, from 12.59 at the prior close and 12.83 at the 4 days' prior close. The buy setup progressed to 2. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +17.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Monday's -0.11% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2975, from 1.2989 the prior day and 1.3079 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 3. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.23% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Monday, the rate ended at 1.9199%, from 1.8973% the prior day and 1.7778% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 7. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Tuesday, the index fell -0.16% to 14,758.42, from 14,782.21 the prior day and 14,285.69 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 10. The index closed +4.55% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Monday, the HSI fell -0.26% to 22,930.28, from 22,989.81 the prior day and 23,244.35 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.98% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Tuesday, the index fell -1.22% to 2,217.01, from 2,241.92 at the prior close and 2,246.30 4 days prior. The bearish price flip cancelled a 6 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection progressed to 8.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Monday, the index fell -0.28% to 2,777.39, from 2,785.24 the prior day and 2,769.08 at the prior 4 days' close. The 5 sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection was unchanged. The index closed -0.25% below the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.8x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.8x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.27), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.52). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.64% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets remained neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.86, compared to 0.74 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.87 and 0.88, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 0.96, from 0.64 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.91 and 0.93, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.82, compared to 0.81 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.86 and 0.86, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -5.84% to 593.71 million shares, from 630.52 million shares the prior day, 0.83x the 712.01 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -686 (compared to +794 the prior day), or 0.63:1. Up volume was 0.71:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume rose +8.91%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.79, up +0.44% from 58.53 at the prior close. The index opened lower, falling to an early 58.30 low, but reversed higher by mid-morning and rallied to an early afternoon 58.98 intraday high. The index eased in the final two hours. Volume fell to 43.076 million shares, from 39.553 million shares the prior day, or 0.87:1x the 49.247 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.08%.

This week, the BKX is up +0.44%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +3.36%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +14.7%, better than the SPX's +14.6% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +1.45% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +80.6% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +52.0% in the same period.

Technical indicators were little changed. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.79% and +4.25% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.95 and +13.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +20 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +8 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.25 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +10 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.59 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.16 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator widened to +19.742, from +16.637 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 66.08, from 64.64 in a neutral range. Next resistance is 59.08; next support is at 58.40.

]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 08:44:17 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Monday, U.S. equity indexes closed mixed. The SPX closed fractionally higher and set another record closing high. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.57% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, equity markets closed lower on lower volume. Commentary remained focused on the currency, regulatory, and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately lower, but closed higher last week and are higher in May. German economic sentiment was below forecast. Commodities are mixed. In the U.S., scheduled economic reporting is limited to the April NFIB small business optimism survey and import prices.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields eased to 1.902%, from 1.893% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 10 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.29% and 3.95%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets are unchanged, neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1633.77, up +0.004% from 1633.70 the prior day. The index is up +3.26% since April 28th, and +52.0% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +0.76% gain. In May, the index is up +2.27%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.6%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1637.60. First support is at 1628.34.

Monday, the BKX rose +0.44%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +0.44%, compared to the prior week's +2.79% gain. In May, the BKX is up +3.36%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +14.7%, outperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are modestly higher, and near the top of a 1627-1632 range. After a fair value adjustment of -0.28 points, SPX equity futures are at 1531.25, up +0.32 points. The SPX opens +2.54% and +3.90% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +6.92%, and +11.0% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Monday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed modestly mixed, as the SPX eked out a fractional gain to set a new closing record high. The Nasdaq rose +0.06%, the SPX rose +0.04%, but the NYSE composite and DJI fell -0.06% and -0.18%, respectively. Market breadth was negative, with gainers 0.63:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were health care, financials, and consumer goods, which rose at least +0.06%. Laggards were utilities, telecommunications, and basic materials, which fell at least -0.53%.

NYSE volume fell -5.84% to 593.71 million shares, from 630.52 million shares the prior day, 0.83x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1633.70 prior day close, the SPX gapped lower and traded to an early 1626.74 low. By mid-session, the index reversed higher and reached a 1636.00 intraday high in early afternoon, then traded around breakeven through the close. The 1633.77 close was a new record. Market volatility fell. From its prior 12.59 close, the VIX rose in early trading to a 12.87 intraday high, but fell to 12.50 in late afternoon. The index closed at 12.55, down -0.32%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On +6.68% greater volume, the DJ Transports fell -0.49%, compared to the DJI's -0.18% loss, but -1.05% off the May 8th record high close. From its prior 6,375.52, the index fell to 6,324.48 in early trading, but recovered to nearly breakeven by mid-session. The index eased through the afternoon. The index closed at 6,344.00. The index +2.94% and +3.16% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.08%, and +15.4% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 67.38, from 67.36, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.01% to 119.16, from 117.97 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +2.26 bps to end at 1.9199%, from 1.8973% the prior day.

Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. The prior week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +2.27%, +1.70%, +3.30%, and +1.75%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.6%, +15.2%, +13.9%, and +11.8%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1631 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1637.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity markets closed lower, on lower volume. The NKY fell -1.11% on a -21.3% volume decrease. In Hong Kong, the HSI fell -0.26% on a -7.12% volume decrease. The SHCOMP fell -1.11% on a -3.45% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments, Chinese regulatory developments, and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +1.03%. The HSI is down -1.68%. The SHCOMP is down -1.33%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +6.48%. The HSI is up +0.85%. The SHCOMP is up +1.80%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +42.0%. The HSI is up +1.21%. The SHCOMP is down -2.30%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Monday at 14,758.42, compared to 14,782.21 the prior day. The index gapped higher and traded to an early 14,839.79 intraday high, but eased back to breakeven by mid-morning and reversed lower by mid-afternoon. The index traded as low as 14,755.08 just before the close. The index closed ended +7.10%, +14.4%, +25.0%, and +42.3% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Market segments closed mixed. Leaders were oil and gas, telecommunications, and utilities, which rose at least +1.83%. Laggards were basic materials, consumer services, and financials, which fell at least -0.31%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 22,930.28, compared to 22,989.81 at the prior close. The index closed -3.74% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.4% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index gapped higher to open above 23,120 and touched 23,145.91 in early trading. The index immediately eased and reversed lower by mid-session, finding support through the afternoon at 22,900. The index ended +2.16% and +2.26% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were technology, telecommunications, and industrials, which rose at least +0.15%. Laggards were financials, oil and gas, and basic materials, which fell at least -0.35%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,217.01, compared to 2,241.92 at Monday's close. The index opened modestly lower, but trended lower through the morning session to an early afternoon 2,205.92 intraday low. The index eased higher to the close to narrow the day's losses. The index closed -8.93% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +13.3% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +0.15% above and -1.75% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least -0.51% lower. Leaders were health care, utilities, and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.81%. Laggards were consumer goods, technology, and telecommunications.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately lower. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.42%, -0.10%, -0.45%, and -0.21%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are down -0.87% and -0.43%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved higher to an early 2,785.41, but immediately reversed lower and fell to a mid-morning 2,760.93 intraday low. The index currently trades at 2,766.20. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are consumer goods and technology, which are up at least +0.17%, and oil and gas, which is down -0.26%. Laggards are financials, utilities, and consumer services, which are down at least -0.72%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.67%, -0.01%, -0.80%, and -0.18%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.78%, +2.54%, +1.20%, and +1.92%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.01%, +3.02%, +1.85%, and +4.42%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +4.95%, +12.3%, +7.88%, and +8.56%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14600%, down from 0.14650% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27410%, down from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.01 bps, compared to 15.38 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 13.00 bps, unchanged from 13.00 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -15.160 bps, compared to -14.998 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.30%, from 4.29% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.96%, compared to 3.98% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.36%, compared to 1.36% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 10 bps, down from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are lower, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.237% and 1.905%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.920% Monday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.668%, compared to 1.683% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is mixed, stronger compared to the euro and British pound, but weaker compared to the Japanese yen. The dollar trades at US$83.363, compared to a US$83.399 intraday high and US$83.277 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.585 50-day, US$81.436 100-day, and US$80.914 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2961, compared to a US$1.2949 intraday low and US$1.2975 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3004 50-day and US$1.3149 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.63, compared to ¥100.82 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.20.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -8.00, from -7.30 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -7.00 and -3.91 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mixed, with lower energy, lower precious metals, mixed aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.55, down -0.32% from 12.59 at the prior close. The VIX is -9.15% below its 13.81 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.62, down -0.29% from 17.67 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -8.62% below its 19.28 20-day moving average, -25.0% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +3.45% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.38, down -1.28% from 15.58 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -5.24% below its 16.23 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.01% to 119.16, from 117.97 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. Economic Reporting and News:

· April NFIB small business optimism was 92.1, compared to 90.3 survey and 89.5 revised prior.

· April MoM import prices fell -0.5%, compared to -0.5% survey and -0.2% revised prior.

Overseas Economic Reporting and News:

· Japan - April preliminary machine tool orders fell -24.1%, compared to -21.5% prior.

· Eurozone - March MoM industrial production rose +1.0%, compared to +0.5% survey and +0.3% revised prior.

· Germany - May ZEW economic sentiment fell to 36.4, from 40.0 survey and 36.3 prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Monday, the SPX rose +0.004% to close at 1633.77, from 1633.70 the prior day and 1625.96 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed +1.57% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Monday, the index closed at 58.79, up +0.44% from 58.53 the prior day and 58.28 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Monday, the VIX fell -0.32% to 12.55, from 12.59 at the prior close and 12.83 at the 4 days' prior close. The buy setup progressed to 2. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +17.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Monday's -0.11% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2975, from 1.2989 the prior day and 1.3079 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 3. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.23% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Monday, the rate ended at 1.9199%, from 1.8973% the prior day and 1.7778% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 7. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Tuesday, the index fell -0.16% to 14,758.42, from 14,782.21 the prior day and 14,285.69 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 10. The index closed +4.55% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Monday, the HSI fell -0.26% to 22,930.28, from 22,989.81 the prior day and 23,244.35 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.98% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Tuesday, the index fell -1.22% to 2,217.01, from 2,241.92 at the prior close and 2,246.30 4 days prior. The bearish price flip cancelled a 6 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection progressed to 8.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Monday, the index fell -0.28% to 2,777.39, from 2,785.24 the prior day and 2,769.08 at the prior 4 days' close. The 5 sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection was unchanged. The index closed -0.25% below the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.8x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.8x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.27), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.52). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.64% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets remained neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.86, compared to 0.74 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.87 and 0.88, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 0.96, from 0.64 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.91 and 0.93, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.82, compared to 0.81 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.86 and 0.86, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -5.84% to 593.71 million shares, from 630.52 million shares the prior day, 0.83x the 712.01 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -686 (compared to +794 the prior day), or 0.63:1. Up volume was 0.71:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume rose +8.91%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.79, up +0.44% from 58.53 at the prior close. The index opened lower, falling to an early 58.30 low, but reversed higher by mid-morning and rallied to an early afternoon 58.98 intraday high. The index eased in the final two hours. Volume fell to 43.076 million shares, from 39.553 million shares the prior day, or 0.87:1x the 49.247 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.08%.

This week, the BKX is up +0.44%. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +3.36%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +14.7%, better than the SPX's +14.6% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +1.45% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +80.6% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +52.0% in the same period.

Technical indicators were little changed. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.79% and +4.25% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.95 and +13.5% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +20 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +8 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.25 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +10 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.59 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.16 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +1 bp.

The directional movement indicator widened to +19.742, from +16.637 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 66.08, from 64.64 in a neutral range. Next resistance is 59.08; next support is at 58.40.

]]> SPX DJI RTY TRAN CCMP NYA VIX SKEW NKY EURUSD USGG10YR HSI SHCOMP SX5E CAC DAX FTSE JPY GBP EUR U.S. Futures Ease; Tokyo Climbs http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1852011-u-s-futures-ease-tokyo-climbs?source=feed 1852011 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Friday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately higher on the day and with a strong weekly gain. The SPX and DJI closed at fresh record highs. The TRAN did not confirm the DJI record close. The Nasdaq provided the best daily and weekly gain. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.56% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, Japanese markets closed with another strong gain. Chinese equity markets closed lower. Commentary focused on the currency, regulatory, and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately lower, but closed higher last week and in May. Commodities are mixed. In the U.S., scheduled economic reports focus on April advance retail sales and business inventories. The meeting of the G-7 finance ministers concluded late last week, but without particular effect and no criticism of Japanese monetary and currency policies.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields advanced to 1.893%, from 1.897% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 12 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.26% and 3.95%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets improved to neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1633.70, up +0.43% from 1626.67 the prior day. The index is up +3.25% since April 28th, and +52.0% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +0.76% gain. In May, the index is up +2.26%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.6%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1637.03. First support is at 1627.04.

Friday, the BKX rose +0.34%, underperforming the SPX. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to a gain of +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.90%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +14.1%, underperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are higher, and near the top of a 1623-1628 range. After a fair value adjustment of +0.90 points, SPX equity futures are at 1526.00, down -3.90 points. The SPX opens +2.79% and +4.05% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.05%, and +11.1% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Friday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, with the SPX and DJI at fresh record closes. In Europe, the DAX set another record close. The Nasdaq rose +0.80%, followed by the SPX, NYSE composite, and DJI, which rose +0.43%, +0.36%, and +0.24%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 1.72:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed higher. Leaders were health care, consumer services, and financials, which rose at least +0.44%. Laggards were utilities, which rose +0.25%, and basic materials and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.16%.

NYSE volume fell -5.91% to 630.52 million shares, from 670.10 million shares million shares the prior day, 0.88x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1626.67 prior day close, the SPX traded narrowly through the morning session, but improved through the afternoon and rallied in the final 30 minutes to end at the intraday high. The 1633.70 close was a new record. Market volatility fell. From its prior 13.13 close, the VIX traded narrowly through the morning, by weakened as equity markets strengthened through the afternoon. The index closed at 12.59, down -4.11%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -22.7% lower volume, the DJ Transports rose +0.58%, compared to the DJI's +0.24% gain, but -0.56% off the May 10th record high close. From its prior 6,338.99 close, the index opened modestly higher, but found resistance at 6,375 through the session. The index closed at 6,375.52. The index +3.81% and +3.79% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.82%, and +16.2% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 67.36, from 65.54, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew fell -0.93% to 117.97, from 119.08 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +8.64 bps to end at 1.8973%, from 1.8109% the prior day.

Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. The prior week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +2.26%, +1.88%, +3.24%, and +1.81%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.6%, +15.4%, +13.8%, and +11.8%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1627 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1637.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity market closed mixed, higher in Tokyo, but weaker in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The NKY rose +1.20% on a +23.9% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI fell -1.42% on a +5.38% volume increase. The SHCOMP fell -0.22% on a -4.57% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments, Chinese regulatory developments, and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +1.20%. The HSI is down -1.42%. The SHCOMP is down -0.22%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +6.65%. The HSI is up +1.11%. The SHCOMP is up +2.94%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +42.2%. The HSI is up +1.47%. The SHCOMP is down -1.20%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Monday at 14,782.21, compared to 14,607.54 the prior day. The index rose through the morning session to an early afternoon 14,849.01 intraday high, then slipped to a late afternoon 14,727.70 intraday low. The index rallied in the final hour to end with a strong gain. The index closed ended +7.86%, +15.2%, +25.7%, and +42.9% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were industrials, consumer goods, and financials, which rose at least +1.54%. Laggards were basic materials and health care, which rose at least +0.1%, and oil and gas, which fell -2.35%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 22,989.81, compared to 23,321.22 at the prior close. The index closed -3.49% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.4% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index trended lower through the session to a late 22,958.87 intraday low. The index ended +2.63% and +2.57% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were consumer goods, which rose +0.12%, and utilities, and telecommunications, which fell at least -0.35%. Financials fell -1.55%. Laggards were oil and gas, consumer services, and technology, which fell -1.89%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,241.92, compared to 2,246.83 at Friday's close. The index traded narrowly lower through the morning session, but bell to the 2,231.42 intraday low early in the afternoon, then rallied through the session's remainder to narrow the day's loss. The index closed -7.91% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.4% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.31% above and -0.72% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Market segments closed mixed. Leaders were technology, telecommunications, and industrials, which rose at least +0.35%. Laggards were basic materials, health care, and financials, which fell at least -0.37%.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately lower. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.46%, -0.20%, -0.24%, and -0.36%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are down -1.34% and -0.60%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved higher to an early 2,791.81 intraday high, but immediately reversed lower and fell to a mid-session 2,764.75 intraday low. The index currently trades at 2,772.29. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are consumer goods and technology, which are up at least +0.12%, and oil and gas, which is down -0.24%. Laggards are telecommunications, health care and financials, which are down at least -0.56%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.48%, -0.23%, -0.29%, and -0.42%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.78%, +2.54%, +1.20%, and +1.92%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.21%, +2.79%, +2.22%, and +4.18%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +5.16%, +12.1%, +8.28%, and +8.30%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14650%, up from 0.14600% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27510%, unchanged from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.13 bps, compared to 15.11 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.90 bps, up from 12.60 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -14.998 bps, compared to -14.031 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.26%, from 4.20% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.95%, compared to 3.89% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.34%, compared to 1.38% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 12 bps, up from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are higher, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.237% and 1.893%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.897% Friday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.656%, compared to 1.661% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is mixed compared to the euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. The dollar trades at US$83.107, compared to a US$83.313 intraday high and US$83.143 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.556 50-day, US$81.398 100-day, and US$80.907 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2987, compared to a US$1.2947 intraday low and US$1.3006 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3006 50-day and US$1.3151 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.68, compared to ¥100.62 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.03.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -7.30, from -6.90 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -4.50 and -4.15 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mixed, with lower energy, lower precious metals, mixed aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.59, down -4.11% from 13.13 at the prior close. The VIX is -10.4% below its 14.05 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.93, up +2.87% from 17.43 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -7.63% below its 19.41 20-day moving average, -23.7% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +5.25% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.58, up +5.99% from 14.70 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -4.30% below its 16.28 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew fell -0.93% to 117.97. from 119.08 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. News:

· April advance retail sales rose +0.1%, compared to -0.3% survey and -0.5% revised prior.

· April retail sales ex auto and gas rose 0.6%, compared to 0.3% and 0.1% revised prior.

· At 10:00 March business inventories, with +0.3% survey and +0.1% prior.

Overseas News:

· China - April YoY industrial production rose 9.3%, compared to 9.4% survey and 8.9% prior. YoY retail sales rose 12.85, compared to 12.8 survey and 12.6% prior.

· France - April Bank of France business sentiment rose to 94, from 92 survey and 93 prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Friday, the SPX rose +0.43% to close at 1633.70, from 1626.67 the prior day and 1617.50 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The index closed +1.56% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Friday, the index closed at 58.53, up +0.34% from 58.33 the prior day and 57.68 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Friday, the VIX fell -4.11% to 12.59, from 13.13 at the prior close and 12.66 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish index flip canceled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +20.9% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Friday's -0.41% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2989, from 1.3043 the prior day and 1.3076 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.02% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Friday, the rate ended at 1.8973%, from 1.8109% the prior day and 1.7588% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 6. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Monday, the index rose +1.20% to 14,782.21, from 14,607.54 the prior day and 14,180.24 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 9. The index closed +4.72% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Monday, the HSI fell -1.42% to 22,989.81, from 23,321.22 the prior day and 23,047.09 four days prior. The bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.73% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Monday, the index fell -0.22% to 2,241.92, from 2,246.83 at the prior close and 2,235.57 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +0.44% to 2,785.24, from 2,773.16 the prior day and 2,750.52 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 5. The index closed +0.05% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.8x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.8x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.29), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.54). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.72% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets improved to neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.74, compared to 0.98 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 0.64, from 1.02 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.81, compared to 0.99 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.84 and 0.86, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -5.91% to 630.52 million shares, from 670.10 million shares the prior day, 0.86x the 731.11 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +794 (compared to -865 the prior day), or 1.72:1. Up volume was 1.95:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -15.7%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.53, up +0.34% from 58.33 at the prior close. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, and rallied late in the session to close just shy of the 58.56 intraday high. Volume fell to 39.553 million shares, from 46.926 million shares the prior day, or 0.80:1x the 49.287 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.33%.

Last the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.90%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +14.1%, worse than the SPX's +14.6% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +1.00% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +79.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +52.0% in the same period.

Technical indicators were little changed. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.68% and +3.96% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.63%, and +13.1% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +12 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.15 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.57 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +3 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.15 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +2 bps.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +16.637, from 17.228 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 64.64, from 63.53 the prior day, in a neutral range. Next resistance is 58.65; next support is at 58.31.

]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 09:38:48 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Friday, U.S. equity indexes closed moderately higher on the day and with a strong weekly gain. The SPX and DJI closed at fresh record highs. The TRAN did not confirm the DJI record close. The Nasdaq provided the best daily and weekly gain. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.56% above resistance at 1608.53, suggesting that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, Japanese markets closed with another strong gain. Chinese equity markets closed lower. Commentary focused on the currency, regulatory, and corporate developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately lower, but closed higher last week and in May. Commodities are mixed. In the U.S., scheduled economic reports focus on April advance retail sales and business inventories. The meeting of the G-7 finance ministers concluded late last week, but without particular effect and no criticism of Japanese monetary and currency policies.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields advanced to 1.893%, from 1.897% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 12 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.26% and 3.95%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is mixed. U.S. options markets improved to neutral to bullish. CBOE skew remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1633.70, up +0.43% from 1626.67 the prior day. The index is up +3.25% since April 28th, and +52.0% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. Last week, the SPX rose +1.19%, compared to the prior week's +0.76% gain. In May, the index is up +2.26%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.6%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1637.03. First support is at 1627.04.

Friday, the BKX rose +0.34%, underperforming the SPX. Last week, the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to a gain of +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.90%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +14.1%, underperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are higher, and near the top of a 1623-1628 range. After a fair value adjustment of +0.90 points, SPX equity futures are at 1526.00, down -3.90 points. The SPX opens +2.79% and +4.05% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.05%, and +11.1% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Friday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed moderately higher, with the SPX and DJI at fresh record closes. In Europe, the DAX set another record close. The Nasdaq rose +0.80%, followed by the SPX, NYSE composite, and DJI, which rose +0.43%, +0.36%, and +0.24%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 1.72:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed higher. Leaders were health care, consumer services, and financials, which rose at least +0.44%. Laggards were utilities, which rose +0.25%, and basic materials and oil and gas, which fell at least -0.16%.

NYSE volume fell -5.91% to 630.52 million shares, from 670.10 million shares million shares the prior day, 0.88x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1626.67 prior day close, the SPX traded narrowly through the morning session, but improved through the afternoon and rallied in the final 30 minutes to end at the intraday high. The 1633.70 close was a new record. Market volatility fell. From its prior 13.13 close, the VIX traded narrowly through the morning, by weakened as equity markets strengthened through the afternoon. The index closed at 12.59, down -4.11%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -22.7% lower volume, the DJ Transports rose +0.58%, compared to the DJI's +0.24% gain, but -0.56% off the May 10th record high close. From its prior 6,338.99 close, the index opened modestly higher, but found resistance at 6,375 through the session. The index closed at 6,375.52. The index +3.81% and +3.79% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.82%, and +16.2% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) rose to 67.36, from 65.54, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew fell -0.93% to 117.97, from 119.08 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, as the 10-year yield rose +8.64 bps to end at 1.8973%, from 1.8109% the prior day.

Last week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite gained +1.19%, +0.97%, +4.80%, and +1.10%, respectively. The prior week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +2.26%, +1.88%, +3.24%, and +1.81%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.6%, +15.4%, +13.8%, and +11.8%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1627 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1637.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity market closed mixed, higher in Tokyo, but weaker in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The NKY rose +1.20% on a +23.9% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI fell -1.42% on a +5.38% volume increase. The SHCOMP fell -0.22% on a -4.57% volume decrease. Commentary focused on currency developments, Chinese regulatory developments, and corporate developments.

This week, the NKY is up +1.20%. The HSI is down -1.42%. The SHCOMP is down -0.22%. Last week, the NKY closed up +6.67%, the HSI rose +2.78%, and the SHCOMP closed up +1.88%. In May, the NKY is up +6.65%. The HSI is up +1.11%. The SHCOMP is up +2.94%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +42.2%. The HSI is up +1.47%. The SHCOMP is down -1.20%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Monday at 14,782.21, compared to 14,607.54 the prior day. The index rose through the morning session to an early afternoon 14,849.01 intraday high, then slipped to a late afternoon 14,727.70 intraday low. The index rallied in the final hour to end with a strong gain. The index closed ended +7.86%, +15.2%, +25.7%, and +42.9% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were industrials, consumer goods, and financials, which rose at least +1.54%. Laggards were basic materials and health care, which rose at least +0.1%, and oil and gas, which fell -2.35%.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 22,989.81, compared to 23,321.22 at the prior close. The index closed -3.49% below its January 30th yearly high, but +26.4% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index trended lower through the session to a late 22,958.87 intraday low. The index ended +2.63% and +2.57% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed lower. Leaders were consumer goods, which rose +0.12%, and utilities, and telecommunications, which fell at least -0.35%. Financials fell -1.55%. Laggards were oil and gas, consumer services, and technology, which fell -1.89%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,241.92, compared to 2,246.83 at Friday's close. The index traded narrowly lower through the morning session, but bell to the 2,231.42 intraday low early in the afternoon, then rallied through the session's remainder to narrow the day's loss. The index closed -7.91% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.4% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.31% above and -0.72% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Market segments closed mixed. Leaders were technology, telecommunications, and industrials, which rose at least +0.35%. Laggards were basic materials, health care, and financials, which fell at least -0.37%.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are moderately lower. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.46%, -0.20%, -0.24%, and -0.36%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are down -1.34% and -0.60%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index moved higher to an early 2,791.81 intraday high, but immediately reversed lower and fell to a mid-session 2,764.75 intraday low. The index currently trades at 2,772.29. Most market segments are lower. Leaders are consumer goods and technology, which are up at least +0.12%, and oil and gas, which is down -0.24%. Laggards are telecommunications, health care and financials, which are down at least -0.56%.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are down -0.48%, -0.23%, -0.29%, and -0.42%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +0.78%, +2.54%, +1.20%, and +1.92%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.21%, +2.79%, +2.22%, and +4.18%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +5.16%, +12.1%, +8.28%, and +8.30%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14650%, up from 0.14600% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27510%, unchanged from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.13 bps, compared to 15.11 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.90 bps, up from 12.60 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -14.998 bps, compared to -14.031 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.26%, from 4.20% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.95%, compared to 3.89% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.34%, compared to 1.38% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 12 bps, up from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are higher, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.237% and 1.893%, respectively, compared to 0.237% and 1.897% Friday. The yield curve narrowed, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.656%, compared to 1.661% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is mixed compared to the euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. The dollar trades at US$83.107, compared to a US$83.313 intraday high and US$83.143 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.556 50-day, US$81.398 100-day, and US$80.907 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.2987, compared to a US$1.2947 intraday low and US$1.3006 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3006 50-day and US$1.3151 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.68, compared to ¥100.62 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥97.03.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index worsened to -7.30, from -6.90 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -4.50 and -4.15 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mixed, with lower energy, lower precious metals, mixed aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 12.59, down -4.11% from 13.13 at the prior close. The VIX is -10.4% below its 14.05 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.93, up +2.87% from 17.43 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -7.63% below its 19.41 20-day moving average, -23.7% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +5.25% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 15.58, up +5.99% from 14.70 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -4.30% below its 16.28 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew fell -0.93% to 117.97. from 119.08 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. News:

· April advance retail sales rose +0.1%, compared to -0.3% survey and -0.5% revised prior.

· April retail sales ex auto and gas rose 0.6%, compared to 0.3% and 0.1% revised prior.

· At 10:00 March business inventories, with +0.3% survey and +0.1% prior.

Overseas News:

· China - April YoY industrial production rose 9.3%, compared to 9.4% survey and 8.9% prior. YoY retail sales rose 12.85, compared to 12.8 survey and 12.6% prior.

· France - April Bank of France business sentiment rose to 94, from 92 survey and 93 prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +7.10% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Friday, the SPX rose +0.43% to close at 1633.70, from 1626.67 the prior day and 1617.50 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 7. The index closed +1.56% above the 1608.53 risk level, which is based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 7. The index closed +2.81% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Friday, the index closed at 58.53, up +0.34% from 58.33 the prior day and 57.68 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 10th, the VIX fell -2.02% to end at 12.59, from 12.85 the prior week, and 12.06 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Friday, the VIX fell -4.11% to 12.59, from 13.13 at the prior close and 12.66 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish index flip canceled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +20.9% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 10th, the index fell -0.95% to end at 1.2989, from 1.3114 the prior week and 1.3113 4 weeks prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 5 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +8.57% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Friday's -0.41% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.2989, from 1.3043 the prior day and 1.3076 four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 5 sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed -3.02% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.8973%, compared to 1.7382% the prior Friday and 1.7208% four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Friday, the rate ended at 1.8973%, from 1.8109% the prior day and 1.7588% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 6. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Monday, the index rose +1.20% to 14,782.21, from 14,607.54 the prior day and 14,180.24 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection progressed to 9. The index closed +4.72% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Monday, the HSI fell -1.42% to 22,989.81, from 23,321.22 the prior day and 23,047.09 four days prior. The bearish price flip initiated a buy setup. The 6 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -3.73% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Monday, the index fell -0.22% to 2,241.92, from 2,246.83 at the prior close and 2,235.57 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +0.44% to 2,785.24, from 2,773.16 the prior day and 2,750.52 at the prior 4 days' close. The sell countdown associated with the May 3rd perfection progressed to 5. The index closed +0.05% above the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.8x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.8x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.29), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.54). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.72% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets improved to neutral to bullish. Composite options are bullish, index options are bullish, and equity options markets are neutral. The composite put/call ratio is 0.74, compared to 0.98 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 0.64, from 1.02 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.81, compared to 0.99 the prior day, and better compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.84 and 0.86, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -5.91% to 630.52 million shares, from 670.10 million shares the prior day, 0.86x the 731.11 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was positive, and up volume led down volume. Advancing stocks led decliners by +794 (compared to -865 the prior day), or 1.72:1. Up volume was 1.95:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -15.7%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.53, up +0.34% from 58.33 at the prior close. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, and rallied late in the session to close just shy of the 58.56 intraday high. Volume fell to 39.553 million shares, from 46.926 million shares the prior day, or 0.80:1x the 49.287 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks outperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX rose +0.33%.

Last the BKX rose +2.79%, compared to +0.64% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.90%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +14.1%, worse than the SPX's +14.6% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +1.00% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +79.8% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +52.0% in the same period.

Technical indicators were little changed. The index remained well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.68% and +3.96% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.63%, and +13.1% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +12 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.15 points) above the 50-day, and the gap widened +2 bps. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.57 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +3 bps. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.15 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +2 bps.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +16.637, from 17.228 the prior day. Relative strength rose to 64.64, from 63.53 the prior day, in a neutral range. Next resistance is 58.65; next support is at 58.31.

]]> SPX DJI RTY TRAN CCMP NYA VIX SKEW NKY EURUSD USGG10YR HSI SHCOMP SX5E CAC DAX FTSE JPY GBP EUR U.S. Futures Ease Higher; Tokyo Surges On Weak Yen; DAX At Record http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/179003-gary-townsend/1844761-u-s-futures-ease-higher-tokyo-surges-on-weak-yen-dax-at-record?source=feed 1844761 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Thursday, U.S. equity indexes closed modestly lower, though on lower volume. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.13% above resistance at 1608.53, which suggests that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, Japanese markets closed with exceptional gains as the yen weakened through US$1:101. Chinese equity markets posted moderate gains. Commentary focused on the currency, corporate, and earnings developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately higher. Commodities are mostly lower. In the U.S., there are no scheduled economic reports. A meeting of the G-7 finance ministers is a focus, but little substantive is expected. Notably, there is no criticism of Japanese currency policy.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields advanced to 1.853%, from 1.811% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 12 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.21% and 3.89%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets are neutral to bearish. CBOE skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, but remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1626.67, down -0.37% from the prior day's 1632.69 record high close. The index is up +2.81% since April 28th, and +51.4% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +0.76%, compared to last week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +1.82%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.1%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1633.42. First support is at 1621.50.

Thursday, the BKX fell -0.71%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.44%. Last week, the BKX closed up +0.64%, compared to a gain of +3.15% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.55%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +13.8%, underperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are higher, and near the bottom of a 1624-1629 range. After a fair value adjustment of -1.33 points, SPX equity futures are at 1526.00, up +2.83 points. The SPX opens +2.50% and +3.76% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +6.75%, and +10.7% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Thursday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed modestly lower, off the prior day's record SPX, DJI, and TRAN closes. In Europe, the DAX set another record close. The NYSE composite fell -0.57%, followed by the SPX, DJI, and Nasdaq, which fell -0.37%, -0.15%, and -0.12%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 0.92:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were health care and consumer services, which rose at least +0.01%, and industrials, which lost -0.01%. Laggards were financials, telecommunications, and utilities, which fell at least -0.74%.

NYSE volume fell -8.21% to 670.10 million shares, from 730.02 million shares the prior day, 0.92x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1632.69 prior day record close, the SPX opened modestly lower, but retreated following a weaker than expected March wholesale sales report at 10:00. The index traded narrowly around 1628 into the afternoon session, but rallied higher to a mid-afternoon 1635.01 intraday high. The index weakened into late afternoon to a late 1623.09 intraday low, but improved into the close. The index closed at 1626.67, -0.37% below its record high. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.66 close, the VIX opened at 12.90 and traded narrowly higher through the morning session. The index weakened to 12.80 by mid-afternoon, then surged to 13.50 in late afternoon. The index eased into the close. The index closed at 13.13, up +3.71%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -29.6% lower volume, the DJ Transports fell -1.13%, compared to the DJI's -0.15% loss, and -1.13% off the May 10th record high close. From its prior 6,411.14 close, the index opened modestly lower, but trended lower through the session to a late 6,326.66 intraday low. The index closed at 6,338.99. The index +3.41% and +3.33% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.42%, and +15.6% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) fell to 65.54, from 68.58 the prior day, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, from 117.35 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield rose +4.44 bps to end at 1.8109%, from 1.7665% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +0.76%, +0.73%, +0.90%, and +2.44%, respectively. Last week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.82%, +1.64%, +2.41%, and +1.45%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.1%, +15.1%, +12.9%, and +11.4%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1623 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1633.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity market closed higher, with particular strength in Tokyo. The NKY rose +2.93% on a +16.5% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.47% on a -0.01% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +0.62% on a -8.31% volume decrease. Commentary focused on today's pronounced yen weakness and corporate and earnings developments.

This week, the NKY is up +6.67%. The HSI is up +2.78%. The SHCOMP is up +1.88%. Last week, the NKY closed down -0.76%, the HSI rose +1.63%, and the SHCOMP closed up +2.45%. In May, the NKY is up +5.39%. The HSI is up +2.57%. The SHCOMP is up +3.16%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +40.5%. The HSI is up +2.93%. The SHCOMP is down -0.98%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Friday at 14,607.54, compared to 14,191.48 the prior day. The index gapped higher to open above 14,450 and immediately rallied to 14,550, where it traded narrowly until late morning, when it rallied further to 14,600, where it traded through the session's remainder. The index closed ended +7.13%, +14.4%, +24.8% and +41.6% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.32% higher. Leaders were technology, consumer goods, and telecommunications, which rose at least +3.61%. Financials rose +3.50%. Laggards were oil and gas, utilities, and health care.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,321.22, compared to 23,211.48 at the prior close. The index closed -2.10% below its January 30th yearly high, but +28.2% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, but rallied higher in the final hour to finish just off its 23,330.60 intraday high. The index ended +4.39% and +4.10% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were basic materials, technology, and industrials, which rose at least +0.93%. Financials gained +0.52%. Laggards were telecommunications and consumer goods, which gained +0.13%, and utilities, which lost -0.58%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,246.83, compared to 2,232.91 at Thursday's close. The index fell to an early 2,226.00 intraday low, but rallied by mid-morning to its 2,247.63 intraday high. The index fell back to breakeven by mid-session, but rallied through the afternoon's final two hours to close near the high. The index closed -8.69% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.7% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.58% above and -0.56% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.21% higher. Leaders were consumer goods, industrials, and basic materials, which rose at least +0.84%. Financials rose +0.55%. Laggards were health care, technology, and oil and gas.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are higher, with the DAX at record highs. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.75%, +0.57%, +0.67%, and +0.67%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +0.52% and +1.37%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index opened at 2,780 and rallied to an early 2,805.30 intraday high. The index currently trades at 2,794.30. All market segments are at least +0.33%. Leaders are health care, telecommunications, and technology, which are up at least +1.01%. Laggards are consumer goods, oil and gas, and financials.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +1.04%, +2.57%, +1.02%, and +2.39%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +2.99%, +0.53%, +2.70%, and +3.94%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.97%, +3.06%, +2.49%, and +5.08%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +5.94%, +12.4%, +8.56%, and +9.24%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14600%, down from 0.14750% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27510%, unchanged from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.06 bps, compared to 15.31 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.80 bps, up from 12.70 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -14.026, compared to -14.786 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.20%, from 4.19% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.89%, compared to 3.88% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.35%, compared to 1.27% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 12 bps, up from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are higher, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.225% and 1.858%, respectively, compared to 0.220% and 1.881% Thursday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.634%, compared to 1.591% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. The dollar trades at US$82.977, compared to a US$83.039 intraday high and US$82.793 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.534 50-day, US$81.361 100-day, and US$80.902 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.3004, compared to a US$1.2982 intraday low and US$1.3043 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3006 50-day and US$1.3153 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.70, compared to ¥100.59 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥96.87.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index improved to -6.90, from -7.90 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -4.50 and -4.15 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 13.13, up +3.71% from 12.66 at the prior close. The VIX is -6.37% below its 14.02 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.07, down -0.86% from 17.22 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -12.4% below its 19.48 20-day moving average, -27.3% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +0.21% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 14.70, up +0.27% from 14.66 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -10.2% below its 16.36 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, from 117.35 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. News:

· G-7 finance ministers meet this weekend.

Overseas News:

· Italy - March industrial production fell -0.8%, compared to -0.3% survey and -0.9% revised prior.

· Portugal - March construction works index was 47.9, compared to 46.8 revised prior.

· United Kingdom - March MoM construction output rose +12.1%, compared to +15.0% survey and +8.7% revised prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +5.84% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Thursday, the SPX fell -0.37% to close at 1626.67, from 1632.69 the prior day and 1614.42 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The index closed +1.13% above the 1608.53 risk level, which based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +0.02% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Thursday, the index closed at 58.33, down -0.71% from 58.75 the prior day and 56.94 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 3rd, the VIX fell 5.58% to end at 12.85, from 13.61 the prior week, and 13.92 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Thursday, the VIX rose +3.71% to 13.13, from 12.66 at the prior close and 12.85 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish index flip canceled a 5 buy setup progressed and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +26.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 3rd, the index fell -0.43% to end at 1.3114, from 1.3030 the prior week and 1.2991 4 weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +9.61% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Thursday's -0.894% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.3043, from 1.3153 the prior day and 1.3114 four days prior. The lower close cancelled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection progressed to 5. The cross closed -2.61% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.7382%, compared to 1.6633% the prior Friday and 1.7182% four weeks prior. The bullish rate flip cancelled a 4 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The 1 sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection is unchanged.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Thursday, the rate ended at 1.8109%, from 1.7665% the prior day and 1.7382% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 5. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Friday, the index rose +2.93% to 14,607.54, from 14,191.48 the prior day and 13,694.04 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 4. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection rose to 8. The index closed +3.49% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Friday, the HSI rose +0.47% to 23,321.22, from 23,211.48 the prior day and 22,915.09 four days prior. The sell countdown progressed to 6. The index closed -2.35% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +0.62% to 2,246.83, from 2,769.44 at the prior close and 2,231.17 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Thursday, the index fell -0.41% to2,773.16, from 2,784.62 the prior day and 2,763.68 at the prior 4 days' close. The 4 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -0.48% below the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.7x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.7x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.29), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.55). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.72% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bearish. Composite options are neutral, index options are neutral, and equity options markets are bearish. The composite put/call ratio is 0.98, compared to 0.87 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.88 and 0.90, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 1.02, from 0.88 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.95 and 0.98, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.99, compared to 0.87 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.87, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -8.21% to 670.10 million shares, from 730.02 million shares the prior day, 0.91x the 734.59 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -865 (compared to +942 the prior day), or 0.55:1. Up volume was 0.52:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -15.1%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.33, down -0.71% from 58.75 at the prior close. The index moved lower at the open, but traded narrowly around 58.60 until late in the session, when the index traded off to 58.30. Volume fell to 46.926 million shares, from 55.294 million shares the prior day, or 0.92:1x the 51.284 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks underperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX fell -0.65%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.44%. Last week, the BKX rose +0.64%. In May, the BKX is up +2.55%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +13.8%, worse than the SPX's +14.1% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +0.66% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +79.2% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +51.4% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index moved well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.54% and +3.77% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.45%, and +12.9% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +6 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.13 points) above the 50-day, and the gap narrowed by -1 bp. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.54 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +1 bp. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.13 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +2 bps.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +17.228, from +19.180 the prior day. Relative strength fell to 63.53, from 67.66 the prior day, in a neutral range. Next resistance is 58.65; next support is at 58.11.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 08:45:47 -0400 This morning. The U.S. equity market uptrend resumed on April 29th. Thursday, U.S. equity indexes closed modestly lower, though on lower volume. The SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite all closed above their respective 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The SPX closed +1.13% above resistance at 1608.53, which suggests that markets will move still higher.

Today, in Asia, Japanese markets closed with exceptional gains as the yen weakened through US$1:101. Chinese equity markets posted moderate gains. Commentary focused on the currency, corporate, and earnings developments. In Europe, equity markets are moderately higher. Commodities are mostly lower. In the U.S., there are no scheduled economic reports. A meeting of the G-7 finance ministers is a focus, but little substantive is expected. Notably, there is no criticism of Japanese currency policy.

U.S. Treasury 10-year yields advanced to 1.853%, from 1.811% the prior day. U.S. repo rates are 12 bps, unchanged from 12 bps the prior day. Spanish and Italian 10-year debt yields are 4.21% and 3.89%, respectively, up from recent low yields. The U.S. dollar is stronger. U.S. options markets are neutral to bearish. CBOE skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, but remains within a neutral range.

The SPX closed at 1626.67, down -0.37% from the prior day's 1632.69 record high close. The index is up +2.81% since April 28th, and +51.4% above the 1074.77 October 4, 2011, intraday low. This week, the SPX is up +0.76%, compared to last week's +2.03% gain. In May, the index is up +1.82%. In April, the SPX closed up +1.81%, compared to a +3.60% gain in March. In 2013, the SPX is up +14.1%. In 2012, the SPX closed up +14.5%. Next resistance is at 1633.42. First support is at 1621.50.

Thursday, the BKX fell -0.71%, underperforming the SPX. This week, the BKX is up +2.44%. Last week, the BKX closed up +0.64%, compared to a gain of +3.15% the prior week. In May, the BKX is up +2.55%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%, compared to a gain of +4.26% in March. This year, the BKX is up +13.8%, underperforming the SPX. Last year, financial stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BKX closed up +30.2%, compared to the +13.4% SPX gain.

In pre-market futures trading, June SPX equity futures are higher, and near the bottom of a 1624-1629 range. After a fair value adjustment of -1.33 points, SPX equity futures are at 1526.00, up +2.83 points. The SPX opens +2.50% and +3.76% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +6.75%, and +10.7% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Thursday. On lower and below average volume, U.S. equity markets closed modestly lower, off the prior day's record SPX, DJI, and TRAN closes. In Europe, the DAX set another record close. The NYSE composite fell -0.57%, followed by the SPX, DJI, and Nasdaq, which fell -0.37%, -0.15%, and -0.12%, respectively. Market breadth was positive, with gainers 0.92:1 losing stocks. Most SPX market segments closed lower. Leaders were health care and consumer services, which rose at least +0.01%, and industrials, which lost -0.01%. Laggards were financials, telecommunications, and utilities, which fell at least -0.74%.

NYSE volume fell -8.21% to 670.10 million shares, from 730.02 million shares the prior day, 0.92x the 20-day moving average volume.

From its 1632.69 prior day record close, the SPX opened modestly lower, but retreated following a weaker than expected March wholesale sales report at 10:00. The index traded narrowly around 1628 into the afternoon session, but rallied higher to a mid-afternoon 1635.01 intraday high. The index weakened into late afternoon to a late 1623.09 intraday low, but improved into the close. The index closed at 1626.67, -0.37% below its record high. Market volatility rose. From its prior 12.66 close, the VIX opened at 12.90 and traded narrowly higher through the morning session. The index weakened to 12.80 by mid-afternoon, then surged to 13.50 in late afternoon. The index eased into the close. The index closed at 13.13, up +3.71%. The all-time closing low was 11.26, set June 30, 1993.

On -29.6% lower volume, the DJ Transports fell -1.13%, compared to the DJI's -0.15% loss, and -1.13% off the May 10th record high close. From its prior 6,411.14 close, the index opened modestly lower, but trended lower through the session to a late 6,326.66 intraday low. The index closed at 6,338.99. The index +3.41% and +3.33% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages, and +7.42%, and +15.6% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages.

Technical factors were little changed. SPX relative strength (RSI) fell to 65.54, from 68.58 the prior day, in a neutral range. The CBOE put/call skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, from 117.35 the prior day, in a neutral range. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, as the 10-year yield rose +4.44 bps to end at 1.8109%, from 1.7665% the prior day.

This week, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +0.76%, +0.73%, +0.90%, and +2.44%, respectively. Last week, SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite closed up +2.03%, +1.78%, +3.03%, and +1.86%, respectively. In May, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +1.82%, +1.64%, +2.41%, and +1.45%, respectively. In April, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are closed up +1.81%, +1.79%, +1.88%, and +1.86%, respectively.

In 2013, the SPX, DJI, Nasdaq, and NYSE composite are up +14.1%, +15.1%, +12.9%, and +11.4%, respectively. All closed at least +5.91% higher in 2012.

Immediate SPX support is 1623 (the 5-day moving average). Resistance is 1633.

Distribution day count. The current uptrend began on April 29th. There have been no subsequent distributions.

In Asia, equity market closed higher, with particular strength in Tokyo. The NKY rose +2.93% on a +16.5% volume increase. In Hong Kong, the HSI rose +0.47% on a -0.01% volume decrease. The SHCOMP rose +0.62% on a -8.31% volume decrease. Commentary focused on today's pronounced yen weakness and corporate and earnings developments.

This week, the NKY is up +6.67%. The HSI is up +2.78%. The SHCOMP is up +1.88%. Last week, the NKY closed down -0.76%, the HSI rose +1.63%, and the SHCOMP closed up +2.45%. In May, the NKY is up +5.39%. The HSI is up +2.57%. The SHCOMP is up +3.16%. In April, the NKY closed up +11.8%, the HSI closed +1.96% higher, and the SHCOMP lost -2.62%. In 2013, the NKY is up +40.5%. The HSI is up +2.93%. The SHCOMP is down -0.98%. In 2012, the NKY rose +1.37%. The HSI rose +22.9%. The SHCOMP rose +3.17%.

In Japan, the NKY closed Friday at 14,607.54, compared to 14,191.48 the prior day. The index gapped higher to open above 14,450 and immediately rallied to 14,550, where it traded narrowly until late morning, when it rallied further to 14,600, where it traded through the session's remainder. The index closed ended +7.13%, +14.4%, +24.8% and +41.6% above its respective 20-, 50-, 100, and 200-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.32% higher. Leaders were technology, consumer goods, and telecommunications, which rose at least +3.61%. Financials rose +3.50%. Laggards were oil and gas, utilities, and health care.

In China, the Hang Seng closed at 23,321.22, compared to 23,211.48 at the prior close. The index closed -2.10% below its January 30th yearly high, but +28.2% above its 18,185.59 June 4th yearly low. The index traded narrowly around breakeven through most of the session, but rallied higher in the final hour to finish just off its 23,330.60 intraday high. The index ended +4.39% and +4.10% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. Most market segments closed higher. Leaders were basic materials, technology, and industrials, which rose at least +0.93%. Financials gained +0.52%. Laggards were telecommunications and consumer goods, which gained +0.13%, and utilities, which lost -0.58%.

In Shanghai, the SHCOMP closed at 2,246.83, compared to 2,232.91 at Thursday's close. The index fell to an early 2,226.00 intraday low, but rallied by mid-morning to its 2,247.63 intraday high. The index fell back to breakeven by mid-session, but rallied through the afternoon's final two hours to close near the high. The index closed -8.69% below its 2,434.48 February 5th high, but up +14.7% from its December 3rd 1,959.77 low. The SHCOMP closed +1.58% above and -0.56% below its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. All market segments closed at least +0.21% higher. Leaders were consumer goods, industrials, and basic materials, which rose at least +0.84%. Financials rose +0.55%. Laggards were health care, technology, and oil and gas.

In Europe, the major equity indexes are higher, with the DAX at record highs. The Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +0.75%, +0.57%, +0.67%, and +0.67%, respectively. The Spanish IBEX 35 and Italian FTSE MIB are up +0.52% and +1.37%, respectively. On the Euro Stoxx50, the index opened at 2,780 and rallied to an early 2,805.30 intraday high. The index currently trades at 2,794.30. All market segments are at least +0.33%. Leaders are health care, telecommunications, and technology, which are up at least +1.01%. Laggards are consumer goods, oil and gas, and financials.

This week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +1.04%, +2.57%, +1.02%, and +2.39%, respectively. Last week, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX were up +2.99%, +0.53%, +2.70%, and +3.94%, respectively. In May, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40 and DAX are up +2.97%, +3.06%, +2.49%, and +5.08%, respectively. In April, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX gained +3.35%, +0.29%, +3.36%, and +1.52%, respectively. In 2013, the Euro Stoxx50, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX are up +5.94%, +12.4%, +8.56%, and +9.24%, respectively. In 2012, the indexes closed up +13.8%, +5.84%, +15.2%, and +29.1%, respectively.

Libor, LOIS, Currencies, Treasuries, Commodities:

· USD LIBOR is 0.14600%, down from 0.14750% the prior day. USD 3-month LIBOR is 0.27510%, unchanged from 0.27510% the prior day, and compares to the January 4, 2013, recent peak of 0.58250%.

· The US Libor-OIS (LOIS) spread is 15.06 bps, compared to 15.31 bps the prior day, and compares to the January 6th high of 50.05 bps. Euribor-OIS is 12.80 bps, up from 12.70 bps the prior day, and down from the December 27, 2011, high of 98.80 bps. Moves in the LOIS indicate changes in intra-bank lending risk premiums.

· The 3-month Euro basis swap is -14.026, compared to -14.786 bps the prior day, and up from a trough of -147.00 bps on December 14, 2011 and within a normal -10 bps and -40 bps range.

· Spanish 10-year debt yields rose to 4.20%, from 4.19% the prior day. Italian 10-year debt yields are at 3.89%, compared to 3.88% the prior day, to another new recent loan yield. German 10-year debt yields are 1.35%, compared to 1.27% the prior day.

· The U.S. government overnight repo rate is 12 bps, up from 12 bps the prior day. The January 2, 2013, 45 bps rate was the highest since late 2008. The 0.00 bps low was on January 31, 2009.

· U.S. Treasury yields are higher, with 2- and 10-year maturities yielding 0.225% and 1.858%, respectively, compared to 0.220% and 1.881% Thursday. The yield curve widened, with the 2- to 10-year spread at +1.634%, compared to 1.591% the prior day. In the past year, the 2- and 10-year spread varied from a low of +1.174% on July 24, 2012, to a high of +1.804% on March 11, 2013.

· The U.S. dollar is stronger compared to the euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. The dollar trades at US$82.977, compared to a US$83.039 intraday high and US$82.793 the prior day, and better compared to its $82.534 50-day, US$81.361 100-day, and US$80.902 200-day averages. The euro trades at US$1.3004, compared to a US$1.2982 intraday low and US$1.3043 the prior day. The euro trades mixed compared to its US$1.3006 50-day and US$1.3153 100-day averages, and compares to a multi-year low of US$1.1877 on June 7, 2010. In Japan, the dollar trades at ¥101.70, compared to ¥100.59 the prior day, at a fresh 4-year low. The yen trades worse than its 50-day moving average ¥96.87.

· Citigroup Economic Surprise Index improved to -6.90, from -7.90 the prior day. The index is worse compared to its respective -4.50 and -4.15 5-day and 10-day moving averages. From its July 19th -65.30 low, the index improved rapidly and turned positive last September 5th, but the index signaled exhaustion on December 20th, and from 55.76 moved lower to -30.80 on January 30th. The index turned positive on February 25th and moved to a March 25th high of 30.20, but turned negative again on April 17th. After a lag, the CESIUSD correlates with EPS revisions.

· Commodities prices are mostly lower, with lower energy, lower precious metals, lower aluminum and copper, and mixed agriculture prices.

Volatility, Skew:

· The VIX closed at 13.13, up +3.71% from 12.66 at the prior close. The VIX is -6.37% below its 14.02 20-day moving average. Its 30-day high is 18.20. Its 30-day low is 11.99. The index's all-time closing low is 11.26 on June 30, 1993. The long-term average is 20.28.

· At mid-session, the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index (V2X) is 17.07, down -0.86% from 17.22 at the prior day's close. The V2X index trades -12.4% below its 19.48 20-day moving average, -27.3% below the 23.49 30-day high, and +0.21% above the 17.03 30-day low.

· The Hang Seng volatility index (VHSI) closed at 14.70, up +0.27% from 14.66 the prior day. The VHSI index trades -10.2% below its 16.36 20-day moving average. Its lowest historical close was 11.72, on June 30, 2005.

· CBOE skew rose +1.47% to 119.08, from 117.35 at the prior day's close, and within a neutral (115-120) range. Spikes in excess of 130 (as on February 15th and 18th and previously on September 21, and March 12, 15, and 16) correlate well with short-term market tops. The recent high closes were 130.46 on February 15th and 130.60 on September 21st. The recent low was 113.23 on November 14th. The index rarely falls below 110, last on July 31, 2009. The index correlates with market tail risks, the cost of buying out-of-the-money, long-dated options, i.e., options not affected by expirations. A rise suggests that investors are buying more puts than calls, a bearish signal.

U.S. News:

· G-7 finance ministers meet this weekend.

Overseas News:

· Italy - March industrial production fell -0.8%, compared to -0.3% survey and -0.9% revised prior.

· Portugal - March construction works index was 47.9, compared to 46.8 revised prior.

· United Kingdom - March MoM construction output rose +12.1%, compared to +15.0% survey and +8.7% revised prior.

Company Ratings/News:

· None.

Price and Selling Exhaustion/Trend Reversal (based on TD sequential):

SPX - On a monthly basis, the SPX initiated a buy setup in June 2008, with the month's 1404.05 high setting the resistance level. The setup perfected at 735.09 in February 2009. A sell setup ensued in May 2009. In September 2010, a follow-on setup began. The May 2009 setup perfected in January 2010. Its countdown completed in January 2012, closing at 1312.41 and setting a 1429.36 risk level. The follow-on setup perfected in May 2011. In March 2012, the index closed at 1408.47, above resistance, suggesting further upside. In September 2012, the index closed at 1440.67, above the 1429.36 risk level and suggesting the likelihood of further upside. In October and November, the index closed below the risk level, but above support. Also, the follow-on countdown rose to 8 in September 2012, but hasn't subsequently progressed. In August 2012, the index initiated a new sell setup, which in April progressed to 9, when the index closed at 1597.57, compared to 1569.19, compared to 1514.68 the prior month and 1426.19 four months prior. The sell countdown stemming with the May 2011 perfection rose to 12. The index closed +11.8% in excess of the risk level, suggesting that the uptrend will continue.

On a weekly basis, the SPX signaled selling exhaustion the week ended June 8th, during which the SPX traded to an intraweek 1266.74 low on June 4th, and then perfected a weekly buy setup with its 1325.66 close. The next week's bullish price flip initiated a sell setup that perfected on August 10th at 1405.87. On January 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week ending March 1. On January 31st, the sell countdown associated with August 10th perfection completed and generated a 1525.36 risk level. In the week ending May 3rd, the index closed up +2.03% at 1614.42, compared to 1582.24 the prior week and 1553.28 close four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the March 8th perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +5.84% above the 1525.36 risk level.

On a daily basis, the SPX perfected a sell setup on August 15th at 1405.53, and completed its sell countdown on September 13th, with its 1459.99 close. The index showed weak subsequent trend until November 19th, when a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with support at 1359.88, the open and intraday low. The index perfected the setup on November 30th with its 1416.18 close, initiating a sell countdown, w6hich completed on January 7th. On January 9th, a bullish price flip initiated another sell setup, which perfected on January 22nd. On March 6th, the sell countdown associated with the January 7th setup perfected and set a 1561.74 risk level, based on the March 6th 18.27 range and 1543.47 intraday high. On March 13th, the sell setup perfected. On April 29th, the sell countdown associated with the March 13th perfection completed and set a 1608.53 risk level, which superseded the prior risk level. On Thursday, the SPX fell -0.37% to close at 1626.67, from 1632.69 the prior day and 1614.42 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 6. The index closed +1.13% above the 1608.53 risk level, which based on the SPX's April 11th 11.18 point trading range and 1597.35 intraday high.

BKX - On a monthly basis, the BKX perfected a buy setup in December 2007, but has yet to complete its associated buy countdown, which is has been a deferred 13 since April 2011. That same month, the BKX initiated a buy setup, but the setup has remained unperfected since December 2011, when the index closed at 39.38. The buy countdown would complete with a close below 28.72, the February 2009 close with an 8 buy countdown. In September 2012, it initiated a sell setup, which rose to 3 in November. In April, the BKX rose +1.07% to end at 56.88, compared to 56.28 at the end of March and 51.28 four months prior. The sell setup rose to 8.

On a weekly basis, the BKX recorded a completed buy countdown December 2, 2011. A bullish price flip in the week ending December 16th initiated a sell setup, which perfected the week of February 10th, when the index closed at 44.53. A bearish price flip ensued the week of April 13th, and a buy setup perfected the week of June 8th, when the index closed at 40.86. A bullish price flip occurred on July 27th, and the sell setup perfected on September 21st. Subsequent trends were weak until December 7, when the index initiated a new sell setup, which perfected on February 1st. On February 22nd, the sell countdown associated with the September 21st perfection completed and set a 56.93 risk level. On May 3rd, the BKX closed at 56.94, up +0.64% from 56.58 the prior week and 55.14 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection progressed to 6. The index closed +0.02% above the 56.93 risk level, which is based on the February 22nd week's 1.08 point range and 55.85 high.

On a daily basis, the BKX signaled selling exhaustion on June 4th, then rallied to 44.65 on June 19th, when it perfected a sell setup. The index completed a sell countdown on August 8th, and on August 15th, perfected a daily follow-on sell setup. On September 6th, the BKX initiated a new setup with its +2.93% gain, which broke through resistance at 47.75. On September 14th, the index completed a sell countdown, followed on September 19th, with an unperfected sell setup. A sell countdown began on September 28th. On December 17th, the 50.62 close above the November 1st 50.45 close and above the prior two days' close completed a sell countdown and initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 13th. On March 14th, the sell setup closed above 57.22 and perfected. On March 19, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup with a 56.84 close. On April 1st, the buy setup perfected. Thursday, the index closed at 58.33, down -0.71% from 58.75 the prior day and 56.94 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 6 buy countdown associated with the April 1st perfection is unchanged since April 18th.

VIX - On a monthly basis, the VIX perfected a sell setup in October 2007. The associated sell countdown progressed to a deferred 13 in June 2012, but is subsequently unchanged. In January, the VIX fell -23.9%, initiating a buy countdown. The VIX ended April at 13.52, compared to 12.70 at the end of March and 18.02 at the end of December. The buy setup progressed to 4.

On a weekly basis, the VIX perfected a buy setup on January 27, 2012, and a sell setup on June 8th, followed by another perfected buy setup on August 10th. On April 12th, the VIX completed the buy countdown associated with the August 10th setup, which also established a 9.17 risk level. The week ending May 3rd, the VIX fell 5.58% to end at 12.85, from 13.61 the prior week, and 13.92 weeks prior. The bearish flip cancelled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a daily basis, the VIX reached an sell countdown of 11 on June 4th, and subsequently exhibited a more distinct downward trend with a perfected setup on August 17th, followed by a perfected sell setup on August 31st. Subsequently, the VIX exhibited little in the way of a distinct trend. On November 23rd, the index perfected a sell setup. On January 16th, the VIX perfected the buy setup begun on December 31st. On January 18th, a bearing flip initiated a new buy setup and a buy countdown stemming from the January 16th setup perfection. On March 1st, a bearish flip initiated a buy setup. On March 11th, the buy countdown associated with the January 16th perfection completed, and set a 10.41 risk level. On March 15th, the buy setup associated with March 1st flip perfected. Thursday, the VIX rose +3.71% to 13.13, from 12.66 at the prior close and 12.85 at the 4 days' prior close. The bullish index flip canceled a 5 buy setup progressed and initiated a sell setup. The buy countdown associated with the March 15th perfection is a deferred 13. The VIX closed +26.1% above the risk level.

EUR, USD Cross - On a monthly basis, Euro Dollar cross perfected a buy setup on May 30, 2008, at 1.554. Subsequent monthly trends were weak until December 31, 2009, when a monthly decline of -4.56% brought the index to 1.4321. The downward move continued until July 2010, when from 1.2238, the index rose +7.10%, with an unperfected buy setup in August 2010. The index failed to establish much strong upward momentum, however, peaking at the end of April 2011 at 1.4807, but then trending lower to retest the July 2010 lows. In March, a bearish price initiated a buy setup. The cross ended April at 1.3168, up +2.75% compared to 1.2815 the prior month and 1.3579 4 months prior. The buy setup progressed to 2. The 9 buy countdown progressed was unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the cross perfected a buy setup on January 6th, followed by another buy setup and completed countdown on June 1, 2012, when the cross closed at 1.2434. The cross completed a buy countdown on July 27th, and set a 1.1964 risk level. The index initiated an sell setup the week ended August 3rd, when it closed at 1.2387, and the setup perfected on September 28, with a 1.2860 close. On January 18th, the index completed a sell setup at 1.336. The week of May 3rd, the index fell -0.43% to end at 1.3114, from 1.3030 the prior week and 1.2991 4 weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 11 sell countdown associated with the September 28th perfection was unchanged. The cross closed +9.61% above the 1.1964 risk level.

On a daily basis, the EURUSD cross perfected a sell setup on September 12th. The subsequent trend was lower until a buy setup initiated on November 2nd and perfected on November 14th with a 1.2736 close. The index initiated a buy setup the following day and perfected the setup on November 27th at 1.2943. On January 11th, the sell countdown stemming from the November 27th completed, setting a 1.3393 risk level. On January 24th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup which rose to an unperfected 9 on February 5th. On February 14th, a bearish price flip initiated a sell setup, which subsequently perfected on February 26th. On April 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on April 12th. With Thursday's -0.894% lower close, the EURUSD cross ended at 1.3043, from 1.3153 the prior day and 1.3114 four days prior. The lower close cancelled a sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The sell countdown associated with the April 12th perfection progressed to 5. The cross closed -2.61% below the risk level.

USGG10YR - On a monthly basis, the USGG10YR began a downward trend from 5.0506% in May 2006, perfecting a sell setup in April 2008 (at 3.7295%) and completing the associated buy countdown in June 2011 (at 3.1600%), when it produced a 1.1121% risk factor. A subsequent 9 buy setup perfected in May 2012, with the rate at 1.5578%. In September 2012, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. The rate ended April at 1.6717%, compared to 1.8487% the prior month and 1.7574% 4 months prior. The bearish rate flip canceled a 7 sell setup and initiated a buy setup.

On a weekly basis, the index perfected a buy setup on June 8th, but subsequent trends were weak until a December 7th bullish rate flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on February 1st, when the rate ended at 2.0149%. The rate has subsequently shown little trend, and the associated sell setup is unchanged at 1. The rate ended the most recent week at 1.7382%, compared to 1.6633% the prior Friday and 1.7182% four weeks prior. The bullish rate flip cancelled a 4 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The 1 sell countdown associated with the February 1st perfection is unchanged.

On a daily basis, the USGG10YR completed a downward setup on May 8th, followed by two downward countdowns on May 17th and June 4th. Subsequent trends were weak until August 3rd, when the rate rose nearly 9 bps to end at 1.5905%, a bullish rate flip that initiated a new upward setup. This setup perfected on August 15th, when the rate ended at 1.8155%. A new downward setup commenced on August 21st, when the rate rose to 1.8610% before ending at 1.7984%, below the prior 4 day's close of 1.8155%. The downward setup perfected on August 31st, when the rate ended at 1.5484%. The trend reversed upward on September 3rd, and the upward setup reached an unperfected 9 on September 18th. After a late October intraday spike to 1.861%, the trend was lower until November 16th, when the rate closed at 1.580%. A bullish price flip on December 7th initiated a sell setup. On December 19th, the rate perfected its sell setup and initiated a sell countdown. On February 20th, a bearish rate flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 4th. On April 8th, the buy setup perfected. On April 15th, the buy countdown associated with the March 4th perfection completed and set a 1.6098% risk level, based on the April 5th 10.61 bps range between the intraday high and low rate and 1.7159% close. On Thursday, the rate ended at 1.8109%, from 1.7665% the prior day and 1.7382% four days prior. The buy setup progressed to 5. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 8th perfection was unchanged.

NKY - On a monthly basis, the NKY perfected a buy setup on April 30, 2009 (at 8,828.26), but subsequently traded narrowly until November, 2012, when the index rose +5.80%, following an increase of +1.50% in October, and initiated a sell setup. The index closed April at 13,860.86, up +11.8% from 12,397.91 the prior month and 10,395.18 four months prior, its 7th consecutive monthly gain. The sell setup rose to 6.

On a weekly basis, the NKY perfected a sell setup on March 9th, and a subsequent buy setup on June 1st with a countdown of 8. The index initiated a sell setup on October 26th, and on December 21st, the sell setup perfected. Notably, on December 28th, the index closed at 10,395.18, +2.01% above 10,190.35 resistance (its April 4th weekly high), suggesting further upside. The sell countdown associated with the December 21st perfection completed April 5th and set a 14.645.46 risk level, based on the 1,419.84 point range on that day and 13,225.62 intraday high. For the week ending May 10th, the index closed up +6.67% at 14,607.54, from 13,694.04 the prior week and 13,485.14 four weeks' prior. The index closed -0.26% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the November 15th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on November 30th. The associated sell countdown completed on December 28th. On January 4th, the index opened after the New Year's holiday, and closed above resistance, suggesting further upside. Though the index subsequently moved higher, it was without strong trend until a March 4th bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On March 15th, the sell setup perfected with its close above the March 12th 12,461.97 intraday high. The associated sell countdown completed on April 26th, and set a 14,115.54 risk level, based on the April 26th 13,983.87 intraday high and 131.67 point range. On March 27th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 15th. Friday, the index rose +2.93% to 14,607.54, from 14,191.48 the prior day and 13,694.04 four days prior. The sell setup progressed to 4. The sell countdown associated with the April 26th perfection rose to 8. The index closed +3.49% above the risk level, suggesting further upside.

HSI - On a monthly basis, the HSI perfected a buy countdown on March 31, 2009, and two subsequent perfected upward setups on December 31, 2009 and May 31, 2011. In February, the index closed at 23,020.27, completing the sell countdown stemming from the May 2011 perfection. The completed countdown set a 27,194.16 risk level. A bullish price flip in September 2012 initiated a sell setup. The index ended April at 22,737.01, up +1.96% from 22,299.63 the prior month and 22,656.92 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 8. The index closed -16.4% below the risk level.

On a weekly basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup on March 2, 2012, and the associated sell countdown completed on September 21, 2012, and set a 22,357.00 risk level, based on the September 14, 2012, when it set a 22,357.00 risk level. The index perfected two sell setups on November 9th and February 1st. A buy setup initiated the following week and perfected on April 5th, initiating a sell countdown. On May 10th, the index closed at 23,321.22, from 22,689.96 the prior week and 22,089.05 four weeks prior. The sell setup progressed to 3. The 1 sell countdown associated with the April 5th perfection was unchanged. The index closed +4.31% above the risk level.

On a daily basis, the HSI perfected a sell setup and completed an upward countdown on August 8th. After September 5th's lower close, the index perfected a buy setup. A sell setup commenced on September 9th, followed by a completed countdown on October 24th, with a trend of 22,071.74, and another perfected setup on October 25th. It completed another sell countdown on December 6th. The index perfected another sell setup on December 14th, and completed the associated countdown on January 23rd, when it set a 23,881.32 risk level. On April 19th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup, which perfected on May 2nd and initiated a sell countdown. On Friday, the HSI rose +0.47% to 23,321.22, from 23,211.48 the prior day and 22,915.09 four days prior. The sell countdown progressed to 6. The index closed -2.35% below the risk level.

SHCOMP - On a monthly basis, the SHCOMP perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008, and subsequently rallied to an August 31, 2009, high, but without perfecting a subsequent sell setup. In May 2011, the SHCOMP assumed a downward trend and perfected a buy setup on January 31, 2012. In December, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. In April, the index closed at 2,177.91, down -2.62% from 2,236.62 the prior month and 2,269.13 four months prior. The bearish price flip canceled a 4 sell setup and initiated a buy setup. The buy countdown associated with the January 2012 perfection progressed to 7.

On a weekly basis, the SHCOMP last perfected a buy setup on April 8, 2011. The index has subsequently trended lower, with a downward perfected setup on September 23, 2011, and January 6, 2012 countdown completion, when it closed at 2,163.40. The index rallied to a high of 2,476.22 during the week ending March 16th, but without perfecting an upward setup. On July 13th, the index perfected a buy setup. In subsequent weeks, it traded below the sales exhaustion target of 2148.45 to a 1980.12 close on November 30th, when the buy countdown reached 11. On December 14th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup at 2,059.47. That setup perfected on February 8th, with a 2,432.40 close, up +18.1%. On May 10th, the index closed the week up +1.88% at 2,246.83, from 2,205.50 the prior week and 2,206.78 four weeks prior. The bullish price flip cancelled a 7 buy setup and initiated a sell setup. The sell countdown associated with the February 8th perfection progressed to 2.

On a daily basis, On December 4th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup. On January 14th, the sell setup that began on December 25th perfected; also, the bullish price flip initiated a follow-on sell setup. On March 26th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on April 9th and canceled a deferred sell countdown. Friday, the index rose +0.62% to 2,246.83, from 2,769.44 at the prior close and 2,231.17 4 days prior. The sell setup progressed to 5. The 7 buy countdown associated with the April 9th perfection was unchanged.

SX5E - On a monthly basis, the Euro Stoxx50 last perfected an sell setup on May 31, 2007. It perfected a buy setup on September 30, 2008. The buy countdown completed in May 2012. A bullish price flip in August initiated a sell setup. The index closed at 2,712.00, compared to 2,624.02 the prior month and 2,635.91 four months prior. The sell setup progressed to 9, but did not perfect.

On a weekly basis, the index trends are more pronounced, having perfected an sell setup on March 16th (at 2,511.42), followed by a buy setup initiation on March 30th, which perfected on May 25th, when the index closed at 2,161.87, down -13.9%. On June 15th, a bullish price flip initiated a sell setup with a 2,181.23 close. The index subsequently rallied to perfect a sell setup on August 10th, when it closed at 2,362.69, up +9.29%. A bullish price flip the week of November 23rd (2,557.03 close) initiated a sell setup that perfected on January 18th at 2,709.59, up +5.97%. The sell countdown associated with the August 10th perfection also completed on January 18th, when the index closed at 2,709.59, up +24.2% over the June 15th bullish price flip. The completion set a 2,785.45 risk level. Since January 18th, the subsequent trend is lower. In the week ended May 3rd, the index rose +2.99% to end at 2,763.68, compared to 2,683.43 the prior week and 2,585.28 at the 4 weeks' prior close. The sell setup progressed to 2. The sell countdown stemming from the January 18th perfection progressed to 5. The index closed -0.78% below the risk level.

On a daily basis, the index perfected a downward setup on May 14th, when it closed at 2,201.95. The index subsequently rallied through a perfected sell setup on June 18th (2,155.65 close) and completed its sell countdown on July 20th (2,237.33 close) On September 13th, the index perfected a sell setup with a 2,543.22 close. Daily trends were weak through November 16th, without sustained upward or downward setups and countdowns. Strong gains on November 19th initiated an upward setup with a 2,495.21 close. On November 29th, the index perfected an upward setup at 2,581.69. On January 3rd, the index completed the associated countdown (with a 2,701.22 close) and set a 2,786.57 risk level, based on the prior day's 2,711.25 high and 51.46 intraday range. On March 14th, the March 4th sell setup perfected. On March 18th, a bearish price flip initiated a buy setup, which perfected on March 28th, and initiated a buy countdown. On April 23rd, a bullish price flip initiated a sell countdown, which perfected on May 3rd. The perfection initiated a sell countdown. Thursday, the index fell -0.41% to2,773.16, from 2,784.62 the prior day and 2,763.68 at the prior 4 days' close. The 4 sell countdown was unchanged. The index closed -0.48% below the risk level.

1Q2013 Earnings. Of 450 reporting companies, 322 or 71.6% surprised positively on earnings, with a +5.13% surprise average. Of reporting companies, 215 or 47.9% reported sales or revenues in excess of estimates. The average sales/revenue surprise is -0.67%.

Valuation. The SPX trades at 15.7x 2012 earnings ($103.41), 14.7x estimated 2013 earnings ($110.29), and 13.3x estimated 2014 earnings ($122.55). The 10-year average median price/earnings multiple is 15.9x. Analysts expect 2013 and 2014 earnings to grow +6.72% and +11.1%, respectively.

Options. Options markets are neutral to bearish. Composite options are neutral, index options are neutral, and equity options markets are bearish. The composite put/call ratio is 0.98, compared to 0.87 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.88 and 0.90, respectively. The index put/call ratio rose to 1.02, from 0.88 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.95 and 0.98, respectively. The equity put/call ratio closed the day at 0.99, compared to 0.87 the prior day, and worse compared to its 5- and 10-period moving averages of 0.85 and 0.87, respectively.

NYSE Indicators. Volume fell -8.21% to 670.10 million shares, from 730.02 million shares the prior day, 0.91x the 734.59 million share 20-day moving average. Market breadth was negative, and up volume lagged down volume. Advancing stocks lagged decliners by -865 (compared to +942 the prior day), or 0.55:1. Up volume was 0.52:1 down volume.

BKX. Volume fell -15.1%, and the KBW bank index closed at 58.33, down -0.71% from 58.75 at the prior close. The index moved lower at the open, but traded narrowly around 58.60 until late in the session, when the index traded off to 58.30. Volume fell to 46.926 million shares, from 55.294 million shares the prior day, or 0.92:1x the 51.284 million share 15-day moving average.

Large cap banks underperformed the regional banks' performance, as the KRX fell -0.65%.

This week, the BKX is up +2.44%. Last week, the BKX rose +0.64%. In May, the BKX is up +2.55%. In April, the BKX rose +1.07%. For the year, the BKX is up +13.8%, worse than the SPX's +14.1% rise. In 2012, the index rose +30.2%, compared to a +13.4% rise in the SPX.

The BKX has closed above 50 since December 17th. The BKX closed +0.66% above its 57.95 April 23, 2010 close (the prior post-2008 high point), and +79.2% above the 32.56 intraday low on October 4, 2011. Large-cap bank stocks have outperformed the broader market's rebound, with the SPX up +51.4% in the same period.

Technical indicators improved. The index moved well above its 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +3.54% and +3.77% above its respective 20- and 50-day moving averages. The index closed +6.45%, and +12.9% above its respective 100- and 200-day moving averages. The index has closed above its 100-day moving average since August 7th. The 20-day moving average rose +7 bps. The 50-day moving average rose +9 bps. Its 100-day moving average rose +9 bps, and the 200-day moving average rose +6 bps. The 20-day closed (by +0.13 points) above the 50-day, and the gap narrowed by -1 bp. The 50-day moving average closed (by +4.54 points) above the 200-day moving average, and the gap widened +1 bp. The 100-day moving average closed (by +3.13 points) above the 200-day moving average since March 19th, and the gap widened +2 bps.

The directional movement indicator narrowed to +17.228, from +19.180 the prior day. Relative strength fell to 63.53, from 67.66 the prior day, in a neutral range. Next resistance is 58.65; next support is at 58.11.

]]> SPX DJI RTY TRAN CCMP NYA VIX SKEW NKY EURUSD USGG10YR HSI SHCOMP SX5E CAC DAX FTSE JPY GBP EUR