Surprise, and a belated "happy new year"! Finally back at it after a 10-week vacation playing outdoors in sunny climes, wearing minimal clothing and wrecking a sports car. No injuries other than to the pocketbook.
Our past two Annual Forecasts proved very accurate and we'll offer another at some point late as though that may be. Until then, in order to catch up the updates will probably be short and scattered.
Copper is breaking down again, to new multi-year lows. We predicted this back in March and April of last year, and is one of the indicators we factored in our decision to so successfully short gold and silver last year against overwhelming mass sentiment.
A breakdown in "Dr. Copper" augers poorly for global economies and equities. No comment on gold at present.
Last update, in December, we were bearish on markets and early this year stocks took quite a quick tumble. Most indexes are back to all-time highs, though not the DJIA. We're not bullish on stocks.
Here's one reason why: Stock caution urged as margin debt levels hit new highs, P/E valuations, record highs flash warnings
For balance we note that margin has been at record highs for some months, as it was before the major bull market of the mid-late 1990's.
At yesterday's highs it was up over 1100%
We suggest it's a good time to sell some, though not all, and sell more if it closes again below $1.00
We sold a little yesterday, and will sell more if it closes below $1.00
We also offered the idea to go long ONCS (Oncosec Med Inc) in August of last year, when the stock was at $0.32 Its recently up as much as 200%
We suggest it's a good time to sell some, though not all. We've not yet sold any, though may at any time without prior notice.
There's much controversy over high-frequency trading, especially now that the Wall Street Journal reports Virtu IPO Poised to Make a Multi-Billionaire of Vinnie Viola.
Related, must-read: High-Speed Trader Isn't So Good With Numbers
Wikipedia describes high-frequency trading (HFT) as "a type of algorithmic trading, specifically the use of sophisticated technological tools, trading strategies and computer algorithms to rapidly trade securities."
Many claim the proliferation of HFT has ruined the chances of the average investor in the stock market. As we caution with all conspiracy theories and blame games, don't get caught up in it. It's simply not true. For proof you need look no further than our website or its sponsor.
Disclosure: I am long TRTC, ONCS, GLD.