Markets are closed in memoriam for the recently deceased former president Jimmy Carter, but futures remain open.
The USD index futures are ahead 0.01% to 108.940 this morning with the 10-year yield down 0.77% to 4.657 and the 30-year yield down 0.97% to 4.884%.
Gold (+0.67%), silver (+1.35%), copper (+2.10%), and oil (+0.37%) are all higher.
Stock futures are mixed, with the DJIA down 5.4 points, the S&P 500 futures down 6.9 points, and the NASDAQ down 0.17%. Risk barometer Bitcoin (-2.21%) is down $2,112 to $93,353.
First Five Days Indicator
The First Five Days indicator tracks market performance for the period and ends this afternoon at 4:00 pm. With the S&P 500 closing yesterday at 5,909.03, it is a mere 27.4 points above the 2024 closing level of 5,881.63. If it holds that level today, it eliminates the likelihood of a down January (and failed January Barometer). If it closes below that level, it increases the odds of 2025 being a down year or, at best, sharply reduced gains.
Statistically, if any one of the SCR, FFD, or JB has a negative outcome, the failed "trifecta" results in a 59.5% probability of an up year (versus 90.6% for a full "Trifecta") with an average gain of just 2.9%. Richard Russell used to say that the FFD only provided a clue to the outcome for January and not for the full year. He placed far greater emphasis on the JB.
December Seasonality Trades
In early December, I suggested that year-end rebalancing would favour bonds over stocks and that a "Long TLT/Short SPY" set-up would benefit from portfolio managers selling stocks and buying bonds in order to get the portfolio weightings back to 60% stocks-40% bonds. Well, one half of that trade worked beautifully with the SPY:US down 1.8% for the month.
Conversely, the bond market get walloped as bonds were sold off with the 10-yr. and 30-yr. yields rising 50 basis points in December.
We bought the combination at the following prices:
- TLT January $90 calls: $4.35
- SPY January $600 puts: $6.10 Total: $10.45
As of month end, prices went out at:
- TLT January $90 calls: $0.06
- SPY January $600 puts: $15.09 Total: $15.15
Profit: $4.70 44.98% return
We also provided a year-end strategy whereby small-cap stocks outperform large-cp stocks due to excessive tax-loss selling in the more speculative small-cap issues. That, too, failed to adhere to historical norms.
In early December, we put on the following trade:
- SPY January $590 puts at $3.75
- IWM January $245 calls at $5.00 Net debit: $8.75
As of month end, prices went out at:
- SPY January $590 puts at $15.09
- IWM January $245 calls at $.03 Net debit: $15.12
Profit: $6.37 72.8% return
These trades worked well, but to be brutally honest, it was totally for reasons that were far removed from my expectations. That bonds and small caps went wonky in a seasonally strong period is extremely bearish.
Getchell Gold Corp.
Getchell Gold Corp.'s (GTCH:CSE; GGLDF:OTCQB) widely-expected PEA is due out shortly, and I for one, am speculating that it will result in a rerating and higher prices.
I have been quietly accumulating more stock at current prices and looking for a pop-by month-end.
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- As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Getchell Gold Corp.
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Michael Ballanger Disclosures
This letter makes no guarantee or warranty on the accuracy or completeness of the data provided. Nothing contained herein is intended or shall be deemed to be investment advice, implied or otherwise. This letter represents my views and replicates trades that I am making but nothing more than that. Always consult your registered advisor to assist you with your investments. I accept no liability for any loss arising from the use of the data contained on this letter. Options and junior mining stocks contain a high level of risk that may result in the loss of part or all invested capital and therefore are suitable for experienced and professional investors and traders only. One should be familiar with the risks involved in junior mining and options trading and we recommend consulting a financial adviser if you feel you do not understand the risks involved.