Calm before the storm?

[Svenwulf]

Dow up, naz up, s&p up. But bonds are up? Succesive, declining volume last 3 days. I could be wrong, but to me this means the spring is getting coiled.. which way will it shoot?

[Svenwulf]

Maybe everyone is already gone for the holiday?

[SpongeBob]

I am going to short the Bank Stocks tomorrow.

[NATHAN LLOYD]

It seems to me that all the firms are holding cash and holding profits. Most stocks are just wiggling, and not really moving. This way they can say look at what we've gained this quarter.

Is there a lot of selling after a quarter is over?

[Seamus]

It will be interesting with the larger than expected housing report and buyouts if Bernake doesn't trow down the 50 instead of the 25. Kind of take that and slow down, I double dare you to get up.

So does Wall Street think the market is adjusted to these rates? Probably not, someone mentioned shorting party on another thread, could be coming up.

[Svenwulf]

I don't know about a shorting party, but here is food for thought:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn =1 (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn=1)

Still learning, so i don't know how much to listen to Jubak, but i understand he is on the conservative side. He says its a bounce, and you should sell into it. Someone out there is going to be following his advice.

[bahroor]

I don't know about a shorting party, but here is food for thought:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn =1 (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn=1)

Still learning, so i don't know how much to listen to Jubak, but i understand he is on the conservative side. He says its a bounce, and you should sell into it. Someone out there is going to be following his advice.

I think he's well respected in the "investor" comunity. So to answer you question... yes, a lot of people will listen.

[Svenwulf]

As fixated as we are with the fed, what's going on with china? increasing central reserves, revaluing currencey, and increasing rates? Thats a triple; talk about taking out the economy and shooting it! our fed overshoots (historicaly) half the time, and all they use is rates... I know china is red hot, and i know this sounds like i am a basher (hope not.. just trying to talk it out!) but the hotter it is the more it will burn you? Just seems like the summer bear could too easily turn into a prolonged thing. As for the fed a .50 increase is usually how they end the cycle, so i see a .50 hike thurs as totally bullish. The panic would ensue initially, but if your smart and disciplined you could trade for some nice profits.

[Seamus]

I don't know about a shorting party, but here is food for thought:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn =1 (http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/Experts/Jubak/Jim_Jubak.aspx?msn=1)

Still learning, so i don't know how much to listen to Jubak, but i understand he is on the conservative side. He says its a bounce, and you should sell into it. Someone out there is going to be following his advice.

Jubak is right on for part of my portfolio, I am looking at selling on this bounce half of my positions in some stocks, taking profits and looking for better prices if it is a bounce in the event things come down. If not then the remaining half can ride.

[NATHAN LLOYD]

From what I've seen it's a bounce that is being held up by news and MM's. I'm short a horrible stock and long another one. The bad stocks this week that I picked to short are floating not moving but about .5% in both directions on very weak volume. It could just be cautious buying before the fed.

I actually think it's up to Bernanke. If he pauses after the hike, it's a rally. If he continues this .25 and watch #'s it's going to be a rough summer.

The interstate seemed a little less busy this weekend. I think some people have been affected by these $3 oil prices.

Note to future traders: Bernanke is attacking you, and not the market. The slowdown (if there is one) is because of high energy prices and it doesn't have a thing to do with the Fed. High energy prices will increase supply and not demand. Do you think India would stop selling it's oil? That is a stupid thought! They're making idle threats to increase their profits. Think about it.

[Svenwulf]

OOWWIIEE..its not even noon and we are down close to a percent for the dow. Volume has picked up too. The bad news doesn't even happen till tomorrow!

[NATHAN LLOYD]

Let the carnage begin. GM started this. I'm short like usual. Let's go bears!

[clavocat]

my shorts are doing really really good today :) thank god i held through consolidation!!

[optimus25]

...building defensive, beaten down, stock positions for the long term. I'm more prepared now than 2002. Let the carnage commence.

[Svenwulf]

02? i dunno about that bad.. dow actually holding this afternoon (so far) Its always good to be cash around fed meetings.

[optimus25]

02? i dunno about that bad.. dow actually holding this afternoon (so far) Its always good to be cash around fed meetings.

I'm not saying its gonna be that bad. I'm just saying that I am more prepared and more experienced to handle what the market may or may not dish out. 02' was really bad and I got caught with my pants down.

[Svenwulf]

Is it me or is the volume tappering off this afternoon? Seemed to start much stronger..

[optimus25]

I noticed that the Dow is off the Intra-day lows also...

[Svenwulf]

Ahh yes here it comes now (dow sittin at -.95%).. and i thought the street had the fed meeting priced in? Damn head fakes..

[optimus25]

Ahh yes here it comes now (dow sittin at -.95%).. and i thought the street had the fed meeting priced in? Damn head fakes..

25 basis points priced in. small chance we'll see 50. that'll be great.

[madcowdisease]

Will be a great time to do homework and look for bargains with the holiday coming up and likely very little volume. Take your time, sit back, and study away. Of course, I will be loaded to the gills with Budweiser and shooting 2.25" shells in the air every night. Let's hope I still have all my fingers next week.

[chinaman711]

Look at the past 2 months after a big down day on tue there is usually a strong up day on wed. Best to trade this market till the fed gets done imo. If your looking for bargains look at chinese stocks that is where the action will be in the years to come.