Stocks bounced back on Thursday, even after another 5.24 million initial jobless claims were announced. Over the last four weeks there have been 22.03 million claims filed and that is more than the 21.9 million jobs added to non-farm payrolls in the last 10 years.
Three of the four main sectors moved higher despite the poor economic statistics. The Nasdaq led the way with a gain of 1.66% and the S&P posted a gain of 0.58%. The Dow managed to slide in to black in the closing minutes and finished with a move of 0.14%.
The Russell was the lone index that finished in the red with a drop of 0.50%.The main sectors were split on the day with six moving higher and four moving lower.
The healthcare sector led the way with a gain of 2.18%.
The tech sector moved up 1.22% and the consumer discretionary sector tacked on 1.2% and those were the only other sectors that gained more than 1.0%.
The energy sector got hit hard again with a drop of 4.27% and that was the worst performance on the day.
The financial sector declined 1.76% and that was the only other sector to lose over 1.0%.
My scans slowed down a little last night with one bullish signal and 23 bearish signals. This was the first night in the last four that we haven’t had triple digit bearish signals.
The barometer rose a little with the smaller numbers. The final reading was -124.5, up from the record low of -177.9.
I hate to keep suggesting bearish trade ideas day after day as I prefer to have some balance, but there are so many stocks in overbought territory at this time. Today’s trade idea is on Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) and the company scores very poorly in the fundamental ratings. The EPS rating is an 8 and the SMR rating is a D.
The pattern on the daily chart looks like the stock has formed a double top in the $40-$41 area. In order for the pattern to be completed the stock will need to drop below the low between the peaks. In this case that’s $31.08. I look for the stock to re-test the March low.
Buy to open the June 37.50-strike puts on CREE at $5.60 or better. These options expire on June 19. With the option premiums and volatility high, I suggest a target gain of 50% on this trade. For the options to hit our target the stock will need to drop to $29.10. I suggest a stop at $38.00.
— Rick Pendergraft
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