Pitcher

The market has cycles. I don’t try to predict the market day to day, I’m looking for longer term trends. Currently we are in a volatile market. When this happens people are trying to figure out which way it will go longer term. In 2008 when we had a big drop I saw the writing on the wall 6 months before. I just had to wait for the technicals to give me the signs we were really going down. In 2011 (dec) and 2015 ( aug) I also saw signs of a rollover. In those cases we were very volatile for awhile then we went back up. As of Feb this year I’m seeing signs of a breakdown, we are sitting on the 200 ma on the S&P on Friday’s close. Rumors of a trade deal with China has pre market up over 350 on the DJ-30. You just never really know, especially in volatile markets. That’s why I wait to put money back to work until after I see the trend. Until I see that trend I Day Trade. I was expecting a relief rally but will the Bull continue, only time will tell. I’m expecting a volatile week. Best to you all.

I’m sure TA would work with cryptos but I’ve never applied the basics to them. I own a few crypto currencies but I don’t trade them like I do stocks. You got me thinking, thank you for bringing that up.

Blunt force instruments" like tariffs won't go as far with China as talks will, said Douglas Peterson of financial services firm S&P Global, as the U.S. moves ahead with levies on Chinese imports. "Clearly there are aspects to access to the Chinese market that people have been frustrated with," Peterson acknowledged in a Sunday interview with CNBC. "On the other hand, I don't know if this is really the right approach to have ... the United States coming in unilaterally to put in place tariffs and sanctions on trade." A "bilateral, multilateral approach" is needed, he said, where "you have a really professional dialogue with the Chinese as opposed to just coming in with this blunt force instrument all at once right up front." Bring in Europe and Japan If ever such talks take place, Europe and potentially Japan could get involved, said Peterson, who spoke from the China Development Forumin Beijing. Beijing on Friday said it may target 128 U.S. products with an import value of $3 billion as retaliation for President Donald Trump signing an executive order earlier this month that imposed broad duties on foreign aluminum and steel imports. Trump announced plans for tariffs of up to $60 billion in Chinese imports last week, but China did not officially connect its Friday threats to that White House action. A broader capital market in China Peterson said he expects that in the next few years, more funds in China will be flowing to pension funds. Capital markets, debt and bond markets will develop further, he said. These developments, he said, "gives you more ways to finance companies, to understand what will be the evolution of different kinds of investing products. You see more venture capital, you see more long-term investing." That is where S&P Global believes China should be going, he said. It's a view that was echoed by regulators and speakers at the China Development Forum. Currently, financing in China continues to be dominated by banks. At the same time, so-called shadow banking and other kinds of debt that are "not necessarily on banks' balance sheets" continue in China, Peterson said. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/25/trade-war-fears-talks-not-tariffs-needed-with-china-says-sp-global.html

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/25277/Video-John-Bolton-says-golden-era-of-Iran-US-ties-now-over

Hahaha, so witty! You’re on a roll. I make sure I’m not eating or drinking when I read your posts now Thug.

I have to agree Chuck. I may not have posted much in the last nine years but I’ve been reading, talking to people, and watching this site. Things are moving along nicely. Trying to stay grounded.

Sorry, Not true.

BAGHDAD / The director of the Iraqi fact sheet, Shatha al-Tai, said on Sunday that the Federal Budget Law of the country will be published this week, pointing out that the delay of publication was caused by not sending a letter from the presidency. "We have prepared the federal budget law for the year 2018 and waiting for notice from the Presidency of the Republic invites us to publish the draft law," Al-Taie told "Iraq News", likely to "reach notification this week." "Article 73 of the Constitution, third article, pointed out that the injustice of the non-ratification of the President of the Republic, can be published after 15 days, but this matter is linked to the poetry of the Presidency of the Republic invites us to publish." "We have published previous laws that were not ratified by the president of the republic, as in the unified card law, which was published 15 days later," she said. It is noteworthy that the President of the Republic, Fuad Masoum, refused on (March 13), to approve the budget of 2018 and returned to the House of Representatives to review its content because of the existence of 31 violations of constitutional, financial and legal clauses, according to the presidential statement in this regard. The House of Representatives voted, in its session held on Saturday (March 3, 2018) on the federal budget for the current fiscal year by boycotting the Kurdish deputies. " http://www.............../

“Pass the syrup”...... and the HCL I just spewed my coffee lmao Thanks for that laugh, it was worth the clean up!!

You’re feeling it Yota! Bringing us the breaking news and what news it is today Mucho appreciation for the numerous quality posts and all you do to keep us up to date!!!!!!!

Nice recap, a hall of fame of corruption. Lock Co them up and get Iraq’s money back

Finally, that’s one way to get rid of opposition Ive been waiting for this article. Thanks Thug

The stock strategist who predicted the S&P 500's drop earlier this year now expects a big market decline within 12 months. Barry Bannister, Stifel's head of institutional equity strategy, is telling clients to prepare for a bear market and buy defensive stocks that perform better during periods of market turmoil. "Our models for the S&P 500 point to minimal price upside in 2018 and a bear market (-20%) in the coming year. What matters for investors is that any decline is likely to be unusually rapid and occur as a result of P/E compression, resulting from policy risks not weak GDP," Bannister wrote in a note to clients entitled "The Fed's 'forced error': It's time to start moving to more defensive positions." Bannister said on Jan. 26, the day of the S&P's record high, that stocks will correct at least 5 percent this quarter as the Federal Reserve and other central banks tighten monetary policy. The S&P 500 subsequently dropped 10 percent through early February. The strategist is still concerned about monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark funds rate Wednesday by 25 basis points to 1.75 percent. It was the sixth rate hike since December 2015. In his note Wednesday, Bannister said the Fed's outlook for the economy points to more aggressive rate hikes. "We're concerned the Fed's 2019-20 view grew more hawkish," he wrote. "We now expect deflationary policy errors to develop in 2018 to early 2019." As a result, the strategist recommends investors buy stocks in "defensive" areas such as utilities, consumer household products and food companies. Bannister reaffirmed his 2,800 S&P 500 price target, representing 3 percent upside to Wednesday's close. He cautioned the forecast may change on any sign of a sudden "break down" in the market. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/22/the-analyst-who-called-the-correction-now-sees-a-bear-market-starting-within-a-year.html (

President Donald Trump's pick for national security advisor signals a willingness by the administration to take a more aggressive stand against U.S. adversaries like Iran or Venezuela —and that could mean higher oil prices in the very near future. Analysts said the appointment of John Bolton, former U.N. ambassador, makes it even more likely that the Trump administration will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal when it is up for review in May, and tensions could ramp up against the Middle Eastern country. Bolton succeeds H.R. McMaster, who resigned. "I can't think of a more hawkish appointment than John Bolton," said Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC. "He's a powerful advocate for a confrontational approach." Croft also said the appointment leaves the question of whether Defense Secretary James Mattis looks like he's the only one representing a moderate foreign policy at this point. "Are the Iranians seeing the writing on the wall? Will they curb their activities? His appointment should put the fear of God in them, but who knows." Bolton has advocated for pre-emptive action against both Iran and North Korea because of their nuclear programs. His first act may be to successfully encourage Trump to end the Iran nuclear deal, struck with Iran by the U.S., some members of the European Union and other countries as a way to curb its nuclear program in return for ending sanctions on the country, including its oil. Mattis and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had been reluctant to abandon the Iran deal, which also included China and Russia. Further financial sanctions against the country have also been discussed. Venezuela's economic crisis is complicating matters and damaging its energy production capabilities. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is running for re-election despite the objections of the U.S. and other countries that the election is unfair. Venezuelan oil already is coming off the market, and could continue to decline as the country's energy infrastructure deteriorates. "Even if it's just additional sanctions on Iran, that could hurt investment in the country and reduce flows of their oil. The market would really miss their oil this time around because of Venezuela," said John Kilduff of Again Capital. "Because of Iran's advanced ballistic missile capabilities, the other countries have offered additional sanctions to try to keep Trump in the nuclear pact." Oil prices were higher Friday, with West Texas Intermediate futurestrading over $65, a nearly 2 percent gain. Gold, benefiting Friday from fears about trade wars, could also gain if the U.S. becomes more aggressive, not just with Iran but others like Venezuela or North Korea. Gold futures for April rose 1.5 percent Friday, to $1,347 per ounce. Croft said May will be important for oil prices, with the Iran deal up for renewal May 12 and the Venezuela election on May 20. "If they go forward with those elections, we could see much more coercive economic policies toward Venezuela. That's when the oil market might start paying attention," she said. "The oil market is underappreciating the importance of the personnel changes," she added. "They're underpricing the personnel changes." Global oil demand has been improving and the pact between OPEC and Russia has helped steady prices and send them higher. Growing U.S. production from shale fields like the Permian Basin has added supply while Russia and Saudi Arabia have reduced theirs. Kilduff said geopolitical tensions have moved prices higher recently, including anti-Iranian comments from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who said that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, so will Saudi Arabia. In an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," the prince also compared Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to Adolph Hitler. The prince is currently in the U.S., and met with Trump earlier this week. Saudi Arabia and Iran are engaged in a proxy war in Yemen, and are at odds on Syria, which Iran has supported. Croft said if the U.S. drops out of the nuclear deal it could take an even harsher posture toward Iran. "The question is, are we talking about efforts to economically isolate Iran, or are we talking about efforts to change the regime?" she said. "This is where the Permian makes things different. If this had been 2010, oil would be much higher. There's a view that U.S. short cycle oil makes a difference. We could just make up for anything." But Croft doesn't see proof that U.S. shale could make up for a shortfall in the world market. "I haven't gotten any evidence," she said. "I don't see any signs that OPEC is going to be quick to rush in and save things." She said with the changes in Washington, it's possible there could be 200,000 to 300,000 Iranian barrels off the market by the fourth quarter, and Venezuelan production losses could total 1 million barrels. Bolton served in the Reagan administration, and President George W. Bush named him undersecretary of state for arms control and international security. Bush also appointed him as his representative to the U.N., which Bolton called irrelevant. Ultimately, Congress blocked his confirmation and he had to step down from that role. "Bolton is the hawk's hawk," wrote Cliff Kupchan, chairman of Eurasia Group. He noted that besides pushing for pre-emptive strikes on North Korea's nuclear program, he has criticized the planned Trump-Kim Jong Un summit as useless. "He's a fierce opponent of the Iran nuclear deal. In 2015, before the deal, Bolton penned an op-ed titled 'To Stop Iran's Bomb, Bomb Iran.' Bolton's appointment will likely make US policy on both hot-button issues more hardline," added Kupchan. "At least on the margins, the chance of a strike on North Korea goes up, of successful US-North Korea diplomacy goes down, and the Iran deal is in even more trouble." https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/23/bolton-likely-to-turn-up-heat-on-iran-and-boost-oil-prices.html

The exchange rate of the US dollar, on Saturday, a decline in the Iraqi stock exchanges against the dinar. The price of selling the dollar in the stock market in Baghdad today 120 thousand and 250 dinars and the purchase price 120 thousand and 200 dinars compared to $ 100, while yesterday scored 121 thousand and 350 dinars and the purchase price 121 thousand and 300 dinars to $ 100. The Arbil Stock Exchange was not traded due to the holiday holiday Neruz. On the Basra Stock Exchange, the sale price today was 121,300 dinars, the purchase price 121 thousand and 250 dinars compared to 100 dollars, while 121 yesterday recorded the FAO 550 dinars, and the purchase price 121 thousand and 500 dinars against 100 dollars. http://en.economiciraq.com/2018/03/24/the-dollar-continues-to-retreat-against-the-dinar-on-the-iraqi-stock-exchanges/

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday stressed the concerted efforts among the economic actors in Africa and the Arab world to share experiences and successful experiences and contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq. The Secretary-General of the League called for supporting Iraq, which faced real challenges in the fight against terrorism and eliminate it, which caused a lot of losses The country’s infrastructure. Abul-Gheit stressed the importance of the role played by the investment sector in supporting the aspirations of the Iraqi people for reconstruction after the opening session of the Arab African Investment Conference and Exhibition in the context of comprehensive and sustainable development. Defeated defeat. She noted that “the presence of many officials on the file of investment in Iraq and their participation in the conference is an opportunity to identify the facilities and privileges provided by Iraq to Arab and African investors in this context.” http://en.economiciraq.com/2018/03/24/there-is-an-arab-tightening-of-investment-in-iraq/

I think I just threw up in my mouth

I think you might be right on. I want to get all excited about the 29th but it is Iraq and there is an election. Also, Ramadan starts May 16th. I like to to think in terms of a window of opportunity. For me the end of March to end of June is a good window of opportunity considering all Iraq is getting accomplished. The news is very good these days.

Saudi Arabia opened its airspace for the first time to a commercial flight to Israel with the inauguration of an Air India route between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Flight 139 landed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport after a seven-and-a-half hour journey, marking a diplomatic shift for Riyadh that Israel says was fuelled by shared concern over Iranian influence in the region. “This is a really historic day that follows two years of very, very intensive work,” Israeli tourism minister Yariv Levin said, adding that using Saudi airspace cut travel time to India by around two hours and would reduce ticket prices. READ MORE Trump touts weapons deals with Saudi Arabia The next cyber attack in Saudi Arabia could be deadly, experts say Chance of Aramco listing in London or New York ‘may be diminishing’ Saudi Arabia moving toward purchase of 48 Typhoon fighter jets from UK Saudi Arabia – birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest shrines – does not recognise Israel. Riyadh has not formally confirmed granting the Air India plane overflight rights. While the move ended a 70-year-old ban on planes flying to or from Israel through Saudi airspace, there is no indication that it will be applied for any Israeli airline. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner entered Saudi airspace at around 16.45GMT on Wednesday and overflew the kingdom at 40,000ft for about three hours. It came within 37 miles of the capital Riyadh, according to the Flightradar monitoring app. It then crossed over Jordan and the occupied West Bank into Israel. The airliner had earlier flown over Oman, according to Flightradar. Officials from Oman, which also does not recognise Israel, could not be reached for comment. Israel’s flag carrier El Al, excluded from the Saudi route, says its Indian competitor now has an unfair advantage. El Al currently flies four times a week to the Indian city of Mumbai. Those flights take around seven hours and 40 minutes, following a Red Sea route that swings toward Ethiopia to avoid Saudi airspace. If El Al planes were to fly on to New Delhi, a destination El Al has said it might be interested in, they would require another two hours – and significantly more fuel. Interviewed on Israel’s Army Radio, Mr Levin voiced confidence that El Al would eventually be allowed to use Saudi airspace. “You know, they said the Saudis wouldn’t let any flight pass. So here, the Saudis are permitting it. It is a process, I think. Ultimately this [El Al overflights] will happen too,” he said. Asked if any other foreign airlines might follow Air India by opening routes to Tel Aviv over Saudi Arabia, Mr Levin said he has been in negotiations with Singapore Airlines and a carrier from the Philippines, which he did not name. “They are certainly showing readiness and desire to fly to Israel and I don’t know if they will also receive permission like the Indian airline,” he said. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-israel-airspace-riyadh-tel-aviv-flight-air-india-iran-flight-times-airlines-a8269891.html

I’m giving you both trophies, well said pp

Another bag day for the market. Down 1400 on the DJ-30 this week. We tagged the 200 ma on the S&P 500. I expected that but didn’t think it would be so fast. Thats the way the market works these days when algorithms and computers take over. Late Friday sell off, Ok now what. We are at the retest of the Feb 9th low. We are oversold and should get a small relief rally Monday or Tuesday. After that rally it will depend on the news. Earnings won’t start again till mid April so keep an eye on what Trump and China do and say. The new budget bill was pure trash and the market didn’t care for that too much either. im having a very good week shorting Facebook and Navida. As a trader I don’t care if we are going up or down, I can find good trades. Sideways is my worst trading scenario, I hate sideways action Stay tuned, we may just possibly be putting a Bull down like a Spanish Matador. Keep an eye on the 50ma crossing down the 200 ma on the S&P. If that happens, RUN!!!

Regulation comes after there is abuse. FB abused the privacy of their members by turning them into a product to sell. I suspect you will see Zuckerberg testifying before Congress before too long. Zuckerberg and Sandburg both said yesterday they expect some regulations. I say give em some stiff regulations and have them pay a fine of 100 Billion to be redistributed to their members. That will help the economy.

The pay for view fight is coming. I read where Piers Morgan thinks it’s a good idea. If Biden wins the Dem nomination for 2020 maybe it will happen during the debates.

Well the 21st came and went but I’m still optimistic and looking forward to the 29th. The news continues to be very good Thanks Yota for all the articles, saves me time. Go HCL, go RV

We get a good 1 to 1 RV and they can double that figure!!!