STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains on the long side. The algo prints 8 numbers in the Monday session. The bulls are in charge with the algo number 9 points above the signal line.

Utilities, copper and banks are the three key parameters currently influencing stock market direction. Utes and copper create negativity while banks create positivity. The bulls need either UTIL above 684.48 and/or JJCTF above 34.80. Either one will prove that the bulls will take stocks higher.

The bears need weaker banks and for the XLF to drop below 27.87. If XLF turns bearish, consider the imminent turn to the downside to be in play, and if the SPX prints below 2702, Keybot will likely flip short.

Thus, bulls are cheering for stronger utilities and copper while bears hope for weaker banks. Banks, especially Italian banks, are weaker in European trading. Copper futures are up a smidgeon in current trading.

Keybot prints a pre-scheduled number in about an hour. S&P futures are up +2 two hours before the opening bell for the regular trading session.

5/20/18; 7:00 PM EST =

5/16/18; 9:00 AM EST =

5/15/18; 9:36 AM EST = +52; signal line is +43

5/14/18; 2:58 PM EST = +68; signal line is +43

5/14/18; 2:08 PM EST = +52; signal line is +42

5/14/18; 12:42 PM EST = +68; signal line is +42

5/14/18; 12:26 PM EST = +52; signal line is +41

5/14/18; 11:16 AM EST = +68; signal line is +41

5/14/18; 10:42 AM EST = +84; signal line is +39

5/14/18; 10:07 AM EST = +68; signal line is +37

5/14/18; 9:36 AM EST = +84; signal line is +36

5/13/18; 7:00 PM EST = +68; signal line is +33

5/11/18; 10:00 AM EST = +68; signal line is +31