STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG

Keybot the Quant remains long as the bulls push stocks higher. Copper failed at the opening bell but retail stocks rallied nullifying the weakness. Volatility dropped like a stone and the VIX fell through the key 15.66 level which launched the SPX above 2700. The algo number is comfortably 31 points above the signal line with the bulls in firm control.

For the hump day trade, bulls need JJCTF above 34.86 and/or UTIL above 700.74 which will send equities higher. If both turn bullish, the stock market will be in a melt-up.

The market bears need to push the VIX above 15.66 pronto to stop the rally. If the VIX remains below 15.66, the bears are toast. Bears can also benefit if RTH drops below 93.95.

If copper and utilities remain in the bear camp, and volatility and retail stocks remain in the bull camp, stocks will trend choppy sideways with a slight upward bias. One or more of the four parameters will likely flip camps and that will tell you the stock market direction forward.

4/22/18; 7:00 PM EST =

4/17/18; 3:59 PM EST = +36; signal line is +5

4/17/18; 3:16 PM EST = +52; signal line is +3

4/17/18; 10:00 AM EST = +36; signal line is +1

4/17/18; 9:36 AM EST = +22; signal line is -1

4/17/18; 9:00 AM EST = +22; signal line is -3

4/16/18; 3:48 PM EST = +22; signal line is -4