STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant is long. The EOM print results in no change. The bears had a chance, pushing the VIX above 14, but they ran out of gas and the bulls managed to print new all-time highs for the SPX at 1597.57. VIX 14 remains a key bull-bear line in the sand.  The bulls are cruising and even if VIX moves above 14, that may not be enough oomph for bears to create a turn.  Interestingly, the bears would likely be best served if the VIX oscillates above and below 14 a few times tomorrow. This action would raise the signal line and perhaps enable the bears to develop the oomph to run lower.

For the SPX starting at 1597.57, the bulls only need to see a smidge of green in the futures overnight and the SPX will be printing above 1600 tomorrow after the opening bell rings. The bears need to push the SPX under 1587 to accelerate the downside. A move through 1588-1597 is sideways action. Markets remain highly erratic and unstable. 

5/3/13; 9:00 AM EST =

4/30/13; 7:00 PM EST EOM = +46; signal line is +32

4/30/13; 10:45 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains long. The algo prints another number today as volatility drops; the VIX is back under 14 to make for happy bulls again.  For now, the imminent turn notation is removed since it appears that the bulls are holding on adequately. Things may change fast and markets remain at an inflection point. Continue watching VIX 14 and SPX 1582 today.

4/30/13; 7:00 PM EST EOM =

4/30/13; 10:45 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32

4/30/13; 10:00 AM EST = +32; signal line is +31

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION -- TURN MAY BE IMMINENT

Keybot the Quant remains long. VIX moves above 14 empowering the market bears but for now, the bears do not have adequate juice to cause the algorithm to flip short.  The pre-scheduled number prints and reaffirms the smidge of an advantage that the bulls now hold. The bulls need to push the VIX back below 14 as quick as possible, otherwise, the bears will gain strength. VIX 14 and SPX 1582 are key today.  The drama continues with the algo number and signal line both at 32-ish showing that the markets are at an inflection point.

4/30/13; 7:00 PM EST EOM =

4/30/13; 10:00 AM EST = +32; signal line is +31

4/30/13; 9:58 AM EST = +32; signal line is +32 but algorithm says stay long

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST = +46; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION -- TURN MAY BE IMMINENT

Keybot the Quant remains long with the balance of the markets remaining in the hands of volatility.  Watch VIX 14.00. The bulls will continue along on easy street if the VIX stays under 14.00. If the VIX moves above 14.00, the markets will sell off and Keybot will likely flip to the short side. The algo did not print any numbers during the Monday session.

For the SPX starting at 1594, the bulls need to touch the 1597 handle and an upside acceleration will occur with price moving up through 1600. The bears need to push lower to 1582 to accelerate the downside. A move through 1583-1596 is sideways action. A turn may be imminent since VIX begins at 13.71 only 29 cents below the 14.00 line in the sand. A pre-scheduled number prints at 10 AM so the action can be updated at that time.

5/3/13; 9:00 AM EST =

4/30/13; 7:00 PM EST EOM =

4/30/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST = +46; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION -- TURN MAY BE IMMINENT

Keybot the Quant remains long heading into the new week of trading.  The Friday drama around volatility will continue as soon as the opening bell rings. Very simply, if the VIX stays under 14.16, the bulls will rule the markets. If VIX pops above 14.16, it is time for the bears to growl and take the markets lower. If the VIX moves above 14.16, it is likely that Keybot will flip to the short side so the imminent turn signal notation is displayed above.

For the SPX starting at 1582, the bulls need to punch up through 1586 which will accelerate the upside to 1589 immediately, and another test of the important and strong 1593 all-time closing high is likely.  For the bears, a push under 1578 is needed to accelerate the downside. A test of the strong 1576 would occur quickly and likely fail sending the SPX towards the 1560's. A move through 1579-1585 is sideways action. Markets remain highly erratic and unstable and extreme caution is warranted moving forward. VIX 14.16 will tell you the market story after Monday's opening bell rings.

5/5/13; 7:00 PM EST =

5/3/13; 9:00 AM EST =

4/30/13; 7:00 PM EST EOM =

4/30/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST = +46; signal line is +32

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION -- TURN MAY BE IMMINENT

Keybot the Quant remains long through the weekend. The algo motored along yesterday without printing any numbers past 10 AM. The market bears were given the markets on a silver platter yesterday but they could not convert.  The VIX tested the bull-bear danger line, now at 14.16, and even managed to punch out a high at 14.18, but the bears did not have the juice to keep the VIX above 14.16. The focus on volatility will pick up again at Monday's opening bell. Next week's sectors and levels of interest can be identified once the Sunday pre-scheduled number prints tomorrow. The turn may be imminent notation is added since Keybot only needs to see VIX 14.16 and will likely flip short. Monday is a very important day.

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains long.  The pre-scheduled print results in no changes. The broad indexes are flat, however, drama is erupting with VIX.  The HOD for VIX is 14.04 only eleven pennies from the bull-bear line.  The VIX is now printing 13.82. If the VIX moves above 14.15 the bears will growl and Keybot will be set up to flip short. VIX 14.15 and SPX 1579 are the two key levels to watch today.

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32

4/23/13; 9:30 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32; go long 1569; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +10.0%)(Keybot this trade = -0.2%; Keybot for 2013 = +0.9%)(Actual this trade = -0.8%; Actual for 2013 = +0.5%)

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains long. The SPX ran higher yesterday but faded in the afternoon. VIX 14.15 remains key. Bulls continue to keep markets buoyant if the VIX stays under 14.15 but the bears will growl above 14.15. For the SPX starting at 1585, the bulls need to attack the all-time closing high at 1593, and if this resistance gives way, the all-time high at 1597 will be tested in quick order.  The bears need to push under 1579 and the downside will accelerate, 1576 would occur quickly and likely fail.  A move through 1580-1592 is sideways action for today.  Keybot prints a pre-scheduled number at 10 AM so the market action can be updated at that time. Markets remain unstable and erratic.

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/23/13; 9:30 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32; go long 1569; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +10.0%)(Keybot this trade = -0.2%; Keybot for 2013 = +0.9%)(Actual this trade = -0.8%; Actual for 2013 = +0.5%)

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains long moving into the Thursday session. The semiconductors jumped sharply higher helping to maintain bullishness along with lower volatility and higher financials.  Markets should remain sideways with an upward bias as long as the VIX is under 14.15 (now at 13.61).  For the SPX starting at 1579, the bulls need to touch the 1583 handle and that will create an upward acceleration to 1588-1589. The bears need to push under 1576 to accelerate the downside. A move through 1577-1582 is sideways action.

Keybot did not whipsaw after the move to the long side at Tuesday's opening bell. This is interesting since a multi-day timer is expiring and the next flip to the downside that Keybot performs will likely start to use double ETF's again. For now, the bulls are driving the bus. Markets remain highly unstable and erratic. Watch VIX 14.15 as the key metric.  Bulls will continue to march markets higher with the VIX under 14.15 but the market bears will shine if VIX moves above 14.15.

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/23/13; 9:30 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32; go long 1569; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +10.0%)(Keybot this trade = -0.2%; Keybot for 2013 = +0.9%)(Actual this trade = -0.8%; Actual for 2013 = +0.5%)

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant is long moving into the Wednesday session.  The bulls push strongly higher yesterday using stronger semiconductors, lower volatility and stronger financials as the main drivers. Markets should remain elevated if the SOX stays above 424.15, VIX below 14.15 and XLF above 17.98.  Bears need to reverse one of these three parameters. For the SPX starting at 1579, closing at the highs, the bulls need to push less than a point higher after the open, and this will launch a several handle upside acceleration. The S&P futures are up about four at this writing a few hours before the opening bell. The bears need to push the SPX under 1563 to regain their mojo and create a downside acceleration. A move through 1564-1578 is sideways action. Markets remain unstable. The bulls are driving the bus.

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/23/13; 9:30 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32; go long 1569; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +10.0%)(Keybot this trade = -0.2%; Keybot for 2013 = +0.9%)(Actual this trade = -0.8%; Actual for 2013 = +0.5%)

STOCK MARKET BULLISH -- LONG -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant flips to the long side after the opening bell at SPX 1569. The semiconductors jump strongly and volatility collapses under 14.  The bulls are driving the bus again.  The last trade is flatish with Keybot showing a flat return this year thus far while the SPX Benchmark is up 10% on the year. Keybot rotates out of RWM and into DIA. Watch SOX 424.15, VIX 14.15 and XLF 17.98. All three are in the bull camp so markets will move higher unless one of these three parameters reverse. The SPX 1566 was touched and the markets accelerated higher. Markets remain unstable and erratic so the caution flag is displayed. As always, stay alert for a whipsaw today or tomorrow.

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/23/13; 9:30 AM EST = +46; signal line is +32; go long 1569; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +10.0%)(Keybot this trade = -0.2%; Keybot for 2013 = +0.9%)(Actual this trade = -0.8%; Actual for 2013 = +0.5%)

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/19/13; 10:07 AM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/18/13; 9:51 AM EST = +0; signal line is +33

4/17/13; 1:38 PM EST = +16; signal line is +34

4/17/13; 12:12 PM EST = +0; signal line is +34

4/17/13; 9:30 AM EST = +16; signal line is +35

4/16/13; 3:37 PM EST = +46; signal line is +36 but algorithm says stay short

4/16/13; 1:54 PM EST = +32; signal line is +34

4/16/13; 12:52 PM EST = +46; signal line is +35 but algorithm says stay short

4/16/13; 9:53 AM EST = +32; signal line is +34

4/16/13; 9:39 AM EST = +46; signal line is +34 but algorithm says stay short

4/16/13; 9:30 AM EST = +33; signal line is +33 but algorithm says stay short

4/16/13; 9:00 AM EST = +17; signal line is +33

4/15/13; 2:56 PM EST = +17; signal line is +34

4/15/13; 2:44 PM EST = +33; signal line is +35

4/15/13; 2:01 PM EST = +17; signal line is +36

4/15/13; 12:58 PM EST = +33; signal line is +38; go short 1566; (Benchmark SPX for 2013 = +9.8%)(Keybot this trade = -0.0%; Keybot for 2013 = +1.1%)(Actual this trade = +0.2%; Actual for 2013 = +1.3%)

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT -- CAUTION -- TURN MAY BE IMMINENT

Keybot the Quant remains short. The algo idled along yesterday without printing any numbers. For Tuesday, the semiconductors, volatility and financials will dictate market direction. The market bulls need to push the SOX above 424.00 and/or VIX below 14.15 to win back control of the markets. If the SOX moves above 424.00, it is likely that Keybot will flip long, hence, the imminent turn signal is displayed. If the bears keep the SOX below 424.00 and the VIX above 14.15, the markets will continue to sell off.  The bears will receive additional downside fuel if the XLF (financials) falls under 17.97.

For the SPX starting at 1562.50, the bulls need to touch the 1566 handle and it will be off to the races higher, with the algo likely moving towards flipping to the long side.  The bears need to push under 1548 and the downside will accelerate. A move through 1549-1565 is sideways action today. Markets remain erratic and unstable. SOX 424.00 is very important especially in early trading. The S&P futures are currently pointing to a drop of about four points in the SPX when it opens five hours from now.

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/19/13; 10:07 AM EST = +16; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains short moving into the Monday session.  Volatility and financials will tell the tale at the open.  If VIX stays above 14.25 and the XLF drops under 17.95, the markets will be selling off. If XLF stays above 17.95 and the VIX drops under 14.25, the bulls will be pushing markets strongly higher.  If the VIX stays above 14.25, and the XLF stays above 17.95, status quo, the markets will float along sideways. If the VIX drops under 14.25, Keybot the Quant may be in position to flip to the long side.

For the SPX starting at 1555, the bulls only need to touch 1556, barely one point higher, and an upside acceleration will occur. Therefore, the futures overnight are key. Any slight smidge of positivity in the futures overnight will indicate a bullish start to the week. The bears need to push under 1540 to accelerate the downside. This can only be accomplished if the financials (XLF) fail as described above.  A move through 1541-1555 is sideways action for Monday. Markets remain erratic and unstable.

4/28/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/26/13; 10:00 AM EST =

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/19/13; 10:07 AM EST = +16; signal line is +32

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant is short through the weekend. The financials added bull fuel on Friday. The battle on Monday will be the bulls trying to push volatility lower so they can start a new upward market move while the bears will try to push the financials, XLF, back under 17.95. Next weeks areas and levels of interest can be identified once the Sunday pre-scheduled number prints tomorrow.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/19/13; 10:07 AM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/18/13; 9:51 AM EST = +0; signal line is +33

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains short. The algo number moves higher as the bulls fight back today pushing XLF back above 17.95. This enables the broad indexes to move higher and the SPX is trying to move towards the 1553-1554 area. The caution flag is out again since the financials have recovered. Watch XLF 17.95.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/19/13; 10:07 AM EST = +16; signal line is +32

4/18/13; 9:51 AM EST = +0; signal line is +33

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT

Keybot the Quant remains short moving into the Friday session. The market bears are performing damage on the broad markets. The break down of the financials yesterday, XLF though the 17.95 level, is very negative moving forward. Therefore, watch this closely today to see if the bulls show signs of life by moving XLF back above 17.95. The markets will trend lower as long as XLF stays under 17.95. For the SPX today, starting at 1542, with the bulls saving the markets yesterday preventing failure at 1540, for now, the bulls need to punch up through 1554 and it will be smooth sailing for the upside. The bears need to send the SPX under 1536 and price will be in the 1520's quickly. A move through 1537-1553 is sideways action. Markets remain unstable.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/18/13; 9:51 AM EST = +0; signal line is +33

4/17/13; 1:38 PM EST = +16; signal line is +34

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT

Keybot the Quant remains short. The algo printed a number after the opening bell today. The financials moved into the bear camp, XLF fell under 17.95, creating broad market weakness. The SPX dropped through 1544 and is now attacking 1540 support where price will either bounce or die. The bears remain in control.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/18/13; 9:51 AM EST = +0; signal line is +33

4/17/13; 1:38 PM EST = +16; signal line is +34

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT

Keybot the Quant is bearish moving into the Thursday session.  The bears are cruising but the markets are setting up for a recovery bounce today.  The algo continues to track volatility, semi's and financials as the three most important parameters determining market direction right now. Watch VIX 14.25 (now creating market negativity at 16.51), SOX 425.20 (now creating market negativity at 417.65), and XLF 17.95 (now creating market bullishness at 18.01). Any change to any of these three parameters will move the broad indexes in that respective direction.

For the SPX starting at 1552, the bulls need to touch 1575 to launch upside momo. The bears need to push under 1544 to accelerate the downside action.  A move through 1545-1574 is sideways action today. The bears are driving the bus. Markets remain very unstable.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/17/13; 1:38 PM EST = +16; signal line is +34

4/17/13; 12:12 PM EST = +0; signal line is +34

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT

Keybot the Quant remains short as this weak market day continues. XLF lost the 17.95 ushering in serious market negativity but the bulls managed to push the XLF back above 17.95. Watch this bull-bear line in the sand closely since it will usher in strong market negativity. The bears are driving the bus and cruising. The caution flag is removed for now.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/17/13; 1:38 PM EST = +16; signal line is +34

4/17/13; 12:12 PM EST = +0; signal line is +34

4/17/13; 9:30 AM EST = +16; signal line is +35

STOCK MARKET BEARISH -- SHORT -- CAUTION

Keybot the Quant remains short. The bears came to play and smacked semiconductors lower and volatility higher which results in a complete give back of yesterday's market gains. The algo is now tracking XLF 17.95 with interest. XLF printed 17.98 minutes ago, watch this closely since substantial extended market downside will occur with XLF losing 17.95. Markets may drift sideways into the Beige Book this afternoon at 2 PM.  SOX 425.80, VIX 14.21 and XLF 17.95 dictate market direction. SPX is at 1550.

4/21/13; 7:00 PM EST =

4/17/13; 9:30 AM EST = +16; signal line is +35

4/16/13; 3:37 PM EST = +46; signal line is +36 but algorithm says stay short