US stock futures are slightly lower Thursday morning amid renewed uncertainty about the Greek bailout. The on again, off again negotiations regarding austerity measures and financial reforms still haven't produced a result that European finance ministers are happy with. The Euro fell below the $1.30 level vs the dollar overnight as some expect to Greece to ultimately exit the Euro zone.
Also weighing a bit on the market is a threat from Moody's Investors Service to downgrade many global banks, including JP Morgan (JPM), Morgan Stanley (MS), and Goldman Sachs (GS). JPM and GS could get a two-notch downgrade, while MS could get pegged back three notches.
Another factors traders and investors will be watching closely today is Apple (AAPL). The stock, after a remarkable run higher in 2012, staged a nasty outside reversal yesterday that could lead to more downside. The stock closed 5.5% off its highs of the day yesterday, punishing buyers who chased the stock higher above $500. Given that AAPL has a 17% weighting in the Nasdaq, any additional weakness could drag the rest of the market down as well.
In earnings news, Nvidia (NVDA) is off pre-market after the company issued guidance below Street expectations. Nordstrom (JWN) and Molson (TAP) earnings reports are expected before the opening bell.
Futures trimmed losses this morning after the jobless claims number came through. The figure fell 13,000 to 348,000, another strong figure that lends credence to the idea that the US recovery is starting to at least show more consistency, if not speed.
TECHNICAL TAKE
Yesterday we got our first small technical composure change in the last eight sessions as we closed below the 10-day moving average. The question for traders at this stage is, how deep of a correction will you look for to cover any shorts or buy back stocks? Do you cover into the important upper floor on the S&P of 1333-1337, or can you add/press for a break below that level for what can lead to healthy corrective action.
The Bulls have a been a bit spoiled lately, riding
the 10-day moving average for this length of time usually doesn’t take
place. A test of the 20-day or some lower Fibonacci retracements should
help refuel the energy of this market at a later time.
If we get a 30/60 minute close below S&P 1333-1337, or a daily close below, that can open door to test more intermediate up trends. The 20 day is around 1331 and the 25% Fibonacci retracement stands at 1320. The 38.2% Fib retracement and the floor from January 30ths comes in around 1300.
*DISCLOSURES: Scott Redler is long SPY, OIH, QCOM. Short QQQ, DIA.
