In this issue:
Indexes: is the market still open? Sometimes I have to ask myself that. At times like this, we realize just how much of a binary stock market this is. Everything seems to have ground to a halt, waiting for the Fed to announce its interest rate decision. Which by the way is something that impacts short-term rates, not long-term. The bond market controls those, and I think in the next several weeks, there will be very interesting conclusions to draw about bonds. Which in turn will have a domino effect on stocks.
ETFs: it is not often I write in any detail about openings, closings and SEC rulings on ETFs. But I do this week, since I think they are metaphors for just how much the markets have changed. Hint: it is best we change with them, without abandoning our core strategic goals.
Stocks: I just crossed the 10,000 follower mark at Seeking Alpha, 3 years after debuting on that platform. To show my gratitude, I did what I do: charted the entire S&P 500, looking for intermediate-to-long term winners. I’ll provide highlights later in the week via an article there, and provide a more detailed account in a special post to Sungarden Investors Club members, on that same research platform. I think there’s a ton of insight gained from looking at the full 500 from time to time. I explain why below.
Other timely stuff: The stock market appears to me to be more of a smokescreen than the ultimate playing field. That is likely to be a key theme in 2026, after The Fed and Santa have delivered their gifts.
Plus, my latest market thoughts, and the latest update to the ROAR Score. Here’s the Weekly ROAR.