Modest profit-taking in play

Small-cap stocks began Monday in the red: at 9:54 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 2.67, or 0.37% at 718.40. The index’s early low was at 716.72, slipping through the first line of defense from Friday’s big rally at 718, and now faces short-term chart support at 714, then down at 709.

The focal point early this week will likely be on earnings news and the credit crunch. Overseas, the Bank of England announced the opening of a credit window that would allow banks to swap out risky mortgage debt for U.K. government bonds, a similar function to what the Federal Reserve did several weeks ago to help bail out limping financial firms. The immediate response from European equities was lukewarm, however, so it may take more time to play out. The uncertain response to the Bank of England’s move means that the credit issue will likely remain on trader radar screens early this week.

The U.S. dollar was lower overnight, and crude oil shot to yet another record high price, which clearly puts a little bit of a damper on bullish psychology from last week’s big surge in small caps. The Lundberg survey of some 7,000 gas stations reported a new high pump price of $3.47 per gallon, up $0.04 from two weeks ago. Combine record oil prices with soaring food prices, sluggish home values and . . .

For access to the full article, you must be a registered member - it's FREE.

Already a member? Please log in below