Republic Risk: The Quiet March to Earnings Season

While the CPI reading looms on Thursday, markets are building up the banking stocks. Just FYI - the bank stocks are already overbought heading into Friday.

Equity Index Strength Is YELLOW on the S&P 500 and YELLOW on the Russell 2000.

Each morning, we assess the full flows of the market by measuring statistical and technical metrics to determine broader market sentiment and the Equity Strength trend. When these readings turn red, we focus on cash, build trades around positive sectors, or take inverse positions against indices. When it is positive, we focus on short-squeeze stocks, companies with improving fundamentals, and trading/investing around the actions of corporate insiders.

We’re still on high alert, and I’m worried we’ll see a squeeze turn into a drop. We have to keep a close eye on oil prices, which keep chopping up and down. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are overriding concerns about global demand. Meanwhile, natural gas prices are roaring. It’s an excellent time to look at Black Stone Minerals (BSM) - a Texas-based producer. The yield is 11.7%, and there was strong insider buying from the CEO in the fourth quarter of 2023.