PEBBLEWRITER.COM IS LIVE!



*************** PEBBLEWRITER.COM IS LIVE! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE ***************


Friday, September 14, 2012

The World According to Ben

reposted from pebblewriter.com...

The World According to Ben is inflationary.  It is confident.  Its citizens consumers buy stuff today because it might be too expensive tomorrow -- or, just for grins.  It's a world plagued not by irrational fears, but by irrational exuberance.  It's a return to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when nothing bad ever happened, as long as you owned a house (preferably 2-3) and borrowed money to fill that house with plasma televisions.

But, we've been down that road before.  Seems to me it didn't end terribly well.  Fortunes were lost, families were torn apart, lives were ruined when the bubble burst.  Ben would like us to think this time will be different, that the Fed is now watching so closely that such things as bubbles and busts could never happen again.

But, isn't it interesting that CPI just posted the biggest monthly spurt in over 2 years?  And, of course, that was before Benny's helicopter even lifted off.  As Zerohedge put it:
"In other words, the food inflation which is already spreading through the economy courtesy of the record drought, is about to be supported by some brand new Fed-generated inflation. Luckily, as yesterday, nobody uses gas or food."
Here's the chart of the day.   For those unfamiliar with Bat Patterns, learn more HERE.




Not all Bats signal huge reversals.  Since we put in a Point B at just under the .618 retracement, there's the possibility we're constructing a Crab Pattern that ultimately targets the 1.618 extension (2138.)

Point B could also have been the .786 reversal at 1370 in May 2011, which would indicate a Butterfly Pattern targeting the 1.272 (1823) or the 1.618.  On a scale this large, these are obviously patterns that could take years to play out.  And, we never use harmonic patterns in a vacuum; their targets must be supported by other technical analysis.

The last really big Bat Pattern we completed was in January of 2007, when SPX had retraced 88.6% of its 2000 - 2002 plunge from 1552 to 768.


There was a relatively minor pullback of only 98 points; but, it was certainly enough for traders to capitalize on.  Note the pullback to just below the previous Fibonacci level (the .786) was a nicely formed Crab Pattern -- one of our other favorites.



CHARTS:  9:40 AM

The dollar came oh-so-close to hitting our 78.818 target this morning.  Recall that this is the .886 of the larger red Bat Pattern (lot of Bats going around) and should provoke at least a bounce -- maybe much more.

The daily RSI shows how very oversold it is, but that doesn't mean it can't go lower -- simply that it is likely nearing at least an interim bottom.


Meanwhile, SPX is nearing our 1472 target. I will ease some stops into the equation as we approach it, as I'd like to remain long for as long as possible.  This is a 35 point gain since we went long yesterday at 1437 with the Fed's announcement.

continued on pebblewriter.com...

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

...for more info on subscribing to pebblewriter.com,  click here...

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Contest

Just for grins, let's give away some pebblewriter.com memberships.  Since we're likely to have some fireworks this week, I'm curious as to what folks are expecting.   From now through 6pm EDT on the 11th, submit your best guess as to the closing quote for the SPX on September 13th.

One entry only, please, and verified Disqus ID's only.   Post your entries on Disqus on The Contest post at pebblewriter.com.

Prizes are as follows:
  • closest to the mark:  one year membership
  • 2nd closest:         semi-annual membership
  • 3rd closest:               quarterly membership
First come, first served.  Once a particular number is posted, no one else may chose it.  I'll do my best to police these, but it's up to you to do your homework first.  And, while you're at it, impress us with the logic behind your reasoning.  I have some monthly membership awards to hand out for overwhelming brilliance, creativity or humor.

If you're already a member, you may use your award to extend your current membership or give it away to your favorite charity or a close friend.  All winners are responsible for any taxes, etc. on their winnings, entries are void where prohibited, and Fed governors are not eligible (unless you contact me first for a little "chat.")

If Disqus eats your entry, use the "contact me" form in the menu above and I'll post it for you as soon as I notice it.  Since GoDaddy isn't fully up to speed yet, you could also copy me at pebblescribe at gmail dot com to be on the safe side.

Remember, post entries on Disqus HERE, and good luck to all!



UPDATE:  6:45 PM

Here are the entries I've received, in chronological order, as of the deadline of 6:00 PM EDT.




The median is 1416.59, the mean is 1422.60 with a standard deviation is 35.  Our most bullish entry is from FLASHRIP at 1482, and our most bearish bear is Brett at 1345 -- meaning a whopping 6.2% tumble in the next 48 hours (ouch!)

Looks like 1411 attracted the most attention, with four entries around it;  1442-1449 had five, as did 1399-1404.  Lots of interesting and well-reasoned responses, and many who didn't dare tip off the competition as to the method behind their madness.

Thanks to all who entered.  I know well how intimidating it is to put your thoughts out there for everyone to appreciate/ridicule.  It'll be an interesting next couple of days.

Good luck everyone!