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December 2024

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Stocks can move fast, like the speed of an arrow flying through the air. And if you don’t monitor your charts, you can easily miss a trading opportunity.

Last week, I wrote about CSCO stock, one of the stocks filtered in my StockCharts Technical Rank (SCTR) scan. At the time, I was waiting for CSCO’s stock price to pull back to its 21-day exponential moving average (EMA). Well, it happened a lot quicker than I anticipated.

It’s good that I go through all my ChartLists every trading day. The pullback also coincided with the upward-sloping trendline. It was accompanied by declining relative performance against the Nasdaq Composite ($COMPQ) and a decline in the value of the full stochastic oscillator.

Is this a classic buy-the-dip moment? To answer the question, let’s look at the daily chart of CSCO.

FIGURE 1. DAILY CHART OF CSCO STOCK. The uptrend is still in play, making the pullback to the 21-day EMA an attractive entry point.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The uptrend broke slightly to the downside, but the support from the 21-day EMA was strong. Thursday’s price action indicated a reversal is possible.

The stochastic oscillator is approaching the 50 level and is starting to turn higher. The last two times CSCO’s stock price pulled back to the 21-day EMA, the oscillator turned up at around the 50 level. I’ll be watching to see if a similar scenario unfolds this time.

CSCO’s price action looks attractive. I’m ready to open a long trade in CSCO when the %K line crosses over the %D in the stochastic oscillator. CSCO’s stock price hit an all-time high in early December, so a pullback is a prime time to open a long position if all your criteria are met.

The Game Plan

Cisco Systems may not be a direct AI play, but it is a networking company, and the stock could benefit from tech companies’ increased AI spending. So it’s not too far-fetched to anticipate CSCO’s stock price to ride along with the AI wave.

Thursday’s price action does not yet confirm a bullish upswing, but I’ll watch this chart closely. It’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.

Even if it looks like a near-perfect setup to buy on the dip, there’s still a chance the trade could go against me. If I enter a position at around $59 and the trade goes south, the 50-day SMA would be my maximum stop loss.


Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

Chris Temple, founder, editor and publisher of the National Investor, outlined the main factors he sees impacting the gold price heading into 2025, saying the yellow metal will undoubtedly move higher.

In his view, its rise will come as market participants realize how many problems the US economy is facing.

‘I think that once that reality sets in, gold will get its next big lease on life and the stock market is going to bog down. I think we’re going to see a lot of rotation in the market that will start to favor real assets and real value — away from everybody chasing the same relative handful of stocks as we’ve seen,’ Temple explained.

Aside from gold, Temple spoke about natural gas and uranium, his other two favorite commodities in the near term.

He also discussed the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency, saying it will be key to watch how he develops the US’ relationship with China, especially as the Asian nation grapples with internal problems.

‘This is the most important thing that consumers and investors and policy makers need to watch in 2025 — is Trump smart on how he deals with all of this and rebuilds our own industries to compensate for years down the road? Or is he going to be ham-fisted about it and cause more problems than he solves?’ Temple questioned.

Watch the video above for more from Temple on what’s to come in 2025.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

‘I call it a doom loop — it’s a vicious circle in the wrong direction, which I believe will ultimately lead to the government having to say, ‘Okay, this isn’t going to work. We are going to institute yield curve control or QE, or we’re going to buy the bonds,” he explained on the sidelines of the New Orleans Investment Conference.

Lepard believes it’s important to hold both gold and Bitcoin, noting that the only wrong allocation is zero.

‘I fully expect Bitcoin’s going to go to US$200,000, and I fully expect gold’s going to go to US$5,000 (per ounce) in the next couple of years,’ he said. ‘All the suffering gold stock holders out there … we’re going to be very pleasantly surprised.’

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Stock futures are trading slightly lower Monday morning as investors gear up for the final month of 2024. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.18%, alongside declines in Dow Jones Industrial Average futures and Nasdaq 100 futures, which dropped 0.13% and 0.17%, respectively. The market’s focus is shifting to upcoming economic data, particularly reports on manufacturing and construction spending, ahead of this week’s key labor data releases.

November was a standout month for equities, with the S&P 500 futures rallying to reflect the index’s best monthly performance of the year. Both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved all-time highs during Friday’s shortened trading session, with the Dow briefly surpassing 45,000. Small-cap stocks also saw robust gains, with the Russell 2000 index surging over 10% in November, buoyed by optimism around potential tax cuts.

As trading kicks off in December, investors are keeping a close eye on geopolitical developments in Europe, where France’s CAC 40 index dropped 0.77% amid political concerns, while Germany’s DAX and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 showed smaller declines.

S&P 500 futures will likely continue to act as a key barometer for market sentiment, particularly as traders assess the impact of upcoming economic data and global market developments.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

This 15-minute chart of the S&P 500 Index shows a recent trend where the index attempted to break above the resistance level near 6,044.17 but retraced slightly to close at 6,032.39, reflecting a minor decline of 0.03% in the session. The candlestick pattern indicates some indecisiveness after a steady upward momentum seen earlier in the day.

On the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator, the value sits at 62.07, having declined from the overbought zone above 70 earlier. This suggests that the bullish momentum might be cooling off, and traders could anticipate a short-term consolidation or slight pullback. However, with RSI above 50, the overall trend remains positive, favoring buyers.

The index’s recent low of 5,944.36 marks a key support level, while the high at 6,044.17 could act as resistance. If the price sustains above the 6,020 level and RSI stabilizes without breaking below 50, the index could attempt another rally. Conversely, a drop below 6,020 could indicate a bearish shift.

In conclusion, the index displays potential for continued gains, but traders should watch RSI levels and price action near the support and resistance zones for confirmation.

The post Stock Futures Lower after S&P 500 futures ticked down 0.18% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Stock futures climbed on Wednesday, driven by strong performances from Salesforce and Marvell Technology, following upbeat quarterly earnings. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 215 points (0.5%), while S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced by 0.7%.

Salesforce surged 12% after reporting fiscal third-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations, showcasing robust demand in the enterprise software sector. Meanwhile, chipmaker Marvell jumped 14% after surpassing earnings estimates and providing optimistic fourth-quarter guidance, indicating resilience in the semiconductor industry.

This movement follows a mixed session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed with small gains, while the Dow dipped slightly. The broader market has experienced a modest start to December, contrasting with November’s robust rally, but analysts anticipate a resurgence in momentum. LPL Financial’s George Smith pointed out that December historically sees strong market performance, particularly in the latter half of the month.

However, economic data introduced some caution. ADP’s report revealed that private payrolls grew by just 146,000 in November, missing estimates of 163,000. This signals potential softness in the labor market, with investors now awaiting Friday’s November jobs report for further clarity.

S&P 500 Index Chart Analysis

Based on the provided stock chart, which appears to be a 15-minute candlestick chart for the S&P 500 Index, here’s a brief analysis:

The chart shows a clear upward trend, with higher highs and higher lows indicating bullish momentum over the analyzed period. The index has steadily climbed from a low of approximately 5,855 to a recent high of 6,053.58, suggesting strong buying interest.

Key resistance is observed near 6,050-6,053 levels, as the price has struggled to break above this zone in the most recent sessions. If the index breaches this level with strong volume, it could lead to further upward movement. Conversely, failure to break out may lead to a pullback, with potential support around the 6,000 psychological level and 5,980, where consolidation occurred previously.

The candlestick patterns show relatively small wicks, indicating limited volatility, which could imply steady market confidence. However, the bullish rally could be overextended, warranting caution for traders, especially if any negative catalysts emerge.

In summary, the short-term trend is bullish, but traders should monitor resistance levels and volume for signs of a breakout or reversal. It’s also essential to watch broader market factors, as indices are often influenced by macroeconomic data and sentiment.

The post S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures jumped 0.7% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

Federal prosecutors accused top real estate agents Tal and Oren Alexander and their brother, Alon, of drugging and raping “dozens of victims” over more than a decade.

The brothers were arrested in Miami Wednesday on sex trafficking charges related to the alleged assaults.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking of a victim by force, fraud, or coercion, an eight-page indictment in U.S. District Court in Manhattan says. Tal Alexander faces an additional count of sex trafficking of a victim by force, fraud, or coercion.

Tal Alexander and Oren Alexander in New York City on Sept. 20, 2016.Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images file

Isabelle Kirshner, an attorney for Alon and Oren, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the unsealed federal indictment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York scheduled a press conference on the arrests for 1 p.m. ET in Manhattan.

Several women have previously filed lawsuits in Manhattan accusing the brothers of sexual assault. The brothers have denied wrongdoing.

“We are glad to hear that there will finally be some measure of accountability for the Alexander brothers and justice for their many victims,” David Gottlieb, an attorney for the plaintiffs in a number of the civil cases against the Alexanders, said in a statement.

“We applaud all the survivors who have had the strength and courage to speak up about their unimaginable experiences after years of pain and suffering,” Gottlieb said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

In this exclusive StockCharts video, Joe shows how to use the MACD zero line as a bias for a stock. As opposed to offering a buy signal, this Zero line level can provide insight into a market or stock’s underlying condition; Joe shows how to refine that information with other indicators. He then covers the shifts that are taking place in the sectors, and finally goes through the symbol requests that came through this week, including DIS, TSLA, and more.

This video was originally published on December 11, 2024. Click this link to watch on StockCharts TV.

Archived videos from Joe are available at this link. Send symbol requests to stocktalk@stockcharts.com; you can also submit a request in the comments section below the video on YouTube. Symbol Requests can be sent in throughout the week prior to the next show.

With an new administration inbound in Washington, D.C., might now be a good time to jump into small-cap stocks?

If you’ve heard this maxim based on the Presidential Election Cycle Theory, it has some truth to it. Small-caps tend to thrive after presidential elections as attention shifts to domestic issues and governance. Since 1980, the Russell 2000 has averaged a 15% return in post-election years, outperforming large-cap stocks by about 4 percentage points.

Since we’re thinking about seasonality, what about small-cap seasonality on a year-round basis? How do small caps seasonally perform throughout the year, and is it a good time to jump in now?

Let’s get straight to it, starting with a 10-year seasonality chart of iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), our small-cap proxy. If you click on the link above, be sure to toggle the timescale to 10 years (the chart’s default period is 5 years).

FIGURE 1. 10-YEAR SEASONALITY CHART OF IWM. Note that November is IWM’s strongest month. The average higher close rate is the number above the bars, while the average returns are at the bottom of the bars just above the months.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Over the last 10 years, November has been IWM’s strongest seasonal month, averaging a 90% higher close rate and a nearly 6% monthly return. While December and January are seasonally tepid, February through July are consistently strong. With 2025 following an election year, investors may find small caps an attractive investment opportunity.

If you want to add the Russell 2000 to your portfolio, you’ll want to fine-tune an entry point. But how? First, examine a weekly chart of IWM to understand the larger context of the index’s current price action.

FIGURE 2. WEEKLY CHART OF IWM. It helps to pay attention to the resistance levels going back to 2020.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Look at the two resistance levels marked by the magenta and blue dotted lines. Notice the difficulty IWM experienced breaking above the first level (magenta), at $224, from the end of July to November, forming an ascending triangle. As IWM broke through that contested level, it also broke above the second level of resistance (blue line) and its all-time high at $234.50.

Having pulled back slightly after breaking through two major resistance levels, bulls aiming to add positions are probably looking for a well-timed entry point. Let’s shift to a daily chart.

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF IWM. Keep an eye on the swing lows marked by the blue dashed horizontal lines.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

First off, IWM’s technicals demonstrate strength, as shown by the StockChartsTechnicalRank (SCTR) line, currently sitting just below the bullish 90-level threshold. However, the two volume-based indicators—Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) and On Balance Volume (OBV)—show a stark divergence. This can indicate, among other things, that selling pressure is prominent on the institutional side, while retail investors are driving up buying pressure (institutional players have the upper hand in most cases).

As IWM’s price pulls back, be mindful of the swing lows, each marked by a blue dotted line in the chart. Though you can expect those levels to serve as support, I’d be wary if the price closes below $215. Not only would that invalidate the near-term uptrend (no longer seeing higher highs and higher lows), but it would also fall into a range muddled with historical congestion (as seen in the weekly chart).

If IWM bounces above $226 or $215, look at the volume-based indicators to see if buying pressure on both indicates bullish alignment. Direction in volume often precedes price, so keep an eye on each. Hopefully, a strong bounce on high volume will mark a well-timed entry into the index ETF.

At the Close

Small-cap stocks have a history of shining in post-election years and thriving in specific seasonal windows, like November and the spring months. But timing is everything, so add this chart to your ChartList and watch the levels and indicators discussed above. Should conditions shift favorably, you can decide whether it’s the right time to pull the trigger.


Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

Octava Minerals Limited (ASX:OCT) (“Octava” or the “Company”), a Western Australia focused explorer of the new energy metals antimony, REE’s, Lithium and gold, is pleased to report that detailed geophysics over the 10km antimony corridor at Yallalong is now complete and final data has been processed and interpreted.

Highlights

  • Ground geophysical survey over the identified 10km antimony corridor at Yallalong is complete and final data has been processed and interpreted.
  • Detailed interpretation of the geophysical data integrated with previous drilling data significantly expands the scale of the exploration model for high-grade antimony mineralisation at Yallalong.
  • 14 new, high priority, structural targets analogous to the high-grade Discovery Target have been identified and will be evaluated in the next drilling campaign.

The geophysics has identified 14 new structural antimony targets at Yallalong analogous to the Discovery Target, where historic drilling intercepted high-grade antimony.

Octava’s Managing Director Bevan Wakelam stated, ‘The new gravity data redefines the exploration model for high grade antimony at Yallalong. It explains the presence of anomalous antimony along the structural corridor and predicts potential hot spots along it. It is exciting to consider the possibility of a continuous system extending under cover for more than 10 kilometers and having a method to pinpoint the most prospective zones. Planning work is already underway for drilling of these new targets ‘

Antimony

The Yallalong project is located ~ 220km to the northeast of the port town of Geraldton in Western Australia. The antimony (Sb) mineralisation identified at Yallalong appears within a 10km north- south striking mineralised corridor.

Previous exploration identified four principal antimony targets where antimony mineralisation was exposed at surface. Only the Discovery Prospect had previous drilling and recorded high-grade antimony intercepts over a strike length of ~300m, including 7m @ 3.27% Sb.

A detailed geophysical survey was undertaken to identify underlying structures, such as shears and faults, which act as conduits to mineralising fluids. It also outlines key lithological boundaries. These factors are important in the formation of antimony deposits worldwide.

Interpretation of the geophysical data and the historic drilling has re-defined the exploration model for high grade antimony at Yallalong. Fourteen new targets analogous to the Discovery Target have been identified and will be evaluated through planned drilling. See Figure 1.

Atlas Geophysics conducted the gravity survey using a 100m x 100m grid pattern, with additional measurements on a 50m x 50m grid over the Discovery Target. NewGen Geo, a geophysical consultancy, carried out the gravity data processing and interpretation.

Click here for the full ASX Release

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Overview

Hempalta Corp. (TSXV:HEMP) is engaged in processing industrial hemp at scale to produce a range of consumer and commercial products. Its proprietary processing technology, HempTrain, is capable of converting industrial hemp into high-volume, high-grade products. The company’s product range includes animal bedding, garden mulch and construction products such as hempcrete – a biocomposite material for construction and insulation made of hemp hurds and lime. Industrial hemp is highly versatile and can be grown in a variety of climates and soil conditions.

Perhaps the most important characteristic of industrial hemp is its ability to capture carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. One hectare of a hemp crop can absorb 10 to 22 tons of CO2 and is believed to be more efficient at carbon sequestration than forests. HEMPALTA is leveraging this hemp attribute as a new revenue stream and an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing carbon market, enabled by its acquisition of a controlling interest in UK-based Hemp Carbon Standard (HCS).

HEMPALTA owns 50.1 percent of HCS, which uses a science-based quantification methodology designed to measure carbon removal from industrial hemp accurately. The strategic investment in HCS – and through partnerships with industrial hemp farmers – positions HEMPALTA to become a leading carbon credit generator. The sale of these hemp-derived carbon credits offers a new revenue stream for HEMPALTA, in addition to its B2C and B2B hemp products. The carbon credit market is currently the largest opportunity for HEMPALTA. The global voluntary carbon market is projected to reach $2.68 trillion by 2028 at a CAGR of 18.23 percent. HEMPALTA anticipates realizing the first full cycle of carbon credit revenue by the first quarter of 2025.

The other key revenue stream for the company is from the sale of hemp products. Here again, the opportunity is large, with the global industrial hemp market projected to reach $16.75 billion by 2030. The company plans to introduce new products and expand its existing capacity to capitalize on this growing opportunity. Its plant expansion initiatives are focused on boosting capacity to effectively meet the increasing market demand. The change in the US Residential Building Code, approving the use of hemp-lime (Hempcrete), is a major tailwind. Hempcrete can now be used in one and two-family dwellings and townhouses in 49 of 50 US states. The company intends to focus on this product in its near-term strategy.

The company is led by seasoned and tested industry veterans with significant experience scaling businesses. The CEO, Darren Bondar, has a proven track record of scaling businesses and exiting them. He founded and built Canada’s largest recreational cannabis store network, Spiritleaf, and sold it for $131 million.

Company Highlights

  • HEMPALTA is an agricultural technology company processing industrial hemp at scale. Industrial hemp is known for its sustainability, given its ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) twice as efficiently as forests.
  • HEMPALTA employs a proprietary processing technology called HempTrain to process industrial hemp to produce a range of high-value, environmentally friendly consumer and commercial products. These include biocomposite building materials, food preservation pads, pet litter, animal bedding and gardening products.
  • The company’s consumer products are currently sold and distributed in over 150 stores and through e-commerce platforms in Canada and the U.S., with the goal of reaching more than 1,500 retail channels.
  • In addition to industrial hemp products, HEMPALTA also offers carbon credits. The global voluntary carbon market is projected to reach $2.68 trillion by 2028, presenting a large opportunity for the company.
  • The company owns a controlling interest (50.1 percent) of Hemp Carbon Standard (HCS), which is driving HEMPALTA’s venture into the carbon credits market. HCS uses a science-based quantification methodology designed to measure carbon removal from industrial hemp accurately.
  • The industrial hemp industry is projected to experience growth as consumers and companies seek environmental and sustainable products. The global industrial hemp market is expected to reach $16.75 billion by 2030.

Key Segments

Carbon Credits

HEMPALTA is providing carbon credit solutions utilizing the carbon-negative nature of industrial hemp agriculture. The company partners with farmers to grow industrial hemp, which can absorb between 10 to 22 tons of CO2 per hectare. The ability of industrial hemp to absorb CO2 allows for the creation and sale of carbon credits on the voluntary market. Carbon credits can be purchased by companies looking to offset their emissions. This creates a revenue stream for HEMPALTA.

Once the farmers harvest hemp, the amount of CO2 absorbed by the crop is measured and verified using HCS’s technology. This step is crucial to accurately quantifying the carbon sequestration and determining the corresponding carbon credits.

HEMPALTA owns a controlling interest (50.1 percent) in HCS, which is a major advantage as it allows HEMPALTA to measure, report and verify the carbon credits. HCS is the only company in the world that can scientifically quantify and measure CO2 removal for hemp. HCS’s technology allows accurate measurement of CO2 sequestration in the biomass of the industrial hemp and related soil. HCS’s reporting ensures transparency and accuracy, thereby providing a solid basis for corporate buyers to make carbon credit purchases. The company estimates its partnership with HCS could result in over 1 million acres being measured, reported and verified for the creation of carbon credits that can be sold on the voluntary carbon credit market.

Industrial Hemp Products

HEMPALTA uses state-of-the-art processing technology, called the HempTrain, to produce a range of high-value, environmentally friendly consumer and commercial products using industrial hemp. These include biocomposite building materials, food preservation pads, pet litter, animal bedding and gardening products. These products are currently sold and distributed via offline and online channels. The products are present in more than 150 retail stores in Canada and the US, along with major e-commerce platforms. The goal is to reach over 1,500 retail channels.

Management Team

Darren Bondar – President and CEO

Darren Bondar previously founded and served as president and CEO of Inner Spirit Holdings, the first cannabis retail company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Under his leadership, Inner Spirit expanded significantly until its acquisition by Sundial Growers in July 2021. Prior to that, he was the president and CEO of Watch It! and Comfortable Image, consumer retail and franchising businesses. Bondar holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University. He has completed the financing, governance and compliance for public companies course at Simon Fraser University.

Candace Ryan – Chief Financial Officer

Candace Ryan brings over 15 years of experience in accounting, payroll, human resources, financial planning, and financial reporting and analysis. Previously, she served as financial controller for Spiritleaf, a subsidiary of Inner Spirit Holdings, listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Adrian Stokes – Director

Adrian Stokes has over two decades of experience in financial services. He currently leads ADL Private Office in Monaco, a private family office for the majority partner of Fullbrook Thorpe Investments LLP. Previously, he held various roles at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management. He holds a double major in business from Greenwich Business School in London.

Craig Steinberg – Director

Craig Steinberg has been a director of HEMPALTA since August 2021. He is a practicing lawyer with Steinberg Law and is the designated mortgage broker for Fortius Mortgage Corporation. From August 2017 until July 2021, Steinberg served as a director of Inner Spirit Holdings which was listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Dan Balaban – Director

Dan Balaban is the executive chair and CEO of Greengate Power Corporation, a Canadian renewable energy company. Before joining Greengate, Balaban co-founded and served as president and CEO of Roughneck.ca, which provides software solutions for the oil and gas industry. Earlier in his career, he worked as a management consultant at top-tier firms, including EY and PwC.

Liam Russell Wilson – Director

Liam Russell Wilson is the vice-president of business development with Prairie Merchant Corporation, a private investment company that focuses on real estate, energy, agriculture and sports franchises. He sits on the board of Indiva and continues to actively manage a portfolio of cannabis-related investments. Wilson holds a Master of Business degree from Queensland University of Technology.

Michael Ginevsky – Corporate Secretary

Michael Ginevsrky is a partner at DS Lawyers Canada LLP, where he focuses primarily on capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities regulatory compliance. Ginevsky received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta. He was previously corporate secretary of Inner Spirit Holdings, a cannabis retailer listed on the CSE.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com