Comedy Is Tragedy Plus Time

April 5, 2015

Mish's Daily

By Mish Schneider

Carol Burnett

As a part-time actor in our local community theaters, I think a lot about the iconic Comedy and Tragedy Mask. The masks were taken from Greek Mythology and were worn in the Greek theater to distinguish the different emotions of the characters. Actors were able to play more than one character because of the masks. In fact, the actors could truly be called two-faced!

The market too, has many masks, with both Comedy and Tragedy alive and well depending upon where one looks. Before I go further, I nearly fell out of my chair when I read this: The word τραγῳδία (tragoidia), from which the word "tragedy" is derived, is a compound of two Greek words: τράγος (tragos) or "goat" and ᾠδή (ode) meaning "song."

Goat??? Or in this case, goat song. As in sheep as in ram as in The Year of the Bleating…according to the Chinese New Year. How’s that for synchronicity!

What masks is the market donning? Beginning with tragedy and sticking to my modern family-Transportation (IYT) remains weak (Distribution Phase), therefore a concern. Transportation is a reflection (in my amateur economist’s viewpoint) of a still fledgling US economy, which many still believe measures with a Shakespearean tragedy.

Next, Semiconductors (SMH), closed right on the pivotal point 54.85 which means Monday should be decisive on which mask this group decides to put on. SMH remains in a confirmed warning phase.

Biotechnology (IBB), had an inside day last Thursday and held the 50 DMA therefore, didn’t fall apart necessarily. Yet, IBB closed red and looks heavy.

Who’s wearing the mask of Comedy? For one, Grandpa Russell 2000’s. Now, comedy doesn’t necessarily have to be ha ha funny-it could represent satire. Here’s where this seems to weigh in. The slope on the fast moving average which it marginally held, is sloping down. Although the phase is strongly bullish, the high of the nasty March 25th candle or 125.60 really has to clear to get the audience laughing! After all, a laugh track is no substitute for the real thing!

Then there’s Grandma Retail (XRT). Well, she having a heck of a good time, basing near the highs. She gets to keep the Comedy mask. Finally, we look at Sister Regional Banks (KRE). This one I continue to love. It’s holding support, slopes are positive and we can count on one more move over the 41.20 area to push her center stage.

As the origin of the masks were intended to allow the actors to play many different roles, so will the market continue to demonstrate diversity with both comic and tragic players alike.

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts…” William Shakespeare

Happy Passover and Easter!

S&P 500 (SPY) Held 204, now looking at 208.

Russell 2000 (IWM) Over 125.60 should help the rest of the market and under 124.20 trouble

Dow (DIA) Really, over 178.50 is the place to clear and now we have a couple of bottoms at 175.50 area

Nasdaq (QQQ) Inside day. 104.50 major support with 107 major resistance

XLF (Financials) Over 24.25 new ballgame.

KRE (Regional Banks) A close over 41.06, I think I love you

IYT (Transportation) Unless this gets back over 155.40 quick, pay attention

IBB (Biotechnology) Over 344 and we can say thank you!

XRT (Retail) Like to see this clear 101.83 and hold 100.00

IYR (Real Estate) Over 80.00 could have a bounce and under 78.60 see more downside

ITB (US Home Construction) New highs on Thursday