Major averages had a high volume reversal yesterday closing at their lows. The NASDAQ had started the day up more than 1% on a stellar earnings report from AAPL, but grew concerned on the timing of the first interest rate hike. Concluding its two-day meeting, the Fed said once again that it will keep rates at low levels but said job growth was "strong" and that inflation should increase over the medium term on an improving labor market. Thus the Fed implied a hike in interest rates some time in the second half of 2015. The statement overall was taken as hawkish and sent the dollar and Treasurys sharply higher, both perceived as safe havens, and an indication that the economy is not doing nearly as well as the Fed suggests. Meanwhile, oil continued its downtrend, plumbing new multi-year lows.
Pharmaceutical ANI Pharmaceuticals (ANIP) had a buyable gap up as it will join the S&P 600 small cap index. Earnings and sales are skyrocketing, group rank 10.
Apple (AAPL) had a buyable gap up as it blew past earnings estimates on massive iPhone sales. Earnings and sales are accelerating, pretax margin 29.3%, ROE 33.6%, group rank 81. Keep in mind this stock has a market cap of $635 billion so this may slow its rate of ascent. Also, the market has been choppy so remains fairly directionless.
Facebook (FB) came out with earnings last night after the close and is trading slightly down this morning after reversing below its 50-day moving average yesterday during normal trading hours. We would watch this as a possible short-sale target if it is unable to get back above its 50-day line. In this case, any short position put out on the stock under the 50-day line would use the moving average as a quick upside stop.