The market opened weak due to oversold conditions, but reversed sharply as the S&P Oscillator hit minus eight, signaling extreme negativity and a bullish bounce. The Dow gained 498 points, the S&P rose 1.09%, and the Nasdaq jumped 1.03%.
The S&P Oscillator is a tool that measures buying or selling pressure. When it reaches minus five, it indicates oversold conditions, and buying should begin. At minus eight, it's a strong signal to buy aggressively, as the market is due for a bullish bounce.
Buying the S&P 500 after the Oscillator hits minus eight has historically yielded an average gain of 2.88% within 30 days and 8.93% within 60 days over a 10-year period. The market was up 70% of the time after 30 days and 80% after 60 days.
NVIDIA's stock opened deep in the red, which was a buying signal. The stock then ran sharply higher, closing strong, as it aligned with the strategy of buying during oversold conditions and down openings.
The lack of a budget agreement initially caused concern, but historically, government shutdowns have led to buying opportunities. The market often rebounds as the negativity is priced in ahead of the shutdown.
The PCE, the Fed's favorite inflation gauge, showed a slowdown to 2.4% versus the expected 2.5%. This positive data point contributed to a short squeeze, as it aligned with the Fed's stance on inflation.
CVS Health is struggling due to theft issues in its drugstores, competition from Amazon, and problems in its Aetna insurance business, including Medicare Advantage plan mismanagement. Additionally, a recent Justice Department lawsuit over opioid dispensing has added to its woes.
The Justice Department claims CVS knowingly dispensed controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, prioritizing profits over safety and knowingly filling invalid prescriptions. The complaint details cases of patients who died from overdoses linked to CVS's practices.
Agco is undergoing structural changes, aiming for 14-15% margins by mid-cycle, up from 6% historically. The company is investing in technology and gaining market share, positioning itself for growth once the agricultural cycle improves.
Cramer views day trading and zero-day options as akin to gambling, leading to mood swings, sleepless nights, and spiraling losses. He believes these practices are harmful and should be discouraged, with better warnings or restrictions in place.
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