July 16, 2018 7:46am

In July, there have been 8 sector positive closes, 1 negative and 1 holiday (45 covered companies) of 10 sessions – share pricing strength holds so far

It will be about exposure to market highs, geo-political and risk issues and possible sector rotation

I also find sentiment hazy!

 

Pre-open indications: 4 SELLs

 

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U.S. stock index futures fight for direction

Dow futures are UP +0.3% (+8 points) and NASDAQ futures are UP +1.00% (+,25 point)

 

U.S. stock index futures climbed ahead of Monday’s open,

European markets slightly higher amid earnings;

Asian stocks slip after China economic growth eases

 

Data docket: retail sales are due out at 8:30 a.m. ET, along with the Empire State Manufacturing survey. Business inventories will then be released at 10 a.m. ET.

 

Henry’omics:

 

The issue of the day: Investors will be watching all news on Helsinki, Finland. President Trump and Putin are meeting to discuss a range of topics including relations between both nations and security issues.

Reiterating, sentiment be the equalizer as to how the session shares-out!

 

Today’s indications:

  • The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB) is NOT indicating in Monday’s pre-market;
  • The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) is NOT indicating in Monday’s pre-market;
  • The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is NOT indicating in Monday’s pre-open;
  • The iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) is indicating an UP +0.13% in Monday’s pre-open

 

From Friday’s night’s newsletter: “rebound; the sector put itself back together after spending the day oversold.”

I also stated, “While trading remained a primary focus in the week but, over the coming sessions, will investors be diverted by upcoming Q2 earnings season (beginning 8/2)? Though it is too soon to tell how the sector did over the last quarter, the early reads could be deserved – I am NOT ‘feeling positive!”

The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology (IBB) was UP +0.17% post Thursday’s +1.17%, Wednesday’s -0.29%, Tuesday’s -0.17% and last Monday’s +0.52% … for a weekly upside of +1.4% - I’m back to “smelling” some downside …

I always want to know what happened PRIOR to what might happen today – it sets a tone of consequence!

  • Of the 45 companies covered on Friday; 17 downside equities finished in a range of -$0.01 (ONVO) to -$4.30 (ONCE) while the 25 upside equities oscillated from +$0.01 (BTX) to $2.60 (RGNX) with 3 flat closes;
  • Friday’s gainers ranged from +0.07% < CLLS +$0.02> to +13.19% <CLBS +$0.72 > in 25 equities;
  • Friday’s gainers ranged from +0.07% < CLLS +$0.02> to +13.19% <CLBS +$0.72 > in 25 equities;

 

Companies in my headlights – It’s your decision; I provide the idea and context:

BioLife Solutions (BLFS) closed up again +$0.79 to $19.79 after Thursday’s +$1.80 to $19.00. BLFS has spurted in July from $14.99, a $4.80 premium or +24.25% upside in 10 sessions. “Icarus” flew too high and the wax on the wings (of the share price” - Maintaining SELL;

bluebird bio (BLUE) closed up again +$0.30 to $180.60 with 491.5 K shares traded <3 month average = 818.8 K shares> after Thursday’s +$1.95 to $180.30, Wednesday’s $178.35, Tuesday’s $177.50, last Monday’s $173.00. July started off at $154.05, there is a $26.55 or +14.7% premium – as BLUE hits another new high, I tend to suspect the target is on its back – Maintaining SELL;

Caladrius Biosciences (CLBS) closed up +$0.72 to $6.18 with low volume of 229.9 K shares traded <3 month average = 324.6 K>. A quick “peak” doesn’t instill confidence and on what news which it usually responds to; as July has seen a low of $5.42 and a high of 7/2’s $6.43. Strength has been fleeting - SELL

CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) closed up again +$0.66 to $65.71 <3 month average = 1.547 M shares)after Thursday’s +$0.86 to $65.05, Wednesday’s +$1.78 to $54.19 with 902.1 M shares traded, Tuesday’s -$1.00 to $62.21 and last  Monday’s +$0.33 to $63.21).  July started $60.05 , that’s a $5.65 premium or a +8.6% upside in 10 sessions, the “upside” has to slow sooner or later –- Maintaining SELL;

 

Opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change, and not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, nor investment advice.

Whether information or intelligence is good, bad or somewhere in between; I put into context what is relevant and useful for investors.  All investments are subject to risks. Investors should consider investment objectives.

Henry McCusker, the editor and publisher of RegMed Investors does not hold or have positions in securities referred to in this publication.