Category: Uncategorized

The stock market continued grinding higher this week with no major trend changes, despite what appears to be a growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street. Semiconductors and energy led the gains, with crude oil, gasoline, and the Canadian energy sector hitting new highs. Meanwhile, gold stocks were the worst performers, and consumer discretionary stocks continue to outperform staples—an unusual signal given concerns about economic slowdown.

Seasonality has played out almost perfectly in 2026, with volatility falling from March into late April and stocks rising accordingly. However, a major risk may be building globally as countries and companies increasingly shift away from U.S. products and defense systems. This potential loss of foreign revenue for U.S. companies may not yet be priced into the market, leaving the door open for a significant decline later in the year.

Stephen Whiteside
Sunday, May 3, 2026

April closed with strong bullish momentum across global markets, especially in the U.S., where the NASDAQ surged nearly 16% and semiconductors exploded higher. Canadian markets lagged slightly, led by financials and banks, while gold stocks struggled. Commodities pulled back slightly in the pre-market, but oil remains above $100 and uranium has returned to a buy signal.

Despite geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices, markets continue focusing on big tech and AI momentum. The outlook for May remains cautiously optimistic, but traders are advised not to chase Friday breakouts and instead consider partial positions and wait for confirmation signals next week.

Stephen Whiteside
Friday, May 1, 2026

Stocks are showing a bullish bias into month-end with futures trading above fair value and the VIX still on a sell signal, supporting higher prices. Energy led markets while materials and gold stocks weakened, and several Canadian stocks including CGI, FirstService and Canadian National Railway helped pull the TSX lower. In the U.S., markets were mostly quiet with strength in semiconductors but weakness in small caps.

Big tech earnings are driving attention with Amazon and Alphabet pushing toward upside targets while Meta is breaking down and Microsoft remains on a buy signal. Commodities are mixed with crude oil and gasoline hitting new highs while most mining assets remain on sell signals. Bitcoin is near a sell signal as investors rotate capital elsewhere.

Stephen Whiteside
Thursday, April 30, 2026

Oil Back Over $100 Ahead of Fed – Morning Market Outlook

Stocks are quiet ahead of the Fed meeting, with crude oil rising back above $100 while gold slips and index futures trade slightly higher. Bond yields have been rising, the VIX remains on a sell signal, and recent TSX weakness is largely tied to sharp pullbacks in Celestica, Cameco, and Wheaton Precious Metals. In the U.S., the S&P 500 pulled back slightly and the NASDAQ showed short-term bearish action while still holding a broader buy signal.

Energy remains a strong sector as oil and gasoline rise, while miners and smaller-cap stocks show weakness. Several actively traded stocks were reviewed for volatility using the Flypaper Channel and average true range, emphasizing comparing stocks within the same sector. Investors are reminded to balance risk, volatility, and portfolio goals while waiting for key economic data and the Fed announcement.

Stephen Whiteside
Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Stocks look mixed ahead of key economic data and the upcoming Fed decision. The Dow is trading higher in the pre-market while the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Russell move lower. Rising crude oil near $100 and falling gold are influencing sentiment, and consumer confidence numbers later this morning could shift market direction. Major earnings and the Fed meeting are expected to drive volatility.

Big tech continues to lead with new highs and upside targets for Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft. The VIX remains on a sell signal, supporting higher stock prices. Bitcoin is still on a buy signal but facing resistance, while energy and uranium remain strong and precious metals stay weak. The market may open softer as investors prepare for key economic events.

Stephen Whiteside
Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The week begins quietly, but investors are preparing for significant volatility from the Federal Reserve and major earnings releases. Month-end seasonality normally favors bulls, but upcoming news could challenge that trend.

U.S. equities remain strong with tech leading, while financials and healthcare show weakness. Canadian markets show the opposite dynamic with healthcare strong and energy weak. Multiple sectors sit near key technical levels that could trigger new trading signals.

Stephen Whiteside
Monday, April 27, 2026

Markets pushed to new highs again this week despite worsening global conditions including flooding, wildfires, droughts, and rising energy prices. Oil and gasoline surged about 14%, volatility is nearing a buy signal, and the disconnect between markets and economic reality continues. Canadian and U.S. markets showed mostly “inside weeks,” signaling indecision rather than a major trend change.

Technology stocks continue to lead—especially semiconductors—while software stocks remain weak after brief pops from Microsoft and Oracle. The new Canadian telecom ETF (RING) shows a bearish long-term pattern, and Stephen warns the Middle East conflict could expand, keeping pressure on global energy and markets.

Stephen Whiteside
Sunday, April 26, 2026

Markets are heading into Friday with futures higher and the NASDAQ leading after a calm week for major indexes. Commodities showed more volatility, with oil rising strongly while gold and silver remain on sell signals. Copper is being closely watched due to supply concerns that could impact production later this year.

Semiconductor stocks delivered standout gains, with several names up more than 20% on the week and Intel surging pre-market. Transportation weakness was driven mainly by a sharp pullback in Avis Budget, while Southwest Airlines remains in a trading range and on a new sell signal. Energy stocks in both Canada and the U.S. have shifted back to buy signals.

Stephen Whiteside
Friday, April 24, 2026

Markets look set to open higher, but volatility signals remain elevated as the VIX rises despite index highs. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ dipped slightly, while the Russell 2000 produced a bearish reversal. Bitcoin continues to stall near $75K, reinforcing the theme of momentum slowing even as markets sit near highs.

The TSX showed growing risk as mining stocks and precious metals flipped back to sell signals, led by heavy losses in gold and silver miners. Energy stocks outperformed, and Baytex moved back onto a buy signal. In the U.S., oil & gas and semiconductor stocks led gains, with AMD standing out while NVIDIA remains stuck near the $200 level.

Stephen Whiteside
Wednesday, April 22, 2026