Morning Market Outlook 20260904

Sit On Your Hands
U.S. markets are heading into the three-day weekend with a mixed outlook. The S&P 500 and Dow are trading below fair value while the Nasdaq remains slightly higher. Strong U.S. employment numbers are pressuring stocks, while gold has fallen sharply and crude oil remains slightly lower. Despite the morning weakness, the major indexes have shown little movement for the week, with the S&P 500 up slightly and the Nasdaq 100 essentially unchanged. Bitcoin has been a standout performer, while crude oil has gained nearly 6% for the week.

Several major ETFs and sectors moved back onto buy signals Thursday, including Canadian and U.S. financials, gold stocks, technology and broad-market ETFs. However, the presenter recommends sitting on the sidelines Friday rather than acting on these fresh signals, waiting for confirmation next week. The Russell 2000, small caps and micro caps have yet to fully participate. With a long weekend approaching and a mixed market open expected, the strategy is to remain patient and reassess after the weekend.

Stephen Whiteside
Friday, September 4, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260903

Stocks, Gold & Oil Outlook

Thursday’s market outlook points to a cautious environment, with U.S. stocks showing mixed pre-market action and new sell signals emerging outside Canada. The TSX 60 and Vanguard Canada ETF remain relatively quiet, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 face resistance and continue to show a pattern of lower highs. Jobless claims and inflation data could influence the market’s direction, while gold and crude oil are both trading higher.

Several individual stocks are approaching important technical levels. Suncor is testing major resistance near its May high, while Royal Bank and Manulife are close to potential buy signals. Nvidia remains on a buy signal with $237.50 as the next target if its recent high is broken. Overall, the outlook emphasizes watching support, resistance, channel levels, and emerging sell signals as short-term weakness could develop into longer-term trends.

Stephen Whiteside
Thursday, September 3, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260902

Markets Turn Defensive as Bonds Fall and Sell Signals Multiply

U.S. stock index futures are pointing to a weak open Wednesday as investors digest a large number of economic reports and await upcoming Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. The major concern remains the bond market, where prices continued to fall and yields moved higher. Numerous bond ETFs have returned to sell signals, while gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum and related mining stocks have also weakened and generated additional sell signals.

The technical picture for equities has deteriorated, with new sell signals appearing across major Canadian and U.S. index ETFs, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, Vanguard Total Market ETF and several sector ETFs. Energy remains a notable area of strength, with crude oil moving higher and energy stocks reaching new highs. The overall message is defensive: follow the market’s signals, monitor the continued weakness in bonds, and avoid assuming that individual pre-market strength—such as Dell’s sharp opening gain—represents a sustainable trend.

Stephen Whiteside
Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260901

September Starts With a Warning: Key Stock Market Signals

August was a broadly positive month, with the TSX and S&P 500 reaching new all-time highs while the NASDAQ 100 gained 4.18% and semiconductors rose 2.98%. Gold stocks were the standout performer, gaining more than 32%, while crude oil rose 3.51%. Utilities were among the weaker sectors, reflecting pressure from the bond market. However, the transition into September is starting with stock index futures lower and commodities mixed.

The current signals point to increased caution entering September. The Vanguard Canada ETF moved back to a sell signal, Shopify also returned to a sell signal, and major U.S. indexes showed weakness, particularly small- and micro-cap stocks. Energy remained relatively strong, while semiconductors and U.S. bank stocks stayed on sell signals. Crude oil returned to a buy signal, while the VIX remains on a sell signal. Employment numbers later Tuesday could influence market direction.

Stephen Whiteside
Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260828

Don’t Chase Nvidia! Salesforce Surges & New Tech Buy Signals

The stock market enters Friday with a relatively quiet pre-market, while investors await comments from the Fed Chairman. Weekly charts show no major trend changes: the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are higher, the VIX is lower, and the TSX has reached a new all-time high. Semiconductors are helping the Nasdaq, while energy stocks have pulled back and Canadian financials remain mixed.

Nvidia was the major focus following Thursday’s strong advance, but the analysis cautions against chasing the stock at current levels. Several new buy signals emerged, including the semiconductor ETF, Nasdaq 100, Vanguard Total Market ETF, and TD Bank, although these signals remain weak and require confirmation from Friday’s opening action. The Canadian banks remain technically weak overall, while the VIX continues to support higher stock prices.

Morning Market Outlook 20260827

Nvidia Surges After Earnings: What Happens to the Nasdaq Next?

Stock index futures are mixed ahead of U.S. jobless claims, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq higher while the Dow is slightly lower. The major focus is Nvidia following its earnings report, with the initial reaction positive. Nvidia remains on a weekly buy signal and is trading just above its upper channel, but a sustained move above $225 would be important confirmation. The Nasdaq is also approaching a potential daily buy signal.

Across Canada and the U.S., many major market sectors remain on mixed or defensive signals. The TSX 60 and Vanguard Canada ETF remain stuck at key levels, while U.S. small-cap, micro-cap, and total-market ETFs remain on sell signals. Semiconductors could generate a buy signal if SMH closes above $572.47. Grain prices also surged on Wednesday, adding a potential inflation concern, while bonds remain on a buy signal.

Stephen Whiteside
Thursday, August 27, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260826

TSX Surges While U.S. Markets Remain Technically Weak

U.S. stock index futures were mixed heading into Wednesday, while commodities moved lower, with crude oil continuing to decline and gold slipping modestly. Several key signals remained unchanged: the USO and gasoline ETFs returned to sell signals, Canadian energy stocks generated sell signals, and U.S. energy stocks were close to doing the same. Bonds continued to strengthen as yields moved lower, while the Canadian TSX advanced sharply on strength in financials and base metals.

Gold and silver stocks remained among the strongest areas, with gold stocks up nearly 40% over the past month and silver stocks up more than 36%. The key takeaway is to protect gains rather than chase extended moves; partial profit-taking is recommended, particularly in leveraged ETFs. In the U.S., the Dow approached its upper channel but remained without a buy signal, while the S&P 500, Nasdaq and semiconductors remained below their lower channel lines. NVIDIA earnings are the major event ahead, while individual stocks such as Bank of Nova Scotia and B2Gold have also produced significant recent gains.

Stephen Whiteside
Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260825

Market Alert: Nvidia Falls as Stocks Struggle to Find Support

U.S. stock index futures are pointing to a higher open Tuesday, but the move is not large enough to change the current market trends. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, Russell 2000, and Canadian TSX 60 remain under pressure, while the VIX is elevated and on a buy signal. Consumer staples and financials were among Monday’s stronger sectors, while technology, energy, and semiconductors weakened. Nvidia had a particularly difficult session and could be heading toward the $200 level.

Commodity and fixed-income markets remain important to watch. Crude oil is moving lower again, potentially weighing on Canadian stocks, while gold continues to advance and gold stocks remain strong. U.S. bonds have stabilized after last week’s weakness, with TLT on a buy signal and Canadian bonds approaching a new buy signal. The overall message is that Tuesday’s expected higher opening does not yet signal a change in direction, making existing technical signals and trend levels especially important.

Stephen Whiteside
Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260821

Stock Market Outlook: New Sell Signals Hit the Major Indexes

U.S. stock markets are attempting to rebound Friday morning after a sharp selloff on Thursday, with Nasdaq futures leading higher. However, the broader weekly picture remains weak: the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and Russell 2000 are all down more than 2% for the week, while new daily sell signals have appeared for the S&P 500, Russell 2000, micro caps and several other ETFs. The VIX remains on a weekly sell signal, while bond-market volatility and higher yields continue to be important areas to watch.

There are significant differences beneath the market averages. Financial stocks and major retailers such as Walmart and Costco remain under pressure, while energy, gold stocks and cryptocurrency-related investments have been strong. Bitcoin has gained more than 15% this week, gold stocks are up more than 10%, and crude oil is up more than 5%. The TSX is being weighed down by financials but supported by energy and gold stocks. Overall, Friday’s early strength has not yet changed the developing short-term weakness in the major U.S. indexes.

Stephen Whiteside
Friday, August 21, 2026

Morning Market Outlook 20260820

Major Sell Signals Hit Banks, Nasdaq 100 and Nvidia

U.S. stock index futures are pointing lower Thursday morning, led by the Dow following weakness in Walmart, while commodities are mixed with crude oil higher and gold slightly lower. The U.S. Treasury’s intervention in the bond market was a major focus after U.S. debt surpassed $40 trillion, while the U.S. dollar continued to weaken. Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies also surged following a White House meeting with crypto representatives. The VIX remains on daily sell signals, indicating relatively subdued market fear.

The technical picture has weakened in several important areas. The TSX 60, Nasdaq 100 and financial sectors are back on sell signals, with Canadian and U.S. banks experiencing significant declines and several major banks generating new sell signals. Nvidia is also back on a sell signal, while Apple has returned to a buy signal. Energy markets remain relatively firm, but natural gas lacks professional buying interest. With U.S. jobless claims due at 8:30 a.m., the report could influence Thursday’s market direction, with a modestly lower open currently expected.

Stephen Whiteside
Thursday, August 20, 2026