Little Change, But Bearish Sentiment Remains

Neither the Top 50 or the Total Tracker charts revealed much change in allocations going into the new trading week.




The Top 50 did increase their total stock allocation by 4.8%, although that only brought their collective stock holdings to 28.2%. The end of week rally may have enticed a bit of buying given the S&P held its 50 dma on Thursday, with significant follow through to the upside on Friday. But again, with only a 28.2% total allocation, this group remains quite bearish.




The Total Tracker also showed a bit of buying as this group increased their total stock allocation by 3.15% for a total allocation of 43.62%.

So both groups remain decidedly bearish, which once again was reflected in our sentiment survey. That remained in a buy condition for the 13th straight week.

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Thought... what about leaving out those that have used no IFTs so far this year, or none in the last 3 months?

I mean, if you are not actively "trading" your account, why use the information in providing valuable statistics for those of that do?

 

[Birchtree]

Because making no decision is often reflected in a decision.

 

[coolhand]

Thought... what about leaving out those that have used no IFTs so far this year, or none in the last 3 months?

I mean, if you are not actively "trading" your account, why use the information in providing valuable statistics for those of that do?

There are several reasons, but the biggest one to me is that given there are about 1,000 lines of participants it would take me more time than I care to invest in manipulating the data on a weekly basis. I also agree with BT that there is some value in keeping the total number of participants intact. I realize some may no longer be participating, but I believe Tom purges those accounts from time to time.

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

Because making no decision is often reflected in a decision.

No, it only shows lack of participation or a Buy & Hold mentality, neither of which reflect the intent of the AT and I (yes opinion here, sorry Tom) believe the interest of those that watch it.

 

[RealMoneyIssues]

There are several reasons, but the biggest one to me is that given there are about 1,000 lines of participants it would take me more time than I care to invest in manipulating the data on a weekly basis. I also agree with BT that there is some value in keeping the total number of participants intact. I realize some may no longer be participating, but I believe Tom purges those accounts from time to time.

The manipulation can be easily automated...

 

[Sensei]

No, it only shows lack of participation or a Buy & Hold mentality, neither of which reflect the intent of the AT and I (yes opinion here, sorry Tom) believe the interest of those that watch it.

Hey RMI - I hear you, but take my case: I've made 13 IFTs in 2012, but my last was back on 6/1/12. A month and a half ago. I missed a couple little pullbacks that would have been nice to trade, but I decided to just ride them out rather than risk selling low. I might very well end up holding 100% S for another month and a half if we don't see SPX1400 sooner than later. That would mean I'd end up holding 3 months. I think BT has a point that sometimes holding for the long term is the decision, even if you're not a diehard buy and holder. Just my thought.