STOCK MARKET WATCH -- Thursday, 21 February 2013

[Demeter]

20. 7 signs that stocks are about to slide (BETTER LATE THAN NEVER?)

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/7-signs-that-stocks-are-about-to-slide-2013-02-21?siteid=YAHOOB

The VIX “fear index” is at its lowest level since 2006. Big-time buyouts are making waves on Wall Street. Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index have been pushing all-time highs. Well, maybe things aren’t so hot. The general consensus in the blogosphere is that a market pullback is likely in the next several weeks, even if the long-term trend is decidedly higher.

Many folks like to run their mouth about the macro concerns supporting the correction case. Recent items of interest include softness in consumer spending, the hangover from Washington’s “sequester” shenanigans, Europe (as always) and some disappointing housing data.

But the causes of a pullback in the next month or two are likely structural and not based on headlines. Even long-term bulls are looking for a short-term dip after the strong rally to start the year, lest stock valuations get ahead of themselves....

WHATEVER--CHICKEN ENTRAILS, ANYONE?