HedgeFundTradeAlert

The week was mildly positive for global stocks after the Greek parliament and eurozone officials agreed to the terms of a Greek bailout deal. Despite ongoing concern regarding the financial viability of other eurozone members, the current deal, which will enable Greece to make its debt payments in March, assuaged some investor concerns. Economic news in the United States was primarily positive and provided more evidence of a housing and jobs recovery. In Europe, however, the news was not so upbeat. The European Union sharply downgraded its growth outlook for the region’s economies.

One concern of investors is the potential impact that rising gasoline prices will have on consumer confidence and spending. The price of gasoline in the United States averaged $3.65 in the week ended February 18, up $0.40 from a year earlier. The price of a barrel of crude oil rose to $108 per barrel, up about $4 this week in response to growing tensions surrounding Iran, its nuclear capability and a potential Iranian oil embargo. The price of a barrel of Brent crude rose above $123. Corporate earnings reports showed a wide range of results, holding markets back from any strong move in either direction. However, several blue-chip firms posted large losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average flirted with the 13,000 mark, and other major US indices were at or near four-year highs.

For the week we took out only 3.7  points in closed trades, moving us to 35.5 for the month and 70.05 for the year.

Remember… Each point = $1 in profits x the number of shares you would normally trade… So if you would have been trading in all the executed positions with us with an average of 1000 shares per lot you would have theoretically made $3,700 last week

Current Open Positions

Note… In some of these trades we may have already taken some profits or losses which are included in the points described above, therefore the following only reflect current full or partial open positions.

Global equities markets were flat this week after investors endured days of uncertainty, resulting from European policymakers’ inability to cement an agreement on a Greek bailout and restructuring package.

Adding to the tension, Moody’s cut its debt ratings for six European countries, including Spain and Italy. Unfortunately we  had issued a long alert on the EWP Spain tracking ETF. The credit rating agency also placed numerous large banks in Europe and North America on review.

In the United States upbeat data assuaged some fears. After dipping sharply on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average traded near a four-year high Thursday. U.S. weekly unemployment claims fell to a four-year low, housing activity rose, and inflation gauges showed modest rises.

The U.S. Congress extended the U.S. payroll tax deal through the end of 2012, taking it off the table as an election campaign issue, and continuing a mild but steady form of economic stimulus for 160 million American workers.

Monday, US markets are closed due to the holiday

For the week we took out 28.55 points in closed trades, moving us to 31.8 for the month and 66.35 for the year.

Remember… Each point = $1 in profits x the number of shares you would normally trade… So if you would have been trading in all the positions with us with an average of 1000 shares per lot you would have theoretically made $28,500

Current Open Positions

Note… In some of these trades we may have already taken some profits or losses which are included in the points described above, therefore the following only reflect current full or partial open positions.