Investors have had a chance to digest what this partial trade deal means for the markets. And the sum total is that we are really in the same place as before. That being a state of limbo where the next headline could = rally or tank.

The outcome of which is that we are likely stuck in the same trading range as before. And that investors need more information to emerge from this range in either direction.

We will talk more about the shape of the trading range and our portfolio strategy response. (Hint: I plan on buying at least 2 more positions to the portfolio on Friday.)

Market Commentary

First, a quick housekeeping item.

We have a number of new members joining us this week. The key to success for new members is to read the FAQ for the service to fully appreciate what this service is about and how it will help you enjoy more investment success. One of the topics covered is whether a new member should buy existing RTR positions…or just wait for the next set of trades to come out.

The answer to that and other vital questions is covered here: RTR Frequently Asked Questions.

Now on with the market commentary…

On Monday morning I shared with you the following alert: It’s Complicated.

The abbreviated version is to say that the partial deal is less impressive than first advertised…maybe harder to get signed than previously understood…and that the truly important topic of tariff removal is still quite a ways off…thus its benefit to the economy and stock market is between minimal and non-existent.

Since then it has come to light that the Chinese may not actually agree with President Trumps version of the massive increase in agricultural spending as laid out in this CNBC article from this morning.

However, it would be inaccurate to say that we are worse off than before. Likely some progress was made. And hopefully that these small steps keep accumulating over time towards a more comprehensive deal that does remove this dark cloud hanging over the markets.

The action since the announcement tells me that investors see the market as little different than before the announcement of the partial deal. That is where we were in a trading range awaiting more details on trade, and its effect on the economy, to determine whether we would break out lower or higher.

The exact shape of the range is not 100% clear because everyday there are new inputs that help recalculate the odds of a deal. But in general I would say that the top end of the range is…

End of Free Preview

The rest of the commentary is reserved for subscribers to the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. The topics covered include:

• Upside and downside potential of current trading range.
• What would have us breakout above or below that range.
• Current trading strategy and why only 50% long the market.
• Updates on 4 of the stock recommendations in the portfolio.
• Why Reity is adding 2 new trades this week.
• And more.

To see the portfolio, the newest trades, and read the rest of this commentary, just start a 30 day trial. Click the link below to learn more.

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SPY shares were trading at $299.32 per share on Thursday morning, up $0.92 (+0.31%). Year-to-date, SPY has gained 21.44%, versus a 21.44% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

About the Author: Steve Reitmeister

Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks. More...

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