As I mentioned yesterday, the market was exhibiting signs of bottoming. So the markets delivered a decidedly positive session, never backing down and ended on the day’s high. It is very important for a true bottom to be in place that we get a day of strong follow through. If anything, today will be a test for the markets as the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report for the month of January is set to be released at 8:30 AM.
Non Farm Payrolls Expected to Increase
Economists expect that US non-farm payrolls will increase by 180,000 with the unemployment rate holding steady at 6.7%. December’s non-farm payrolls increase of 74,000 was well below estimates when originally released but there is a good chance that figure may be revised higher. The markets will not take another disappointing payroll report in stride. Should that happen, yesterday’s strong advance would be a one-day wonder. If, on the other hand, January non-farm hiring is near or in excess of estimates, then we will get that must needed follow through. Unfortunately, the wintry weather may throw a monkey wrench into the payroll report. I think it is a fool’s errand to game the jobs number, so let’s save our energy to react after the data release.
Coca-Cola to Partner Up With Green Mountain
The big news on Thursday was Coca-Cola’s (KO) purchase of a 10% stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters for $1.25 billion. This news sent shares of heavily shorted Green Mountain Coffee Roasters surging by 26%. Shares of Soda Stream (SODA) which have been beaten up as of late jumped 7% as traders speculated that Pepsi (PEP) would join forces with Soda Stream.
Social Networking Stocks Are Overvalued
LinkedIn (LNKD) followed in Twitter’s (TWTR) footsteps by delivering disappointing earnings results and guidance. Shares of LinkedIn were sharply lower after hours, although what happens in today’s session is unclear. It is clear to me that the social networking sector’s subscriber growth rates may be waning. Valuations for the sector are clearly too high and have to contract.
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Disclosure: At the time of this commentary Scott Rothbort, his family and/or clients of LakeView AssetManagement, LLC was long PEP and SODA— although positions can change at any time.
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Read Scott’s intra-day thoughts and comments on Scutify
