The eight factors used can be categorized as:
- macroeconomic (the first two indicators in the chart below),
- momentum (next two indicators in the chart),
- value (next three indicators), and
- growth (the last indicator).
The current Market Meter Average of 3.75 (see blue line in chart above) is slightly lower than the 3.88 of last month. The 3.75 is a Slightly Bullish rating (range from 3.5 to 4.5), which is unchanged from the prior month. Six of the eight factors used to determine the Overall Market Meter rating were unchanged from the prior analysis last month. The two factors that changed were: (1) Business Cycle and Initial Claims for Unemployment changed from Slightly Bearish to Neutral; and (2) Interest Rates changed from Bullish to Neutral.
As shown in the right sidebar, the covered calls investing strategy corresponding to this overall Slightly Bullish sentiment is to "on-average sell 2% out-of-the-money covered calls for the nearest expiration month." So with the April 2012 options expiration this week, newly established positions for May 2012 expiration will be established in accordance with this guideline.
Your comments or questions regarding this post (or the details related to any of the eight factors used in this model) are welcomed. Please click on the "comments" link below or email me at the address shown in the upper-right sidebar.
Regards and Godspeed,
Jeff
