Just Another B.S. Narrative

All last week the perma-bull cabal (including head cheerleader Fundstrat’s Tom Lee (every day) and Wharton’s (where I received my MBA) Dr. Jeremy Siegel on Friday — both of whom called for an imminent rise in equity prices) remarked that the pleasant decline in energy prices would serve to 1. reduce inflationary pressures and 2. be a salutary factor contributing to the next run in the S&P index over the next few weeks.

Naturally Fin TV moderators had no pushback — didn’t even discuss the failure to end the Iran War (to date) or the improvisational foreign policy that seemingly would not bring a resolution and peace.  Nor was the steady rise in global rates even brought up. 

Well, as night follows day the price of energy products have reversed dramatically in the last 48 hours and equities folded like a cheap suit.

The price of crude oil rose by nearly 10% yesterday as the war escalated and is up by another +$3.45/barrel (+4%) this morning.

Listen to the same bullish crowd respond to this and develop a rationale and another reason for continued stock market strength in the next few days.

Again, I call B.S. as inflation, interest rates and crude oil prices — as a base case — will likely be higher for longer.

The narrative from the bulls will change but the facts don’t seem to interfere in their upbeat views.

And, oh, Apple’s ($AAPL) shares (last week’s fave because of price momentum) were downgraded by a brokerage (we shorted late last week).

Position: Short AAPL

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Posted by Doug Kass

Doug Kass is a world-renowned hedge fund manager with decades of experience and success navigating through some of the most turbulent periods in market history. He is known for his time-tested analytical skills and ability to look past the current noise and herd mentality. On TheStreet Pro, Kass provides frequent market commentary and investing ideas for active investors throughout each trading day in Doug’s Daily Diary. He also serves as president of Seabreeze Partners Management Inc. Previously, he served as a senior manager at Omega Advisors, a $6 billion investment partnership. He co-authored a book with Ralph Nader and the Center for the Study of Responsive Law called “Citibank: The Ralph Nader Report” and can be found as a guest host on CNBC's "Squawk Box." A Note from Doug: Current strategies and actionable trade ideas -- all on one dynamic platform built exclusively for active trades. From sudden sell-offs to sudden spikes, TheStreet Pro arms you with crucial analysis -- at a rapid fire, professional pace -- to help you make sound trading decisions -- every day, every hour, and every minute. Join me and my team of professional traders for unique perspectives and breakthrough investment opportunities.

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