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Daily Briefing
Monday, July 13, 2026

BULLISH BIAS (65% Probability)

MARKET SNAPSHOT

• SPY: closed near $754.95 today; watch today's session high and low as the immediate technical reference for the next trading day. - NASDAQ (QQQ): $725.51 (+0.31% daily) - VIX: 16.47 - 10-Yr Yield: 4.59% - Gold (GLD): $377.01 - Fear & Greed Index: 49.5 (Neutral)

THE SETUP

• VIX: closed near $16.47 today; watch today's session high and low as the immediate technical reference for the next trading day.

GEOPOLITICAL & POLICY WATCH

Today's geopolitical backdrop remains quiet with no significant events reported affecting market dynamics. This calm supports a more focused analysis on technical and fundamental factors driving market movements. Investors should remain vigilant for any macroeconomic updates or potential geopolitical shifts that might arise unexpectedly.

BULLISH TAILWINDS (65% Probability)

- The AB-AI SPY Gauge indicates bullish momentum with a reading of 56.3, which bodes well for continued upside in equities. - The S&P 500's recent resilience positions it near critical technical resistance, enhancing the potential for a breakout. - Positive investor sentiment is further buoyed by a healthy yield curve, providing a conducive environment for economic expansion, with 4.59% on the 10-year yield supporting this thesis. - Bullish momentum is anticipated to consolidate over the coming weeks, as macroeconomic stability fosters investor confidence.

BEARISH FAULT LINES (35% Probability)

- The presence of 47% of assets in bearish territory suggests underlying market vulnerabilities. - The IWM gauge at 46.9 warns of potential weakness in small-cap stocks, which could be a harbinger for broader market corrections. - Technical concerns persist, with 49 assets rated bearish, indicating a risk of sentiment shifts. - Should macroeconomic data disappoint or unforeseen geopolitical events materialize, downside risks could readily surface.

TACTICAL POSITIONING

Investors are advised to maintain a balanced but cautiously optimistic portfolio stance. Allocations should favor sectors exhibiting strong bullish signals, including opportunities identified in 'EWZ,' 'WEAT,' and 'META'. Further diversification into fixed-income securities such as 'SGOV' can offer stability, given its robust buy signal. Caution is warranted around small-cap stocks due to the bearish signal in the IWM gauge, suggesting a reduced allocation may be prudent. In terms of risk management, employing stop-loss orders to protect gains in equity holdings is advisable given mixed sentiment.

KEY MONITORING METRICS

- S&P 500: A support level at $737 and resistance at $770 are critical; a breach could signal directional shifts. - VIX: A floor of 15, with a ceiling at 18, should be monitored; any movement beyond may indicate rising market volatility. - NASDAQ (QQQ): Watch today's session high as immediate resistance; further gains would confirm bullish momentum. - 10-Yr Yield: The 4.50% level serves as a threshold; crossing this mark may influence fixed-income investment appeals.

CONTRARIAN FRAMEWORK VERDICT

With a bullish probability of 65%, the contrarian framework advises gradual accumulation of selected assets bolstered by strong technical and fundamental signals. Despite the present cautions, market conditions favor upside, but prudent capital preservation measures must be adopted. Investors should remain agile, capitalizing on opportunities while preparing for potential downside shifts.

NEXT REVIEW: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

This edition was published to members before the open on Monday, July 13, 2026.

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Archived market commentary from Assets Bulletin, an independent financial publication. Informational only — not investment advice.