Hey Traders,
Today, I saw something in the markets I haven’t seen in a long time…
I was going through my scans — same way I do every day — and something caught my eye.
When I look for trends, I always start by comparing how many stocks are hitting new highs versus how many are hitting new lows.
Normally, it’s lopsided one way or the other — you’ll see a hundred stocks dropping and maybe a handful climbing.
But today?
📊 12 bullish trends
📉 3 bearish ones
That’s not just unusual — it’s downright weird.
What This Tells Me About the Market
It confirms what I’ve been seeing lately…
This market is trapped.
Not bullish…
Not bearish…
Just caught in the middle.
The major indexes — SPY, DIA, QQQ — are bouncing between trend points.
Resistance is heavy overhead.
A big breakout? Not likely.
A big selloff? Maybe, but the momentum isn’t there either.
So we’re stuck in this weird sideways zone.
But You Know What Hasn’t Gone Sideways?
Volatility.
Even though the market’s not trending hard one way or the other…
The volatility is still hot.
And that’s a huge opportunity for income traders like us.
Because when volatility is high and stocks are just chopping around?
☑ That’s the perfect setup for covered calls.
☑ It’s great for naked puts.
☑ And of course, I love a good weekly credit spread.
All of these trades benefit from time decay and high premiums — not market direction.
What’s NOT Working Right Now?
Directional trades.
Because if you’re trying to predict breakouts or breakdowns in a sideways market?
You’re gonna get chopped up.
But when you’re selling premium instead of buying it?
You’re putting time on your side.
You’re stacking the odds in your favor.
You’re not waiting around for a miracle move.
You Don’t Need An Up Market To Make Money
This market may look weird to some traders…
But for income traders like me?
This is a goldmine.
Because when the trend disappears but volatility sticks around…
That’s when option sellers shine.
Stick to income plays like I’ve taught you here.
Avoid chasing breakouts.
And let the market pay you for staying calm.
Trade well,
Jack Carter
P.S. I got together with Roger Scott today to talk about his AZP indicator and give him my unique take on it. If you missed our chat, check it out here.
