Major U.S. indexes finished slightly lower for the week after early gains.

Rotation

Bob Iaccino explains why “should” is toxic for traders, how to stay process-driven during headline-driven volatility, and how to think about stops, targets, and short-term reversal patterns.

Stop Saying “Should”: A Process-First Playbook for Trading Headline Volatility

U.S. equity markets powered through the first full trading week of 2026 with solid gains, closing out with fresh record highs in key benchmarks.

New All Time Highs For SPX. Now What?

The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq ended lower over the week, influenced by light holiday trading and profit-taking as 2025 closed out.

Insight Into 2026

2026 Guide To Short Selling. Learn what short selling is, how it works, and when to use it. Discover the tools and strategies that make TradeZero a top platform for short-side traders.

Short Selling in Today's Market (2025): Complete Guide 

2026 Guide To Short Selling With TradeZero

US stocks turned sharply lower on Friday, with the Nasdaq leading the way lower amid a broader rotation from tech to value names.

Santa Is On His Way. Will He Deliver On Time?

A “tame” inflation report toward the end of the week boosted expectations that Federal Reserve would cut interest rates, which helped lift stocks.

AI Cash Burn

The week opened with a strong rally on Monday: the S&P 500 rose ~1.5%, and Nasdaq jumped nearly 2.7%.

Will The Santa Rally Continue?

Strong earnings reports (for example from Nvidia) failed to fully offset worries about stretched valuations and rising yields.

Did The Year-End Rally Start On Friday? 

Dividends are on the ropes—but investors might not want to give up just yet.

The Dip Was Bought, But Is The Low In?

 an unprecedented pay package making the world’s richest person a trillionaire for meeting certain business targets.

Are We Bottoming?

At the start of the week, the major indexes reached 

: the S&P 500 rose about 1.2% on Monday (Oct 27), the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed ~0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite jumped ~1.9%.

Stock Market Valuations

A key anchor for the market was softer-than-expected inflation data, which reduced fears of aggressive rate hikes and bolstered expectations that the Fed could begin easing policy.

Bad News Doesn't Matter

Tech, especially semiconductor and AI-related stocks, were a strong driver. For example, Broadcom surged nearly 10 % after an AI-processor deal with OpenAI.

Do Bank Earnings Hold The Key?

The sharp reversal on Friday was triggered by renewed threats of a 100% tariff increase on Chinese goods and export controls from the U.S. side.

Are Tariffs Really To Blame?

Encouraging inflation data (PCE) helped lift sentiment, reinforcing hope for continued interest rate cuts.

Is There An Ambush Coming?

When traders talk about momentum shifts in the market, two terms that often come up are the 

Golden Cross Vs. Death Cross

Seasonal weakness, rotation among large-cap tech leaders, clean short triggers on IPOs, and close-based stops. Bob explains his step-by-step process and the exact TradeZero tools he uses to size positions, set alerts, and execute with discipline.

Buy Baskets, Short Breaks, Trust The Close: How I Trade Late-Summer Markets With TradeZero

Seasonal weakness, rotation among large-cap tech leaders, clean short triggers on IPOS, and close-based stops. Bob explains his step-by-step process and the exact TradeZero tools he uses to size positions, set alerts, and execute with discipline.

Seasonal weakness, rotation among large-cap tech leaders. Bob explains his step-by-step process and the exact TradeZero tools he uses to size positions, set alerts, and execute with discipline.

Bob breaks down why Friday’s jobs reaction is rarely the real move, how he uses a Percent B confirmation on broad indices, and a step-by-step swing setup in a discount-focused retailer using TradeZero charts, alerts, and closing-basis risk control.

Friday Jobs Whiplash, Monday Confirmation, and a Swing Setup I Like

The Fed’s meeting on September 16-17 was front and center. Markets largely expected a 25 basis point cut, and commentary/trends pointed toward more cuts later in the year.

It's Still September

Softer inflation signals, less-robust labor reports, and mixed economic data reinforced market expectations that the Fed will cut rates at its next policy meeting.

Are Rate Cuts Factored In The Market?

Discover how bear flag patterns work and how TradeZero helps short sellers spot

breakdowns and manage risk with precision.

Bear Flag Pattern: A Short Seller’s Guide to Breakdown Trades

Tesla plans to grant Musk up to 423.7 million performance-based restricted shares — about 12% of the company's current shares — split into 12 equal tranches.

September Stock Market History Is In Play 

See how the first red day helps short sellers spot fading momentum & how TradeZero’s tools let traders act fast and manage risk effectively.

First Red Day Pattern: How Short Sellers Trade Momentum Shifts

Buffett plans to step down as Berkshire CEO at year’s end after 60 years at the helm. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as an investor and manager.

September Is Usually The Worse Month Of the Year For Socks

Discover why successful trading is less about predicting every market move and more about following a disciplined process. Learn how to manage psychology, confirm signals, and use the right tools for consistent results.

 Why I Focus on Process Over Predictions in Trading

Descending Triangle Pattern: Short Sellers Guide to Bearish Setups

Defense spending is set to rise around the globe, but picking defense-stock winners amid increasingly complex threats, changing global alliances, and the proliferation of artificial-intelligence-trained unmanned systems isn’t easy.

It's All About Nvidia

Discover how the head and shoulders pattern signals bearish reversals, and how Tradezero helps short sellers trade it with real-time data, fast execution, and access to hard-to-borrow shares.

Mastering the Head and Shoulders Pattern

Learn how to navigate conflicting market signals with a structured approach. Discover time frame alignment, volume confirmation, and trading psychology strategies for more consistent results.

How to Trade When Market Signals Don’t Agree

Rotation is very important at this point in the market. It builds a strong foundation to fuel the next move up or it uses up excess capital and traps longs at or near the top.

Are Interest Rate Cuts Already Factored Into the Market?

Discover how the head and shoulders pattern signals bearish reversals, and how TradeZero helps short sellers trade it with real-time data, fast execution, and access to hard-to-borrowshares.

Trading the Head and Shoulders Pattern: A Reliable Setup for Bearish Reversals

Strong earnings, Fed rate cut optimism, and strength in tech stocks propelled markets higher.

Breakout or Breakdown

Learn how the falling wedge pattern signals reversals—and how TradeZero helps traders enter breakouts and exit short trades quickly.

Falling Wedge Pattern: Bullish Breakouts and Short Seller Exits

Learn to spot the rising wedge pattern, a bearish signal short sellers use to trade breakdowns efficiently on platforms like TradeZero.

Rising Wedge Pattern: How Short Sellers Trade Bearish Reversals

Explore what makes a stock hard-to-borrow, why short sellers target them, and how TradeZero’s real-time locates can give traders an edge.

Hard-to-Borrow Stocks: What Short Sellers Need to Know

Market optimism was fueled by trade optimism: the US and EU agreed on a framework to reduce EU import tariffs to 15%, easing geopolitical fears. Reuters

More Red Flags Have Appeared

Double top and double bottom patterns are classic reversal formations that signal a potential shift in market direction.

How to Trade Double Top and Double Bottom Chart Patterns

The head and shoulders pattern is a classic reversal formation in technical analysis, typically signaling a change in trend direction.

How to Trade the Head and Shoulders Pattern

Explore expert strategies to master disciplined trading. Learn from real examples, understand trading psychology, and leverage powerful tools to boost consistency and success.

How to Trade with Discipline: Strategies, Psychology, and Tools for Consistent Success

Consider the recent nonfarm payrolls report. The market quickly revised expectations downward after ADP private payrolls came in far below forecasts.

Navigating a Rally You Love to Hate: Lessons from a Trader’s Mindset

The market's steady climb might seem reassuring, but lurking beneath the surface are worrying economic indicators and weak volume trends. Bob Iaccino breaks down productivity red flags, explains how to interpret volume correctly, and outlines disciplined strategies for traders navigating uncertain markets.

The Market’s Quiet Climb and Productivity Warning Signs

Investor exuberance is rising, especially in meme stocks like Kohl’s and Opendoor, which saw massive gains on short squeezes.

Another Leg Up This Week?

Bob Iaccino explores how traders evaluate breakout levels, why volume plays a critical role in market signals, and shares insights on inflation, market sentiment, and U.S.-China trade realities.

Navigating Breakouts and Volume

Discover how a short float helps traders assess bearish sentiment, crowding risk, and squeeze potential. Learn how to use this metric effectively on platforms like TradeZero

Short Float Explained: How to See Squeezes Early

Short locates are a regulatory requirement for short selling hard-to-borrow stocks. Discover how TradeZero gives active traders real-time access to borrowable shares.

Short Locates: How Traders Secure Shares Fast

The poor breadth is a sign the market is growing nervous about several related risks. 

Bad Breadth

Markets were hit hard at the start of the week (July 7) after President Trump escalated trade actions—threatening steep tariffs on Canada, the EU, and BRICS countries.

Will Earnings Keep This Rally Going?

Learn how short sale volume works, how it differs from short interest, and how traders can use it to identify sentiment shifts and squeeze risk

Short Sale Volume (2025): Explained Simply

Overall, the week reinforced an optimistic market mood grounded in strong labor figures, ongoing deal / AI momentum, and manageable trade headlines.

Nosebleed Territory or Not

Faster, simpler funding is here. Learn how TradeZero’s new integration with Equals Money gives you a more efficient way to fund your trading account — right from your TradeZero portal.

Streamlined Account Funding: TradeZero Integrates with Equals Money

We’re pleased to announce that TradeZero is now integrated with TradingView, providing access to advanced charting tools and analytics.

TradeZero Is Now Available On TradingView

This week capped a powerful rebound for equities—with major benchmarks hitting record highs—driven by geopolitics, Fed rate-cut optimism, AI-led tech strength, and easing inflation risks from lower energy prices.

Will The Rally Continue?

Learn how short interest tracks bearish bets, signals crowd behavior, and helps traders anticipate short squeezes

What is Short Interest? The One Metric Short Sellers Need

The war between Israel and Iran has added an element of uncertainty for investors seeking dividends in oil stocks.

Will The Market Breakout This Range?

Learn how the double top pattern works, how to identify it, and how short sellers can use it with platforms like TradeZero to time entries and avoid false signals

Double Top Pattern: How Traders Spot & Short Bearish Reversals

The price of Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, jumped 7% on Friday, to above $74 a barrel. The move was oil’s largest daily gain this year.

Contradictions Everywhere. Will The Market Continue Its Rise? 

Explore how margin trading works, the benefits and risks, and how platforms like Tradezero support traders with leverage and built-in risk management.

Margin Trading (in 2025): Risks and Considerations

At its core, price action involves observing the historical movement of prices to inform trading decisions. This approach excludes the use of technical indicators or trading algorithms. Instead, it relies solely on the analysis of price movements.

Price Action

Trendlines are visual representation of support and resistance in any time frame. Pivot highs and pivot lows are key turning points in the market and are the same as swing highs or swing lows...

What Are Traditional Trendlines And What Do They Represent?

You’ll hear people talk about market internals or market tone; it all relates to the same thing. Is the asset or security you’re trading in a long-term bullish or bearish mode?

What Is Multi Time-Frame Analysis?

While the S&P 500 reached the critical 6,000 level, it struggled to maintain momentum, signaling possible market hesitancy amid economic uncertainty.

Can The Stock Market Run Through 6000

Learn what Short Sale Restriction (SSR) is, when it triggers, and how traders can adjust execution strategies using tools like TradeZero to stay competitive under the uptick rule.

Navigating Short Sale Restriction: Strategy, Timing, and Execution

During the shortened trading week of May 24–29, 2025, U.S. equity markets continued their upward trajectory, buoyed by easing trade tensions and robust corporate earnings.

A Mixed Bag 

Veteran trader Bob Iaccino shares his perspective on key market setups like death crosses, trendlines, and inverse head and shoulders patterns — and why probability matters more than confirmation.

How I Read The Markets: Trendlines And Trading With Precision

Understand what short covering is, why timing matters, and how traders use platforms like TradeZero to exit short positions with precision.

Mastering Short Covering: Timing, Execution, and Risk Control

The U.S. stock market experienced a notable downturn during the week of May 19–23, 2025, driven by escalating trade tensions, rising bond yields, and fiscal concerns.

Will Investors Buy This Dip

Learn what a short ratio is, how it's calculated, and how traders use it to anticipate short squeezes and manage short-selling risks with better timing.

Short Ratio Explained: Why it Changes the Game

Notably, the S&P 500 achieved its fifth consecutive daily gain on Friday, marking its best weekly performance of the year.

Is There A Pullback In The Air?

Understand what 'days to cover' means, how it’s calculated, and how traders use it to gauge liquidity, and manage short-selling risk effectively.

Using Days to Cover With TradeZero: Timing Risk and Liquidity in Short Selling

Despite a brief rally earlier in the week, all major indexes closed with modest losses, except for the Russell 2000, which posted a slight gain.

Breakout Or Ambush?

Compare short selling and put options to understand which bearish strategy is a better fit for you—and current market conditions.

Short Selling vs. Puts: Here’s When to Use Them

A period marked by significant volatility due to geopolitical developments and corporate earnings reports.

Will The Shorts Capitulate?

The week began with a sharp selloff on Monday due to escalating trade tensions, but markets rebounded strongly in the following days, led by gains in technology stocks.

In 2019, we launched with a simple idea: empower retail traders with the same tools the professionals use. Six years later, that idea has become a movement. Today, we celebrate more than an anniversary — we mark a milestone in making active trading smarter, faster, and more accessible.

TradeZero America Turns Six

It's All About Trade Deals At This Point 

See what a short squeeze is, what causes it, and how traders can spot setups and protect themselves from major losses.

What’s a Short Squeeze (2025)? Risks, Setups, Protection

Ready to learn how short selling works, when to use it, the risks involved, and how to navigate trades using practical tools? Let’s dive in.

How to Short a Stock (2025): 9 Steps to Follow Today

The U.S. stock market experienced significant volatility during the week of 

, primarily due to escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.​

Will There Be A Relief Bounce This Week?

The U.S. stock market experienced notable volatility during the week of March 24 to March 28, 2025, influenced by evolving trade policies, inflation concerns, and shifts in consumer sentiment.​ 

April is usually a good month for stocks. Hope springs eternal

TradeZero is changing its method of billing overnight borrow fees to be in line with how the fees are charged by our clearing firm. We believe this should lead to lower net overnight borrow costs and a savings for our clients.

Important Change Regarding How Tradezero Charges For Overnight Borrow (ONB) Fees

During the week of March 10 to March 14, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced significant volatility, culminating in a notable rally on Friday.

Is Four Red Weeks In a Row & Down Around 10% From Its Peak Enough?

The week of March 3 to March 7, 2025, was marked by significant volatility across major U.S. stock indices, influenced by trade tensions, economic data, and corporate earnings.

Are The Wagons Circled?

Let’s start with the big picture. I believe 2025 will be a 

, potentially ending with high single-digit gains. However, I also expect a 

 at some point during the year. This prediction is tied to the potential success of the current administration’s policies, which could create what’s known as a 

Navigating the Markets in 2025: Mistakes, Risk Management, and Trading Insights

Discover how you can start shorting stocks under $1 with our new trading feature. Explore the benefits and how to get started today!

New To TradeZero International: Shorting Stocks Under $1 

Ever wanted to test your trading skills without the pressure of risking your own money? At TradeZero, we’ve made it simple to start your trading journey. With our free paper trading account, you’ll have $1,000,000 in virtual funds and access to professional trading tools—all designed to help you refine your strategies in a risk-free environment.

Master The Markets Risk-Free: Discover TradeZero’s Paper Trading Experience

The week of February 17 to February 21, 2025, saw significant volatility in the U.S. stock markets, culminating in notable declines across major indices.

Will Nvidia decide the near-term direction?

During the week of February 10 to February 14, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced notable gains, with major indices reaching or approaching record highs.

Is the market ready to make a new ATH & sustain it? 

During the week of February 3 to February 7, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced notable volatility influenced by trade policy developments, corporate earnings reports, and economic data releases.

Are stocks showing signs of exhaustion?

During the week of January 27 to January 31, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced mixed performance, influenced by significant developments in the technology sector and new trade policies.

Is NVIDIA still the market leader

Is NVIDIA still the market leader?

As we close out the first month of the year, it’s worth reflecting on the 

 and its potential implications for the markets in 2025. While the January Effect has evolved over the years, it remains a topic of interest for traders and investors who want to better understand seasonal market trends and their possible predictive value.

The January Effect and What It Means for 2025

During the week of January 20 to January 24, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced notable gains, with major indices reaching record highs before a slight decline on Friday.

Earnings & FOMC              

The U.S. stock market experienced a robust performance during the week of January 13 to January 17, 2025, marking its best week in two months.

Is The Trump Rally Over?                

During the week of January 6 to January 10, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced notable declines, influenced by economic data and sector-specific developments.

Bond Yields And The Stock Market

During the holiday-shortened week from December 30, 2024, to January 3, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced mixed performance.

Short Squeeze Friday. What Now?

Every morning, my routine begins with analyzing 

. Interest rates play a crucial role in shaping stock market movements, and I track daily, weekly, and monthly changes using my custom spreadsheet. 

Pre-Market Prep: Insights from Bob Iaccino

The content provided here is solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security or instrument which may be referenced upon the site, or an offer to provide advisory or other services by TradeZero in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Investors are advised not to rely on the information contained in this writing to make an informed investment or financial decision. TradeZero explicitly disclaims all liability for any action taken based on any information contained in this writing.

TradeZero Blog