Jorge you may have been right. Birinyi Associates points to a Bloomberg story at 1:43pm implying Human to Human Bird Flu transmission in indonesia as the source of the selloff. Birinyi provides statistical research to many hedge funds.
Yeah, CNBC's "On the Money" just reported that the possible human to human transmission was the reason futures are down after hours. Doesn't look like the flu mutated and would still be extremely difficult to spread among humans, so might not be a big deal. Just shows how weak this market is, probably wouldn't have caused a reaction a couple weeks ago. The bird flu stocks should provide some good trading tomorrow.
I do agree with you that the market does seem shaky and looking for any reason to sell off. The last 45 min and the after market selling seemed to me to be an effort to reduce overnight risk on long stock positions by hedging them with short positions in SP 500, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000 futures June SP 500 futures are currently approx. 11.30 below fair value. If Asia does sell off, tomorrows opening will be brutal for the bulls. On the other hand if Asia rallies strongly, we will have a nice snap back rally on the open.
I burnt a slice of bread in my toaster today. I think that should be it. I mean the reason that market is crashing. We will die someday one way or the other so enjoy your chicken salad and chicken sandwich. If you want to worry and suffer there will be always a reason for it. One day bird flu and the next day mad cow and then crocodile stomach pain