New Jersey Resources is an energy infrastructure company that provides retail and wholesale energy services to customers in New Jersey and other states, from the Gulf Coast to New England, as well as in Canada. Its principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas, is one of the fastest-growing local gas distribution companies in the U.S., serving approximately 576,000 customers in central and northern New Jersey. Other major subsidiaries include NJR Clean Energy Ventures, NJR Energy Services, NJR Storage & Transportation, and NJR Home Services & Other Operations. The company is located in Wall, NJ and has about 1,400 employees.

The calendar turned to September, historically the worst month of the year, and all of a sudden things go to heck and in a handbasket. Yet again, the largest drag on the stock market was the heavily weighted Information Technology (XLK -4.6%) sector. The group was once again dragged down by once-beloved semiconductor stocks, as the major semi indices getting pulverized by 7% to 8%. Since July 17, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and the VanEck Vectors Semi ETF (SMH) have dropped at least 6% on three different days. All three of those days featured very heavy volume, a clear sign of institutional distribution. We started to see distribution on the semis and the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) back in the middle/latter part of July. Most of the major semi stocks have lost their 50-day average for the second time since late July, while a handful are breaking below their more-important 200-day averages and are closing in on their initial lows from early August. The QQQ cratered 3.2%, broke down out of a developing bull flag, and closed near a 38.2% retracement of the rally since the August 5 intraday low. We did see a minor 5/13 exponential moving average crossover sell signal, reversing the buy signal from August 15. A 50% retracement of the rally comes in at 454 and a 61.8% give-back lies at 447. The S&P 500 lost 2.1% as the index bounced off its 50-day average late in the day. A 38.2% retrace of its rally is at 5,448 while a 50% give-back targets 5,386. There was a 38% spike in the volatility index (VIX) and it is now just above 20. We have a feeling the month will bring more of the same.

New Jersey Resources is an energy services holding company with regulated and nonregulated operations. Its regulated utility, New Jersey Natural Gas, delivers natural gas to nearly 600,000 customers in the state. NJR's nonregulated businesses include solar investments primarily in New Jersey and investments in several large midstream natural gas projects.

New Jersey Resources is an energy services holding company with regulated and nonregulated operations. Its regulated utility, New Jersey Natural Gas, delivers natural gas to nearly 600,000 customers in the state. NJR's nonregulated businesses include solar investments primarily in New Jersey and investments in several large midstream natural gas projects.