As usual, you can pretty much see whatever you want to see in today’s stock market. Consider the major indexes in Figure 1, displayed along with their respective 200-day moving averages.
If you “want to” be bullish, you can focus on the fact that all 4 of these major indexes are presently above their respective 200-day moving averages. This essentially defines an “uptrend”; hence you can make a bullish argument.
If you want to be “bearish”, you can focus on the “choppy” nature of the market’s performance and the fact that very little headway has been made since the highs in early 2018. This “looks like” a classic “topping pattern” (i.e., a lot of “churning”), hence you can make a bearish argument.
To add more intrigue, consider the 4 “market bellwethers” displayed in Figure 2.
(NOTE: Previously I had Sotheby’s Holdings – ticker BID – as one my bellwethers. As they are being bought out, I have replaced it with the Value Line Arithmetic Index, which has a history of topping and bottoming prior to the major indexes)
The action here is much more mixed and muddled.
*SMH – for any “early warning” sign keep a close eye on the semiconductors. If they breakout to a new high they could lead the overall market higher. If they breakdown from a double top the market will likely be spooked.
*TRAN – The Dow Transports topped out over a year ago and have been flopping around aimlessly in a narrowing range. Not exactly a bullish sign, but deemed OK as long as price holds above the 200-day moving average.
*ZIV – Inverse VIX is presently below it’s 200-day moving average, so this one qualifies as “bearish” at the moment.
*VAL-I – The Value Line Index is comprised of 1,675 stocks and gives each stock equal weight, so is a good measure of the “overall” market. It presently sits right at its 200-day moving average, however – as you can see in Figure 3 – it is presently telling a different story than the S&P 500 Index.
Figure 3 – S&P 500 trending slightly higher, Value Line unweighted index trending lower (Courtesy AIQ TradingExpert)
The Bottom Line
OK, now here is where a skilled market analyst would launch into an argument regarding which side will actually “win”, accompanied by roughly 5 to 50 “compelling charts” that “clearly show” why the analysts’ said opinion was sure to work out correctly. Alas, there is no one here like that.
If the question is, “will the stock market break out to the upside and run to sharply higher new highs or will it break down without breaking out to new highs?”, I sadly must default to my standard answer of, “It beats me.”
Here is what I can tell you though. Instead of relying on “somebody’s opinion or prediction” a much better bet is to formulate and follow an investment plan that spells out:
*What you will (and will not) invest in?
*How much capital you will allocate to each position?
*How much risk you are willing to take with each position?
*What will cause you to exit with a profit?
*What will cause you to exit with a loss?
*Will you have some overarching “trigger” to cause you to reduce overall exposure?
*And so on and so forth
If you have specific answers for the questions above (you DO have specific answers, don’t you?) then the correct thing to do is to go ahead and follow your plan and ignore the myriad prognostications that attempt to sway you one way or the other.
Jay Kaeppel
Disclaimer: The data presented herein were obtained from various third-party sources. While I believe the data to be reliable, no representation is made as to, and no responsibility, warranty or liability is accepted for the accuracy or completeness of such information. The information, opinions and ideas expressed herein are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute and should not be construed as investment advice, an advertisement or offering of investment advisory services, or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security.
Over the last month the S&P 500 has risen 3% and is about 2/3rds of 1% below its high it reached in July. Last month on the Bartometer I stated that my computer models were on a Short term Buy signal and the S&P needed to break out of 2944- 2954 for me to be more bullish. I also said that if the S&P stayed above 2954 for 2 days it should head back to the old high of 3025 or there about and it did. Now that the markets are near their old high, where do I think the markets will go? Well, the answer isn’t so easy to answer. Technically the markets are overbought again but two of the technical indicators that show continuation on are On Balance Volume and Money Flow. Both of these indicators are currently at a New High, when the markets are not. These indicators while not always indicative of further advancement are still positive for a continuation to the upside. See the charts below.
My fundamental economist Dr. Robert Genetski, from ClassicalPrinciples.com said last week’s move by the European Central Bank (ECB) to ease policy is good news for the period immediately ahead. The ECB cut its target interest rate and will indefinitely purchase $20 billion of securities each month beginning in November. The move pressures the Fed and other central banks to also ease policy. Negotiations with China also appear to be moving in a positive direction. China is suffering much more than the US from Trump’s tariffs. China is anxious to reach a deal to avoid further problems. On Wednesday the Fed will follow the ECB and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) by cutting interest rates. Unlike the ECB and BOJ, the Fed will not resume purchases of securities. Hence, the Fed will not be easing policy. However, the perception of a period of global easing is likely to provide a short-term tailwind for boosting stocks and interest rates. Over the past 2 weeks there has been a 30 basis point increase in the yield on 10-year T-Notes. This has narrowed the inversion with 3-month Treasury bills from 50 basis points to 20. The spike in rates means financial markets reflect the view that monetary policy is less restrictive. This view is reinforced by the actions of the EC.
On the Technical Side
My computer models went on a very short term BUY signal 5 weeks ago when the S&P was 2844 and has not gone to a Sell signal, but there needs to now be a push through the 3027 level on the S&P and stay there or there could be a sell off here. Two of my favorite indicators Money Flow and On Balance Volume are at a new high while the index is not. This is a positive indication for continuation on the upside. But remember, we still need to watch all of the information that is coming out of the mouth of all political figures and the global markets, but currently I am still moderately bullish. I never put my guard down. See chart below
Interest Outlook
I see the Federal Reserve reducing interest rates ¼% in December.
Some of the INDEXES of the markets both equities and interest rates are below. The source is Morningstar.com up until September 13th, 2019.
These are passive indexes.
*Dow Jones +18%
S&P 500 +21%
NASDAQ Aggressive growth +25%
I Shares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) Small cap +18%
International Index (MSCI – EAFE ex USA) +13%
Moderate Mutual Fund +12%
Investment Grade Bonds (AAA) +11% +2.64%
High Yield Merrill Lynch High Yield Index +9% +4.26%
Floating Rate Bond Index +5% +2.60%
Short Term Bond +3%
Fixed Bond Yields (10 year) +1.82.% +2.63%
The average Moderate Fund is up 12% this year fully invested as a 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds. And nothing in the money market
*Explanation of each below
The Dow Jones Index is above. As it contains 30 of the largest industrial and American stocks. You will notice that the Dow above and to the right is approaching its old high achieved in July. It has rallied 5% since the Buy signal my computer models gave last month. But now it has to break out to new highs or it puts in a double top. There are 3 indicators above that are important. The first one is SK-SD Stochastics and it is back to the 88 level and that shows the market is overbought. The 2nd and third are Money Flow and On Balance Volume. Both of those indicators are very important for me to determine confirmation and continuation of the rally. Notice that both of them are at a new high while the Dow Jones is not. This is a positive divergence and hopefully the markets will continue its upward movement. I like the USA markets more than the International markets. The Dow Jones looks better than the S&P and the NASDAQ technically at this time. Remember, volatility will still be present so I would still be somewhat cautious.
Source: AIQ Systems on graphs
*On-balance volume (OBV) is a technical analysis indicator intended to relate price and volume in the stock market. OBV is based on a cumulative total volume.[1] *Money flow is calculated by averaging the high, low and closing prices, and multiplying by the daily volume. Comparing that result with the number for the previous day tells traders whether money flow was positive or negative for the current day. Positive money flow indicates that prices are likely to move higher, while negative money flow suggests prices are about to fall.
Source: Investopedia
*A Support or support level is the level at which buyers tend to purchase or into a stock or index. It refers to the stock share price that a company or index should hold and start to rise. When a price of the stock falls towards its support level, the support level holds and is confirmed, or the stock continues to decline, and the support level must change.
Support levels on the S&P 500 area are 2954.71, 2950, 2944, and 2931. These might be BUY areas.
Support levels on the NASDAQ are 8024, 7969, and 7777 (200 Day Moving Average.
On the Dow Jones support is at 26,766, 26,595, and 26,368
These may be safer areas to get into the equity markets on support levels slowly.
RESISTANCE LEVEL ON THE S&P 500 IS 3028. If there is a favorable tariff settlement, the market should rise short term.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The Dow, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ are all near new highs. 5 weeks ago on the Bartometer my computer models went to a Buy signal. Since then, the markets have rallied near their old highs. There are technical patterns that show the markets could breakout to new highs but IF THE MARKETS DON’T BREAKOUT OUT SOON, THE MARKETS COULD TOP OUT. I WILL CONTINUE TO ANALYZE THE TECHNICALs OF THE MARKET. There are seasonal patterns that are usually week. September and October ARE NOT SEASONALLY GOOD MONTHS. It looks like the market wants to goes up but with tweets coming out hourly, market timing will be more difficult. If things come in as Trump expects, watch for a solid rally possibly to the old highs. But there are headwinds currently short term.
Best to all of you,
Joe Bartosiewicz, CFP® Investment Advisor Representative
5 Colby Way Avon, CT 06001 860-940-7020 or 860-404-0408
SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH SAGE POINT FINANCIAL INC., MEMBER FINRA/SIPC, AND SEC-REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Charts provided by AIQ Systems: Technical Analysis is based on a study of historical price movements and past trend patterns. There is no assurance that these market changes or trends can or will be duplicated shortly. It logically follows that historical precedent does not guarantee future results. Conclusions expressed in the Technical Analysis section are personal opinions: and may not be construed as recommendations to buy or sell anything.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are not necessarily the view of Sage Point Financial, Inc. and should not be interpreted directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Securities and Advisory services offered through Sage Point Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor.
Past performance cannot guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information presented in this letter should only be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. *There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will outperform a non-diversified portfolio in any given market environment. No investment strategy, such as asset allocation, can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. It is our goal to help investors by identifying changing market conditions. However, investors should be aware that no investment advisor can accurately predict all of the changes that may occur in the market. The price of commodities is subject to substantial price fluctuations of short periods and may be affected by unpredictable international monetary and political policies. The market for commodities is widely unregulated, and concentrated investing may lead to Sector investing may involve a greater degree of risk than investments with broader diversification. Indexes cannot be invested indirectly, are unmanaged, and do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses.
Dow Jones Industrial Average: A weighted price average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ.
S&P 500: The S&P 500 is an unmanaged indexed comprised of 500 widely held securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
NASDAQ: the NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged, market-weighted index of all over the counter common stocks traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
(IWM) I Shares Russell 2000 ETF: Which tracks the Russell 2000 index: which measures the performance of the small capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.
A Moderate Mutual Fund risk mutual has approximately 50-70% of its portfolio in different equities, from growth, income stocks, international and emerging markets stocks to 30- 50% of its portfolio indifferent categories of bonds and cash. It seeks capital appreciation with a low to moderate level of current income.
The Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index: A broad-based measure of the performance of non-investment grade US Bonds
MSCI EAFE: the MSCI EAFE Index (Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australia, and Far East Index) is a widely recognized benchmark of non-US markets. It is an unmanaged index composed of a sample of companies’ representative of the market structure of 20 European and Pacific Basin countries and includes reinvestment of all dividends.
Investment grade bond index: The S&P 500 Investment-grade corporate bond index, a sub-index of the S&P 500 Bond Index, seeks to measure the performance of the US corporate debt issued by constituents in the S&P 500 with an investment grade rating.
The S&P 500 Bond index is designed to be a corporate-bond counterpart to the S&P 500, which is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large cap US equities.
Floating Rate Bond Index is a rule-based, market-value weighted index engineered to measure the performance and characteristics of floating rate coupon U.S. Treasuries which have a maturity greater than 12 months.
The market timing AI system In AIQ TradingExpert issued a 2-98 down signal on 8-23-19. In this video we explore the elements of the expert system that contributed to this signal and also look at broader confirmation indicators.
The Dow was up modestly, the internals not so hot. We download the snapshot 30 minutes before the trading day closed 8-22-19. This video shows what we found, and how you can use this to get ahead of the rest of the market.
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Over the last month the S&P 500 has fallen 4.1%, and 2.2% from my VERY CAUTIOUS SIGNAL of the 2954 break. Even though the markets are down for the month, they are still up nicely for the year. Bonds have rallied as well as commodities such as gold and silver.
Last month I stated that there was a Bearish pattern emerging called a Rising Wedge and I talked about the negative break of the pattern and once it closed below that pattern I went negative. You can clearly see the pattern on the chart below. Now that it has broken to the downside what happens now?
We are not fortune tellers on what Trump will say or tweet, we don’t know what the Chinese will say or how they will react, but the technicals are not that bad and are starting to get a little more positive. My computer models are currently at a short term BUY signal, but things change daily like the tweets.
You have heard that because of the inverted yield curve, where typical money market is yielding 2% and the 10 year bond is yielding 1.6%. You can see that it is inverted. The 10 year bond should be yielding above the daily money market, not below it. Because of this and the inversion of most of the bonds, there might be a recession in about 1 to 1.5 years. I have been saying that over my last many Bartometers that I see a recession in about a year and a half, but not yet. What may be causing the inversion, may be foreign countries that have a negative yield actually buying our 2 to 30 year bonds and pushing the price up and the driving the yields down.
My fundamental economist Dr. Robert Genetski, from classicalPrinciples.com believes that while most observers believe that trade barriers are the main headwind facing stocks, like the Chinese tariffs, he is more concerned over a restrictive monetary policy. Signs of monetary restraint from interest rates and liquidity suggest that the odds of a recession have increased.
The S&P 500 is now 10% below his estimate of its value. As such, a positive announcement on trade or money can quickly send stocks soaring. For the moment the Fed will resist easing policy.
However, if stocks and interest rates continue to decline, constant pressure from the President to ease policy will lead to an abrupt, positive change. Such a change would quickly allow a resumption of the bull market in stocks.
On the Technical Side
My computer models went on a very short BUY signal last week, but there are three resistance and 2 support levels you may want to remember, 2944 is the first level where the S&P may stall and 2954.71 is the next major level that if broken and it I closes above that level many traders may come in and start buying possibly pushing the markets up and testing the old highs of 3025.
On the other hand, on the downside 2823 has buying support and 2799 is the 200 day moving average. That may hold too. It is now trading in a channel, 2944 on the top and 2823 on the bottom. A close of either one of those areas could mean the next major up or down trend direction.
Interest Outlook
I see the Federal Reserve reducing interest rates ¼% in December.
Index Averages
Some of the INDEXES of the markets both equities and interest rates are below. The source is Morningstar.com up until August 16th, 2019. These are passive indexes.
*Explanation of each on the last page
The S&P 500
Rising Wedge
Support
The S&P 500 is above. Last month I stated that there was a Rising Wedge Pattern that was technically bearish and that a break below the bottom of the pattern would make me Very Cautious. Now that it has broken below that pattern it is trading between 2823 and 2944. If the S&P closes above 2944 it could push it to 2954 where it could find heavier resistance. If it stays above 2954 for 2 to 3 days with heavy volume the market may have turned to a Bullish stance, but Volatility will remain. Even though we went to a SHORT TERM BUY signal, I am still a little Cautious.
The 2nd and third chart show the SK-SD Stochastics. At 32-40 where the arrow is pointing shows that the market is getting oversold and getting cheap and ready for a bounce. The third graph shows that the market momentum is still negative as the pink line is below the green line. A Short term Buy signal would be generated when the pink line crosses over the green line showing that momentum is again on the bullish side. As of right now the market technicals are getting better and a close above 2954.71 could change the trend to the positive side. Support levels on the S&P where there may be buying support is 2823, 2727 the 200 moving average, and 2730 the test and the low of the June low. I like the USA markets more than the International markets.
Source: AIQ Systems on graphs
The rising wedge pattern is characterized by a chart pattern which forms when the market makes higher highs and higher lows with a contracting range. When this pattern is found in an uptrend, it is considered a reversal pattern, as the contraction of the range indicates that the uptrend is losing strength. When this pattern is found in a downtrend, it is considered a bearish pattern, as the market range becomes narrower into the correction, indicating that the correction is losing strength, and that the resumption of the downtrend is in the making.
In a rising wedge, both boundary lines slant up from left to right. Although both lines point in the same direction, the lower line rises at a steeper angle than the upper one. Prices usually decline after breaking through the lower boundary line. As far as volumes are concerned, they keep on declining with each new price advance or wave up, indicating that the demand is weakening at the higher price level. A rising wedge is more reliable when found in a bearish market. In a bullish trend what seems to be a Rising Wedge may actually be a Flag or a Pennant (stepbrother of a wedge) requiring about 4 weeks to complete
Rising Wedges are not guaranteed so the 3019-3022 level and staying there for a couple of days could void this negative pattern. A break decisively on a close below 2979 could satisfy the Rising Wedge.
Source: Investopedia
*A Support or support level is the level at which buyers tend to purchase or into a stock or index. It refers to the stock share price that a company or index should hold and start to rise. When a price of the stock falls towards its support level, the support level holds and is confirmed, or the stock continues to decline, and the support level must change.
▪ Support levels on the S&P 500 area are 2844, 2803, and 2730. These might be BUY areas.
▪ Support levels on the NASDAQ are 7862, 7657, 7416, and 7291.
▪ On the Dow Jones support is at 25,376, 25,213, and 24,686. These may be safer areas to get into the equity markets on support levels slowly.
▪ RESISTANCE LEVEL ON THE S&P 500 IS 2944, 2954.71 and 302 . If there is a favorable tariff settlement, the market should rise short term.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The S&P 500 is currently about 2.2% below my Very Cautious signal of 2954. The market should be volatile especially with seasonal patterns of August through the end of October being seasonally weak. With the inverted yield curve and hints of recession over the next 1.5 years investors should be somewhat cautious over the shorter term unless the S&P 500 closes above 2944 and more if it closes about 2954.71 and stays there for a couple of days with heavy volume. It looks like the market wants to goes up but with tweets coming out hourly, market timing will be more difficult. If things come in as Trump expects, watch for a solid rally possibly to the old highs. But there are headwinds currently short term.
Best to all of you,
Joe
Joe Bartosiewicz, CFP®
5 Colby Way
Avon, CT 06001
860-940-7020 or 860-404-0408
Investment Advisor Representative
SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH SAGE POINT FINANCIAL INC., MEMBER FINRA/SIPC, AND SEC-REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Charts provided by AIQ Systems:
Technical Analysis is based on a study of historical price movements and past trend patterns. There is no assurance that these market changes or trends can or will be duplicated shortly. It logically follows that historical precedent does not guarantee future results. Conclusions expressed in the Technical Analysis section are personal opinions: and may not be construed as recommendations to buy or sell anything.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are not necessarily the view of Sage Point Financial, Inc. and should not be interpreted directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Securities and Advisory services offered through Sage Point Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor.
