- Bulls Charge Into Economic Slowdown
- Sector & Market Analysis
- 401k Plan Manager
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Last weekend, we discussed the two things driving the markets currently:
“The first is the Fed.
As we discussed with our RIA PRO subscribers (use code PRO30 for a 30-day free trial) last week,
“Today, [Cleveland Fed Reserve Governor Loretta Mester] all but put the kibosh on further rate hikes and, per Mester’s comments, will end balance sheet reduction (QT) in the months ahead.”
The second is “hope.”
On Friday, on headlines that talks are continuing with China, the market pushed through those resistance levels as shown below. “
It is virtually the same story during this past week.
No…wait…let me restate that.
It is EXACTLY the same story this week.
- The release of the Fed minutes showed a broad consensus by the Fed to end “Quantitative Tightening” or “QT” by the end of 2019 as well as a removal of any effort to normalize the Fed’s balance sheet.
- The markets rallied on continued hopes of a resolution to the ongoing trade dispute between China and the U.S.
However, the Fed’s actions should actually make you question the significance of any resolution on trade.
“Why do you say that? Everyone knows the trade dispute was a big factor in the sell-off last year?”
Maybe.
But, if that was indeed the case, then the economic turmoil should be primarily tied between the U.S. and China. However, as I discussed in “The ‘There Is No Recession In Sight’ Chartbook,” the economic disintegration has gone global.
And as David Rosenberg noted:
“The Citi Global Economic Surprise index, at -21.6, is nearly the same as it was at the Dec 24th market low. It’s now 227 days below zero — only exceeded by the Great Recession of 2008-09. Markets totally devoid of economic realities. pic.twitter.com/KnbnohRjIy“
— David Rosenberg (@EconguyRosie) February 22, 2019
In other words, there is more going on globally which has very little, if anything, to do with U.S. trade wars with China.
Which brings us back to the Fed.
“Participants supported the removal of the hiking bias and its replacement with a sentence emphasizing a ‘patient and flexible approach.’ Participants pointed to tighter financial conditions, softer inflation, slower foreign growth, and trade policy uncertainty as justifying a patient approach to policy. However, a range of views were expressed on what adjustments to the funds rate may be appropriate later this year. ‘Several’ participants argued rates increases were necessary ‘only if’ inflation was higher than in their baseline, but ‘several’ other participants indicated that hikes would be appropriate if the economy evolved as they expected. In addition, ‘many participants noted that if ‘uncertainty abated,’ the FOMC could alter the ‘patient’ statement language.”
Why the sudden switch from “hawkish” to “dovish?” Was it just the market correction that sent Jerome Powell scurrying for cover, or, despite still optimistic views on U.S. economic data, is there more to the story than they are currently saying.
If such is the case, then the recent rally in the markets may NOT be justified and further deterioration in forward earnings may become more problematic. This is particularly the case as valuations have quickly reverted back to near 30x earnings.
The bull charge into an economic slowdown is not a trivial matter.
Historically, it is the point where Fed has stopped their monetary policy interventions that things have gone wrong.
But that is not necessarily a bad thing. As we discussed with our Pro-Subscribers last week, this is where opportunity also lives:
“Those who see that the last 10-years of experimental stimulus has been on par with, or arguably exceeded, policies historically reserved for major wars gain a unique and valuable perspective of the current monetary mirage. The demise of those policies, as they are bound to unravel, will reveal a multitude of investment opportunities left behind in the ill-advised euphoria of anti-capitalism.”
There is nothing wrong with “hoping” for a positive outcome from “trade talks.” We should be hoping for that. The problem is the rush to “buy” equities has effectively “priced in” the best of all possible outcomes which suggests any resolution could be disappointing.
The Technical Backdrop Is No Longer Optimal
As we have discussed over the last several weeks, we have been increasing and rebalancing exposures in our equity portfolios following the December 24th low. This is simply because the technical backdrop had gotten extremely lopsided, very quickly, into extremely “bearish” territory. Now, eight-short weeks later, the reverse is now true.
Last week, Mark DeCambre penned an article for MarketWatch stating:
“Paul Schatz, the president of Heritage Capital, told MarketWatch in a phone interview that ‘bear markets never, ever, ever begin when the A/D line is making an all-time high.’”
Uhm…that isn’t exactly true.
It also makes no sense.
Bear markets, or even just simple garden-variety corrections, start AFTER markets have been advancing. Therefore, it is only logical that bear markets ALWAYS start after advance-decline lines have reached higher levels.
Here is a monthly chart of the NYSE Advance/Decline line versus the S&P 500.
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As you will note, we are currently on an Advance-Decline line monthly “sell signal” from a high level. The last time this occurred was during the 2015-2016 bear market.
While this time could certainly be different, as anything is always possible, the alignment of weaker earnings, weaker economic growth, and extremely overbought and extended technicals suggest the current rally is likely limited in its current advance.
As I noted last week, the slope of the advance in the market since the December 24th lows has not been this sharp…well….ever.
What To Expect Next
This analysis continues to confirm what we said last week:
“First, I am making the assumption the momentum of the market continues to push stocks toward the psychologically important level of 2800 on the index over the next few days.”
That occurred last week as the markets closed the week just shy of that level. This keeps the analysis from last week in “play” at the moment.
“Given the magnitude of the advance from the December 24th lows, we can use a Fibonacci sequence to “guesstimate” the magnitude of a corrective process. “
With the markets extremely overbought, and much of the Fed “news” and Trump “trade” agreements already built into the market, the most likely outcome remains a “sell the news” event. The levels for that correction remain as follows:
Level 1 = 38.2%: The first correction to relieve some of the extreme overbought condition of the market, and provide investors with a better opportunity to increase equity risk is at the 38.2% retracement level. This would be a retest of the support levels from the Oct-Nov lows and the 50-dma. (Most likely for now)
Level 2 = 50%: If the markets are unable to hold support at the Level 1 correction, then a fall to the 50% level is highly likely. Such a correction is much more bearish in nature and suggests a retest of the December 24th lows is probable. (Bearish, important support could make a tradeable bottom.)
Level 3 = 61.8%: If the markets get to this level, it is likely the markets will be oversold short-term and a bounce likely. However, that bounce should be sold into as a retest of lows is probable. (Bearish, something more material has gone wrong.)
This analysis also corresponds to the extremely rapid reversion of both technical and sentiment measures, as well as the level of short-interest in the market which has now fallen to levels not seen since 2008.
Chart courtesy of Zero Hedge
Let me reiterate from last week:
“The important point here is that from a contrarian standpoint, markets have gotten way ahead of the underlying fundamentals. While the market may indeed end the year on a higher note, it will most likely not do that without lower prices first.”
While our portfolios remain primarily long -biased currently, we are holding a higher level than normal of cash and have added small levels of “hedges” to portfolios which we will begin building into as the market reverses.
Statements like these are always misinterpreted to mean that we are “bearish,” hiding in cash, and have 6-cases of spam and a carton of Twinkies sitting on our desk.
Our job as investors, and portfolio managers, is to navigate the market capitalizing on opportunity when they are available, and preserving capital when risks exceed our thresholds.
Currently, risk exceeds our threshold.
See you next week.
Market & Sector Analysis
Data Analysis Of The Market & Sectors For Traders
S&P 500 Tear Sheet
Performance Analysis
ETF Model Relative Performance Analysis
Sector & Market Analysis:
Be sure and catch our updates on Major Markets (Monday) and Major Sectors (Tuesday) with updated buy/stop/sell levels
Sector-by-Sector
Discretionary, Technology, Industrials, Staples, Health Care, Utilities, Real Estate – The unabated rally since the December 24th lows continued last week pushing these sectors into an extremely long rally historically speaking. With all of these sectors crossing back above their respective 200-dma, the bullish backdrop has improved. With all of these sectors extremely overbought short-term, take some profits and rebalance risks accordingly.
Current Positions: XLP, XLY, XLU, XLI, XLK – Stops moved up to 50-dmas.
Materials, Energy, Financials, and Communications – While other sectors of the market have performed much better, these sectors have rallied but have failed to climb above their respective 200-dma’s. As with the whole market complex, all of these sectors are still operating within a bearish crossover of the 50- and 200-dma’s. Given the extreme overbought conditions these sectors, take profits and rebalance risks accordingly and wait for a better risk/reward opportunity to add exposure.
Current Positions: XLB, XLF – Stops moved up to 200-dmas.
Market By Market
Small-Cap and Mid Cap – both of these markets are currently on macro-sell signals but have rallied along with the entire market complex. Like everything currently, both markets are extremely overbought and are vulnerable to signs of rising economic weakness. The overall trend remains negative and, while on short-term “buy signals,” both markets are now back to extreme short-term overbought conditions. Take profits and rebalance risks accordingly, look for a pullback that reduces the overbought condition before adding exposure.
Current Position: None
Emerging, International & Total International Markets
Last week, Emerging Markets pulled back to its 200-dma after breaking above that resistance. With the 50-dma turning up we have been looking for an opportunity to add exposure. In the short-term emerging markets are extremely overbought, however, the 200-dma did hold on the recent test. 1/2 of a position can be added on a tactical basis with a stop at the 200-dma.
Major International & Total International shares are extremely overbought but not performing nearly as well as Emerging Markets. Keep stops tight on existing positions, but no rush here to add new exposure. Emerging Markets are much more interesting.
Stops should remain tight at the running 50-dmas.
Current Position: Adding 1/2 position in EEM
Dividends, Market, and Equal Weight – Not surprisingly, given the rotation to “defensive” positioning in the market, dividend-based S&P Index continues to outperform other weighting structures. The overall market dynamic remains negative and markets are pushing into very tough levels of overhead resistance. Two weeks ago we took profits and reduced back to our target portfolio weightings. Stops are moved up to the running 50-dma’s.
Current Position: RSP, VYM, IVV
Gold – We have been discussing a pullback in Gold to add exposure to portfolios. Gold remains very-overbought short-term, however, the short-term pullback last week gives us an entry for a tactical position.
Current Position: GDX (Gold Miners)
Next Position: Adding 1/2 position in IAU
Bonds –
Intermediate duration bonds remain on a buy signal after we increased exposure last month. We are holding our current bond allocation for the time being.
Current Positions: DBLTX, SHY, TFLO, GSY
High Yield Bonds, representative of the “risk on” chase for the markets have continued to push higher and are extremely overbought. Look for a “risk off” rotation sooner which could see high yield bonds contract rather sharply. The same holds for international bonds as well.
The table below shows thoughts on specific actions related to the current market environment.
(These are not recommendations or solicitations to take any action. This is for informational purposes only related to market extremes and contrarian positioning within portfolios. Use at your own risk and peril.)
Portfolio/Client Update:
As noted last week, the market was able to close the week above the 200-dma and is now in the process of testing the psychological resistance level of 2800.
Given the markets have had 9-straight weeks of advance, a week or two of corrective/consolidative action is likely. That corrective action (which could just be sideways) will provide additional opportunities to increase exposure to risk.
- New clients: We previously added core positions and our fixed income holdings to new portfolios. Since our “core” positions are our long-term holds for inflation adjustments to income production we can add without too much concern. Tactical positions for growth will be added accordingly. As we talked about in the missive above, this includes IAU and EEM currently.
- Equity Model: This past week we sold CVS on a very poor earnings report which violated our stop loss level. We swapped the position in to WBA which has similar fundamentals and plays in the same space as CVS. Overall, performance of positions are doing well, but many are very extended. However, since we are mostly carrying reduced weightings in portfolios, we will look to add to these positions on pullbacks that maintain support levels.
- ETF Model: No changes this past week. Adding IAU and EEM this coming week.
Note for new clients:
It is important to understand that when we add to our equity allocations, ALL purchases are initially “trades” that can, and will, be closed out quickly if they fail to work as anticipated. This is why we “step” into positions initially. Once a “trade” begins to work as anticipated, it is then brought to the appropriate portfolio weight and becomes a long-term investment. We will unwind these actions either by reducing, selling, or hedging, if the market environment changes for the worse.
THE REAL 401k PLAN MANAGER
A Conservative Strategy For Long-Term Investors
There are 4-steps to allocation changes based on 25% reduction increments. As noted in the chart above a 100% allocation level is equal to 60% stocks. I never advocate being 100% out of the market as it is far too difficult to reverse course when the market changes from a negative to a positive trend. Emotions keep us from taking the correct action.
Initial Buy Signal Is In…But Caution
As noted in the 401k chart above, the short-term weekly “buy” signals was triggered last week. This is bullish but requires the lower signal to “confirm” the upper before we increase the portfolio model back to 100% target levels.
However, note that back in early 2018, that the signals went from “sell” to “buy” but were quickly reversed due to the intense sell-off in the last quarter of the year. As always, we adhere to the signals closely as they tend to be right more often than not.
So, the early “alert” signal is bullish so we are watching things closely.
As we have noted previously, by the time weekly signals are triggered the market is ALWAYS very overbought or oversold. Therefore, when signals are registered we don’t immediately take action. Instead, like now with markets are extremely overbought on a short-term basis, we want to wait for some type of pullback to add exposure.
As we have been discussing over the last several weeks, the sharp rally in stocks has gone too far, too quickly.
No change to allocations this week, we are looking for this rally to “rest” a bit and allow for a better opportunity to increase exposure. Continue to follow the model strategy for the time being.
- If you are overweight equities – take some profits and overall portfolio weights to 75% of your selected allocation target.
- If you are underweight equities or at target – hold positions for now.
If you need help after reading the alert; don’t hesitate to contact me.
Current 401-k Allocation Model
The 401k plan allocation plan below follows the K.I.S.S. principle. By keeping the allocation extremely simplified it allows for better control of the allocation and a closer tracking to the benchmark objective over time. (If you want to make it more complicated you can, however, statistics show that simply adding more funds does not increase performance to any great degree.)
401k Choice Matching List
The list below shows sample 401k plan funds for each major category. In reality, the majority of funds all track their indices fairly closely. Therefore, if you don’t see your exact fund listed, look for a fund that is similar in nature.
Lance Roberts is a Chief Portfolio Strategist/Economist for RIA Advisors. He is also the host of “The Lance Roberts Podcast” and Chief Editor of the “Real Investment Advice” website and author of “Real Investment Daily” blog and “Real Investment Report“. Follow Lance on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In and YouTube
Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS)