S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20

By Lance Roberts | February 13, 2020

A technical review of the S&P 500 using daily, weekly and monthly charts to determine overbought, oversold, and risk/reward scenarios for carrying equity exposure.

We did this analysis at the end of January, but given the recent surge in the market, which is now pushing the S&P 500 back into extreme overbought territory, it is worth reviewing again to determine our next positioning moves.

We are currently looking at shorting the market in our models, given the right setup. We are close to that point currently.

Let’s take a look at the charts.

Daily

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • The S&P 500 had broken out to new highs which is bullish. However, the more extreme overbought condition of the market remains in terms of deviation from its 200-dma. At 3-standard deviations above the longer-term moving average, it suggests that 99.9% of all potential price movement is built into the advance.
  • On a very short term basis, the market is back to very overbought (top panel) which previously suggested the short-term correction.
  • However, the “buy signal” in the lower panel suggests that the current rally could have a bit more upside. But given the deviation to the 200-dma, I don’t suspect there is much “gas left in the tank.”
  • While we have added some exposure to portfolios recently, we have done so very cautiously with tight stops. That is a good plan to follow for now.

Daily Overbought/Sold

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • The chart above shows a variety of measures from the Volatility Index ($VIX) to momentum and deviation from intermediate term moving averages.
  • We noted back in September and early October that a rally into year-end was likely. At that time all of the indicators had pushed down into their respective “BUY” ranges.
  • Now that situation has reversed, with all indicators back into their respective “SELL” ranges.
  • The previous correction at the end of January did little to reverse those more extreme overbought conditions. This is not “bearish” or suggestive of a “crash” coming, but rather just suggesting that currently the risk/reward for adding additional equity risk is not optimal. A consolidation of price would also resolve the overbought conditions.
  • Be patient for a correction back to support that allows for a better entry point for trading positions.

Weekly

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • On a weekly basis, the market backdrop remains bullish with a weekly buy signal still intact.
  • However, that buy signal is extremely extended and has started to reverse with the market extremely overbought on a weekly basis.
  • This is an ideal setup for a bigger correction so some caution is advised.
  • With the market trading above 2-standard deviations, and testing the third, of the intermediate term moving average, some caution is suggested in adding additional exposure. A correction is likely over the next month which will provide a better opportunity. Remain patient for now.

Monthly

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • On a monthly basis we can see a pattern emerging as well as extremes.
  • First, from an investment standpoint, look at the previous two bull market advances compared to the current Central Bank fueled explosion. When the next mean reverting event occurs, make no mistake, it will be brutal for investors.
  • Secondly, the market is trading MORE THAN 2-standard deviations above the long-term mean and is still flirting with reversing the “buy signal” to a sell.
  • As noted in the red lines, the market continues to trade in a bullish trend from the 2009 lows, but with the market pushing back up into more extreme overbought conditions long-term, there is not likely a lot left to the current bull market.
  • Importantly, MONTHLY data is ONLY valid at the end of the month. Therefore, these indicators are VERY SLOW to turn. Use the Daily and Weekly charts to manage your risk. The monthly and quarterly chart (below) is to give you some idea about overall risk management.
  • However, the important takeaway is that the bull market is still largely intact but there is some deterioration around the edges. This suggests that investors should remain invested for now, but maintain risk controls accordingly.
  • All good things do eventually come to an end.

Quarterly

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • As noted above, this chart is not about short-term trading but long-term management of risks in portfolios. This is a quarterly chart of the market going back to 1920.
  • Note the market has, only on a few rare occasions, been as overbought as it is currently. The recent advance has pushed the market into 3-standard deviations above the 3-year moving average. In every single case the reversion was not kind to investors.
  • Secondly, in the bottom panel, the market has never been this overbought and extended in history.
  • As an investor it is important to keep some perspective about where we are in the current cycle, there is every bit of evidence that a major mean reverting event will occur. Timing is always the issue which is why use daily and weekly measures to manage risk.
  • Don’t get lost in the mainstream media. This is a very important chart.

S&P 500 vs Yield Curve (10yr-2yr)

, S&P 500 Technical Analysis Review 02-13-20
  • The chart above compares the S&P 500 to the 10-2 year yield spread.
  • The relationship between stocks and bonds is the visualization of the “risk/reward” trade off.
  • When investors are exceedingly bullish, money flows out of “safe” assets, i.e. bonds, into “risk” assets, i.e. stocks.
  • What the chart shows is that when the yield-spread reverses, which is normally coincident with the onset of a recession, such tends to mark peaks of markets and ensuing corrections in stock prices.
  • While the recent spike of the ratio has not resulted in a correction just yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t.
  • Pay attention, all of the market indicators currently suggest risk outweighs rewards and patience will likely be rewarded with a better opportunity to add exposure.
  • As with the Monthly and Quarterly charts above, this is a “warning” sign to pay attention and manage risk accordingly. It does NOT mean sell everything and go to cash. Currently the Daily and Weekly charts suggest the bullish trend is intact, so we remain invested, but hedged.

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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
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