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May 23, 2021
STOCKS – BHP, FCX, UNP, GE
MACRO – BTC, QQQ, IWM
Mike’s Reading The Markets (RTM) Premium Content – FREE 2-WEEK TRIAL
- RTM Tactical Update – Lower Stocks And Higher Yields May Be Coming
- Relative Performance Charts 5.21.21
- Webcast Replay
- RTM – Next Week Should Give A Better Sense Of Direction
- RTM Tactical Update – It May Be Time To Look For “Value” Among Growth Stocks
This week should see a lot of volatility, now that we are past options expiration and gamma has rolled off. It means we should expect to see big swings in the market as gamma levels get rebuilt over the next couple of weeks.
Bitcoin (BTC)
However, the outlook this week looks more negative than positive given the volatility in Bitcoin this weekend. The cryptocurrency continues to melt, and I don’t see that situation improving any time soon. If bitcoin is a bubble, which I believe it is, then you are likely to see it settle back around 16,000 at some point.
Bitcoin continues to melt, and I see no end in sight for the decline. I think we are likely to retest the lows around 29,000, and maybe lower. The crypto is in a consolidation pattern currently and is getting ready for another drop. The decline looks too impulsive to be part of a retracement pattern. Therefore, we could be in a 5 wave count lower; it suggests it falls back to around 16,000.
There are many problems with it; the most obvious is that I can’t imagine that Bitcoin ever becomes a global currency or any of these crypto’s do. It seems highly unlikely that any country would endorse the use of any crypto. It would mean that that country would lose the ability to control its own currency, which means it would not have the ability to issue its own debt.
It is likely why China is now beginning to crack down on the concept of mining for bitcoin and why other countries will likely follow. It is why China is developing its own digital yuan. Do I think a digital currency is the way of the future? Yes, but in a country’s own currency.
In a way, we already have digital dollars; we have had it for decades. Every time you swipe your credit card or debit card, it is a digital transaction. Every time you transfer money via Venmo or Cash App, you are making a digital transaction. It is transmitted in dollars electronically via a network.
Anyway…
For those that think bitcoin is not correlated to stocks or a sentiment indicator, think again. Just look at the decline in the Refinitiv most shorted stocks over the last few months and look at the decline in bitcoin price. There is something there. Global market sentiment is shifting.
Taiwan (EWT)
Taiwan has seen a very sharp drawdown recently, breaking a huge uptrend.
NASDAQ (QQQ)
The NASDAQ 100 (QQQ) finished last week higher by less than 20 bps, but it was the first time in 4 weeks that the ETF was up. The ETF got as high as the 20-day moving average on Friday, and that is where it failed. The ETF isn’t oversold anymore either, which would suggest lower prices lie ahead for the ETF and the broader market when coupled with a declining relative strength index, and weakening market sentiment.
I’m looking for a retest of that uptrend line at $320.
Russell 2000 (IWM)
The Russell rose to the top of the broadening wedge on Friday and failed to push higher. I view this as a big negative. This means there is a chance we have a drawdown to support at 2,125.
TR CRB Index
It isn’t just bitcoin, the most shorted stocks, or equity markets struggling. The commodity Thomson Reuters CRB Index is stalling out at key resistance levels around 208. This seems to tell a tale of an overall marketplace that may be tiring and running on fumes. If commodity prices start to roll over, that very well could kill our reflation story, and that would be a big issue for stock prices going forward.
Just look at the breakdown in the SMH semiconductor ETF relative to the S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
BHP (BHP)
Meanwhile, the run-up in some of these materials and mining stocks may be near their ends as well. BHP has broken an uptrend and appears to have formed a double top pattern. We will still need confirmation of this pattern’s breakdown, but a drop below $66.40 will likely lead to something steeper, perhaps back to $56.50. The RSI is pointing lower, confirming the bearish setup.
Freeport (FCX)
Freeport doesn’t have a double top pattern, but it is very close to breaking an uptrend and has a downtrend in its RSI as well, suggesting that lower prices, potentially to as low as $31.50.
Union Pacific (UNP)
Union Pacific has had a big run-up too, but this one appears to be forming a rising wedge pattern, likely marking the end of the big run-up in the shares. The RSI is dropping as well.
GE (GE)
GE looks pretty good; there appears to be a pennant pattern forming, which in this case appears to be bullish. It could even go to as high as $16.75 if it can manage a breakout.
Mike
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This report contains independent commentary to be used for informational and educational purposes only. Michael Kramer is a member and investment adviser representative with Mott Capital Management. Mr. Kramer is not affiliated with this company and does not serve on the board of any related company that issued this stock. All opinions and analyses presented by Michael Kramer in this analysis or market report are solely Michael Kramer’s views. Readers should not treat any opinion, viewpoint, or prediction expressed by Michael Kramer as a specific solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or follow a particular strategy. Michael Kramer’s analyses are based upon information and independent research that he considers reliable, but neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. Michael Kramer is not under any obligation to update or correct any information presented in his analyses. Mr. Kramer’s statements, guidance, and opinions are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment commentary presented in this analysis. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investments or strategies mentioned in this analysis may not be suitable for you. This material does not consider your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for you. You must make an independent decision regarding investments or strategies in this analysis. Upon request, the advisor will provide a list of all recommendations made during the past twelve months. Before acting on information in this analysis, you should consider whether it is suitable for your circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser to determine the suitability of any investment.
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