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A Pivotal Week For the Stock Markets Lies Ahead

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This will be a pivotal week for the markets with CPI on Tuesday, the June FOMC meeting on Wednesday, the ECB on Thursday, and the BOJ and US options expiring on Friday.

Markets aren’t sold on the Fed raising rates in June and see a 31% chance for a hike this week but a near 86% chance for a hike by the July meeting. It indicates that markets view the latest economic data as supportive of ongoing rate hikes, mostly due to the tight labor market, strong wage growth, and sticky inflation readings. While headline CPI remains a focus, at this point, the underlying core CPI matters more, and that is expected to only fall to 5.2% in May, down from 5.5% in April. Core CPI is still way too high, way above the Fed’s target, and inconsistent with a 2% inflation rate.

I do not view this June meeting as critical from a rate hiking perspective; although a hot CPI report could sway the Fed to hike in June, the more important component will be what the Fed signals for the balance of the year through the dot plot.

While the bond and the dollar markets have been re-pricing the risk of the Fed pushing rates higher, the equity market has largely ignored the risk and focused on the prospects of the Fed cutting rates. This has pushed the NASDAQ 100 versus the 10-yr TIP spread to the lowest level in a couple of decades, with an earnings yield now just 2.04% above the 10-year real yield. That is the narrowest spread since 2008 and is a new cycle low.

Perhaps the hype is cooling off and showing signs this market is about finished with this extreme. The NASDAQ 100 formed a 2b top on Friday after reaching a new intra-day high but finishing below the previous closing highs.

Additionally, the weekly NASDAQ 100 chart put in a nice reversal candle, and the index closed lower for the week and remains over-bought on the RSI and Bollinger Bands.

The S&P 500 is at a potential inflection point from a cycle standpoint.

Additionally, the call wall for the S&P 500 is at 4,300. Because the index is in positive gamma, market makers will likely be sellers of the index as it goes higher, which will keep a lid on the S&P 500 rising until we get past Friday’s options expiration.

Additionally, the rally in the market remains weak, and the breadth remains narrow and unsupportive of a long-term sustainable rally. The advance-decline line for the entire stock market has been steadily declining since February, marking a very large divergence from the stock market’s direction.

Chart

Over the last 12 weeks, the rally has been contained to 3 sectors, Technology, Communications and Discretionaries. All three are heavily weighted to just 2 to 3 names that outweigh the sector and drive the returns.

This is a market on an index level that is overvalued and is trading higher with a narrow breadth while the overall advance-decline line is steadily declining.

Best of luck this week

-Mike

Charts used with the permission of Bloomberg Finance L.P. 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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