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May 19, 2021
STOCKS – BTC, TIPS, IEF, COPPER
MACRO – SPY
Mike’s Reading The Markets (RTM) Premium Content – FREE 2-WEEK TRIAL
- RTM – Volatility Is About To Pick Up In A Massive Way
- RTM – Stocks Set To Open Lower On 5.17.21
- RTM: Relatives
- RTM Tactical Update – It May Be Time To Look For “Value” Among Growth Stocks
- Live Webcast Friday, 5/21 @ 1PM ET
- RTM Morning – Stocks Set To Bounce, Will It Hold?
- RTM Morning – Stocks Sink As Inflation Soars
Stocks finished the day around flat, mounting a pretty big comeback from an early morning drop on the heels of a Bitcoin meltdown. The meltdown was pretty intense, with the crypto falling all the way down 30,000ish, a drop of more than 20%. As of right now, it’s still down 11%. Typically, we see bottoms retested, so it would not be surprising at all to see Bitcoin retest those lows 30,000 again at some point soon.
It is technical “oversold” on the RSI; we should see a move higher, probably back to 42,000. That retest should result in Bitcoin then dropping again back to 30,000.
The real problem with Bitcoin is that there is no way to value it; there is no way to say, hey, this thing looks cheap if earnings are going to be X. There is nothing.
As for a hedge against inflation? Not working so well either.
To me, there is no difference between Bitcoin and Tulips. Blockchain seems interesting. But anything, as in crypto’s, that can be created with such ease is the first red flag. It feels like a new coin comes out regularly, and as long as there is no barrier to entry, their supply can be unlimited, which means they can all easily be worthless.
Yields
Bond yields moved sharply higher following the Fed minutes. It seems pretty clear that the Fed will start talking about tapering with Powell giving the nod at Jackson Hole. There was a subtle hint towards taper coming, although it was buried and written in typical cryptic Fed language. At the very least, this idea that the Fed will never taper died today, and it is just a matter of when they start.
Once the 10-yr break 1.76%, I think there will be a rapid move higher to 2%. That should rattle equity markets.
The big move was in the TIPS, with the 5 and 10-Yr TIPS both rising by roughly 10 bps. If TIPS finally starts to move, it will be the biggest signal yet that the bond market sees a taper and eventually hiking cycle coming. It could result in the 10-yr TIP rising all the way back to 0 bps, from their current negative 80 bps. That would push the 10-year nominal rate easily over 2%, perhaps to as high as 2.5%, based on current market 10-yr inflation expectations. 
Copper
I think the run-up in copper is over, and we should see a pretty big correction in the months ahead. For now, the first stop is likely back to $3.95.
Risk
Copper, Lumber, Bitcoin are all pointing to the same thing, a significant shift in the risk-on mentality of the markets. Don’t kid yourself into thinking otherwise.
S&P 500 (SPY)
The S&P 500 finished managed to finish the day around 4,115. I think option expiration had a lot to do with today’s comeback. The 4,100 level is the big gamma level for now, and the index never got low enough to really escape the gravity of 4,100. From a technical standpoint, the index looks as though it is merely filling the gap. If this is just a gap fill, we should reverse lower once the gap is filled at 4,125. Additionally, volatility is like to come on Monday once all of May’s options gamma rolls off.
Have a good one.
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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