Subscribe to receive this FREE daily commentary directly in your email
February 15, 2021
STOCKS – AAPL, MSFT, JPM, BAC, AMZN
MACRO – SPY, XLK, QQQ, IWM
Mike’s Reading The Markets (RTM) Premium Content – FREE 2-WEEK TRIAL
- T.W.A – Does Volatility Lie Ahead?
- Midday: Big Move Coming One Way Or The Other
- Apple’s Stock Sees A Big Bearish Bet
- Cisco Could See Lower Prices After Results
MICHAEL KRAMER AND THE CLIENTS OF MOTT CAPITAL OWN APPLE, MICROSOFT, ALPHABET, TESLA
There are several disparities taking place in the market, and one of them has been the growth versus value trade. While it may seem like this outperformance can go on forever, higher rates may change that dynamic.
NASDAQ Vs. Russell
For example, the NASDAQ 100 was historically high versus the Russell 2000 index for quite some time, but that gap has now completely closed in recent months as the Rusell 2000 has surged.
In October, at a point, the NASDAQ 100 traded at its highest level to the Russell 2000 since the dot.com bubble in the year 2000. But not surprisingly, there has been a massive reversion, with the Russell now trading back to levels last seen in March versus the NASDAQ 100.
It isn’t that the NASDAQ 100 has fallen; it is just that the Russell 2000 has surged faster than the NASDAQ in recent months.
Semis Vs. S&P 500
We are now seeing a similar type of trade in the S&P 500 versus the SOX semiconductor index. The SOX index is currently trading at its highest level relative to the S&P 500 since the dot.com bubble in the year 2000. Again, an indication that the S&P 500 is likely to outperform the semiconductor sector going forward. Whether that means the SOX falls or whether the S&P 500 rises may not matter. What matters is that the SOX index may struggle compared to S&P 500 in the months ahead.
Growth Vs. Value
Growth stocks have also massively outperformed value stocks by a wide margin, based on the S&P 500 Growth ETF versus the S&P 500 Value ETF. Growth is now beating Value by its widest margin since the dot.com bubble. Again, perhaps a sign that value is likely to outperform growth in the future.
The one thing each of these relationships has in common is the long underperformance period that followed. Whether that is about to happen again, one cannot know for sure. But if history is a guide, then the answer is yes, the growth and technology sectors are likely to underperform.
It won’t shock you to see that the S&P 500 Growth comprises names like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Tesla, Alphabet, and Netflix. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 value index is filled with Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan, Disney, Johnson & Johnson & Bank of America.
Technology Vs. Financials
In fact, the Technology ETF (XLK) has massively outperformed the Financial ETF (XLF), far exceeding its dot.com peak. Before the pandemic, the XLK traded for about 3 times greater than the XLF. Assuming the XLK traded sideways, the XLF would need to rise by 45% to $46 to get the ratio back to pre-pandemic levels.
The banks could be one group that really benefits if the economy continues to improve and yields continue to rise. The steepening yield curve could have further to climb, based on historical trends.
Regardless of the rate environment, a high rate period versus a low rate period, the spread between the 10-year and the 2-year has typically risen to around 3%. Currently, the distance is just 1.1%, which would suggest that rates on the long end of the curve still have plenty of room to rise, which could be a huge win for the bank stocks down the road. With 2-year rates, around 11 bps, it could imply the 10-year rises to about 3.1%, not that far off from the October 2018 highs of 3.25%.
The higher rate environment would likely be problematic for some technology stocks since much of their multiple expansion has come on the heels of low-interest rates. The S&P Technology Index is currently trading with an earnings yield of 2.7% versus the 10-year. At the significantly lower end of its historical range post-great financial crisis.
But if rates start rising, then the technology earnings yield will need to either start moving higher, meaning lower technology stock prices, or a more overvalued sector relative to yields.
This is why I have been pointing to the current interest rate environment so much and why I have been talking for weeks to RTM members that rising rates pose the most risk to the technology part of the market. At the same time, inflation data is likely to drive much of what happens next.
In fact, the 10-year started to break out on Friday afternoon closing above 1.2%, and could easily be on its way to around 1.34% its previous 2016 lows.
We might start getting some clues this week with the producer price index.
-Mike
Mott Capital Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Upon request, the advisor will provide a list of all recommendations made during the past twelve months. Past performance is not indicative of future results. maybeby chanceMore (Definitions, Synonyms, Translation)
Subscribe to receive this FREE daily commentary directly in your email
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.
CTA And Volatility Funds Poised To Drive Market Pullback
Mott Capital's Market Chronicles October 10, 2025 2:00 PM