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3/5/24
#Stocks – $NVDA
#Macro – $SPX, #BTFP, $BTC
Mike’s Reading The Markets Macro Subscription Service on Seeking Alpha
- RTM: Who Turned The Lights Off
- RTM: Nvidia Up, Apple Down = Going Nowhere
- RTM – Hot Supercore PCE, Highest Since December 2021
- RTM: Still Waiting
- RTM: Market Seeing Inflation As Stalled
Stocks fell sharply today, ahead of Jay Powell’s testimony tomorrow. It would be great if Powell acknowledged how much financial conditions have eased and that easing conditions could undermine the Fed policy path and, more critically, delay future rate cuts. It would undoubtedly make today’s price action in risk assets seem tame. Because the rally in risk-assets certainly puts the Fed’s objective for inflation at risk. Let’s face facts: rising asset prices are inflation.
Credit spreads have melted lower following the December FOMC meeting. Given how much spreads have contracted, you’d think the Fed had already cut rates. This is probably why there is no need for the Fed to cut rates at this point. The more credit spreads the easier financial conditions get.
Maybe the stock market got a bit worried and thought if it went down a little the day before Powell was due to speak, he might take it a little easier. Maybe he will; I have no clue what he will say. But if Atlanta Fed’s Bostic is a guide, Powell may be talking about the potential to cut rates later this year, in slow and methodical pace, if the data allows it.
What seems surprising to me is that there are still people on TV who think the Fed will cut rates 6 to 7 times this year. I’m not sure what planet they are living on, but if GDP is still growing at a nominal rate of about 5%, and the Fed is struggling to get inflation back to 2%, why should the Fed cut at all?
In the meantime, Bitcoin created a mere 9% bearish engulfing pattern on the day, I can’t say I have ever seen something that impressive. Stuff like this is probably a good reason why Bitcoin will never have any place as a “real” currency in the world.
Also the S&P 500 fell by around 1% on the day, and managed to bounce right off the 5,060 level, which has held now several times and is a level not breached since Nvidia’s results back on February 22.
Speaking of Nvidia, it managed to rise 1.5% in the last 30 minutes of trading to finish up on the day.
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Strong Job Report Should Mean Higher Rates, Strong Dollar
The Market Appears To Be Broken
Finally, we have just a few more days until the Bank Term Funding Program is retired. The program allowed banks to use the Treasury as collateral at par with the Fed in exchange for cash for one year. So between now and sometime around April 5, I imagine we see the balances in the program shrink by around $80 billion, while the rest remains until the 1st anniversary date. My guess is that we should see reserves shrink by that $80 billion and the Fed Balance sheet shrink once the unwind begins.
Some people have specualted that stocks have risen becuase of this program, I am a bit more skeptical. I don’t see how $160 billion in expanded reserve balances translates into a $10 trillion increase in the S&P 500 market cap. I certainly would hope there is not that much leverage deployed. When looking at the comparisons of the charts, I can see why someone might think that way.
I guess we will only find out if the market starts to drop like it rose. If that happens, perhaps that little program the Fed created had much more impact than I thought.
-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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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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