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August 17, 2020
STOCKS – AMZN, FB, SQ, PYPL
MACRO – SPY, QQQ
Mike’s Reading The Markets (RTM) Premium Content – NOW WITH A 2 WEEK FREE TRIAL
- A Sudden And Swift Drawdown?
- Options Still Indicate Top Is In – Morning
- Inflation Does Not Appear To Pose A Threat Anytime Soon
- Risk-On Trade Remains In Focus The Week Of August 17
- Visa Shares May Decline Over The Near Term
- Earnings Trends For The S&P 500 Continue To Drift Higher
The market continues to be range-bound, with the Qs rising by 1.2% but remained around that $275 level, which it has been stuck since early August. From the standpoint of what happens next, at this point, I can’t find one bullish indicator that I track. Options betting continues to build, suggesting lower prices lie ahead, gamma levels are also suggesting upside in this market is completely limited. I talked about this in the morning and midday update. In 2019, we always had that backdrop of a favorable valuation based on earnings, but this year that crutch is gone. Low-interest rates are great, but they are low for a reason. The equity risk premium is favorable to the market, but is that what this has come too? Just multiple expansion? Not exactly an ideal situation to be in if you ask me. (Premium content – A Sudden And Swift Drawdown? – with a 2-week free trial)
The current path from a purely technical standpoint gets the Qs to no higher than $280, by the middle of September, then everything will converge. That is about 1.9% higher from its current spot.
S&P 500 (SPY)
Still, no gap fill in the S&P 500. Ugh. Not what we wanted to see. But it doesn’t go higher either.
Amazon (AMZN)
Amazon continues to trade in this triangle; for now, I guess that we will have a breakout or break down in about three days. The RSI is telling us what direction is to come.
Facebook (FB)
I saw some bullish option betting on Facebook, which suggests the stock continues to climb. I noted in an article for Forbes. It’s possible, but the shares move higher is a story of multiple expansion. So as long as investors are willing to pay a higher multiple for the stock, then things will be beautiful. But gaps do eventually get filled, remember that. (Facebook’s Stock May Still Have Much Further To Climb)
Square (SQ)
Square keeps going higher, and so it might as well go to that upper end of the trading channel around $170.
PayPal (PYPL)
I heard that stocks only go up, and PayPal seems to be one of those stocks. So sure, why not, $220 seems like a great spot to go.
But in all seriousness, both PayPal and Square are great stories. Their valuations, that’s another story. PayPal has a market cap that is that same size as Bank of America, around $230 billion. I’m not sure what the right valuation for PayPal is, to be honest. It could be the case that the stock is worth 35 times 2022 earnings estimates. Hey, why, not. Look at Square; it makes Paypal look cheap, trading at 84 times 2022 earnings estimates.
Multiple expansion, oh, what a dangerous game we play.
That’s enough for today.
-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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