Just Ahead – Looming And Serious Attempt At February Highs

Published 08/18/2020, 10:20 AM
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Trading in a tight range again, stocks are set up for a sizable move – and if you look at the credit markets, I think a break of the February highs is at hand. Don't be taken in by the lacklustre daily advance decline line or advance-decline volume. The $VIX doesn't appear ready to mount an immediate challenge, and neither is the dollar.

Such were my observations from Aug. 11:

… With the dollar rally running into headwinds yet again, the risk-on trades gets another ally.

Last but not least, the correction in gold I called for on Friday to happen, takes away from the momentary inflation fears. And inflation rearing its ugly head, that would have the power to throw the stock bull out of whack. We aren't there yet.

The greenback is probing its recent lows again, gold is recovering from the preceding steep correction, and llong-term Treasuries have stabilized. Such a combination is momentarily conducive to the budding stock upswing (watch Walmart (NYSE:WMT) data coming in). My point about stocks from June 5 remains valid today, because stocks:

… don't love many things more than money printing.

The analyses in the coming few days will be briefer than you're used to from me, but rest assured that behind the scenes, I am looking at the very same broad set of charts that power my trading decisions.

So, what markets have I picked today as the gems having most bearing upon the S&P 500 immediate future?

S&P 500 In The Short-Run

I’ll start with the daily chart perspective (charts courtesy of http://stockcharts.com):

The short-term hesitation in the S&P 500 daily chart appears to be drawing to its end. The turn in the volume makes me think that increasing market participation is on the horizon, and if credit markets are any guide to go by, chances are stocks will move higher next.

The Credit Markets’ Point of View

High-yield corporate bonds (HYG ETF (NYSE:HYG)) have turned, though the volume hasn't convince just yet. Coupled with sideways to higher price action next, though, is what would lend more credibility to the credit market upswing, which is, by the way, mirrored to a certain degree with the stabilization in investment grade corporate bonds (LQD ETF (NYSE:LQD)).

Both leading credit market ratios – high-yield corporate bonds to short-term Treasuries (HYG:SHY) and investment grade corporate bonds to longer-dated Treasuries (LQD:IEI) – rose yesterday.

Should such encouraging price action continue (and looking at Treasuries, chances are it will), that would take some pressure from the still relatively extended S&P 500 prices when compared with the HYG:SHY ratio.

In other words, less headwind for the stock uptrend.

Summary

Summing up, the S&P 500 upswing still has higher odds of continuing than not, and the reasons go beyond the nascent turnaround in the credit markets, including the PHB:$DJCB ratio. The Russell 2000 keeps acting strong, and emerging markets have assumed leadership among the stock indices. Copper refused to decline yesterday yet again, and the Baltic Dry index is also rising. The put/call ratio has turned higher, giving firepower to the less crowded bullish side of the trade than was the case a few days ago.

As I wrote yesterday, the economic recovery story is gaining traction, and stocks are likely to be helped in their upswing once long-dated Treasuries level off, which they are doing as we speak. Given technology's performance, the stock bulls aren't looking to be holding the short end of the stick.

All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Monica Kingsley and Sunshine Profits' associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Monica Kingsley and her associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Ms. Kingsley is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Monica Kingsley’s reports you fully agree that she will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Monica Kingsley, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

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