👀 Ones to watch: The MOST undervalued stocks to buy right nowSee Undervalued Stocks

Too Early to Sell? Rally Pauses but Still No Risk-Off Signs Emerge

Published 01/09/2024, 07:49 AM
US500
-
XHB
-
AOA
-
AOK
-
SMH
-
USMV
-
SHY
-
IEF
-

There’s no shortage of reasons to be cautious about the near-term outlook for markets, but reviewing trend behavior via several sets of ETF pairs continues to reflect a positive trend for risk assets through yesterday’s close (Jan. 8, 2023).

To be fair, every trend hits a wall eventually, and it’s often difficult if not impossible to successfully call turning points in real time. That caveat resonates at a time when several key markets are trading at or near record highs.

Notably, the S&P 500 Index is just below its January 2022 peak, inspiring debate about whether the strong and relatively quick rebound from the October low has run out of road.

From another perspective, however, there’s still no sign of trouble via the ratio for an aggressive global portfolio (AOA) vs. its conservative counterpart (AOK).

This proxy for risk appetite via a global asset allocation profile has retained a bullish bias despite worries that trouble is brewing. (For perspective, see the previous two updates here and here.)

Global Portfolio Strategy Trend-Price Chart

A risk-on bias is still conspicuous, as seen via US stocks (SPY) vs. a low-volatility subset (USMV), albeit after some turbulence in recent history that raised doubts about the staying power of the rally.

SPY vs USMV Price Ratio Chart

The relative performance of semi-conductor stocks (SMH), a business-cycle proxy, vs. US shares overall (SPY) still reflects a bullish trend.

SMH vs SPY

Meanwhile, the ratio of housing stocks (XHB) to the broad equities market (SPY) continues to signal recovery for the housing sector, which previously took it on the chin in the wake of sharp interest rate hikes that took weighed heavily on the industry.

US Homebuilders Equities Trend-Price Chart

The bond market, however, is still wallowing in a risk-off posture, based on medium-term Treasuries (IEF) vs. short-term governments (SHY).

The recent bounce in this ratio suggests a bullish turning point is in progress following a bear market, but this ratio has yet to deliver a convincing reversal signal–the 50-day average for this ratio rising above its 200-day counterpart, for example.

US Bond Market Trend-Price Ratio

Trend reversals are rarely if ever obvious until a new pattern has been established and so the analysis on this front is always suspect to some degree.

But until a long-established trend shows convincing signs of reversing, there’s probably more risk in anticipating its demise before the numbers support that call.

Latest comments

Loading next article…
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.