USD/JPY shrugs after BoJ core inflation dipsThe Japanese yen continues to have a quiet week. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 151.36, down 0.03%.
Bank of Japan core inflation fell to 2.3% in February, down from 2.6% in January and shy of the market estimate of 2.5%. The release further complicates the inflation picture in Japan, as we continue to see inflation indicators heading in all directions. The BoJ core inflation index eased in February ,while the services producer price index climbed 2.1%, unchanged from January.
The BoJ made a massive pivot last week as it raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years. The central bank is counting on rising service inflation replacing cost-push inflation as the main driver of inflation, which it expects will make inflation sustainable around the 2% target.
The shift in monetary policy has not translated into a win for the yen, which is above the 151 line. There is the threat of currency intervention, as Tokyo intervened last September and October when USD/JPY rose above 152. Japanese officials are trying to jawbone the yen higher before resorting to intervention, with Japan’s top currency diplomat sending a warning on Monday to speculators from trying to sell of the yen, saying the currency’s recent slide did not reflect fundamentals.
In the US, it was a mixed day. Durable goods recovered in February with a gain of 1.4% m/m in February. This followed a 6.9% slide in January and beat the market estimate of 1.1%. The Conference Board consumer confidence index was almost unchanged at 104.7 in February, compared to 104.8 a month earlier. This was shy of the market estimate of 107.
USD/JPY tested support earlier at 151.35. Below, there is support at 151.13
151.64 and 151.86 are the next resistance lines
Durablegoodsorders
Macro Monday 23 ~ US Factory Orders (released today 15:00 GMT)Macro Monday 23
US Factory Orders - ECONOMICS:USFO - Released Today
U.S. Factory Orders (USFO) are reported by the U.S. Census Bureau at the start of each month. The next release for the month of October is today Monday 4th Dec 2023 at 15:00 GMT.
The USFO Report provides information on the total dollar value of new orders, shipments, and unfilled orders for durable and non-durable goods. You might recall Macro Monday 18 where we looked at the at the Durable Goods Report (ticker: FRED:DGORDER ) which only provides data on new orders received on durable goods in isolation (goods lasting longer than 3 years) whilst the USFO Report is more comprehensive and includes durable goods, non-durables (items used once or not lasting a long time like light bulbs, detergent and clothing etc.), and also includes sub trends within durables and non-durables.
Let’s have a quick look at the differences between the USFO report and Durable Goods Report below;
U.S Factory Orders Versus Durable Goods
The USFO Report is more comprehensive than the Durable Goods Report, the USFO Report examines trends within industries. For example, the Durable Goods Report may account for a broad category, such as computer equipment, whereas the USFO Report will detail figures for computer hardware, semiconductors, and monitors. This lack of detail in the Durable Goods Report is attributed to the speed at which it is released.
Time Difference of the Releases: The Durable Goods Report for October was released almost two weeks ago on the 22ndNov 2023 whilst the USFO more comprehensive report (featured today) will be released today Monday 4th December 2023. It important to know this so you can get an early indication off the Durable Goods report as to how the later USFO Report may lean.
The USFO Charts
Whilst the figures within the USFO are reported in the billions of dollars, the chart shared today shows the percentage change month over month. Readings above 0% are more favorable and below 0% are less favorable. Essentially the increase or decrease shows the overall change in percentage terms orders from month to month.
Chart 1 – US Factory Orders (USFO)
▫️ The grey line on this chart shows how the volatile the percentage month to month readings can be for the USFO. For this reason we have assigned a 12 month moving average which smooths out the data making it easier to assess the longer term trend (thin Dark Blue line).
- On Chart 1 at present you can see that the 12 month MA recently came down to the just below the 0% level and has since started to turn upwards which is positive.
- From July 2023 to present we have moved from -2% to +2.8% (a positive move indeed)
Chart 2 – USFO 12 Month Moving Average (with S&P500 for reference)
▫️ In this chart we have isolated the US Factory Orders 12 month moving average and filled the area with the color dark blue from the 0% level to whatever reading was above it or below it. In other words, the USFO 12 month moving average is the exact same as in Chart 1 but illustrated differently, we just widened it vertically to make it easier to appreciate visually and we filled the area between the 0% line and whatever its reading was on the 12 month MA.
I have included the S&P500 in purple as a rough reference of what the market was doing when we fell below the 0% level on the 12 month moving average (red zones on the chart).
USFO Chart 2 informs us of the following:
- The most obvious finding when you look at the chart is that the S&P500 can go down sideways or upwards even with the USFO 12 Month MA below zero, therefore it is not a good standalone indicator of a general market decline. For this reason I have not utilized it as a pre-recession indicator.
- We can observe that sudden declines from high readings down to below 0% on the USFO 12 month MA can precede S&P500 market decline (see lower reddish arrows on the Chart 2). This appears to have happened before most market declines or as the market declines occur, its just that its happened also when the markets continued upwards, so it is a warning indicator but its not an absolute stand alone indicator. I think we can agree that if the USFO reading is going suddenly down and below 0% it is not a good thing for the market in general but price can be contrary and we need to keep in mind that the market can “climb walls of worry” for a long time.
- If we look at the red shaded areas, we can see that during these specific periods when the USFO 12 month MA was below 0%, in three out of four of the red areas on the chart you could argue that the market was range bound and moved relatively sideways, meaning real returns during these periods would have been less than ideal (Real returns are what is earned on an investment after accounting for taxes and inflation). Inflation and taxes could have more easily corroded your returns during these periods as the entry price into the red zone was not all that different to the exit price.
In reference to the real returns comment above, Lyn Alden a highly respected economist has been touting for months that she suspects a rangebound market, similar to the brief range bound markets in the first three red zones in Chart 2 (left to right). Worth keeping in mind that we recently dipped below the 0% level and should this occur again and we sustain a sub 0% level, it may indicate that real returns might be negative going forward (subject to below 0% reading). This is not a prediction and there are no guarantees. We are just looking at the data and trying to lean on the right side of probability. Three out of Four times in the recent past real returns were not great when the USFO 12 month MA fell below 0%.
Durable Goods Report
We mentioned the Durable Goods Report above which was released almost two weeks earlier than the U.S. Factory Orders (on 22ndNov 2023). Durable Goods is more specific and focuses on the obvious, durable goods (goods that last 3 years or longer) whilst the USFO Report is more comprehensive and in addition includes non-durables (items used once or not lasting a long time like light bulbs, detergent and clothing), and it also includes sub trends within durables and non-durables.
Using New Orders for Durable Goods to Anticipate Market Direction
▫️ We previously shared how the Durable Goods chart can be used to help anticipate price movements on the S&P500, in addition to providing an advance insight into the USFO report release which is released two weeks later.
▫️ The 30 month moving average for Durable Goods can act as a threshold level for buy and sell signals for the S&P500 whilst also providing advance warnings of recession and/or capitulation events. This has been clearly illustrated in the chart.
The main findings in the chart are as follows:
1. When Durable Goods Orders(blue) fall below the 30 month moving average(brown) this is sell signal
2. When Durable Goods Orders(blue) break above the 30 month moving average(brown) this is a buy signal
3. Declining durable goods and/or a fall below the 30 month moving average has offered advanced warning of recession and/or capitulation.
The chart demonstrates that using the 30 month moving average for Durable Goods New Orders can very useful in determining market trend.
At present we are above the 30 month moving average and the moving average appears to be trending upwards however the release on the 22ndNov 2023 came in lower dropping from $294 billion down to $279 billion. This provides insight into the USFO, with durables on the decline, will we see non-durables on the decline too and a lower USFO today Monday 4th Dec 2023?
We can continue to monitor the Durable Goods chart and watch for a cross of the 30 month moving average as an additional confirmation of a change to a bearish trend for the S&P500 when or if it happens. For now this is just another chart to help us identify bearish/bullish trend changes by using the economic data from Manufacturers New Orders for Durable Goods.
Similarly the USFO Report (inclusive of non-durables) which is released today should be interesting, I wonder could we see a drop down below the 0% level or a decline from the 2.8% MoM level in line with the Durable Goods decline already observed on the 22nd Nov 2023. We will find out later today.
SUMMARY
In summary, when the USFO 12 Month Moving Average drops and remains below 0% there is an increased probability of a rangebound market with an increased likelihood of negative real returns.
Separately, the Durable Goods Chart 30 month moving average has been apt at indicating buy and sell triggers for the S&P500. At present we are falling down towards the 30 moving average but we have not crossed it yet so no trigger event here. We wait for todays USFO report release and the next Durable Goods Report later in December as we do not have any trigger events on either, just cautionary data to keep an eye on.
I hope you found this useful in understanding and making use of both these important metrics which capture consumer spending habits and sentiment.
PUKA
Macro Monday 18~Durable Goods SignalsMacro Monday 18
Using New Orders for Durable Goods to Anticipate Market Direction
This week we are using the Manufacturers New Orders for Durable Goods Survey data (“Durable Goods”) to help anticipate price movements on the S&P500. The 30 month moving average for Durable Goods can act as a threshold level for buy and sell signals for the S&P500 whilst also providing advance warnings of recession and/or capitulation events. This has been clearly illustrated in the chart.
Durable Goods Explained
Durable goods orders is a broad-based monthly survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that measures current industrial activity which proves to be is useful as an economic indicator for investors. Durable goods orders reflect new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for delivery of long-lasting manufactured goods (durable goods) in the near term or future.
A high durable goods number indicates an economy on the upswing while a low number indicates a downward trajectory.
Durable goods orders tell investors what to expect from the manufacturing sector, a major component of the economy, and provide more insight into the supply chain than most indicators. This can be especially useful in helping investors understand the earnings in industries such as machinery, technology manufacturing, and transportation.
What’s Included in Durable Goods?
Durable goods are expensive items that last three years or more. As a result, companies purchase them infrequently. Examples include machinery and equipment, such as computer equipment, industrial machinery, and raw steel, as well as more expensive items, such as steam shovels, tanks, and airplanes—commercial planes make up a significant component of durable goods for the U.S. economy. Many analysts will look at durable goods orders, excluding the defense and transportation sectors as large once off orders can often skew the figures.
Durable goods orders data can often be volatile and revisions are not uncommon, so investors and analysts typically use several months of averages instead of relying too heavily on the data of a single month. In our chart we have found the 30 month moving average to be particularly apt as a threshold level
The Chart
In the chart we have the Durable Orders metric in blue and the S&P500 in baby blue. The 30 month moving average on Durable Goods (Dark Brown Line) is used as a threshold level for buy and sell signals.
When the blue line for new orders of Durable Goods definitively passes the 30 month moving average (Dark Brown Line) this provides the buy or sell signal based on whether it moves above or below the average.
Main Findings
1. When Durable Goods Orders(blue) fall below the 30 month moving average(brown) this is sell signal
2. When Durable Goods Orders(blue) break above the 30 month moving average(brown) this is a buy signal
3. Declining durable goods and/or a fall below the 30 month moving average has offered advanced warning of recession and/or capitulation.
Sell Signal Record
(Blue line crossing below Dark Brown Line)
▫️ In Oct 2000 five months before the Dot.Com Crash which commenced in Mar 2001, the Durable Goods Moving Average provided a sell signal offering an five month advanced warning of recession.
▫️ In Dec 2007 the Great Financial Crisis (“GFC”) commenced and whilst New Orders for Durable Goods had not passed below the moving average before the recession it did pass the moving average mid recession signalling an advance warning of the major capitulation event of the GFC crash. Once again Durable Goods was of great utility in avoiding unnecessary losses.
▫️ A sell signal triggered in Oct 2014 and whilst there was no crash, the S&P500 price oscillated sideways for >24 months post signal and only increased in value by 9%. During this 24 month period capital would have been better allocated somewhere offering a better than 9% return.
▫️ In Feb 2019 one year before the COVID-19 Crash the Durable Goods Moving Average provided an advanced sell/recession signal, and whilst the S&P500 did rally c.13.5% after the signal over the subsequent 12 months, the S&P500 ultimately fell 23% thereafter in a matter of months taking back all those gains and more.
Buy Signal Record
(Blue line crossing above Dark Brown Line)
▫️ As you can see from the chart the buy signals provide a great confirmation of trend, that price on the S&P500 will likely continue in an upwards trajectory.
▫️ For the four buy signals confirmed we had 50 months of upwards price pressure on the S&P500 on the first two occasions and on the latter two 18 months and 15 months of upwards price action.
▫️ Taking the four aforementioned buy signals, an the average return was 60.5% f(max return possible from a buy signal the market high).
▫️ The performance from a buy signal to sell signal was an average of 43% across the four instances.
The chart demonstrates that using the 30 month moving average for Durable Goods New Orders can very useful in determining market trend.
At present we are well above the 30 month moving average and appear to be trending upwards. We can continue to monitor this chart and watch for a cross of the 30 month moving average as an additional confirmation of a change to a bearish trend for the S&P500 when it happens. For now this is just another chart to help us identify bearish/bullish trend changes by using the economic data from Manufacturers New Orders for Durable Goods.
As always folks, stay nimble
PUKA
EUR/USD rebounds after sharp lossesThe euro has bounced back on Friday after sliding 0.99% a day earlier. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1018, up 0.38%. On the economic calendar, the US PCE Price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, fell to 3.0% in June, down from 3.8% in May.
The European Central Bank raised interest rates by 0.25% on Thursday, bringing the main rate to 3.75%. The ECB statement warned that inflation, although on the decline, "is expected to remain too high for too long". The ECB did not provide any forward guidance, as the statement said the Governing Council would base its decisions on the data. ECB President Lagarde didn't add much to this stance, saying that ECB members were "open-minded" about rate decisions at upcoming meetings and wouldn't commit to whether the ECB would raise or pause in September.
The rate increase can be described as a 'hawkish hike', as the statement kept the door open for further hikes. Nevertheless, the euro lost ground following the decision, which could reflect expectations that the ECB is close to its peak rate, despite the hawkish rhetoric.
The eurozone economy is struggling, and this week's Services PMIs pointed to weakness in Germany and France, the biggest economies in the bloc. The eurozone could slip into recession this year, which means that the ECB will have to think carefully before its raises rates. On the other side of the coin, inflation, which is the ECB's number one priority, is at 5.5%, well above the target of 2%. The eurozone releases the July inflation report on Monday and the reading could be a key factor in the ECB's rate decision at the September meeting.
The euro lost further ground on Thursday after better-than-expected US data. In the second quarter, GDP rose 2.4% q/q, above the Q1 reading of 2.0% and the consensus estimate of 1.8%. US Durable Goods Orders and unemployment claims were better than expected, a further indication that the Fed may be able to guide the economy to a soft landing even with interest rates at their highest levels in 22 years.
EUR/USD is testing resistance at 1.1002. The next resistance line is 1.1063
There is support at 1.0895 and close by at 1.0861
EUR/USD - Will Lagarde shake up the euro?EUR/USD has edged lower on Wednesday. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.0939, up 0.20%.
The German GfK Consumer Sentiment report found that consumer confidence is expected to fall in July to -25.4, down from a downwardly revised -24.4 in June. The report noted that the German consumer is reluctant to spend due to economic uncertainty, and high inflation has eroded the purchasing power of households.
The consumer confidence release comes on the heels of the German Ifo Business Climate index, which fell from 91.7 to 88.5 in June. This missed expectations and marked the index's lowest level this year. The weak confidence numbers highlight a persistent lack of confidence in the German economy.
The ECB, which continues to signal that more rate hikes are coming, finds itself between a rock and a hard place. The Bank's number one priority is curbing inflation, which will require more rate hikes. However, tightening too quickly runs the risk of choking economic activity and tipping the German economy into a recession.
How far will the ECB go in raising interest rates? Investors hope to get some clues from ECB President Lagarde later today when she participates in a panel on policy at the ECB bank forum in Sintra. Lagarde said on Tuesday that eurozone inflation remains too high and reiterated that ECB policy "needs to be decided meeting by meeting and has to remain data-dependent.”
In the US, Tuesday's strong releases were further proof of a solid economy. Durable Goods Orders and New Home Sales were higher and beat expectations, and Conference Board Consumer Confidence jumped in June from 102.5 to 109.7, its highest level since January 2022. These strong releases will provide support for the hawkish Fed, which is expected to raise rates in July and again in September or October.
EUR/USD is putting pressure on support at 1.0916. Next, there is support at 1.0822
1.0988 and 1.1082 are the next resistance lines
USD/CAD pares gains, Canadian inflation easesThe Canadian dollar spiked and gained 50 points after Canada released the May inflation report but has pared these gains. USD/CAD is unchanged at 1.3158.
Canada's inflation rate fell sharply in May to 3.4%, down from 4.4% in April. As expected, much of that decline was due to lower gasoline prices. Still, this is the lowest inflation rate since June 2021.The core rate, which is comprised of three indicators, fell to an average of 3.8% in May, down from 4.2% a month earlier.
The decline should please policy makers at the Bank of Canada, as inflation slowly but surely moves closer to the 2% target. The BoC cited the surprise upswing in inflation in April as one reason for its decision to hike rates earlier this month. With headline and core inflation falling in May, will that be enough to prevent another rate increase in July? Not so fast. The BoC has said its rate decisions will be data-dependent, and there is the GDP on Friday and employment next week, both of which will factor in the rate decision.
The US released a host of releases today, giving the markets plenty to digest. Durable Goods Orders jumped 1.7% in June, up from an upwardly revised 1.2% in May and crushing the consensus of -1%. The core rate rebounded with a 0.6% gain, up from -0.6% and above the consensus of -0.1%. Later today, the US publishes the Conference Board Consumer Confidence and New Home Sales.
Wednesday is a light day on the data calendar, with the Fed will in the spotlight. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will participate in a "policy panel" at the ECB Banking Forum in Sintra, Portugal, and investors will be looking for some insights into Fed rate policy. As well, the Fed releases its annual "stress tests" for major lenders, which assess the ability of lenders to survive a severe economic crisis. The stress tests will attract more attention than in previous years, due to the recent banking crisis which saw Silicon Valley Bank and two other banks collapse.
There is resistance at 1.3197 and 1.3254
1.3123 and 1.3066 are providing support