What Hidden Forces Are Reshaping the Soybean Market’s Future?The soybean market stands at a crossroads, where familiar patterns of supply and demand are being challenged by a web of global forces. U.S. crops, though abundant, face domestic difficulties as adverse weather threatens yield projections. South America, poised to increase production, is battling its climate concerns, leaving traders and analysts questioning what the true state of global supply will be. Despite the current pessimistic outlook, is there more to this story than meets the eye?
On the demand side, the rising global appetite for vegetable oils, fueled by population growth and the biofuel industry, adds another layer of complexity. Yet, regulatory changes like the EU’s deforestation rules and China’s ongoing economic struggles continue to shape the trade landscape. How will these evolving dynamics impact global soybean trade flows, and what are the risks and opportunities hidden within?
As technological advancements in biotechnology and precision agriculture push the boundaries of efficiency and productivity, the soybean market finds itself on the cusp of transformation. Investors and traders must decipher this intricate puzzle, where geopolitical shifts, weather risks, and innovation collide. Will those who grasp the nuances of these forces be the ones to seize the emerging opportunities?
Economics
AUDUSD Big Week AheadFundamentally, Aussie is a buy since the Aussie Central Bank remains steadfast in keeping rates higher for longer. But we do see a clear downtrend formed on the 4-hour chart with lower highs and lower lows. With a plethora of central bank releases next week, as well as Aussie employment change release on Wednesday, this pair can present some volatility and good trading opportunities on shorter time frames/time horizons. A weak employment report (I.e. a “big miss”) could send the pair down below support at .618 fib level and possibly erase the gains it has made over the last month.
Mortgage Delinquencies About to Skyrocket"Financial Advisors" tend to be clueless about the overall health of the market and the economy.
The "advisor" profession is laced with toxic narratives about "your goals" and "focusing on the long term" and "staying invested". They're clueless as to what is going on.
As the recession sets in and the market collapses, we will see mortgage delinquencies soar.
Remain patient, refrain from buying ANYTHING with a debt component (ie homes / cars). We will soon see a credit freeze, as banks and lenders dump their assets and borrowers fail to meet their loan covenants.
This is the real deal, folks.
Stay low and move fast!
The case for investing in ChinaThe case for investing in China
I have had discussions on this platform about my investments in China, the overwhelming response I get is negative. In this article I would like to try and provide an objective, data focused case to invest in China. In a soon coming article I will look at the opposite position and the potential risks of investing in China.
Less competition
The first reason to consider investments in China is that there are less people searching there, and as a result more opportunities. Approximately 10%-15% of Chinese citizens own or invest in stocks. With so few people even looking at the Chinese market the amount of stocks trading below fair value is greater than that in my home country of the United States.
Valuations
The idea that there are more opportunities is reflected in the average valuation of Chinese equities. A metric I like to use for broad valuations is the CAPE ratio. It can be understood as the P/E ratio using 10 years of earnings. This ratio is used in an attempt to disregard cyclical earnings changes.
worldpopulationreview.com
The above link is the current CAPE ratios of countries around the world based on the most recent available data. At the current date 08/23/2024 China has a CAPE ratio of 13. This is compared with a CAPE ratio of 28 in the United States. In the following article I often refer to is data showing the average returns when investing at different CAPE ratios. In short the data shows that there is a substantial correlation between valuations and subsequent investment returns.
www.lynalden.com
Economic Data
Now there are many things to discuss in this section so I will do my best to keep it brief and to the main points on why I invest in China.
Personal Savings Rate : China's personal savings rate averages around 40%. This is in contrast to the United States at 3.5% consistently.
Balance of Trade: Since the year 2000 China has maintained large trade surpluses as a result of their massive manufacturing output (30% of global manufacturing capacity). This is a result of their hybrid state and market run economy. China's protectionist industrial policy allowed them to develop their own local industry offering the only real competitors to Silicon Valley tech firms.
In contrast the United States has had a trade deficit since the 1980's forcing us to de-industrialize and in return create a fictionalized economy based on debt and speculation. The US system requires constant inflows of capital to maintain it's currency and economic supremacy.
These are the two data points I would point to to get an idea of why China has overtaken the US as the worlds largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity (their local currency) as well as the two points I bring up the most. I hope I have given a different perspective of the Chinese economy.
Stay tuned for the bearish case of investing in China, and have a great day!
template for researching equity price wrt monetary policyThe template shows an equity price (e.g. QQQ) comparing to SPY,
with indicators of major economic variables
1. Unemployment rate (UNRATE);
2. CPI index (USCCPI);
3. Interest rate (USINTR);
4. FED balance sheet (USCBBS);
5. Dollar strength (DXY);
Unemployment rate and CPI are the two major conflicting variables that central bank (FED) tries to balance, via the method of adjusting interest rate and FED balance sheet (e.g. Quantitative easing). And the dollar strength gives some a peek of the world economic via US currency exchange rates.
Combining these economic indicators can hopefully give some insights of the growth or decline of the US economics which will partially be correlated with equity prices.
240812 Market OutlookLast two weeks adjustment was aligned with the rise in Unemployment Rate and associated worries about the possible US economic slowdown.
A week ago gap was closed last Friday, but there still remain another gap on Aug-2, which slightly increase the probability of further rise in US stocks.
The focus of this week is inflation data from US, including PPI on Tue, Inflation Rate on Wed and Retail Sales on Thu. Additionally, investors should pay attention to Initial Claims on Thu and Michigan Consumer Sentiment on Fri.
Does the Market Rally When the Fed Begins to Cut Rates?The relationship between rate cuts and the stock market, as illustrated in the provided graph, shows that major market declines often occur after the Federal Reserve pivots to lower interest rates. This pattern is evident in historical instances where the Fed's rate cuts were followed by significant drops in the S&P 500. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, which are crucial for investors to understand.
Economic Weakness:
Rate cuts typically respond to economic slowdown or anticipated recession.
Each instance of the Fed pivoting to lower rates (1969, 1973, 1981, 2000, 2007, 2019) corresponds to significant market declines soon after.
Rate cuts signal concerns about economic health, causing investors to lose confidence, as reflected in the graph.
Delayed Impact:
Rate cuts do not immediately stimulate the economy; it takes time for their effects to propagate.
The graph shows that the majority of the market decline occurs after the Fed's pivot, indicating that initial rate cuts were insufficient to halt the downturn.
During this lag period, the market may continue to decline as economic data reflects ongoing weakness.
Investor Sentiment:
Rate cuts can trigger fear among investors, who interpret the move as an indication of severe economic issues.
The graph shows substantial percentage drops in the S&P 500 following each pivot, demonstrating how negative sentiment can exacerbate declines.
The fear of a worsening economy leads to a sell-off in stocks, contributing to further market drops.
Credit Conditions:
During economic stress, banks may tighten lending standards, reducing the effectiveness of rate cuts.
Post-rate cut periods in the graph align with times of economic stress, where credit conditions likely tightened.
Businesses and consumers may not be able to take advantage of lower borrowing costs, limiting economic recovery and impacting the market negatively.
Historical examples such as the crises in 2000 and 2007 highlight substantial market drops after rate cuts, as seen in the graph. In both cases, the rate cuts responded to bursting bubbles (tech bubble in 2000, housing bubble in 2007), and the economic fallout was too severe for rate cuts to provide immediate relief. The graph underscores that while rate cuts aim to stimulate the economy, they often follow significant economic downturns. Investors should be cautious, recognizing that initial market reactions to rate cuts can be negative due to perceived economic weakness, delayed policy impact, and deteriorating sentiment.
Differentiate between rate cut and low interest rateNo important economic data from US this week, only trade balance and initial claims to observe on Tue and Thu respectively.
US stock market continued decline on Fri, following weakening labor market conditions and earnings from big tech companies last week.
In expectations of rate cut, big shots are reducing portfolios. The situation may last until we actually see the first rate cut in the cycle and longer.
The rise in stocks is usually associated with low interest rate, I would expect the adjustment in S&P to continue along the path of rate cut. So investors should differentiate between rate cut action and low interest rate, which are presented as two distinguished market conditions.
Euro-Zone GDP Quarterly *3M (QoQ)ECONOMICS:EUGDPQQ (+0.3 %)
Q1/2024
source: EUROSTAT
The Eurozone’s economy expanded by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2024, the fastest growth rate since the third quarter of 2022, to beat market expectations of a marginal 0.1% expansion and gain traction following muted readings since the fourth quarter of 2022.
The result added leeway for the European Central Bank to refrain from cutting rates to a larger extent this year should inflationary pressures prove to be more stubborn than previously expected.
Among the currency bloc’s largest economies, both the German and the French GDPs expanded by 0.2%, while that from Italy grew by 0.3% and that from Spain expanded by 0.7%, all above market estimates.
Compared to the same quarter of the previous year ECONOMICS:EUGDPYY ,
the Eurozone’s GDP grew by 0.4%, beating market expectations of 0.2%, and gaining traction after two straight quarters of 0.1% growth.
Macro Monday 56~Venezuela - Democracy Beacons Economic Reform Macro Monday 56
Venezuela - Democracy Beacons Economic Reform
As one of the core members of OPEC, Venezuela holds the distinction of having the largest oil reserves in the world with over 304 billion barrels beneath its surface. This is marginally more than the Saudi Arabia oil reserves.
If you ever wondered where the largest oil reserves in the whole world where, they are located on the Orinoco Oil Belt in Central Venezuela.
Unfortunately Venezuela has suffered from political and economic factors that hasn’t allowed the country and its people to benefit from this large natural resource. A national election on the 28th July 2024 has the potential to change everything and allow Venezuelans to form a democratic government. This has the promise of leading the country into a new positive social and economic epoch.
Venezuela’s oil production plummeted by c.75% over the past ten years, largely due to political missteps. The current administrations illegal expropriations of foreign oil and gas assets were a major red flag for potential investors. Additionally, Venezuela’s poor governance, mismanagement, and U.S. sanctions have contributed to a drastic decline in oil output. In September 2023, Venezuela produced only 735,000 barrels per day, making it the 10th-largest producer in OPEC despite it being the largest global oil reserve. The situation highlights the some challenges faced by petrostates that heavily rely on oil exports and their governance over it.
Path to Democracy calls for International Support
Venezuela stands at a critical juncture, with the potential for a historic return to democracy by way of national election on 28th July 2024.
The opposition has rallied behind a leading candidate, Edmundo González of the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD) for the upcoming national election. He has taken the place of the former disqualified Maria Corina Machado (unfairly ousted by the incumbent). The incumbent President Nicolás Maduro remains a significant obstacle and still gains support from a Chavista Base.
The Chavista Base refers to the loyal supporters of Chavismo, a left-wing populist political ideology associated with the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. These supporters are committed to strong socialist ideas, programs, and government style that characterized Chávez’s rule from 1999 to 2013. Despite international pressure, sanctions and disapproval, this group remains fiercely loyal to the Chavista movement and its successor, President Nicolás Maduro. The opposition Edmundo González, has been leading the polls by over 20 - 40 points and thus the people of Venezuela are calling out for change having suffered under the socialist regime.
Maduro's regime has arguably eroded democracy and has been the cause of significant economic pitfalls, and social unrest. To support Venezuelans’ fight for democracy, the United States may offer a legal off-ramp for Maduro and his allies, ensuring they won’t face prosecution if they recognize electoral defeat. This approach has worked in other countries like South Africa and Chile, after which both countries could move forward constructively and relatively peacefully. This approach could allow for a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela. A democratic Venezuela would benefit U.S. foreign policy, limit migration to the U.S, and reduce the influence of Russia and China in the South Americas via pacts like the BRICS. Previous efforts to achieve the off-ramp approach in Venezuela have failed, however the opposition leader González is ahead in most polls and the election is days away. With some international pressure/support, this could be a major moment for Venezuela, opening up the country and its resources to operate under a free market, allowing for competitive growth, innovation freedom, consumer sovereignty and free flowing export economy.
Exports
Venezuela is historically highly dependent on its petroleum oil exports. Crude oil, in particular, has been the primary driver of its export revenue. In recent years, Venezuela’s top exports include:
1. Mineral fuels including oil: This category represents 26.1% of total exports.
2. Iron and steel: Comprising 21% of exports.
3. Organic chemicals: Accounting for 9.9% of exports.
4. Aluminum: Representing 8.4% of exports.
5. Fish: Contributing 7.5% to export value.
These products collectively account for 88.1% of Venezuela’s global shipments. Notably, mineral fuels (especially crude oil) have experienced significant growth in recent years. China, Turkey, Spain, the U.S., and Brazil are among Venezuela’s main export partners.
Blooming Tourism Sector
In 2023 Venezuela experienced a remarkable resurgence in international tourism. The country welcomed 1.25 million foreign visitors, marking a 90% increase compared to the previous year when 656,000 people arrived. While specific revenue figures for 2023 are not readily available, this surge in tourist arrivals indicates a positive trend for the Venezuelan tourism sector.
I thought id mention just just a few attractions:
1.Angel Falls: Located in Canaima National Park, Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, dropping 979 meters. Best seen during the rainy season (May to November) when water flow is abundant.
2.Los Roques Archipelago: This chain of islands, 160 kilometres north of the central coast, offers sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. It’s a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The Chart
Caracas Stock Exchange- BME:IBC
Summary
I cannot recommend taking an entry on the above chart and regardless, it would be incredibly difficult to do so with sanctions in place and the political turmoil that is yet to be resolved. However, a major date is approaching for the national election this coming Sunday 28th July 2024 , and it could be the beginning of a monumental positive shift for the future of Venezuela’s economy. We can only watch from afar and not forget that this country boasts thee largest oil reserves in the world, has a blooming tourism scene with some of the most unique tourist attractions, and a varied export economy. Somewhere in the future there will likely be great opportunity in Venezuela, however for the moment we await the shifting winds of democracy to catch the Venezuelan sails. Lets see what happens this Sunday.
PUKA
5y support resistance areaLooking long term, the index now circling around a strong 5y support and resistance level and forming a triangle, tilting to bearish. Given some of the economic sentiment and the negative correlation to spx, a break to the bottom seems reasonable, till at least, the crowed will decide he had enough with technology (which is probably not long due)
Bitcoin’s Ascent: Could BTC Hit $108K by Year-End 2024?Current Market Overview
As of now, Bitcoin is trading around $57,000, showing a resurgence after recent declines. This upward movement has been influenced by several factors, including reduced sell pressure and positive market sentiment following significant transfers and regulatory developments.
Recent Developments and Predictions
Institutional and Market Sentiment:
Mt. Gox Sales: Despite the looming sales of Bitcoin by Mt. Gox creditors, many believe that the market has already priced in this factor, which has contributed to a stabilizing sentiment .
German Bitcoin Wallet Movements: A significant transfer from a German wallet containing 40,000 BTC had temporarily impacted the market, but it has since recovered, indicating strong underlying demand .
Price Predictions:
Coindesk and Cointelegraph: Analysts from these platforms have indicated a potential bullish trend, with expectations of Bitcoin possibly testing new highs driven by macroeconomic factors and investor behavior .
Major Financial Institutions:
Matrixport predicts a potential surge to $125,000 by the end of 2024, based on historical price patterns and recent market behaviors.
Tim Draper, a well-known venture capitalist, maintains a highly optimistic view, suggesting Bitcoin could reach $250,000, albeit this might extend into 2025.
Blockware Solutions has made an ambitious prediction of $400,000, emphasizing the impact of the upcoming halving event and its historical effect on reducing sell pressure and boosting demand .
Market Factors:
Halving Event: The upcoming Bitcoin halving in 2024 is a critical factor in many predictions. Historically, halving events have led to significant price increases due to the reduction in new supply and the subsequent increase in demand. This is expected to play a crucial role in driving prices higher .
Institutional Adoption: Growing interest from institutional investors and major corporations is bolstering confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value. For example, Berenberg Bank projects a price of $56,630 by April 2024, supported by institutional adoption and market dynamics .
Technical Analysis and Projection
Given the current market conditions, technical indicators suggest a bullish trend for Bitcoin in the coming months. The price is likely to test resistance levels at $65,000 and could reach towards $108,000 by the end of 2024 if the following conditions are met:
Continued positive sentiment and institutional investment.
Successful navigation of regulatory hurdles and market stabilization.
Impactful market events, such as the Bitcoin halving, which historically lead to significant price rallies.
Conclusion: While there are inherent risks and uncertainties in the cryptocurrency market, the overall outlook for Bitcoin remains positive. With key events like the Bitcoin halving on the horizon and strong institutional interest, Bitcoin has the potential to reach and possibly exceed $108,000 by the end of 2024. Investors should remain cautious but optimistic, keeping an eye on market developments and macroeconomic indicators.
75: China Export Analysis - Fundamental and Technical OverviewThe European Union (EU) and the United States have increased scrutiny and imposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly electric vehicles and strategic materials like gallium and germanium. These measures are designed to protect domestic industries from what are perceived as unfair trade practices and subsidies by the Chinese government.
Additionally, the EU's new Critical Raw Material Act and battery regulations aim to reduce dependency on Chinese imports and secure supply chains for critical technologies. These regulatory changes have led to a noticeable decline in Chinese exports to the EU.
In response, China has imposed export restrictions on key materials, further straining trade relations. These geopolitical tensions and trade barriers have significantly impacted China's export figures.
Currently, China's export trend is showing a downward trajectory. The export figures have struggled to reach the $350 billion mark and are at risk of dropping significantly lower, potentially towards the $140 billion level.
Chart Overview:
Trend Line: A clear downtrend is visible on the chart, with lower highs and lower lows indicating sustained pressure.
Support and Resistance Levels:
Resistance: The $350 billion level is the upcoming resistance. That has not yet been reached.
Support: Immediate support is observed around $250 billion. A break below this level could accelerate the downward move towards $140 billion.
Will We Reach $350 Billion or Go Lower?
Given the current economic and geopolitical landscape, it seems still likely that China will reach the $350 billion export mark in the near term because there has not been a really corrective wave in the chart. But the downward pressure from increased tariffs, export restrictions, and the EU's push for supply chain independence are significant hurdles. If these conditions persist, a further decline is a plausible scenario.
July Economic Calendar - IMPORTANT EventsIt’s going to be a busy month for the Chair of the Fed (Jerome Powell), who delivers a speech today and then will testify later this month in front of Congress to provide updates on monetary policy decisions. Will we gain clarity on the timing of potential rate cuts this year, and if they are even being considered?
Crypto in June - How BTC responds
June saw significant volatility across the crypto market. Bitcoin fluctuated between price highs above $70,000 and lows of around $60,000, with substantial movement around 4 June when Bitcoin peaked above $71,000, before declining on 6 June and continuing a downward trend and falling to levels last seen in May. ETH and altcoins followed along, with Ethereum down approximately 11% in June . Pulling it back to the US markets, some analysts argue that the fluctuations was largely driven by uncertainty surrounding inflation data. The drop to $60k could likely be due to the reducing likelihood of multiple interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Bank this year, contrary to earlier investor anticipations (causing hesitation and a cautious approach).
Upcoming Events that could Affect Markets:
❗ Tuesday, 2 July 📢 Jerome Powell speech
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will provide an economic overview today, outlining current monetary policies. He will answers questions and the outcome of this speech can significantly impact financial markets and investor sentiment.
❗Wednesday, 3 July 📢 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
The upcoming FOMC minutes are expected to provide more details on the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, and its revised economic projections. Key points could include the reasons behind the more hawkish stance on rate cuts, and the implications of updated forecasts for unemployment and inflation.
❗Friday, 5 July📢 US Unemployment Rate
The US unemployment rate is a key indicator of economic health, influencing consumer spending, corporate profits and the social sentiment. During May the US jobs sector added 272,000 jobs, further casting doubt on the rate cuts in the US this year.
❗Tuesday, 9 July 📢 Fed Chair Powell testimony
Jerome Powell is set to discuss the state of the economy, monetary policy decisions, and also outline future policy intentions in his twice-a-year testimony in front of Congress.
❗Thursday, 11 July 📢 US Inflation Figures
The year-on-year and month-on-month inflation numbers provide crucial insights into purchasing power trends, influencing market expectations for interest rates and the overall economic outlook. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed 0.2% in May, the smallest advance in core CPI since October 2023.
Take extra caution when over the next few weeks as volatility will be likely depending on the outcome of these events.
_______________________
ECONOMICS:USINTR FRED:UNRATE ECONOMICS:USIRYY
Macro Monday 53 - Indonesia – Palm Oil Capital of the WorldMacro Monday 53
Indonesia – Palm Oil Capital of the World
This week we are looking at all the reasons why Indonesia is one of the fastest growing economies in world and projected sustain this growth well into the future. We will learn how it is incredibly diverse this group of islands are in produce, exports, people and even in palm tree variety.
Let’s look at a few reasons you need to keep your investor googles looking towards sunny South East Asia, and specifically Indonesia:
1.Indonesia, a sovereign archipelago in Southeast Asia, boasts over 270 million people, making it the 4th most populous country globally after India, China and the United States. People never talk about 4th place but this quite the claim on the world stage.
2.Indonesia hosts the most populous Island in the world called Java. Java, which is on one of the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia, it is home to approx. 156.4 million people (of the 270 million people in Indonesia). Remarkably, this makes Java the most populous island in the world, accounting for almost 60% of Indonesia’s total population. The capital city, Jakarta is on the west coast of the island.
3.Indonesia is the world’s leading producer and exporter of palm oil, producing 60% of global palm oil in 2022. Together with Malaysia, they account for more than 83% of the world’s palm oil production today. Unlike Malaysia, which exported the majority of the palm oil it produced, Indonesia is also one of the world’s largest consumers of palm oil, using it as edible oil, in cosmetics and in biofuels. This means Indonesia, is the largest producer, exporter and consumer of palm oil, making it, the Palm Oil Capital of the world. Palm oil (a vegetable oil) is becoming increasingly popular internationally in food and its highly likely if you ate something out of a wrapper recently, it likely had palm oil from one of these regions in it.
The main destination of Palm Oil exports from Indonesia are: India ($5.4B), China ($3.61B), Pakistan ($3.21B), United States ($1.89B), and Bangladesh ($1.48B).
4.In 2022, Indonesia held the distinction of being the world’s largest exporter in several other key categories also:
A.Palm Oil: Indonesia exported $28.7 billion worth of palm oil, as noted this makes it the top global exporter in this category.
B.Ferroalloys: With exports valued at $13.7 billion, Indonesia led the world in ferroalloy exports.
C.Lignite: Indonesia’s lignite exports reached $8.29 billion, securing its position as the largest exporter.
D.Stearic Acid: Exports of stearic acid from Indonesia amounted to $6.84 billion, ranking it first globally. This is derived from palm oil and palm oil derivatives.
E.Nickel Mattes: Indonesia exported nickel mattes worth $6.27 billion, making it the world’s leading exporter in this category
http://F.Gold: Indonesia plays a notable role on the global gold mining stage. It contributes about 4% of the world’s gold production. One of its standout operations is the Grasberg mine in Papua, which ranks among the largest gold mines worldwide. In 2022 Indonesia produced 85 metric tons of gold worth $2.4 Billion.
5. According to the World Banks forecast, they project an average annual growth rate of 5.1% for the coming 2024 to 2026 period. Additionally, Indonesia aims for a robust 5.2% economic growth rate in 2024, despite challenges such as declining commodity prices and economic conditions in China, which is a key trade partner.
6. The median age in Indonesia is approximately 30.2 years, with 42.4% of the population falling between 25 and 54 years old. Additionally, the 0-14 age group constitutes slightly over 25% of the country’s population, indicating a significant youth demographic that will eventually join the workforce as the current workers age.
7. The country’s diverse demographics include more than 300 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups, with the Javanese being the largest and most politically dominant, constituting over 40% of the population. If you want an interesting read, look into the Javanese people and culture, they are a very interesting and widespread culture.
8.The Palm Tree Varieties In Indonesia, palm trees have a long history and are an integral part of the landscape. Here are some key points related to palm trees in Indonesia:
A.Coconut Palms: Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are widespread across Indonesia. They provide essential resources such as coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil. The versatile coconut tree is used for food, shelter, and various products.
B.Areca Nut Palm: The areca nut palm (Areca catechu) is native to Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its seeds (betel nuts) are chewed with betel leaves and other ingredients in cultural practices.
C.Oil Palm Plantations: Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a significant commercial crop in Indonesia. The country is one of the largest producers of palm oil globally. Oil palm plantations cover vast areas, especially in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
D.Sago Palm: The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its starchy pith is processed into sago flour, a staple food in some regions.
E.Borassus Palm: The Borassus palm (Borassus flabellifer), also known as the talipot palm, grows in parts of Indonesia. Its leaves are used for thatching roofs, and its sap is fermented into toddy.
These varieties of palm species contribute to Indonesia’s culture, economy, and daily life. The trees grow particularly well due to three vital factors: the tropical humid and wet climate, the rich volcanic soil(unique to the islands), and the equatorial location (abundant sunlight).
9. Indonesia held the G20 presidency in 2022. This was handed to India who will hold the position until 30 November 2023, after which it passes to Brazil.
10. A Brief History
The Dutch significantly colonized Indonesia during their imperial expansion. The Dutch East Indies, also known as the Netherlands East Indies, was a Dutch colony that mainly comprised the modern state of Indonesia. The Dutch East Indies contributed to Dutch global prominence in spice trade during the 19th century. Spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon were highly valued in Europe at the time and grown abundantly in Indonesia. During this colonization period major infrastructure projects helped modernize Indonesia. The Dutch ruled this territory from 1816 to 1941, until the Japanese occupation during World War II. Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following the Indonesian War of Independence. Afterward, Indonesia and the Netherlands made peace in 1949.
The Charts
The FTSE Indonesia Index (In Rupiah)
The FTSE Indonesia Index represents the performance of large and mid-cap Indonesian companies that are constituents of the FTSE All-World Index.
▫️ Since 2010 this chart has been moving up and to the right.
▫️ Currently rising above the 200 day moving average and may be forming an ascending triangle.
▫️ At present I would not trade this but a trade is there to be taken with a stop below the diagonal trend line. ▫️ Ideally I would like a break out above the overhead resistance line before I make an entry so this chart is a watch and see.
▫️ There is a currency risk in the trade as this chart is in Indonesian Rupiah which has been in a downtrend for over a decade.
iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (in USD)
▫️ Again, not an ideal chart however we have a definitive diagonal resistance line and POC to observe and break above, both of which would signal long term trend shifts.
▫️ There is currently a trade that can be played here, we have the DSS Bressert crossing and we appear to have made a higher low. A trade entry could use the most recent higher low as a stop. You could exit at the diagonal resistance line for a 20% trade or hold onto your handle bars in hope for a long term break of trend.
Crude Palm Oil Futures - $FCPO1
▫️ A compressing pennant pending decision. There is not a lot else to say here outside of the another likely DSS Bressert Cross.
Palm oil is a major contributor to the Indonesian economy. It contributes between 9 and 17 per cent of GDP. The sub-sector employs 8 million people, or 3.5 % of the country's workforce. Oil palm cultivation contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly in rural areas.
All these charts are available on my TradingView Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next few years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide to see how these Indonesian indexes and or palm oil has performed. I hope it’s helpful.
PUKA
Macro Monday 49~Ireland – The Fastest Growing Economy in the EUMacro Monday 49
Ireland – The Fastest Growing Economy in the EU
According to forecasts by the European Commission the European Union is set to grow by a humble 1.7% in 2024 however Ireland is the country which is forecasted to grow the most with an annual growth rate of 5% expected for 2024.
In Q1 2024, Ireland recorded a 1.1% increase compared to the previous quarter, indicating significantly strong economic performance against its closest peers at 0.8% by the likes of Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania.
For the 2023 year the top three European countries for GDP per capita (average economic value of the productivity of each person) were;
1. Luxembourg €143,304
2. Ireland €137,638
3. Switzerland €89,537
I might note briefly that the above figures change for REAL GDP which factors in inflation or changes in the price levels. It accounts for the impact of rising or falling prices on economic output. The real GDP figures for Luxembourg and Ireland are €76,176 and €67,149, respectively. The average real GDP for the EU is €31,740, placing Luxembourg 240% above the average and placing Ireland at 112% above the average, respectively. Real GDP figures highlight both countries as being well above the EU average.
Irelands Largest Exports
Ireland’s largest export in 2023 was pharmaceuticals, which accounted for 34.2% of the country’s total exports. The top export products included blood fractions including antisera, heterocyclic's and nucleic acids, medication mixes in dosage, hormones including miscellaneous steroids, and electro-medical equipment. These major exports represented 54.5% of Ireland’s overall export sales.
The United States was the largest single goods export market for Ireland, accounting for a significant portion of the exports. The pharmaceutical sector, particularly, places Ireland among the world leaders for exporting blood fractions including antisera, and the country is also a major competitor in selling medical, surgical, or veterinary instruments on international markets.
The Best Performing Stocks In Ireland
The best performing stocks in Ireland for the year 2023 were led by Ryanair, with an impressive share price movement of 51%. Other top performers included Cairn Homes with 47%, Kingspan with 43%, Glenveagh Properties with 33%, and Glanbia with 31%. These companies showed significant growth and were among the most successful in the Irish market according to the data from Euronext Dublin based on the period from January to December 2023.
For the past 12 months leading up to May 2024, the best performing Irish stock was Adventus Mining (ADVZF) with a total return of 35.90%, followed by AIB Group (AIBGY) and Bank of Ireland Group (BKRIF). These stocks have shown resilience and growth, reflecting positive investor sentiment and strong market performance.
The Irish Stock Exchange - EURONEXT:ISEQ
The Irish stock market is called Euronext Dublin, formerly known as the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE). It has been in existence since 1793 and is Ireland’s main stock exchange.
As for the equivalent of the S&P 500 in Ireland, there isn’t a direct counterpart that matches the scale and scope of the S&P 500. However, the closest equivalent in terms of a benchmark index for the Irish market would be the ISEQ All Share Index which has between 20 and 25 Irish based stocks in the index. The ISEQ tracks the performance of all companies listed on Euronext Dublin, making it a broad-based indicator of the overall Irish stock market performance.
Here are the weightings (expressed as percentages) of the top components in the ISEQ All-Share Index as of March 30, 2024:
1. Ryanair Holdings PLC: Consumer Discretionary sector - 23.96%
2.Kingspan Group PLC: Industrials sector - 15.58%
3.Kerry Group PLC: Consumer Staples sector - 13.81%
4.AIB Group PLC: Financials sector - 12.31%
5.Smurfit Kappa Group PLC: Industrials sector - 11.03%
Let’s have a look at the ISEQ All Share Index Chart:
With Irelands economy firmly in growth mode and with most economist anticipating it to be the fastest growing economy in the EU for 2024, we can assume we will have some wind at our backs in entering a trade on the ISEQ all share index (no guarantees).
◻️ The chart demonstrates a pattern whereby the months of August since 2021 have not been good months however are followed by the ISEQ making lows in October, thereafter rallying into longer term bull periods. A pattern we could potentially take advantage of going forward. A sort of “Halloween Effect” in the Irish Economy, a term used to describe how markets in general perform well during the Halloween period to Christmas.
◻️ The chart speculates at a similar pattern this year for an August retraction followed by October continuation.
◻️ Entries in during these months should guided by the 200 Day SMA (blue line on the chart). Ideally you would want to be above this line or wait until we get above it or bounce from it (at present we are above it so we await a bounce for entry). You could place stops just below this moving average also having entered the trade.
With the Irish stock market index looking great and economists hailing a year of growth, lets pick out one individual stock we could take advantage of with an impressive looking chart set up.
Glanbia Plc - GETTEX:GL9
Glanbia plc is an Irish global nutrition group with operations in 32 countries. It has a 2.2% allocation in the ISEQ All Share Index and is one of Ireland’s key players in the agri-food and nutrition industry. They handle dairy and grain processing, contributing to a €2 billion industry. You might recognize their popular brands like Avonmore, Kilmeaden, and GAIN Animal Nutrition. Glanbia Ireland plays a vital role in processing milk and creating various products for both local and global markets. Glanbia’s products are sold or distributed in over 130 countries.
This company utilizes one of Irelands greatest products, milk from the cows that feed on the greenest pastures the world has to offer, and distributes this goodness around the globe.
The unique product offering is matched by an impressive chart:
◻️ The chart has a long term cup and handle pattern and great Risk: Reward set up as illustrated. We are well above the 200 day moving average (blue line on the chart) and appear to be breaking higher.
This was one of the better charts I could find in Irelands top 20 stocks that are in the ISEQ All Share, however, Ryan Air appears to be bouncing off a strong resistance level at present having broken to new highs and is worth a review. I will skip it for now.
Pfizor is the Largest Pharma Company in Ireland
Interestingly, Pfizer is the largest pharmaceutical company in Ireland. They have a significant presence in the country, with seven locations across four counties and employing more than 3,300 people. Pfizer was one of the first pharmaceutical companies to establish operations in Ireland, setting up in 1969. Their work in Ireland includes research and development (R&D), manufacturing, shared services, treasury, and commercial operations. Over the years, Pfizer has invested more than $7 billion in its Irish operations, demonstrating its commitment to the country’s pharmaceutical sector
In 2022, Ireland was the world’s biggest exporter of vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins and cultures, with exports valued at $47.3 billion. This sector plays a significant role in Ireland’s economy, contributing to its position as a leading exporter in the pharmaceutical industry globally.
I’m not covering the chart for Pfizer but I thought this was an interesting edge in the Irish marketplace. Whilst Pfizer operates in Ireland, I cannot find it included in the ISEQ All Shares Index therefore holds multinational status operating within the country but not as an Irish entity.
An important Note on Irelands GDP
Irelands GDP figures have been highly contested by economists and investigative journalists for a host of reasons some of which are outlined below. These arguments hold weight and should be considered whilst factoring in an assessment of Irelands Economy:
1. Measurement Issues: Ireland's GDP figures have been influenced by multinational corporations (MNCs) that use Ireland as a base for various financial activities, leading to concerns about the accuracy of these figures. The presence of MNCs can distort GDP calculations due to factors such as transfer pricing, intellectual property rights, and other financial engineering techniques.
2. Distortion from Corporate Re-domiciliation: The phenomenon of corporate re-domiciliation involves companies relocating their legal headquarters to Ireland without significant physical operations in the country. This can artificially inflate Ireland's GDP figures without necessarily reflecting real economic activity within its borders.
3. Lack of Convergence with Other Economic Indicators: There have been concerns that Ireland's reported GDP growth does not align with other indicators such as employment levels or wage growth, prompting skepticism about the accuracy of the reported figures.
4. Impact of Statistical Adjustments: The calculation methods used in determining GDP can lead to statistical adjustments that may not fully capture economic reality or provide an accurate representation of domestic production and income.
5. Potential Policy Implications: The contested nature of Ireland's GDP figures has implications for economic policy decisions based on this data, potentially leading to misinformed policy choices if the underlying economic reality is not adequately captured.
Finally, it is clear that Irelands economy is in growth mode and could present some good opportunities for investment. Ireland is also of major importance to the EU as one of the only native English speaking nations remaining in the EU (since the UK exit - Brexit). One could expect Ireland to receive special consideration and attention from the EU for a host of reasons moving forward, good and bad. A small powerhouse country on the fringes of Europe that has a powerful economic punch to it, an educated and versatile workforce, and positionally is of geographical importance. This small island country has diversified itself as global leader in agriculture, pharma and manufacturing, and also acts as a host country for a range of tech giants. The future is bright for this little island nation however one wonders, would it be better off as a standalone economy outside the Euro Area, like Norway and Switzerland. For now it remains one of the 20 countries in the Euro Currency Area and of vital importance to the EU.
One could describe Ireland as being at the helm of Eurozone's current trajectory, and with that, there is great risk and great promise. A nation in the balance.
All these charts are available on my Tradingview Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next few years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide to see how Ireland's stock market has performed. I hope its helpful.
PUKA
Macro Monday 51 ~ The Philippines - The Trading Hub of AsiaMacro Monday 51
The Philippines – The Trading Hub of Asia
The Philippine economy is currently the fastest-growing economy in South East Asia with solid promising growth projections for the next several years. The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report on East Asia and the Pacific showed that the Philippines and Cambodia will be the second highest growing economies in East Asia and the Pacific, next to Palau which is projected to grow by 12.4%.
10 Reasons to consider the Philippines for significant investment returns:
1. The GDP growth rate in the Philippines was 7.6% in 2022 and 5.6% in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.2% for 2024, as reported in their latest World Economic Outlook. This forecast is within the government’s revised 6-7% growth target. This puts the Philippines up there with India, the Ivory Coast and Ireland in terms of their GDP growth rate, all of which are some of the fastest growing economies in the world.
2. The population of the Philippines is 119 million with 28% (33 million people) of the population between the ages of 10-24, giving the country a sustained future labour market edge. The current labour market holds its own with 55% of the population between the ages of 20 – 64 (64 million people). Similar to India, the labour force is young, capable and likely to be sustained.
3. The Philippines are semiconductor specialists. The largest export of the Philippines is semiconductors. Semiconductors make up a significant portion of the Philippines’ exports, accounting for approximately 31.9% of the total electronic products exports. Electronic product exports in turn represent nearly 63% of the country’s total exports.
4. Additional to the above electronic products, the Philippines are also major exporters of manufacturing machinery and equipment, making them similar to South Korea in this respect (covered a few weeks ago). Broadly Manufactured Goods contributed the largest to the country’s total exports in January 2024 amounting to $4.83 bln or a share of 81.4 %. The Philippines are major machine and tool manufacturers (think Caterpillar Inc), however electronic products and semi-conductors are their forte making up the majority of their exports.
5. The second largest export of the Philippines is coconut oil, which has shown a significant annual increase in export value. It is one of the top commodity groups after electronic products in terms of export earnings.
6. The Philippines have a broad customer base in terms of exports. Their largest trading partner was the U.S. with an export value amounting to $902.3 million or a share of 15.2% to the country’s total exports in January 2024. The remaining top five major export trading partners for this month with their export values and percent shares to the total exports were;
a. Japan - $869 million (14.6%);
b. Hong Kong - $761 million (12.8%);
c. People’s Republic of China - $625 million (10.5%)
d. Republic of Korea - $356 million (6.0%).
7. The Philippines has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past three decades. According the World Bank the poverty rate has fallen by almost 80% between 1985 to 2024 and this is expected to continue. According to the World Bank the current poverty rate is 10.7% however, the official poverty rate methodology in the Philippines is different and indicates that 18.1% of people live below the national poverty line. Of the employed population, 2.2% earn less than $1.90 per day on purchasing power parity (PPP) as of 2022. Regardless based on the Philippines methodology a target of <9% in expected to be hit by 2028 - set by the leading President Ferdinand R. Marcos.
8. Major Foreign Investment Incentivisation. The Philippines adopts an open economy that allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors. Many government corporations are getting privatized and the major industries such as telecommunications, energy, banking, and shipping have been deregulated. This gives foreign investors more freedom to set up operations in the country. In 2023, the Philippines saw a 6.6% decrease in FDI net inflow, totalling $8.86 billion, which was slightly higher than the targets set. For 2024, there has been a reported increase in FDI net inflows, with a 23.1% rise in March compared to the same month in 2023. The net inflow for March 2024 was $686 million.
9. Strategic Location. For investors aiming to tap into the ASEAN Free Trade area’s vast market of over 600 million consumers, or to engage with the key economies of East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, the Philippines offers an ideal strategic position. Additionally, the nation’s prime location at the nexus of numerous global maritime and air routes makes it an excellent hub for integrating into the worldwide supply chains of various enterprises. Think of it as the versatile and dynamic Suez Canal of Asian trade with reduced regulation.
10. Finally, there are a number of additional other factors make the Philippines ripe for investment and growth;
A. The Philippines boasts a high literacy rate of 94.6%, ranking third globally, with English widely used in education, media, business, and daily life, following Filipino (Tagalog) as the national language. This is similar to Ireland in Europe, which is also the only native English speaking country remaining in the EU since UK’s exit - Brexit. This gives these countries a trading edge.
B. The country’s growing economy is complemented by low business start-up costs, with labor and operational expenses significantly lower than in Western countries, leading to substantial cost savings for foreign companies establishing back offices and development centers.
C. One of the world’s largest archipelagos, the Philippines is rich in natural resources, ranking among the top gold and copper producers, with diverse marine and land species unique to its thousands of islands, alongside stunning tourist destinations.
Bonus Note on President Rodrigo Duterte:
It would be remiss of me to not mention the previous President Rodrigo Duterte who took a very harsh approach to resolving drug related crime in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, during 216,138 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted between July 2016 and September 2021, 311,686 people were arrested and 6,201 were killed by the police Whilst controversial, this low tolerant approach resolved and remedied a major drug and crime issue that Philippines was burdened with. This has made the country as a whole more appealing for nationals and tourists.
Duterte also increased infrastructure spending to an average of 5 percent of the country’s overall GDP – this is twice the budget in the administrations that came before him.
As you can tell from all of the above, the Philippines is staged to enter into a monumental period of growth. The Philippine Stock Exchange also suggests that the stage is set, lets have a look.
The Philippine Stock Exchange - PSE:PSEI
The PSE Composite Index (PSEi) is composed of the 30 largest and most active common stocks listed at the PSE.
The Top 5 Companies in the PSE are as follows;
1. SM Investments Corporation: A conglomerate with operations in retail, property, and financial services. It is one of the largest companies in the Philippines by market capitalization. Market Cap of $17 bln.
2. SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): One of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, offering lifestyle cities with malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers. Market Cap of $13 bln.
3. BDO Unibank: The largest bank in the Philippines by assets, loans, and deposits. It offers a full range of banking services and products to the retail and corporate markets. As of June 2024, BDO Unibank has a market cap of $12.11 billion.
4. Golden MV Holdings: A company that develops memorial parks and columbarium facilities in the Philippines. It also engages in real estate through its subsidiary Bria Homes, Inc. Market Cap of $12 bln.
5. International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI): A leading operator of container ports and terminals in the global trade and shipping industry. Market Cap of $11.7 bln.
We might look at a couple of these company charts later in this article and possibly more in coming days.
The PSEi Index chart I am about to share reminds me of the Brazil Emerging Market ETF Index AMEX:EWZ chart which we previously shared weeks ago. It also looks a little like the AMEX:URA chart and or U.S. Small Cap 3000.
All these charts are forming long term pennants and breaking to the upside. We are still pending a decisive move on the PSEi below.
▫️ You can observe a compressing pennant with a breakout very likely approaching. Given the positive strides being made in the Philippines I am leaning towards a bullish break out in the above, however this will likely be a measure and slow move.
▫️ If this chart moves in the right direction and gets above its 21 day moving average we can presume the market is moving in the right direction in the Philippines and thus seek out some companies to invest in, knowing that the wind is at our back.
▫️ Investing in the above would obviously leave you exposed to a currency risk in the Philippine Peso. So you need to keep an eye on that currency pair.
▫️ The above chart is not a prediction, however it does have a double bottom look about it and with that in mind, there is a back end potential for an up to 12% currency gain in a longer term trade for U.S. investors. It’s a very interesting background set up.
▫️ This means if you invest in Filipino stocks or companies, there is potential here that you might get additional %’s from the back end currency play.
▫️ Equally, if we lose the current low on the Peso, this would lead to losing potential gains, the currency risk in the trade. So you need to watch both charts if you enter a trade.
Very important to keep an eye on the Philippine Peso if you’re an international investor converting your local currency into Pesos in order to invest in companies in the Philippines, however at present the chart looks like it might be an advantageous back end play. No Guarantees.
Now lets look at a Philippine Stock that is large, liquid and heavily relied upon by multiple sectors in the Philippines and obviously we need a DAMN GOOD CHART.
International Container Terminal Services - SET:ICT
▫️ The chart speaks for itself and presents a good 6:1 risk: reward set up.
▫️ That 100 SMA can provide a nice structural support for anyone wanting to stay in the trade longer or at least have a level that if convincingly lost, you can cut your losses. Equally the 100 SMA would also be a great entry level.
▫️ The above SET:ICT chart reminds me so much of the Reysas LoJistik BIST:RYSAS chart which is a similar business in logistics and transportation but in Turkey. Please have a look below.
COMPARISON
Reysas Lojistic - BIST:RYSAS
▫️ I am sharing this chart as a reference to potential outcomes for ICT.
▫️ Very Similar Company Sector and Chart to the above ICT Chart in Philippines. Could we see similar continued advances in ICT?
There are a number of REALLY interesting chart set ups for the Top 5 companies in the Philippine Stock Exchange (we shared these tickers earlier). I will definitely add these in coming days and weeks as I see a lot of opportunity in the Philippine market place and the currency looks like it might be about to gain positive ground.
It appears the Philippines is undergoing an monumental economic renaissance with the economic and demographic landscape looking incredibly favourable for this versatile archipelago. This nation of Islands is presenting an incredible investment opportunity, so great in fact, I’ve started looking at property there. It has so much potential and appears to be on the cusp of a major bull trend. We can watch the PSE chart and wait for the break out.
All these charts are available on my TradingView Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next few years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide to see how the Philippine stock market has performed. I hope it’s helpful.
PUKA
United Kingdom GDP (QoQ) ECONOMICS:GBGDPQQ
Great Britain officially entered in Recession due to Two Consecutive Negative Quarters.
The British economy contracted 0.3% on quarter in Q4 2023,
following a 0.1% decline in Q3,
worse than market forecasts of a 0.1% fall, preliminary estimates showed.
The economy entered recession amid a broad-based decline in output,
namely in services (-0.2%, the same as in Q3), particularly wholesale and retail trade (-0.6%); industrial production (-1% vs 0.1%), mostly manufacture of machinery and equipment (-7%) and construction (-1.3% vs 0.1%).
On the expenditure side, there was a fall in exports (-2.9% vs -0.8%), imports (-0.8% vs -1.8%); household spending (-0.1% vs -0.9%), particularly lower spending on recreation and culture, miscellaneous goods and services, and transport; and government consumption (-0.3% vs 1.1%), namely lower activity in education and health.
Those falls were partially offset by an increase in gross capital formation (1.4% vs -1.4%), mostly other buildings and structures. Considering full 2023, the GDP in the UK edged up 0.1%.
source: Office for National Statistics
Macro Monday 8 - S&P500/M2 Money SupplyMACRO MONDAY 8
S&P500 / M2 Money Supply ( SP:SPX / $WMN2S)
M2 is a broad measure of the US money supply that includes cash, checking deposits, and other types of deposits that are readily convertible to cash such as CDs.
M2 is seen as a reliable metric for forecasting/predicting inflation and for this reason it can be used as leading economic indicator. For example, when there is more cash made available or too much, more cash typically gets spent. A little more can be good, too much or too sudden an increase can increase the risk of inflation. That's why the Federal Reserve constricts the money supply when inflation rears its ugly head. At present the Federal Reserve is decreasing the M2 Money supply in an effort to slow down spending in order to control and reduce the rate of inflation. Since April 2022 the M2 Money Supply has reduced from $22 Trillion down to $20.82 Trillion.
The money supply and its impact on Inflation combined with current interest rates has major ramifications for the general economy, as they heavily influence job availability, consumer spending, business investment, currency strength, and trade balance.
The M2 Money Supply also has a major impact on the stock market and can act as catalyst for increased purchases of stocks (when the money supply is increasing as more money is available) and can also cause the selling of stock when money supply is tight or tightening as it is at present (as less money is available in the wider economy).
The Chart – Accounting for Money Supply
As noted above the M2 Money Supply is reducing and it is expected that this may result in the S&P500 making lower lows as the supply of money continues to contract.
The S&P500 performance looks very different when it is adjusted to account for the increases and decreases of the money supply. We can achieve this by dividing the S&P500 by the M2 Money Supply (Chart 1).
Chart 1 – S&P / M2 Money Supply
- Since 1996 the Major Resistance Zone has stopped every progression higher.
- In 2007 a rejection from the resistance zone resulted in the Great Financial Crisis
- Major recessions are labelled with red arrows & market corrections with blue arrows.
- Since GFC there have been a number of rejections from the resistance zone which have
coincided with notable corrections for the S&P500 (see blue arrows).
- The most notable of these rejections was the COVID Crash in March 2020.
- We are at the resistance zone now and it appears we are struggling to breach above it and
may be rejected again. Given we have been rejected by this level 5 times since the 2007
Great Financial Crisis, it seems wise to remain cautious and expect a rejection from this
level again.
Chart 2 – S&P500 & M2 Money supply (Segregated)
- This chart shows you the S&P price action in isolation and underneath the M2 Money
Supply for reference.
- The declining M2 Money supply is like a weight or float pushing and pulling the S&P500
price action in its direction.
- The M2 Money supply may gravitate down towards its long term trend line over the coming
year(s) and one would expect the S&P500 to follow its lead and also gravitate lower.
- Interestingly, on Chart 2 you can see that the level that the M2 Money Supply and the
S&P500 were at prior to the pandemic would present an S&P500 price tag of $3,350.
Summary
Its seems unlikely that the S&P500 is about to break higher due to the overhead long term resistance zone on Chart 1 which helped predict the last two recessions (red arrows) and a handful of corrections (blue arrows).
There is a strong likelihood of continued M2 Money Supply normalization towards its long term trend line on Chart 2, especially considering Federal Reserves continued efforts to constrict the money supply through quantitative tightening to help quell inflation. These efforts will likely subdue any attempt of positive price action on the S&P500.
It is important to recognise that the Dot Com Bubble in 2000 pressed through the resistance zone on Chart 1 demonstrating just how big a bubble it was. It was initially rejected from the resistance zone in March 1997, however the M2 Money Supply was increasing at this time so whilst this outcome is always possible, it does not presently seem probable with M2 Money supply decreasing and likely continuing to decrease going forward.
Another potential outcome is a false break out above the resistance zone on Chart 1. We have had an unprecedented increase in to the money supply since the March 2020 COVID Crash and this could have a lagging effect which eventually pushes us over the resistance zone. Fiscal Stimulus which is harder to predict could also help us arrive at this scenario. Regardless, if these circumstances are met with continued decreasing M2 Money Supply, I believe that it would be a short lived breach of the resistance zone resulting in maybe a $4,980 S&P500 price tag (a higher high) followed by a severe correction. That is IF M2 Money supply is still decreasing as the S&P500 makes those higher highs.
And finally we have to consider what most people would consider to be the most unrealistic scenario, a Dot Com Style bubble towards the top red line on Chart 1. As improbable as this is, a combination of factors could lead us into this scenario;
- The aforementioned lagging effects of the unprecedented never before seen increase in
the M2 Money Supply since the pandemic.
- Continued or new Fiscal Stimulus from the US government.
- The bullish AI narrative (which appears to be dissipating at present)
This final bullish scenario is worthy of consideration especially factoring in the comparisons of the 2023 AI hype to the 2000 internet boom. As we enter a new technological epoch with the likes of Augmented Reality, Cryptocurrencies and AI, are we getting ahead of ourselves again? Do these technologies need a little more time to mature much like the internet? Are we overextended like we were in 2000? It’s hard to answer no to any of these questions but against the backdrop of record levels of Quantitative Easing and Fiscal Stimulus we have to keep an open mind as the Fed tries to simmer us down from these record levels of liquidity
It will be very interesting to watch these charts over coming weeks and months to see if we get our anticipated rejection from the resistance zone on Chart 1.
A special mention to Ben Cowen from "Intothecryptoverse" who originally brought this style chart to my attention. My chart could be considered a snapshot of his view however I hope I have added to it in some way with the above commentary and some correlations I have noticed.
Thank you for reading to the end. I hope these charts help frame todays market for you going forward.
I’ll keep you posted on any major changes.
PUKA
Macro Monday 45~The China Caixin PMI (Manu, Serv & Composite)Macro Monday 45
The China Caixin PMI
(Services and Composite released Today Monday)
Last week week we looked at the China Caixin Manufacturing PMI which will revise today with its updated readings that were released last Tuesday.
We will also look at the China Caixin Services PMI and the Caixin Composite PMI (a combination of the Services and Manufacturing PMI's) as these will both be released later today.
1.Manufacturing PMI – Already released
2. Services PMI – Released Today 6th May 2024
3. Composite PMI Released Today 6th May 2024 (both 1 + 2 combined)
What is the Caixin PMI?
▫️ The is an S&P Global report released monthly.
▫️ The Caixin PMI focuses on small & medium sized enterprises (SME’s) in China.
▫️ Surveys a small sample size of 650 private and state owned manufacturers and service providers.
Why Focus on China PMI's?
China, the 2nd largest economy in the world at approx. $18 trillion is often referred to as the world’s manufacturing superpower. In 2019, the Chinese manufacturing sector contributed nearly $4 trillion towards the country’s total economic output. Manufacturing accounted for almost 30% of China’s GDP during 2019 demonstrating the importance of manufacturing and the surveys completed by the manufacturers through the Purchaser Managers Index (PMI) surveys. Incredibly, in 2023 China’s manufacturing continued to increase and contributed 31.7% to China GDP, furthermore China’s exports reached record highs of $3.36 trillion. For a country that gets a lot of bad economic press, the economic data from manufacturing and exports suggests China is adaptable and is currently in expansionary territory. This will be further evident from the PMI charts we are about to review also.
Like most PMI’s the data will generally be derived from the following sub indicies; New Orders, Output, Employment, Supplier Deliveries and Inventories.
Reading both PMI’s:
>50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector compared to the previous month.
< 50 represents contraction
A reading of 50 indicates no change.
The Charts
China Caixin Manufacturing PMI - APR 2024
✅51.4 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
▫️ Increased from 50.9 in Feb 2024 to 51.1 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increased from 51.1 in Mar 2024 to 51.4 in Apr 2024 – Figures for April were released on the 30th April 2024 (last week).
✅The Caixin Manufacturing PMI has remained expansionary for 6 consecutive (Nov 2023 – Apr 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 lows of 40.3, since then making a series of higher lows and recently sustaining 6 months of expansionary readings.
China Caixin Services PMI - Mar 2024
✅52.7 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
⏳ April Figures released today (pending)
▫️ Increased from 50.2 in Sept 2023 to 52.7 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increase/decrease from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to ??? in Apr 2024 – Figures for April are released on today Monday 6th April 2024.
✅The Caixin Services PMI has remained expansionary for 15 consecutive months (Jan 2023 – Mar 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 lows of 26.5 when services took a huge hit during COVID-19 lockdowns, since then making a series of higher lows and recently sustaining 15 months of expansionary readings.
China Caixin COMPOSITE PMI - Mar 2024
✅52.7 = Expansionary (>50 is expansionary)
⏳ April Figures released today (pending)
THIS IS THE SUBJECT CHART AT OUTSET
▫️ Increased from 50 in Oct 2023 to 52.7 in Mar 2024
▫️ Increase/decrease from 52.7 in Mar 2024 to ??? in Apr 2024 – Figures for April are released on today Monday 6th April 2024.
✅The Caixin Composite PMI has remained expansionary for 5 consecutive months (Nov 2023 – Mar 2024). It has been on a long term recovery since the Feb 2020 similar to Manufacturing and Services PMI charts above. Looking at the composite chart, one can see that we moving sideways since Dec 2023 (Dec 52.6, Jan 52.5, Feb 52.5 & Mar 52.7). We are comfortably in the expansionary green zone on the composite.
In Summary
(subject to tomorrow’s readings for the Services and Composite PMI but we assume expansionary)
China Caixin Manufacturing PM I
↗️ Expansionary
The Caixin Manufacturing PMI for April 2024 rose to 51.4, marking the sixth straight month of expansion and the fastest growth since February 2023
China Caixin Services PMI
↗️ Expansionary
As of March 2024, the Caixin Services PMI increased slightly to 52.7, indicating growth in the services sector for the 15th consecutive month
(April 2024 Figures Release Today)
China Caixin COMPOSITE PMI
↗️ Expansionary
The Composite PMI reached 52.7 in March 2023, the highest since May 2023, showing the fifth consecutive month of growth in overall private sector activity.
(April 2024 Figures Release Today)
All the above readings suggest a continued expansion across China’s services and manufacturing sectors, reflecting improvements in demand and business activity across the SME cohort.
All these charts are available on my Tradingview Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next 5 - 10 years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide I provided. I hope its helpful
Lets get after it again this week 💪🏻
PUKA
Macro Monday 40 - Euro Area Composite PMI Macro Monday 40
Euro Area Composite PMI
(Released this Thurs 4thApril 2024)
The Euro Area Composite PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is a significant coincident economic indicator that provides insights into the current overall health of the eurozone economy.
The Euro Area Composite PMI data is collected from a representative panel of around 5,000 manufacturing and services firms around the EU and then a weighted average of the two is provided to create the composite reading.
This index tracks variables such as sales, new orders, employment, inventories, and prices. Very similar to the US PMI that we previously covered.
The Chart
The chart illustrates the following metrics;
🟢Manufacturing PMI (green line)
🔴Services PMI (red line)
🔵Overall composite PMI (Thick Blue Line)
The green zone (>50) illustrates the economic expansion zone and the red area illustrates the economic contraction zone (<50). The 50 level itself is neutral.
Now, let’s very briefly cover the last three weeks of Macro Mondays No. 38, 39 & todays 40. These all featured the Eurozone economic health and can be valuable metrics to remain informed on. With a click of my charts in trading view you can remain updates with a visual easy on the eye.
EU Current Sentiment Outlook
(negative but improving)
1.The Euro Area Economic Sentiment Index is based on current sentiment surveys from EU Businesses and consumers for all 27 EU Member States.
-The current economic outlook as distinguished by businesses and consumers in the EU is currently below average at 96.3 (<100 is below average and >100 is above average).
- We have seen an improvement since Sept 2023 with an increase from 93.4 to 96.3 at present but remain in the negative.
EU Forward Looking Sentiment
(Firmly Positive)
2.The Euro Area ZEW Economic Index is a 6 month forward looking economists outlook for 20 of the 27 Euro Member states.
-The ZEW Index is anticipating optimistic economic conditions for the coming 6 months with a current reading of 33.5 which is well above the historical average of 21.39 on the chart. Economists in then EU see things improving over the coming two quarters.
EU Manufacturing and Services current performance composite
(Neutral - leaning negative)
3.Featured today, the Euro Area Composite PMI is a coincident indicator offering real-time health of the Eurozone economy through data collected from manufacturing and services firms.
-The Euro Area Composite PMI is currently close to neutral at 49.9 (just under the neutral 50 line) demonstrating that over the recent month we have been in marginal contraction in the EU according to the manufacturing/services composite.
- However, if we look at the individual Manufacturing PMI we can clearly see we are in negative/contractionary territory at 45.7 (green line) whilst the services PMI is rising into expansionary territory at 51.1 (red line). This is common theme in the US PMI at present also with services performing better than manufacturing sector.
The beauty of these charts is that you can go onto my TradingView Page and press update, and the chart will update you with all these metrics, informing you at a glance with how these metrics are performing collectively with a nice visual guide.
Thanks again for coming along and I hope this additional Eurozone chart helps you in your current and future understandings of EU Economic Sentiment, Forward looking economists sentiment and how manufacturing and services firms are feeling overall.
Bottom line is, economic sentiment appears to be leaning optimistic for the immediate future, however we await more readings for a conclusive trend direction from the coincident indicators, the ZEW Index and the Euro Area PMI index.
PUKA
How does inflation affect the stock market?The world’s financial environment has become incredibly tangled and multifaceted. The global availability of information to investors, particularly in rural areas, thanks to the internet, has caused investor sentiment to shift from an emotional response to an analysis and data-driven one.
Inflation serves as a prime example of this. In the past, most individuals viewed inflation as an indication of an unhealthy economy.
However, in the present day, investors have become more knowledgeable about economic cycles and are capable of making sound investment decisions at each stage of a country’s economy.
Therefore, today, we will discuss inflation in general and evaluate its influence on the stock markets in India. Let’s start with a topic on How does inflation affect the stock market.
What is Inflation?
In simple words, inflation refers to the gradual increase in the prices of goods and services. As the inflation rate rises, so does the cost of living, resulting in a decrease in purchasing power.
As an example, suppose bananas were priced at Rs.100 per kilo in 2010. In an inflationary economy, the cost of bananas would have increased by 2020.
Let’s assume that the price of a Banana is now Rs.200 per kilo in 2020. Thus, in 2010, with Rs.1000, you could buy 10kg of Banana.
However, in 2020, due to the decrease in purchasing power caused by inflation, you would only be able to buy 5kg of Bananas for the same amount.
To understand inflation in detail, let’s have a look at what is the reason behind inflation. So, there are two major factors behind an increase in the rate of inflation in the economy.
1) Demand > Supply
One reason for an increase in the inflation rate is when the average income of individuals in an economy rises, and they want to purchase more goods and services.
During such times, the demand for these products and services can exceed their supply, resulting in a scarcity of these goods and services. Consequently, buyers are willing to pay more for them, which leads to a general increase in prices.
2) Increase in the cost of production
Another reason for an increase in the inflation rate is when the cost of production of goods and services increases due to an increase in the costs of raw materials, labour, taxes, etc.
While this leads to an increase in the cost of production, it also causes a decrease in the supply of these goods and services. With the demand remaining constant, the prices tend to increase.
Inflation and the Indian Stock Markets:
The price of a share in the stock markets is determined by the interplay of demand and supply, which is influenced by a variety of factors, including social, political, economic, cultural, and so on.
Anything that affects investors can have an impact on the demand and supply of stocks, and inflation is no exception. Here is a brief overview of the impact of inflation on stock markets:
1. The Purchasing Power of Investors
Inflation, by definition, is a rise in the prices of goods and services, and it is also an indicator of the diminishing value of money.
Therefore, if the inflation rate is 5%, then Rs.10, 000 today will be worth Rs.9, 500 after one year. If the inflation rate increases to 10%, then the same amount will be worth even less in the future.
So, as the inflation rate increases, the purchasing power of investors decreases. This decrease in purchasing power can directly impact the stock market since investors would be able to purchase fewer stocks for the same amount.
2. Interest Rates
When the inflation rate rises, the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) often increases interest rates for deposits and loans. This move is intended to encourage people to save money and limit excess liquidity, thereby reducing the inflation rate.
However, as loans become more expensive, the cost of capital for companies also increases. Consequently, the projected cash flows of companies are valued lower, which can lead to lower equity valuations.
3. Impact on Stocks
As the increase in the inflation rate, speculation about the future prices of goods and services can create a highly volatile market environment. Since prices are rising, many investors may speculate that companies will experience a drop in profitability. As a result, some investors might decide to sell their shares, leading to a drop in their market price.
However, other investors who remain optimistic about the company’s future profitability may continue to buy these stocks, which can create a volatile environment in the stock market.
Value stocks tend to perform well during times of inflation because they are often more established companies with stable earnings and a history of paying dividends, making them more attractive to investors seeking steady returns. In contrast, growth stocks are often newer companies with higher potential for future earnings, but they may not have established cash flows to support their valuations.
When inflation rises, investors may become more risk-averse and prioritize stable, predictable returns over potential growth, leading to a decline in demand for growth stocks and a corresponding drop in their market prices.
4. Long-term benefits of increasing inflation rates on stock markets
A certain level of inflation is required for an economy to grow, as it encourages spending and investment. A moderate and controlled rise in inflation rates can lead to an increase in the income of the people and help in boosting the economy.
However, if the inflation rate goes beyond a certain limit, it can have a negative impact on the economy. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balance between inflation and economic growth.
Conclusion:
Investors should analyse the trend of inflation rates in recent years before making any investment decisions. Sudden spikes in inflation rates may cause uncertainty and volatility in the stock markets, while a gradual and steady rise in inflation rates can provide a conducive environment for businesses to grow and expand, leading to higher stock valuations. Additionally, investors should consider investing in sectors that perform well in an inflationary environment, such as energy, commodities, and real estate.
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Inequality.Now when we look at the old saying 'the rich get richer, the poor get poorer' most shrug it off as a pun or a joke in time of self reflection about a current financial situation ect. But the reality is its becoming a major problem in our modern societies.
So what does this mean for the average person, now we have all just lived through one of the largest ever increases in inequality during covid, now when we delve into the statistics behind where the furlough and stimulus ended up we can see how much inequality increased, what we saw is a debt passed on to every tax payer, in the UK I believe it was around £7000 a tax payer and in US towards FWB:12K , this wealth was then transferred to the rich, and saw staggering wealth increases in the 'rich' category, either through stock owners or landlords ect, rising interest rates.
In the UK we saw interest rates rises, but the usual correlation to house prices in which typically we see rate risers lowering the house prices didnt occur! I work in the building business and have contracts with wealthy clients, These guys are currently buying elderly peoples property in a nice seafront location local to me, they then destroy the house and rebuild modern second home £5m mansions! whilst UK house prices to salary is the same as it was in 1876! Is this not a serious issue to the working man!
What we are seeing is living standards drop generation to generation as well as asset purchasing becoming harder and harder to youngsters.
Inequality has been a trending issue since 2008 when the interest rates were kept low due to the broken economies world wide, during this time we have seen the price off XAU rise staggering amounts.
The problem we face is the constant lowering of wages due to inflation, since 2008 the UK government has pretty much been flat broke, we see it currently in the poor state of roads, NHS ect.
The real question is where is this money?
Part 2 coming soon