US Small Cap 3000 at important levelUS Small Cap 3000 - TVC:RUA
Chart is approaching an important boundary
Pennant has clearly formed, compressing price
An upward sloping 200 SMA which is also acting as price support is a positive feature
Lets see how we deal with this diagonal resistance over coming weeks
PUKA
Economy
Macro Monday 22 - ISM Services Vs PMI US ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (ISM Services)
Next Release: 5th December 2023 (released on third business day of each month)
The U.S. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Non-Manufacturing Index (“ISM Services”) encompasses a wide range of services across various industries.
The index is designed to measure the economic activity and health of the services sector in the United States some of which are professional services (accounting, legal, etc.), healthcare (hospitals, clinics & other practitioners), accommodation, leisure and food services.
Similar to the ISM Manufacturing Index (aka as the Purchasers Managers Index) which surveys producers and manufacturers which we covered in Macro Monday 13, the ISM Services index is also based on surveys conducted on participants in the relevant services sectors noted above. Also similar to the ISM Manufacturing index, the ISM Services is reported as a diffusion index, where values above 50 indicate expansion or growth in the sector, while values below 50 suggest contraction.
This makes both the ISM Manufacturing Index and ISM Services Index easy to compile onto a chart for comparison purposes.
The ISM Services Vs ISM Manufacturing Chart
The chart demonstrates the following:
▫️ At present ISM Services has been more resilient and is in expansionary territory at 51.8 (above 50) whilst ISM Manufacturing is in contractionary territory below the 50 level at 46.7.
▫️ Both the ISM Services Index and the ISM Manufacturing Index have been in a downward trajectory since 2021.
- You can clearly see that since March 2021 the
Manufacturing Index has declined from 64.5 down
to 46.7 today (Red Line).
- Thereafter from November 2021 the ISM Services
Index declined from 67.5 down to 51.8 today (Blue
Line).
▫️ As you can see on the chart a steep manufacturing decline can often provide advance an warning of a subsequent services decline (grey areas on chart).
It’s important to acknowledge that the Manufacturing Index can lead the ISM Services Index. It is important because we discovered in Macro Monday 13 that the Manufacturing Index (AKA Purchaser Managers Index) reading below 42 can provide an advance/confirmation warning of recession, thus more weight could be assigned to the Manufacturing Index than Services Index in predicting a recession (as it appears to lead services direction). For this reason we will review the ISM Manufacturing Index (PMI) indications below.
The ISM Manufacturing Chart
The main findings of the ISM Manufacturing Index (AKA Purchaser Managers Index)
From a Recession Perspective
▫️ 11 of the 12 recessions on the chart coincided with a PMI of less than 42.
▫️ 1 recession occurred that did not breach below the 42 level (No. 9 on the chart)
From a PMI Perspective
▫️ 12 of the 13 times that the PMI moved below the 42 level, this coincided with a recession.
▫️ 1 time we have had a sub 42 PMI reading without a recession (Between 11 & 12 on the chart).
At present we are at a level of 46.7 so we do not currently have a trigger event for a recession but we know exactly what to look for.
Based on both historical perspectives, there is an c.92% probability of a recession should a sub 42 PMI level be established, or vice versa, in the event of a recession confirmation there is a c. 92% probability it would coincide with the sub 42 PMI level.
Timing ISM Manufacturing Bottoms
o 10 out of 12 PMI Bottoms occurred in Q1 and the remaining two bottoms were in Q2. 83% of the time the PMI bottoms occur in Q1 which is good to know and watch for with Q1 2024 approaching swiftly.
o The average PMI Bottom to bottom timeframe over the past 6 cycles is 58 months (Min 37 – Max 86). We are presently at month 44 and month 58 is Jan 2025 (Q1)
The ISM New Orders Index (30% of the PMI)
Similar to the ISM New Orders Index Chart (covered in Macro Monday 6) which makes up 30% of the Purchaser Managers Index or Manufacturers Index (PMI), we have not reached below the 42 level on this chart either which has provided a 100% confirmation of recession when we have had a definitive move below the 42 level historically. At present we are at 45.5 on this chart and we seem to have a downward trajectory at present unless something changes upon the next data release.
In summary, we now know now that the Manufacturers Index (PMI) often leads the Services Index, and we need to pay close attention to the 42 level on both the New orders Index (Makes up 30% of PMI) and the Manufacturing Index (PMI) as a breach below this level on these charts increases the probability of a recession upwards of 92%. We are also now aware that there is a high incidence of the PMI bottoming in Q1 (83% of the time) and occasionally in Q2. These are quarters we can be on high alert for a sub 42 level.
The ISM Services PMI is released on the third business day of each month at 10:00 a.m. (EST) or 15:00 GMT. The next release will be on the Tuesday the 5th December 2023. Most of the ISM data releases commence within the first 5 working days of the month.
As always folks, I will watch the numbers and keep you informed. All of the above charts are updated on TradingView as data is released.
PUKA
$CNINTR - Interest Rates Cut- The People’s Bank of China on Tuesday trimmed its one-year loan prime rate (LPR) by 10 basis points from 3.65% to 3.55%, and reduced the five-year rate by the same margin to 4.2%. The cuts follow reductions in other interest rates last week.
The LPR sets the interest that commercial banks charge their best clients, and serves as the benchmark for household and corporate lending. The one-year rate affects most new and outstanding loans, while the five-year rate influences the pricing of longer term loans, such as mortgages.
This is the first time the PBOC has cut both LPR rates since August 2022, when renewed Covid lockdowns and a deepening property downturn were pummeling the economy.
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 8, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Throughout the course of this week's trading session, the index remained relatively stable using our strong Mean Sup 4546 as a strategic price platform, notwithstanding moderate gains leading toward the Key Resistance of 4639 and Inner Index Rally of 4647. Moreover, the Inner Index Rally 4647 indicates a strong bullish trend for traders and investors to ponder. Once the market reaches the target price, the resulting squeeze could be substantial and chaotic. As a result, traders and investors should be cautious and attentive during this price action period.
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 8, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Last week's completion of our Inner Currency Rally of 1.099 continued to drop to strategic Mean Sup 1.084 and is on its way to a significant Mean Sup 1.067 and Inner Currency Dip 1.068 outcome. The current price action suggests a rebound from the letter prices to the designated target Mean Res 1.080. Overall, it is essential to closely monitor the Eurodollar market trend and take appropriate measures within critical price action of the support/resistance and dip result.
Bitcoin(BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 8, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Bitcoin has completed our three consecutive Outer Coin Rallies 39200, 41200, and 43700 in this week's trading. On the downside, the intermediate down target is Mean Sup 43100. The subsequent squeeze will likely be Mean Sup 41500.
The upside price movement is expected to be aggressive and intense, as the market sentiment is tilted towards bullishness. The market participants will likely be actively buying, leading to a surge in demand for the asset pushing the price higher. However, it is essential to note that the market is volatile and subject to sudden changes, so investors should remain cautious and closely monitor the support and rally outcome price targets.
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 1, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
The Spooz index in this week's trading session retested our completed Inner Index Rally 4590 of July 27, 2023, and is moving higher, targeting the Key Res 4630 and Inner Index Rally 4647, respectively.
Once the market successfully achieves this target price, the follow-up squeeze will likely be significant and turbulent. Traders and investors should, therefore, be prudent and vigilant during this price action phase.
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 1, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
After completing our designated Inner Currency Rally 1.099 target this week's session, the Eurodollar performed as flagged in our EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis for Nov 24 by dropping it to a primary pivotal squeeze to Mean Sup 1.087. The current price action suggests a dead-cat bounce to Mean Res 1.092 with a potential rise to retest the completed Inner Currency Rally 1.099 with a follow-through squeeze.
Bitcoin(BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 1, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
With prices trading in a relatively narrow range, Bitcoin penetrated our exhausted completed Inner Coin Rally 37800 and is heading towards the Next #1 Outer Coin Rally 39200 and beyond. On the downside, the intermediate down target is Mean Sup 37300. The subsequent squeezes will likely be significant and turbulent once the market successfully achieves these Outer Coin targets.
$US10Y -Important Close *Weekly- US 10 Years Government Bonds(Yield) TVC:US10Y experienced a pull back in the fourth
week of August,
after having rallied previously for five (5) consecutive Weeks,
printing only green *W candlesticks.
The Weekly pullback retraced to a Weekly price level of 4.09% for $U10Y
(key level marked on dashed green line)
We can clearly see TVC:DXY being dragged higher as well during Yields uptrend
(indicating a weak and fearful state of other Major Financial Markets).
Seen on Weekly Timeframe, we can easily spot a triangle pattern being formed
on $US10Y.
Triangle Pattern's Apex can be stretched as far as 238Days from where it
currently is.
In case Pattern is violated to the downside,
a considerable Support-Resistance zone lays just underneath dating back
ever since 1912.
Below that would be the catching up dynamic support of 200EMA on the Weekly,
as well the support-trendline coming from Pandemic Lows.
TVC:US10Y uptrend resumption seems very likely from here,
especially after bouncing at the key level marked on dashed green line.
What is more important to be monitored is the correlation of TVC:DXY going higher
in the same time with TVC:US10Y .
That would be a nightmare scenario for an investor, and a golden opportunity
for those who are on the sidelines and waiting to be heavily invested
in diversification .
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 24, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
In this week's abbreviated trading session, the S&P 500 index has again shown a constant upward trend. Current price action exhibits a solid indication to hit our completed Inner Index Rally 4590 on July 27, 2023, and move higher to Inner Index Rally #1 4647 and #2 4713, respectively. However, it's important to note that the market may experience transient pullbacks at this level, causing severe drawdown.
Once the market successfully achieves these targets, the subsequent squeezes will likely be significant and turbulent. Traders and investors should, therefore, be cautious and watchful during this phase, as it could considerably impact their trading and investment approach.
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 24, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
After a pullback, the Eurodollar aims for our designated target, Inner Currency Rally 1.099. This comes after the currency repeatedly hit strong Key Res 1.092 in this week's price action. This suggests that the Eurodollar may experience an imminent rally to Inner Currency Rally 1.099 in this upcoming session, potentially bringing it to a primary pivotal squeeze with an extension all the way to Mean Sup 1.087.
Bitcoin(BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 24, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Like last week, Bitcoin's price has remained within the 37800 Inner Coin Rally range and the robust 35600 Mean Support level. This indicates that the market has been relatively stable, with neither bulls nor bears having a strong grip on it.
On the upside, there is potential for intermediate upward momentum in Bitcoin's price, which could lead to a breakout above the current Inner Coin Rally of 37800. If this occurs, the next price target would be at the Outer Coin Rally #1 of 39200, followed by #2 of 41200 and #3 of 43700. This suggests that there is significant room for expansion in the near future, which could attract more investors/traders to the market.
On the downside, the Mean Support level of 35600 is expected to support Bitcoin's price strongly. If the price were to drop, it would likely find support at this level. Overall, the market is consolidating, with prices trading within a relatively narrow two-thousand-dollar range.
US & Headline CPI - October Release/Overview US CPI
US Headline and Core CPI for October both came in lower than expected (decrease).
US Headline CPI:
YoY – Actual 3.24% / Exp. 3.3% / Prev. 3.7% (Green on chart)
US Core CPI:
YoY – Actual 4.02% / Exp. 4.2% / Prev. 4.13% (Blue on chart)
The chart below illustrates the direction of the current YoY down trend for both Headline and Core CPI however we are still not at the historical moderate levels of inflation desired. You can see these moderate levels of inflation between 1 – 3% from 2002 – 2020 below.
Nice to see the Core CPI come down, almost down, into the moderate historical averages
PUKA
Economic Lessons From 2023We entered 2023 with a pessimistic consensus outlook for U.S. economic performance and for how rapidly inflation might recede. As it happened, there was no recession, and personal consumption posted sustained strength. Inflation, except shelter, declined dramatically from its 2022 peak.
The big economic driver in 2023 was job growth. Jobs had recovered all their pandemic losses by mid-2022 and continued to post strong growth in 2023, partly due to many people returning to the labor force.
When the economy is adding jobs, people are willing to spend money. The key for real GDP in 2023 was the strong job growth that led to robust personal consumption spending. For 2024, labor force growth and job growth are anticipated by many to slow down from the unexpectedly strong pace of 2023, leading to slower real GDP growth in 2024.
And there is still plenty of debate about whether a slowdown in 2024 could turn into a recession. Followers of the inverted yield curve will point out that it was only in Q4 2023 that the yield curve decisively inverted (meaning short-term rates are higher than long-term yields). It is often cited that it takes 12 to 18 months after a yield curve inversion for a recession to commence. Using that math, Q2 2024 would be the time for economic weakness to appear based on this theory. Only time will tell.
The rapid pace of inflation receding in the first half of 2023 was a very pleasant surprise. Indeed, inflation is coming under control by virtually every measure except one: shelter. The calculation of shelter inflation is highly controversial for its use of owners’ equivalent rent, which assumes the homeowner rents his house to himself and receives the income. This is an economic fiction that many argue dramatically distorts headline CPI, given that owners’ equivalent rent is 25% of the price index.
Once one removes owners’ equivalent rent from the inflation calculation, inflation is only 2%, and one can better appreciate why the Federal Reserve has chosen to pause its rate hikes, even as it keeps its options open to raise rates if inflation were to unexpectedly rise again.
The bottom line is that monetary policy reached a restrictive stance in late 2022 and was tightened a little more in 2023. For a data dependent Fed, inflation and jobs data for 2024 will guide us as to what might happen next. Good numbers on inflation or a recession might mean rate cuts. Otherwise, the Fed might just keep rates higher for longer.
If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
By Bluford Putnam, Managing Director & Chief Economist, CME Group
*Various CME Group affiliates are regulated entities with corresponding obligations and rights pursuant to financial services regulations in a number of jurisdictions. Further details of CME Group's regulatory status and full disclaimer of liability in accordance with applicable law are available below.
**All examples in this report are hypothetical interpretations of situations and are used for explanation purposes only. The views in this report reflect solely those of the author and not necessarily those of CME Group or its affiliated institutions. This report and the information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience.
Japan Inflation Overview JAPAN CPI
Japan Headline and Core CPI for Sept both came in lower than expected.
Japan Headline CPI:
YoY – Actual 3.0% / Exp. 3.2% / Prev. 3.2% (green on chart)
Japan Core CPI:
YoY – Actual 4.2% / Exp. 4.3% / Prev. 4.3% (blue on chart)
The chart below illustrates that Core CPI appears to be plateauing with Headline CPI decreasing from 4.3% to 3% since Jan 2023. Similar to the Eurozone chart you can we are long way from the moderate levels of inflation between -1.5 – 1.5% from 2015 – 2020 below.
Japan’s economy contracted by 2.1 per cent during the third quarter of 2023, following an expansion in the previous two quarters. Analysts fear the country might slip into a recession. The contraction was sparked by a combination of sticky core inflation holding close to its 4.2 – 4.3% ceiling since May 2023, the slowing of exports, and low pay rises that appear to have led to weak domestic consumption.
“Given the absence of a growth engine it wouldn’t surprise me if the Japanese economy contracted again in the current quarter. The risk of Japan falling into recession cannot be ruled out.” - Takeshi Minami – Chief Economist Norinchuckin Research Institute
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 17, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
The S&P 500 index has been showing a consistent upward trend for a while now, and it has reached our designated Mean Resistance level of 4515 in this week's price action. This price level indicates a strong indication of retesting our completed Inner Index Rally 4590 on July 27, 2023. However, it's important to note that the market may experience a temporary pullback at this level, causing it to fall back to Mean Support of 4487. This transient retracement is essential for gathering momentum for the next rally phase.
If the market successfully retests the completed Inner Index Rally, the subsequent pullback will likely be significant and turbulent. This means traders and investors should be cautious and watchful during this phase, as it could considerably impact their trading and investment approach.
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 17, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
The Eurodollar has experienced a notable recovery after successfully achieving the designated target of Inner Currency Rally 1.077. This means the Euro has bounced back significantly and shows positive momentum in the currency market.
However, as the Eurodollar approaches the next selected mark, Key Res 1.092, it may encounter significant resistance. The price of this resistance level is essential, suggesting whether the Eurodollar will likely fall further.
Furthermore, if the Eurodollar fails to surpass the Key Res 1.092 level, it could continue its downward momentum and reach the Mean Support level of 1.084. This crucial support level will offer a substantial price platform against further downward movements. Therefore, it is also essential to keep an eye on the Eurodollar's performance at this level.
Bitcoin(BTC/USD) Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 17, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Currently, the price of Bitcoin has been contained within our completed Inner Coin Rally of 37800 and vital Mean Sup of 35600. This has resulted in a trading tunnel that is particularly beneficial for those experienced in active trading. However, it is worth noting that the price is currently dropping towards the Mean Sup of 35600, and there could be a possibility of a further correction to the Mean Sup of 33900. On the upside side, Bitcoin's price has the potential to reach the Next #1 Outer Coin Rally of 39200, #2 41200, and #3 43700. This indicates a prospect for upward momentum in the near future.
Observing these price-action developments closely is crucial, as they could allow investors/traders to profit from the market. Understanding these price fluctuations and knowing when to act can be extremely beneficial in maximizing returns.
Understanding GDP Growth: A Key Indicator of Economic HealthIntroduction
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is a crucial economic indicator that provides insight into the overall health and performance of a country's economy. As a comprehensive measure of a nation's economic activity, GDP growth reflects the value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific period. In this article, we will explore the significance of GDP growth, its components, and the impact it has on various aspects of a nation's well-being.
Definition and Components of GDP
GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time frame. It is commonly calculated quarterly and annually. There are three main ways to measure GDP: the production approach, the income approach, and the expenditure approach. Each approach provides a unique perspective on economic activity.
Production Approach: This method calculates GDP by adding up all the value-added at each stage of production. It includes the value of intermediate goods and services to avoid double counting.
Income Approach: GDP can also be measured by summing up all the incomes earned by individuals and businesses within a country, including wages, profits, and taxes minus subsidies.
Expenditure Approach: This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made in the economy. It includes consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).
Importance
Here are some of the primary reasons why GDP growth is considered important:
Economic Health - GDP growth is a fundamental measure of a country's economic health. A positive growth rate indicates that the economy is expanding, producing more goods and services over time. This growth is essential for creating jobs, increasing incomes, and improving overall living standards.
Job Creation - A growing economy often leads to increased employment opportunities. As businesses expand to meet rising demand for goods and services, they hire more workers, reducing unemployment rates and contributing to a more robust labor market.
Income Generation - GDP growth is linked to the overall income generated within a country. As the economy expands, incomes generally rise, providing individuals and households with more financial resources. This, in turn, contributes to an improvement in the standard of living.
Investment Climate - Investors and businesses often use GDP growth as a critical factor in assessing the attractiveness of a country for investment. A growing economy suggests potential opportunities for businesses to thrive, encouraging both domestic and foreign investments.
Government Policy - Policymakers use GDP growth data to formulate economic policies. High GDP growth rates may lead to expansionary policies aimed at sustaining economic momentum, while low or negative growth rates may prompt policymakers to adopt measures to stimulate economic activity.
Consumer and Business Confidence - Positive GDP growth contributes to increased confidence among consumers and businesses. When people perceive a growing economy, they are more likely to spend money, and businesses are more inclined to invest and expand.
International Competitiveness - A country with a strong and growing economy is often viewed as more competitive on the global stage. A robust GDP growth rate enhances a nation's economic influence and can attract international trade and investment.
Government Revenues - Higher GDP growth rates can lead to increased tax revenues for the government. This additional income can be used to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and social programs, contributing to the overall development of the nation.
Debt Management - Economic growth can help manage a country's debt burden. A growing economy typically generates more revenue, making it easier for the government to service its debt without relying excessively on borrowing.
Poverty Reduction - Sustainable GDP growth is often associated with poverty reduction. As the economy expands, opportunities for employment and income generation increase, helping to lift people out of poverty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stands as a cornerstone in understanding and evaluating a nation's economic well-being. Through its comprehensive measurement of all goods and services produced within a country, GDP growth provides valuable insights into economic health, job creation, income generation, and various other facets that collectively contribute to the overall prosperity of a nation.
The three approaches to measuring GDP—production, income, and expenditure—offer distinct perspectives, ensuring a holistic understanding of economic activity. The importance of GDP growth cannot be overstated, as it serves as a fundamental gauge of a country's economic trajectory and influences crucial decision-making processes at both the individual and policy levels.
The positive correlation between GDP growth and job creation underscores the role of a thriving economy in fostering employment opportunities and contributing to a robust labor market. Additionally, the impact on income generation translates into an improved standard of living for individuals and households, reflecting the tangible benefits of economic expansion.
Investors and businesses keenly observe GDP growth as a key indicator when evaluating the potential for investment. Government policymakers, armed with GDP data, craft strategies to either sustain economic momentum or stimulate activity, underscoring the pivotal role GDP growth plays in shaping economic policies.
The ripple effects of GDP growth extend to consumer and business confidence, international competitiveness, government revenues, and effective debt management. A growing economy not only instills confidence but also attracts global trade and investment, positioning the nation favorably on the international stage.
Perhaps most importantly, sustainable GDP growth is intricately linked to poverty reduction. As the economy expands, opportunities for employment and income generation increase, contributing to the uplifting of individuals and communities from poverty.
In essence, the study of GDP growth goes beyond mere economic statistics; it serves as a compass guiding nations towards prosperity, inclusive development, and an improved quality of life for their citizens. Recognizing the multi-dimensional impact of GDP growth enables policymakers, businesses, and individuals to make informed decisions that foster long-term economic well-being and societal advancement.
Wholesale Inflation Posts Its Biggest Decline in Over Three YearA powerful one-two combination of data pointing to softening inflation is continuing to support investor sentiment and a strong equity rally with Producer Price data this morning showing weaker-than-expected price increases among wholesalers. The data follows yesterday’s release of the Consumer Price Index, which showed no m/m change. Stocks are also gaining additional support from data this morning depicting declining retail sales, which equity players are perceiving as disinflationary rather than contractionary. Markets are bifurcated today, however, with yields and the dollar higher, as bond and currency traders pare back some of yesterday’s bonanza.
Consumers Rein in Spending
The U.S. Commerce Department reported this morning that retail sales declined sharply in October, as consumer spending slowed from the third quarter’s blistering pace. The resumption of student loan repayments definitely had an adverse impact, as a portion of wages were allocated to debt service rather than consumption. Retail sales declined 0.1% month-over-month (m/m) in October, the first decline since March. October’s figure arrived better than the -0.3% projection, however, while slipping from September’s 0.9% growth rate. Retail sales excluding automobiles and excluding automobiles and gasoline rose 0.1% on both fronts, worse than the 0.8% figures from September.
Sales Contraction is Broad Based
Seven out of thirteen categories contracted during the period, with the following categories experiencing the noted m/m declines:
Furniture showrooms, 2%
Miscellaneous stores, 1.7%
Automobile dealerships, 1%
Sporting goods retailers, 0.8%
Building materials shops, gasoline stations and general merchandise also had declines but of lesser degrees.
Gains were led by health and personal retailers, with sales increasing 1.1%. Other categories produced the following increases:
Grocery stores, 0.6%
Electronics and appliances retailers, 0.6%
Dining establishments, 0.3%
Ecommerce, 0.2%
The apparel category was flat.
Wholesalers Hit with Price Declines
Wholesale inflation cratered at its fastest rate since the depths of the pandemic in April 2020. October’s Producer Price Index (PPI) declined 0.5% m/m, less than projections of a 0.1% increase and September’s 0.4% growth rate. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy, was unchanged and weaker than the 0.3% estimated and the previous month’s 0.2%. On a year-over-year (y/y) basis, headline and core producer prices rose 1.3% and 2.4%, compared to the previous period’s 2.2% and 2.7%. Leading the wholesale price decline were a 6.5% drop in energy products, a 0.7% decline in trade services and a 0.2% contraction in food. Transportation and warehousing wholesale prices rose at a sharp 1.5% rate, meanwhile. Services overall came in unchanged m/m while goods excluding food and energy rose 0.1% during the period.
Equities Gain, but Positive Sentiment Eases
Optimism sparked by yesterday’s CPI and this morning’s PPI appears to be easing, with stocks off their highs of the day while yields and the dollar have given back a good chunk of Monday’s gains. Still, all major U.S. equity indices are higher, with the small-cap Russell 2000 leading, having gained 0.8% while the Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial indices are higher by 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.2%. Sectoral breadth remains impressive, with all sectors higher while the defensive health care and utilities sectors are 0.1% and 0.4% lower. Leading the sectors are materials and consumer staples, with each gaining 0.6% as technology looks tired from its recent monster run. Indeed, to secure more gains going forward, the market will need to broaden out and begin to exhibit momentum in cyclical and value stocks. The dollar and yields are higher, with the 2- and 10-year Treasury maturities up 8 and 10 basis points (bps) to 4.92% and 4.55% while the greenback’s index is up 22 bps to 104.30. The dollar is gaining relative to the euro, yen and pound sterling while it loses ground versus the franc, yuan and Aussie and Canadian dollars. Crude oil is down 1.3% or $1.02 to $77.14 per barrel in response to the Energy Information Administration reporting a 17-million-barrel inventory increase in the U.S. over two weeks. Buoyant supply, continued concerns about weakening demand and waning worries over a potential escalation of the Middle East crisis are weighing on the commodity’s price.
Consumers Cut Spending and Seek Bargains
Target’s third-quarter results illustrate how consumers are cutting back on discretionary purchases while results for TJX highlight how consumers are increasingly turning to off-price retailers for low-cost items.
At Target, comparable sales, which is derived from stores operating for 12 months or more and online channels, fell 4.9% during the third quarter. It was the second-consecutive quarter of declining same-store sales. On a y/y basis, the company’s revenues dropped from $26.5 billion to $25.4 billion, a 4.3% contraction. The result, however, exceeded the $24.24 billion anticipated by the analyst consensus. On another positive note, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) of $2.10 exceeded the consensus expectation of $1.48 and increased from $1.54 in the year ago quarter. The quarter was impacted by Target aggressively discounting merchandise as it sought to reduce an inventory glut, a strong trend among retailers. Target also attributed its third-quarter earnings growth to improved sales of “high-frequency items” such as groceries and beauty items, the addition of a new line of trendy kitchenware, and other new items. Target also said it has continued to reduce its inventory which as of the end of the third quarter was down 14% y/y.
TJX, which operates discount retailers T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s, raised its full-year guidance and said its third-quarter results benefited from capturing market share as its off-price stores attracted cost-conscious consumers. The company expects to generate a full-year EPS of $3.71 to $3.74, up from its earlier guidance of $3.66 to $3.72. TJX expects same store sales to increase 4% to 5%, an increase from its earlier guidance of 3% to 4%. During the third quarter, its sales revenue of $13.27 billion jumped approximately 9% from the $12.17 billion generated by the company in the year-ago period. Analysts expected $13.09 billion. Its overall same-store sales, furthermore, climbed 6%. TJX also posted an EPS of $1.03, which climbed significantly from $0.91 in the year-ago period. The recent quarter EPS exceeded the analyst consensus expectation of $0.99. In addition to benefiting from shoppers seeking bargains, TJX is also benefiting from its suppliers having excess inventory. The company provides discount prices by acquiring surplus items that retailers are removing from their inventories.
Washington Makes Progress of Avoiding Government Shutdown
In Washington, the House of Representatives appears to have avoided a government shutdown by passing a plan that will extend government funding until early next year. The measure is expected to be approved by the Senate and was passed by the lower chamber even though, it delays political battles over spending for border security and the Ukraine-Russia War while failing to make budget cuts in other areas of government spending. The House Freedom Caucus opposed the continuing spending resolution because it doesn’t include budget cuts and address border issues.
The Balancing Act
Today’s weak economic data highlights an important consideration going forward. Is data decelerating slow enough to be supportive of a soft landing, or is activity falling sharply and more consistent with recessionary conditions? The question is of the essence for capital markets as we operate within late-cycle monetary policy tightening, the riskiest juncture. While the former case would be supportive of current earnings estimates, the latter case would certainly point to projections falling from the $240 expected in 2024 for the S&P 500.
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 10, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
The Spooz index pivoted briefly from the completed Inner Index Rally 4375. This transition allowed traders with long positions to exit with prudence. The current momentum is solid and targets a Mean Resistance of 4515. Traders expect this momentum to ultimately lead to a retest of our completed Inner Index Rally 4590 on July 27, 2023. However, it's worth noting that the market can be quite reactive, and sudden fluctuations in either direction may occur. As such, traders should remain vigilant and have a sound strategy in place to deal with unexpected market movements.
EUR/USD Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Nov 10, 2023Technical Analysis and Outlook:
The Eurodollar has undergone a notable downtrend movement from our Key Resistance level of 1.075, a significant level of resistance that the currency has been unable to break through. As a result, it is now expected to gradually move towards the Mean Support level of 1.061, which is strategic support for the currency. Furthermore, the Eurodollar may extend its bearish momentum and reach the Mean Support level of 1.056, which is a firm level of support.
However, it is worth noting that the currency could rebound toward uncompleted Inner Currency Rally 1.077 and Key Res 1.075, a level of resistance that the Eurodollar tested in this week's trading session. If the currency breaks through these two levels, it could complete the current Inner Currency Rally 1.077 and continue its upward trend.