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One Chart to Rule them All ~ 10Y/2Y and 10Y/3M Yield Spreads10Y/2Y and 10Y/3M Yield Spread One chart to rule them all. I have combined the 10Y/2Y Yield Spread (purple line) and the 10Y/3M Yield Spread (blue line) onto one chart. You can get updated readings on it at anytime on my TradingView page (link in bio above) I have measured the historic timeframe from un-inversion to recession for both datasets. Un-inversion occurs when the yield spread rises back above the 0 level. Given the 10Y/2Y Yield Spread has just un-inverted (moved above 0), I thought this a worthy exercise. The findings are interesting and useful. Main Findings / Trigger Levels The findings are based on the last 4 recessions (this as far back as the 10Y/3M Yield Spread chart will go); ▫️ Before all four recessions both yield spreads un-inverted (only one has to date); - At present only the 10Y/2Y yield spread has un-inverted (2nd Sept 2024), thus we can watch for the next warning signal which is an un-inversion of the 10Y/3M yield spread. Without both yield spreads un-inverting the probability of recession is reduced. ▫️ The 10Y/2Y typically un-inverts first and the 10Y/3M un-inverts second. -Historically the delay between the 10Y/2Y and the 10Y/3M un-inversion is between 3 to 10 weeks (23rd Sept – 11th Nov). This is the date window that we can watch for a 10Y/3M un-inversion (based on historic norms). -If we move outside this window beyond the 18th Nov with no 10Y/3M un-inversion, then we are outside the historic norms and something different is happening. Nonetheless watching for the un-inversion of the 10Y/3M after this date could be consequential. ▫️ On the chart I have used the last four 10Y/2Y yield spread un-inversion timeframes to recession and created a purple area to forecast these from the recent the inversion on the 2nd Sept 2024 forward (Labelled 1 - 4). This creates a nice visual on the chart. Based on these historic timeframes and subject to the follow up 10Y/3M un-inversion confirming in coming weeks, the potential recession dates are as follows (also marked on chart); 1.28th Oct 2024 (based on 2000 10Y/2Y un-inversion to recession timeframe) 2.03rd Feb 2025 (based on 2020 10Y/2Y un-inversion to recession timeframe) 3.12th May 2025 (based on 2007 10Y/2Y un-inversion to recession timeframe) 4.25th August 2025 (based on 1990 10Y/2Y un-inversion to recession timeframe) ✅ Remember, you can check in on this chart and press play to get updated data at any time by clicking the link in the comments below or by following me on TradingView👍 ▫️ I will include a table in the comments which outlines all of the above metrics with dates. I will also share a chart with a zoomed in version of present day so that all the above trigger dates can be more closely monitored. Finally, it’s important to recognize that these findings and trigger levels are based on the last four recessions. There is no guarantee that a recession will occur or occur within the set trigger levels. What we have is a probabilistic guide based on historic patterns. This time could play out very differently or not play out at all. Regardless, all of the above findings help us gauge the probability of a recession with historic timeframes to watch. It leaves us better armed to make the necessary risk adjustments, particularly if the 10Y/3M yield curve un-inverts. Price is king, and at present, prices are pressing higher on most relevant market assets. From the above findings and the current positive market price action, it appears we have a little more time before being hauled into a longer-term correction or recession. I lean towards the later dates (2, 3, and 4 above) for this reason. Interestingly, many of my historic charts from months ago and last year suggested Jan/Feb 2025 (also option 2 above) as a very high-risk period. You can view these charts under the above specific chart on TradingView. This chart is your one-stop shop for checking recession trigger levels based on historic timeframes for both yield spreads. You can update this chart data anytime on my TradingView page with just one click. Be sure to follow me there to access a range of charts that will help you assess the direction of the economy and the market. Thanks again for coming along! Remember, you can check in on this chart and press play to get updated data at any time by clicking the link in the comments below or by following me on TradingView. Thanks PUKA
FRED:T10Y3M
by PukaCharts
5
ISM Manufacturing & ISM Services PMI Combined show trigger levelISM Manufacturing and ISM Services PMI Combined 🪢 This week the ISM PMI's were released as follows: 🚨ISM Manufacturing PMI = 47.2 (contractionary) ✅ISM Services PMI = 51.5 (expansionary) With both metrics offering mixed signals, I decided to make a chart that combines the ISM Manufacturing and ISM Services PMI into one dataset on the chart. Interestingly it provided a clean chart with many patterns to observe, and useful forward looking trigger levels to keep an eye on. Don't forget you can update on this chart data anytime on my TradingView page with one click. At present you can see that the data is compressed into a something resembling a "Darvas Box". I understand this not price but data, however this economic data is clearly in a compressed channel and appears uncertain in terms of a definitive direction. It has also never been in a pattern like this for this long in the past, which could mean a break out up or down is closer than it is further away. Prior patterns have demonstrated that break throughs of both diagonal and horizontal support lines has resulted in significant downward movements. This is evident on the chart and this is something we can watch out for should we break below the box. Consistent with past recession's the Combined PMI dropped below the 50 level (🔴red circles) way back in Dec 2022. Since then we have oscillated around the 50 level in the compressed box in indecisive fashion. Never has the data behaved specifically this way in the past, specifically for this long. There are no other compressed boxes of data lasting this long. At some stage the ISM Data will push the its way out of this box I have drawn and it could be a good indicator to observe for early signals of the direction of the economy in the U.S. as a whole (both services and manufacturing combined) As always, this chart in on my TradingView page, and you can click on it at any stage to get an updated reading on the chart so you can quickly get a visual update on the direction of the U.S. Economy via combined ISM PMI's. Enjoy PUKA
ECONOMICS:USBCOI
by PukaCharts
1
ISM Manufacturing New Order IndexMacro Monday (6) United States ISM Manufacturing New Order Index - ECONOMICS:USMNO This week I have honed in on the Institute of Supply Management Manufacturing New Orders Index (ISM New Orders Index) as it is the largest component of the headline Purchaser Managers Index(PMI) making up 30% of that index. I also make the case below for how it can act as leading indicator of demand by way of trend projection. The ISM New Orders Index is an indicator of U.S. economic activity based on a survey of more than 300 purchasing managers at manufacturing firms advising if orders have increased, decreased or stayed the same. Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates the expansion in the manufacturing sector which is interpreted as a positive indicator of economic growth. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction in the manufacturing sector which suggests a slowing economy. According to Investopedia "ISM data is considered to be a leading indicator of economic trends. Not only does the ISM Manufacturing Index report information on the prior two months, it outlines long-term trends that have been building over time based on prevailing economic conditions". The ISM reports are released on the first business day of each month for the month that has previously closed. Thus, they are some of the earliest indicators of current economic activity that investors and business people get regularly. ISM New orders provide an indication of current consumer demand. Utilizing a chart of New Orders readings we can attempt to understand the trend of consumer demand forward. ISM New Orders could be considered an additional gauge of consumer sentiment because if businesses are reporting increases in orders month over month, this demonstrates consumers have the consistently had the resources and the desire to spend. If this continues over months a trend can form and we can capture this direction on a chart. To support the ISM predictive argument I include a chart that illustrates a correlation between the ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, the latter of which is considered one of thee leading indicators for predicting future consumer spending/demand. This will be posted in the comments. According to the University of Michigan, the Consumer Sentiment Surveys "have proven to be an accurate indicator of the future course of the national economy." Based on the above correlation I postulate that we can use the ISM New Orders Index as an additional leading/predictive indicator to establish what direction consumer demand is trending. The ISM New Orders Chart Focusing on the ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index Chart you can see that a breach below the sub 50 level can act as a leading or affirming indicator of a slowing economy, lowering consumer demand/sentiment and ultimately recession. Orange Zone Historically If we enter into the orange area and stay there for greater than 7 months it has resulted in a recession every time except for 1966 and 1995 (8 out of 10 times). Some analysts have recognised and compared the similarities of the current period to the 1995/96 period. The similarities are evident on this chart with two touches or bounces from the red zone which appears to be happening at present. The August and September ISM New Orders reading will ultimately tell us if this will play out similar to 1995/96 or not. We know what to expect if it doesn’t. Red Zone Anytime we have entered into the red zone we have confirmed a recession. Its key to realise that recessions are typically assigned 8 months after they have started and this could mean we are already in one... Interestingly we have toe dipped into the red zone twice, in Feb and May 2023 however I do not see this as a definitive move into the red zone, I see these as bounces from this level as noted above. Moment of Truth for ISM New Orders What is clear from looking at the chart is that we are at a critical juncture as we have been 13 months in the orange zone which is a historic first. The coming months readings for August (released Sept) and September (released Oct) will be vitally important for providing an indication of the direction of the economy. A drop down into the red zone and you know what to expect. A rise out of the orange area and above the 50 level would be positive however we have been rejected from areas above 50 in the past (see red lines on chart). I have included some rough fractals from periods in the past (arrows in grey) where we were previously rejected from the 52 and 54 level only to be dumped back into the red and into recession. It’s great that we are aware of these potential false flags so that we don’t get ahead of ourselves. It’s important to note that these fractal examples from 1980, 1990 & 1967 are not projections, just observations from past readings on what may be possible. It only highlights that we need to be cautious, even if we rise above the 50 level, we can be rejected into recession from the 52 and the 54 level. This is why we need help from other charts and indicators to help gauge the likelihood of a continuation higher or rejection lower. Here on Macro Mondays we have been and will continue to build a portfolio of leading market charts/indicators that you can check for free on my Trading View and see how they are all progressing. These charts will include trigger events and will be updated as matters progress. The charts can help inform you of the direction of the economy, the market and help you anticipate or time any potential looming recession. Some prior charts and their indications to date (all linked under this article); Concerning Charts: o Macro Monday 2 – The 2/10 year Treasury Spread FRED:T10Y2Y : The current yield curve inversion on the 2/10 year Treasury Spread historically provided an advance warning of recession/capitulation in 2000, 2007 & 2020 however it provided us a wide 6 - 22 month window of time from the time the yield curve made its first definitive turn back up to the 0% level. September will be month 6 of that 6 – 22 month window and thus we are clearly entering dangerous territory. o Macro Monday 6 – ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index ECONOMICS:USMNO : Its clear from our chart shared today that the ISM New Orders Index is also entering into dangerous territory having been below the sub 50 level and in the orange zone for 13 months. This has never happened before without a recession, bar a lessor 12 month timeframe in the orange zone in 1995/96. The ISM Manufacturing New Orders readings for August and September will be vital indicators for the direction of the economy. o Macro Monday 4 – Global Net Liquidity Vs S&P 500 NYSE:GNL : We shared this chart on the 3rd July as an advance warning of an imminent and expected pull back in the $SPX500. A negative divergence was evident on the chart as Global Net liquidity was decreasing for 6 months from Jan – July 2023 and the S&P 500 increased over the same period. Please review the chart press play and see how accurate this call has been. GNL is currently signalling at minimum a continued correction over the months of Aug and Sept. Side Note: I am very aware of the Halloween effect in which markets rally into the months of October – December thus a pull back in Aug/Sept could end up being short term with a surge in the markets in October. The ISM reading for August (released in Sept) and September (released October) should help us gauge what outcome is more likely. Any increase/decrease in GNL will also offer insight over those months. Aside from this we should be aware of any Fiscal Stimulus that is announced as this would likely have a significant impact. I hope to cover Fiscal Stimulus in coming Macro Mondays, it’s a work in progress. Charts Demonstrating Strength: o Macro Monday 1 - Dow Jones Transportation Index ( DJ:DJT ): The transportation sector acts as a leading indicator as it is further up the value chain ahead of the final products being sold by companies in Dow Jones Industrial Average $DJI. It is similar to ISM Manufacturing New orders in this regard, ahead of or at point of sale execution. When the Dow Jones Industrial Average TVC:DJI is climbing higher while the DJT is falling (Negative Divergence), it can be a signal of economic weakness ahead, this occurred prior to March 2020 capitulation, making this a very valuable tool to have in our arsenal. - In our chart recently shared a positive weekly MACD cross gave us a heads up that price might break through strong resistance levels, which it in fact did. If we can make the prior resistance level support and bounce off the support, price could stretch to all-time highs at which point we can reassess. o Macro Monday 3 – SPDR Homebuilder Index AMEX:XHB : The Chart can be used as a leading indicator for the US housing market as the stocks in the XHB comprise of companies that provide the materials and products to build new houses and renovate homes. These products are higher up the supply chain and sold before construction commences or during. In the past the XHB chart provided a significant advance 12 month+ warning of the 2007 Great Financial Crisis which is illustrated in red on that chart. - Since sharing the chart price appears to be on course to testing its all time high and has a bullish MACD Cross on the monthly. This could also be a double top however historic positive MACD Cross performance suggests we have higher to go. Its looking positive. o Macro Monday 5 – Arca Major Markets Index (XMI): The XMI has proven itself as a leading indicator as it provided an advanced 9 month warning of the follow up recession/capitulation price action that initiated in Sept 2000 on the S&P 500. - Since we shared this chart it has broken above its all time highs and is currently resting on support. A bounce higher here would be confirmation of the uptrend, however this could be a false breakout which would be confirmed if we lost the support. This chart will be important to watch for the August – September period also, again highlighting just how important these 2 months are. Conclusion Its clear from all of the above charts that the price and readings for the months of August and September 2023 will be critical to determining the potentiality of a recession / market capitulation or for letting us know will there be continuation of climbing the wall of worry. Its clear that we are at an inflection point over the next 60 days. Based solely on the charts shared to date the fact that the DJT, XMI and XHB are still leaning bullish, I remain long term long until these charts break down or the GNL and ISM Manufacturing Index confirms to the downside. That does not mean that we can’t get a 10% ,15% or 20% pullback in the S&P over the next 60 days, this would not surprise me, however based on some of the charts I have shared previously I think it is probably that this will be a temporary pull back. This leans me towards thinking that if there is a hard landing, it will come later in 2024 or even 2025. If that view changes and the above positive charts pull back, ill be the first to let you know. Stay Nimble folks, August and September are decision time. PUKA
ECONOMICS:USMNO
by PukaCharts
2
Macro Monday 20 ~ The Philly Fed IndexMacro Monday 20 Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index While the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index (PFMI) is a regional report generated from surveys in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware by the Federal Reserve Bank, it is particularly useful as it provides an advance indication of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report which is released up to a week after the PFMI (the PMI surveys the entire US whilst the PFMI only surveys the regions mentioned above). The Philly Fed Index is released this Thursday 16th November 2023 and will provide an advance indication as to what to expect from the PMI released Friday 24th November 2023. Both are a review the prior months survey data, October 2023. The PFMI index dates back to 1968 and is similar to the PMI, the Federal Reserve completes surveys and asks businesses about new orders, shipments, employment, inventories and general business activity, prices paid, prices received, capital expenditures as well as future expectations for business. A reading= 0 is stagnation <0 = contraction >0 = expansion The current reading is -9 so we are contractionary territory. We did fall as low as -31.3 on the April 2023 release. The Chart The main indications from the chart are as follows: The Orange Zone ▫️ When the PFMI remains in the orange zone for >10 months it has always coincided with a Recession - We are in presently in this zone 16 months with 2 brief monthly jumps out of it. I think its safe to say we are 10 months+ in the orange zone which historically has always coincided with a recession. The Red Zone ▫️All Recessions confirmed a reading below -22 on the PFMI (this is below the red line into the red zone on the chart) - In April 2023 we hit a low of -31.3 which is well into the red zone (sub -22). We have since risen above the neutral 0 level to high of +12 in Aug 2023 however we have since fallen back down into the -13.5 (Sept) and -9 (Oct). The Nov Release is due this Thursday 16th Nov (and is actually the reading for Oct - released in Nov) Are we already in a mild Recession? You can see that in March 1970 we reached a similar PFMI level of -31.3, the same level as in April 2023 (there is a dashed red line to illustrate this on the chart). March 1970 was the middle of the 1969-70 Recession which was a mild recession that ran for 11 months from Dec 1969 – Nov 1970. Whilst it was a mild recession as to its impact on the general economy, there was till a 34% decline in the S&P500. The 1969-70 Recession has many similarities to some of our current economic predicaments, with the main factors leading to the 1970 recession being tighter monetary policy, rising oil prices, rising inflation, and slowing growth in Europe and Asia. Sound familiar? From Jan – Apr 2023 the Unemployment Rate was at the lowest levels seen since back in 1969 (at 3.4%). For 8 months (Sept 1968 – May 1969) the unemployment rate was down at 3.4%. We reached this level in January 2023 and oscillated there until April 2023 (only 4 months). Since then the Unemployment rate has risen sharply from 3.5% to 3.9% (July – Oct 2023). Interestingly, this move in the unemployment rate from 3.5% to 3.9% also happened from Dec 1969 to Jan 1970 and marked the start of the recession. Could this be an indicator that we stepped into a recession In July 2023? The orange zone and red zone on the chart are triggering a confirmation nod of a recession. During the recession of 1969-70 the unemployment rate topped at 6.08% in Nov 1970, this is something we have not seen yet however we seem to be trending upwards in that direction. Queue the 8th Dec 2023, the next Bureau of Labor Statistics Unemployment date release. The 1968-70 period was also burdened with high inflation with YOY CPI increasing from 2% - 6% in the 26 month period from Oct 1967 – Dec 1969. Similarly over a 25 month period from May 2020 – June 2022 CPI increased from 0% to 9.08%. The timeline of the 1969-70 inflation is quite similar, not exactly the same rate increase or timeline but similar all the same. Since June 2022 the CPI has come down to 3.7% as of Sept 2023. There are some broader similarities between the late 1960’s and early 1970’s to present day, the Vietnam war was raging and was receiving significant funding from the US government with many bills passed in support of the war effort. There was also significant poverty issues in the states as the war dragged on, and the awareness of money being spent on it was creating social discourse on the topic. Whilst the current situation of funding towards the Ukraine and Palestine conflicts is obviously very different, a similar awareness and disapproval is present as many domestic states are suffering with poverty. US President Johnson summarised the late 60’s quiet well in a 1966 speech stating that the nation could afford to spend heavily on both national security and social welfare — “both guns and butter”, as the old saying goes. Only in today’s circumstances only one of these seem to still be taking priority and it isn’t butter. I believe todays chart and post demonstrates a few things, that there is a high probability that we are already in a recession as of July 2023, however on a positive note the period we find ourselves in has many similarities to 1969-70 period, where the recession was a very bearable and mild one. With some luck, unemployment might top at 6.08% within 9 or 10 months like in 1970 and we will see a correction no greater than -34% on the S&P500 eventually. We already survived a 25% S&P500 decline from Dec 21 – Sept 2022. Minus 34% from our recent $4,580 high would put the S&P500 at approx. $3,000. Obviously there are no guarantees of any of these scenarios playing out, but at present we are certainly playing to the same tune as the 1969-70 period. PUKA
ECONOMICS:USPFMI
by PukaCharts
RECESSION PROABILITY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES JAN - JUN 202410Y/2Y Yield Spread & Unemployment Rate Originally shared back in July 2023 (see below charts) Its interesting to see that the yield curve is rising fast (up towards the 0 level) We are reaching into dangerous recessionary territory. No guarantees, just a significantly increased probability. Continuous jobless claims are reaching pre-recession warning levels in both time and volume. Meaning more and more people are becoming unemployed and remaining unemployed for longer. More info in links below. The average interest rate pause timeframe is closing in fast at June 2024 also(Contained in Charts below also). Its time to pay very close attention. The initial 6 months of this year Stay safe out there PUKA
FRED:T10Y2Y
by PukaCharts
Macro Monday 9~ Initial Jobless Claims MACRO MONDAY 9 Initial Jobless Claims Historical Analysis and Important upcoming levels Initial claims are new jobless claims filed by U.S. workers seeking unemployment compensation, included in the unemployment insurance weekly claims report. "Initial claims" refers to the government report on the number of workers applying for unemployment benefits for the first time following job loss First-time jobless claims can be a useful leading indicator because elevated numbers tend to lead to further economic weakness, and to decline ahead of a recovery Initial claims show the recent layoffs trend and does not a full picture of the labor market however it can provide more frequent data points indicating the trend in layoffs based on the recent decisions of U.S. employers. The layoffs trend can be particularly telling at economic turning points. With that in mind lets look at the chart and its historic patterns. The Chart The chart looks complicated but is incredibly simple and can be summarised as follows. - Recessions are in red - Increases to Initial Jobless Claims prior to recessions are in blue - It is clear that prior to recessions Jobless Claims typically increase but for how long and by what amount? - The min/max increase in claims prior to recession is between 35k - 127k - The min/max timeframe of increasing claims prior to recession is 7 - 23 months - The average of the above is a 71k claims increase over a 14 month period. - At present we are below that average at 49k increase over 11 months @ 230,000 claims. - I have set out levels on the chart for us to monitor going forward in line with the min and max claims amounts and timelines as above. We can monitor these levels on trading view going forward just by pressing play and seeing if we are nearing or hitting the indicative levels. - Once we reach the average increase amount at 252k or the average timeline of 14 months in Nov 2023, we are entering into higher risk recession territory. Currently, the max increase in claims prior to recession is projected to be at the level of 308,000 (based on historic claims) and the max timeframe is out to Aug 2024 (based on historic timeframes) thus indicating that between Nov 2023 and Aug 2024, subject to continued increasing initial claims (above the average level of 252,000) it is probable that there will be a recession within this time window (Not guaranteed). If initial claims fall below their recent low of 200,000 I believe this might invalidate the possibility of a recession or at least have a significant lagging effect on time horizon. At present this outcome seems unlikely but anything is possible and we can monitor this on an ongoing basis. The current yield curve inversion on the 2/10 year Treasury Spread provided advance warning of recession/capitulation prior to all of the above recessions however it provided us a wide 6 - 22 month window of time from the time the yield curve made its first definitive turn back up to the 0% level (See Macro Monday 2). September will be the 6th month of that 6 – 22 month window and thus we are closing in on dangerous territory very fast. From reviewing initial jobless claims we can see how from Nov 2023 we are stepping into a higher risk zone on this chart also (subject to continued higher increases in claims). Should we have claims higher than the average of 252,000 we will be confirming another step towards a higher risk of a recession. Factoring in yield curve inversion and the initial jobless claims we could consider the months of Sept-Oct 2023 as Risk level 1 (yield curve inversion time window opens) and Nov-Dec 2023 as stepping into a higher Risk Level 2 (Jobless claims average timeframe hit). Should the yield curve continue to move up towards being un-inverted and should Jobless Claims increase then Jan 2024 forward could be considered a higher Risk level 3. Adding to the above concerns is that M2 Money supply is still reducing (Macro Monday 8) and Global Net Liquidity is continuing to reduce (Macro Monday 4) as the S&P 500 is hitting a major resistance zone when accounting for M2 money supply (Macro Monday 8). At present it is clear that liquidity is reducing both globally and in the US. Currently fiscal stimulus appears to be filling the gaps and may be causing additional lagging effects to the changes we have seen imposed by Federal Reserve (balance sheet reduction and increased interest rates). Keep in mind that the Fed is also targeting higher unemployment to help quell the effects of inflation thus adding to the relevance of the Initial Jobless Claims numbers. Continued jobless claims are another metric that is not covered here today. Continued Jobless Claims accounts for the continuation of claims over a time period, thus indicating that those workers who made the first “Initial claims” have remained unemployed thereafter and have not managed to get new work. We might cover this in a future Macro Monday. Let me know if you want it sooner than later? We need all the help we can find in managing risk going forward and I hope all these charts can help you with that. We can monitor all these charts on my trading view just by pressing play and seeing where things are going. Regardless ill be providing updates along the way. Be safe out there PUKA
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ECONOMICS:USIJC
by PukaCharts
37
MACRO MONDAY 11~ Cont. Jobless Claims MACRO MONDAY 11 Continued Jobless Claims ECONOMICS:USCJC Continued Jobless Claims are the continued unemployment benefits claimed by workers who made their first “Initial claim” and remained unemployed in the weeks that followed. In other words, Initial Jobless Claims account for only the people that claimed their first week of unemployment benefit whilst Continued Jobless Claims accounts for people who continued to seek their unemployment benefit into week 2 and subsequent weeks. In order to be classified as a continuing claim, an unemployed individual must be unemployed for at least one week after filing an initial claim. They will be removed from the metric when they return to work. Whilst continuous claims do provide an aggregate of accumulating unemployment numbers over time, initial claims are reported sooner and considered more important to financial markets. Regardless there is a clear historic pattern on the Continued Claims Chart that demonstrates that continued jobless claims increase prior to recessions, and at present we are reaching higher than historical averages that have preceded recessions. The Chart The chart can be summarized as follows: - Recessions are in red - Increases in Continuous Jobless Claims prior to recessions are in blue - It is clear that prior to recessions Continuous Jobless Claims typically increase but for how long and by what amount? - The min/max increase in claims prior to recession is between 218k - 614k - The min/max timeframe of increasing claims prior to recession is 6 – 21 months - The average of the above is a 424k claim increase over a 11 month period. - At present we are now at the avg. 11 months time period and sit at an increase of 380k, however we exceeded 520k in continuous claims increases in Apr 2023. This obviously means since April 2023 continuous claims have reduced however the reduction is marginal against the larger move. - I have set out levels on the chart for us to monitor going forward in line with the min and max claims amounts and timelines as above. We can monitor these levels on trading view going forward just by pressing play and seeing if we are nearing or hitting the indicative levels. - If we reach the average increase amount at >424k AGAIN we are entering into higher risk of recession territory. We are already in month 11 of increases to continuous claims which is the average timeframe prior to a recession commencing. To be exact it is approx. 11.5 months therefore the 2ndhalf of the month of September is where we step into a higher risk level. Currently, the max increase in claims prior to recession is projected to be at a level of 1.928 million (based on historic claims) and the max timeframe is out to Jun 2024 (based on historic timeframes) thus indicating that between Aug 2023 and Jun 2024, subject to ongoing increasing continuous claims (holding above the average level of 1.734 million) it is probable that there will be a recession within this 11 month time window (Not guaranteed). If continuous claims fall below their minimum historic pre-recession level of 1.51 million I believe this might invalidate the possibility of a recession or at least have a significant lagging effect on time horizon. At present this outcome seems unlikely but anything is possible and we can monitor this on an ongoing basis. We now have a number of charts demonstrating that from Sept 2023 to Mar/Apr 2024 we have a significantly increased probability of recession. These charts were shared just a few days ago if want to have a look. These charts are as follows: 1. The current yield curve inversion on the 2/10 year Treasury Spread provided advance warning of recession/capitulation prior to all of the recessions outlined on the below chart however it provided us with a wide 6 - 22 month window of time from the time the yield curve made its first definitive turn back up to the 0% level. Sept 2023 is the 6th month of that 6 – 22 month window. The 22nd month is Jan 2025. The average time before a recession after the yield curve starts to turn up is 13 months or April 2024. - Based on this chart it is clear that there is substantially increased recession risk between Sept 2023 – April 2024. 2. Interest Rate Hike & S&P500 chart (Macro Monday 8). In the event that the Federal Reserve is pausing rates from Sept 2023, historic timelines of major hike cycles suggest a 7 month pause like in 2000 or a 16 month pause in line with 2007 (an avg. of both is c.11 months). For reference COVID-19’s rate pause was for 6 months. - 6 months from now would be March 2024 and 16 months from now would be Nov 2024. The average of both Jun 2024. - Based on this chart it is clear again that there is substantially increased recession risk between Sept 2023 – March 2024 of recession, increasing again thereafter from May onwards. 3. Initial Jobless Claims are currently increasing and are reaching pre-recessionary levels. If initial jobless claims surpasses its historic pre-recession averages of 252,000 of increased claims and if claims continue to increase past Nov 2023, this suggests we are entering into a much higher risk of recession. - Whilst this chart is not indicating the Sept 2023 to Mar/Apr 2024 time window as the two charts above are, it may present a date within that window of time from Nov 2023 forward (subject to continued increases). 4. Today’s chart Continuing Jobless Claims suggests that we have broken past both the increase in claims average of 424k (to 1.734 mln) and we are into month 11 which is the average timeframe of increases prior to recession commencement. - Todays chart is suggesting we are already in a recession or have just started into one. Another breach back above the 1.734 mln level (average level) would be a good confirmation signal that the risk of recession remains on the table. With this in mind it is important to recognize that on average official declaration of recession can be declared up to 8 months after a recession has started, so we should be on the look out for indications of a recession starting (without the official declaration). Today’s chart and the above charts suggest the following: 1. Significantly increased risk of recession from the 2nd half of September 2023: - 2/10 year Treasury Spread 6 – 22 month recession risk window opens from Sept 2023. - Average timeframe of increases in continuous jobless claims prior to recession is from the 2nd week in September. - The last time the Federal Reserve paused interest rates, the COVID-19 crash occurred 6 months later. 6 months from a Sept 2023 pause would be March 2024. 2. The Recession Risk increase higher from Nov 2023 - Average timeframe of increases in Initial Jobless Claims prior to recession is hit. Adding to the above concerns is that M2 Money supply is still reducing (Macro Monday 8) and Global Net Liquidity is continuing to reduce (Macro Monday 4) as the S&P 500 is hitting a major resistance zone when accounting for M2 money supply (Macro Monday 8). At present it is clear that liquidity is reducing both globally and in the US. Currently fiscal stimulus appears to be filling the gaps and may be causing additional lagging effects to the changes we have seen imposed by Federal Reserve (balance sheet reduction and increased interest rates). Keep in mind that the Fed is also targeting higher unemployment to help quell the effects of inflation thus adding to the relevance of the Initial Jobless Claims and continuous jobless claims numbers. We can monitor these charts on my trading view just by pressing play and seeing where things are going. Regardless ill be providing updates along the way of claims releases and other important data. Be safe out there as we enter into a high risk zone (no guarantees) PUKA
ECONOMICS:USCJC
by PukaCharts
2
MACRO MONDAY 28 ~ Discretionary Index Vs Staples IndexMacro Monday 28 – Discretionary Vs Staples Today we are going to look at the following two very interesting SPDR Indexes and their relationship to one another to help us understand where the U.S. consumer is at present. SPDR Select Sector Funds (“SPDE SSF”) 1. Consumer Discretionary SPDR Fund AMEX:XLY 2. Consumer Staples SPDR Fund AMEX:XLP For reference the SPDR (AKA the Spider) is a short form name for a “Standard & Poor's Depository Receipt”, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) managed by State Street Global Advisors that tracks the Standard & Poor's 500 index CBOE:SPX What are Discretionary Expenses? Discretionary expenses are defined as “a cost that a business or household can survive without, if necessary”. These are the nonessentials like meals at restaurants, entertainment costs, vacations and 50” flat screen TV’s. What’s in the SPDR Consumer Discretionary Index? The SPDR Consumer Discretionary Index seeks to provide focused exposure to companies that provide discretionary nonessential services or produces such as hotels, restaurants and leisure; textiles, apparel and luxury goods; household durables; automobiles; automobile components; distributors; leisure products; and diversified consumer services. The SPDR Consumer Discretionary Index top 10 holdings are: 1. Amazon 22.62% 2. Tesla 17.76% 3. McDonalds 4.63% 4. Home Depot 4.58% 5. Nike 3.80% 6. Lowes Cos 3.70% 7. Booking 3.62% 8. Starbucks Corp 3.24% 9. TJX Companies 3.22% 10. Chipotle 1.85% Now we understand exactly what the SPDR Consumer Discretionary Index is and what its main components are. We know that the index itself is driven by stock prices from a collection of companies that offer discretionary services and products in the U.S. Now lets have a look at the SPDR Consumer Discretionary Chart Chart 1 – SPDR Consumer Discretionary - AMEX:XLY At a glance the chart demonstrates the following: ▫️ In December 2007 price fell below the 200 Week Moving Average (WMA) which coincided with the exact date the Great Financial Crisis commenced (from Dec 2007 – June 2009). ▫️ Interestingly price got back above the 200 WMA in February 2010, 8 months after the recession had ended. ▫️ Since 2009 Consumer Discretionary spending appears to be in a general up trend with a lot of volatility in recent years however still in an uptrend. ▫️ The 200 WMA is still rising and sloping upwards, and price is now back above it which indicates strength. ▫️ Recently we made a potential lower higher and this is something we should look to confirm over the coming months. Should we break higher this would be obviously bullish, another lower high and we know to be cautious. ▫️ In the event we breach the 200 WMA, we should start to get more cautious. This has occurred twice since 2020 and price got back above the 200 WMA however we are very aware that a breach of the 200 WMA can signal a recession as it did so accurately in Dec 2007. ▫️ If we fall below the “INITIAL SUPPORT” marked on the chart, consider this an initial serious warning. ▫️ If we breach the “MUST HOLD SUPPORT” this would be extremely bearish. - you will see that volatility to the downside on Consumer Discretionary can be quiet something in our comparison charts below. It is worth noting the level of increased volatility since 2018 on the chart. We have not really seen anything like it before dating back to 1998. Lets move onto the Consumer Staples and see what they are, what they consist of and what the chart is telling us here. What are Staples? The term consumer staples refers to a set of essential products used by consumers. This category includes things like foods and beverages, household goods, and hygiene products as well as alcohol and tobacco. These goods are those products that people are unable—or unwilling—to cut out of their budgets regardless of their financial situation. What’s in the SPDR Consumer Staples Index? The SPDR Consumer Staples Index seeks to provide a focused exposure to companies that providing consumer staples distribution & retail; household products; food products; beverages; tobacco; and personal care products industries in the U.S. The SPDR Consumer Staples Index top 10 holding are: 1. Proctor & Gamble 14.11% 2. Costco Wholesale 11.56% 3. Pepsico 9.49% 4. Coca Cola 9.36% 5. Philip Morris Int 4.54% 6. Walmart 4.53% 7. Mondelez Int 4.47% 8. Altria Group 3.40% 9. Colgate Palmolive 3.06% 10. Target 3.00% We now know exactly what the SPDR Consumer Staples Index is and what its main components are. We know that the index itself is driven by stock prices from a collection of companies that offer Consumer Staple services and products in the U.S. Products/services people cannot do without, products they need day to day. Now lets have a look at the Chart Chart 2 – SPDR Consumer Staples Index AMEX:XLP At a glance the chart demonstrates the following: ▫️ The high in Consumer Staples in Dec 2007 coincided with the beginning of the Great Financial Crisis. In Chart 1 above on Consumer Discretionary we seen that a breach of the 200 WMA coincided with Dec 2007 GFC. Both charts demonstrated some synchronicity in advising caution from Dec 2007 forward. ▫️ Nine months later in Sept 2008 a lower high formed in Staples and after that the lower support line was lost following which capitulation occurred. I have marked up a similar “MUST HOLD SUPPORT” line for the current price structure. We have made a lower high similar to 2008. A breach above that lower high would be bullish, continued lower highs would indicate weakness. ▫️ Since 2009 Consumer Staples still appear to be in a general up trend with increased volatility in recent years however still in an uptrend. ▫️ The 200 WMA is still rising and sloping upwards, and price is now back above it now again which indicates strength. ▫️ All the same levels are apparent here as above in Chart 1. The 200 WMA, the “INITIAL SUPPORT” and the “MUST HOLD SUPPORT”. Now that we are familiar with the charts, their price history, the important levels to watch and some synchronicities, lets have a look at how these charts compare when you line them up together on the same scale. Chart 3 – Discretionary versus Staples SUBJECT CHART AT TOP OF ARTICLE We will take three main things away from this chart: 1. The big obvious finding on the chart is just the extent at which the Consumer Discretionary Index (orange) has risen above Consumer Staples(blue). This wide gap between the orange and blue lines is really stark and it appears it may be starting to close. 2. Historically Consumer Discretionary (orange) revisits and falls lower than Consumer Staples (Blue), particularly during recessions. We have a long way to go for this to happen again. See Chart 1 and Chart 2 above for important support levels to watch (for both). 3. Consumer Discretionary (Orange) started to make a series of lower highs prior to the Great Financial Crisis (see black arrow on chart), something similar may be occurring now. We are also already aware that Consumer Discretionary fell below the 200 WMA in exactly December 2007 which was the first month of the Great Financial Crisis. This is also the exact date when Consumer Staples topped in 2007. At present Consumer Staples made a top in April 2022 and Consumer Discretionary made a potential lower high in Dec 2023, however it has not fallen below and remained below the 200 WMA (making this a key line in the sand to watch going forward). Chart 4 – The Relative Strength of Consumer Discretionary In this chart I just wanted to illustrate the relative strength of the Consumer Discretionary over the Consumer Staples over the longer term. You can create this chart by inserting XLY/XLP into TradingView. As you can see this chart has been trending up and to the right since 2008. Discretionary spending appears to be on a long term uptrend and this is worth noting as a long term potential shift towards spending on services, experiences and higher end electronics. Technology Index’s in prior Macro Mondays are showing strength and we have to consider that if we do not breach the important support levels marked in Chart 1 and Chart 2 above, we may have a secular shift in spending habits towards discretionary (until support levels are broken). Granted this may be the least probable and least accepted view given recession fears, liquidity concerns and the yield curve un-inversion likely to occur in 2024. We do however need to keep an open mind, a COVID-19 type event might bring us down to the bottom trend line only to bounce off it after another stimulus hits the market. If we lost that lower support line, we can say unequivocally that the secular trend of discretionary spending strength is over. We now have a two more Indexes to watch that give us a good idea of the impact consumer spending is having on companies in the marketplace. We have our levels to watch and a good understanding of the risks and potential trends. Use it wisely. All my charts are on TradingView and you can revisit them at any time and press play to see have we breached any important levels to the upside or downside. Thanks for reading. PUKA
AMEX:XLP
by PukaCharts
2
Macro Monday 19~Nonfarm Payrolls Macro Monday 19 Total Non-Farm Payrolls: Pre-Recession Observations What is Non-Farm Payroll? The nonfarm payroll measures the number of workers in the U.S. includes 80% of US workers. The figures exclude farm workers (Nonfarm) and workers in several other job classifications such as military and non-profit employees. Data on nonfarm payrolls is collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and it is included in the monthly Employment Situation report (the “Employment Report”) which includes two surveys, the Household Survey, and the Establishment Survey. Nonfarm Payroll is included in the latter the Establishment Survey. The Establishment Survey gathers data from approximately 122,000 nonfarm businesses and government agencies for some 666,000 work sites and about one-third of all payroll workers. Anyone on the payroll of a surveyed business during that reference week, including part-time workers and those on paid leave, is included in the count used to produce an estimate of total U.S. nonfarm payrolls The Full Employment Report is released by the BLS on the first Friday of each month at 8:30 AM ET and reflects the previous month's data. The Chart ▫️ The Chart highlights the last four recessions (red shaded areas) ▫️ The aim of the chart is to identify what Non-Farm Payroll movement occurred prior to each recession (in the blue shaded areas) so that we create a gauge that identifies the early warning signals of such recessions. ▫️ From reviewing the data (illustrated in the data chart), prior to each recession there was a either a confirmed decline in Non-Farm Payrolls prior to recession or an increase of less than 0.0300 mln in Non-Farm Payrolls prior to recession (a tapering off or sideways move). This was evident prior to all four recessions reviewed. Main Findings: 1. The four most recent recessions all seen a decline in Non-Farm Payrolls prior to recession or an increase of less than 0.030 mln in Non-Farm Payrolls prior to recession (the “Signal”). Advance notice of recession was 1 to 12 months depending on recession (final column) 2. Currently we do not have a decline or an increase of less than 0.030 mln in Non-Farm Payrolls thus suggesting we do not have an advance recession warning triggering at present. 3. From a review of the data chart we are now aware that a pre-recession signal can trigger and provide us with 1 months advance notice or 12 months advance notice. In the event the parameters of number 1 above are met to provide a Signal, we can then add this chart/metric as a recession warning chart. Breakdown of Each Recession Signal (signal defined in 1 above): ▫️ The 1990 recession gave us a 1 month advance warning of recession. ▫️ The 2000 recession provided 2 advance warnings (2 & 3 in the chart), one signal gave us a 9 month heads up and the other a 3 month advance notice. ▫️ Similarly, the GFC 2007 recession provided 2 advance warnings (4 & 5 in the chart), one gave us 5 month advance warning, and the second was the signal the recession had started. ▫️ COVID-19 provided a 12 month advance warning with a decline registered from Jan – Feb in 2019. Side Note: Interestingly this has some alignment with last week’s chart on Durable goods. In Feb 2019 one year before the COVID-19 Crash the Durable Goods Moving Average provided an advanced sell/recession signal, and whilst the S&P500 did rally c.13.5% after the signal over the subsequent 12 months, the S&P500 ultimately fell 23% thereafter in a matter of months taking back all those gains and more. Durable Goods is also included in the Establishment Survey so maybe it should come as no surprise that we have synchronicity between both charts on the COVID Crash. The Durable goods chart is also not presently signaling a recession similar to this Nonfarm payroll chart. Both charts appear to demonstrate some resiliency in the employment market (echoing Jerome Powell's sentiment that Employment is tight). False Signals ▫️ Unfortunately there are a number of false signals throughout the chart whereby a decline in payrolls or an increase of less than 0.0300 mln is observed with no follow up recession however most of these false signals are either 1 month in duration or happened in the direct follow up years after the recession slump (when a recession is no longer of concern). Regardless, for this reason the Non-Farm Payrolls Recession Signal cannot be utilized as a standalone indicator, we need other charts and data to help identify the risk of recession. ▫️ Other data should be utilized in conjunction with Non-Farm Payrolls such as the following closely aligned charts all of which are show concerning pre-recession patterns in one way or another; 1. Total Non-Farm Layoffs and Discharges 2. Total Nonfarm Job Openings 3. US Continuing Jobless Claims 1. Total Non-Farm Layoffs and Discharges is signaling a similar trend to the 2007 Great Financial Crisis were there was an initial increase of c.450k (up to the first peak) and eventually a total increase of c.885k from lows to peak recession high. - At present we are trending upwards and had an initial peak of c.507k (it could be the only peak or the initial peak, time will tell). 2. Total Nonfarm Job Openings is signaling a significant decline in job openings much larger than the prior two instances where job opening declines led to recession. - A quick glance at the chart and you can see that we have exceeded the typically level required for recession and exceeded the typical timeframe (using GFC and COVID as reference points). 3. US Continuing Jobless Claims -Prior to the last 8 recessions the average increase in cont. claims was a 424k increase over an average timeframe of 11 months. - Since Sept 2022 Cont. Claims have increased from c.1.3m to 1.818m (an increase of c.518k over a 13.5 month period). We are above both pre-recession averages number of increase and time. In summary: ▫️ Last week’s Durable Goods Chart and this week’s Nonfarm payrolls chart are not triggering a recession warning at present. Both charts appear to emphasize a resilient labor market. ▫️ In stark contrast all three of the additional charts I provided above are incredibly concerning on the recession probability front. In particular Cont. claims , the most concerning of the bunch, is surpassing all pre-recession averages, highlighting that people are finding it harder to recover from a job loss and find a new job. This chart alone would suggest that the labor market is beginning to significantly soften. ▫️ Over the past week we have also had an update to the Purchaser Managers Index which declined further into contractionary territory from 49.0 to 46.7 (est. 49.0). Another signal towards a softening labor market. ▫️ It would be remiss of me not mention that I have seen a Month Over Month (MoM) Chart of the Nonfarm payrolls doing the rounds and it appears to illustrate a softening and slowing of labor conditions (will share in the comments). Such a trend could translate to a gradual tapering and/or decline on our monthly Nonfarm chart over time. When you consider all of the above, you would have to expect a market decline is around the corner but also expect some continued lag before we see it due to those few charts that are not even showing the pre-recession signals, never mind an actual recession signal. The charts holding out are Durable Goods, Nonfarm Payrolls and ill throw in Major Market Index TVC:XMI as a complimentary chart that has not lost its support as of yet. We are also aware that the Dow Theory has confirmed a bear market and has been expecting a market rally before bear trend continuation (the sell into rally). All the same these moving parts can change and pivot so we have to keep an open mind but its hard not to lean very cautiously as it stands. We can keep an eye on these final charts that remain defiant as they may be the final strongholds and provide us with the final warnings in the event of.... As always folks stay nimble out there PUKA
FRED:PAYEMS
by PukaCharts
Macro Monday 17~Bear Market Confirmed? Macro Monday 17 The Dow Theory Confirms Bear Market Today’s post may be thee most important Macro Monday of 2023 as it may be a key moment where we received technical confirmation of a change to a bear trend. What’s Got Me Rustled? Manuel Blay, the lead economist and editor from the Dow Theory has recently confirmed an S&P500 bear trend change to his subscribers. Why is this so important? Historically, the Dow Theory has provided some of the best signals for market participants. From 1920 to 1975 the Dow Theory signals captured 68% of the moves in the Industrial & Transportation Averages and 67% of those in the S&P 500 Composite Index. Over recent years I have been keeping an eye on The Dow Theory’s predictions and they were one of the few who signalled a warning in early 2001 before the Dot.Com Crash in Sept 2001, and they signalled a warning prior to March 2020 COVID-19 Crash. They were also one of the few who turned bullish on the market from November 2022 when bears were out in their droves. The Dow Theory has a proven track record of outperforming the stock market with significant drawdown reduction (less skin in the game during downturn periods). The Dow Theory is one thee most top ranked investment letters and people will pay very close attention to this recent release by Manuel Blay. What is Dow Theory and How Does It Work? There are many elements to the Dow Theory and I am going to try and explain some of the basics with the help of some charts. In basic terms the Dow Theory is a technical framework that predicts when the market is in an upward trend if one of its averages (Such as Dow Jones Transportation Average) advances above a previous important high, accompanied or followed by a similar advance in another corresponding average (such as Dow Jones Industrial Average). The theory is predicated on the notion that the market discounts everything, consistent with the Efficient Market Hypothesis. Efficient Market Hypothesis is something I live by, it is the hypothesis that states that share prices reflect all information, price being the aggregation of everything that’s happening. Price over everything, over the news and any other outside factors. Consistent alpha generation is possible focusing only on price. This hypothesis chants “the market knows best” or “trust the intelligence of the market/price”). The Dow Theory uses a combination of markets to help achieve agreement for the overall market trend using price. In such a paradigm, different market indices must confirm each other in terms of price action and volume patterns until trends reverse. This means that one chart can lead another. It also means that if multiple charts are confirming a particular trend, this adds weight to the probability that that the new price direction is the new trend. This is important to understand as today we will see that out of the four most common charts used by the Dow Theory, three of them are confirming the bear trend and the fourth is leaning bearish (the final confirmation outstanding). “The Dow Theory for the 21st Century” by Jack Schannep should be your go for a more detailed understanding of the Dow Theory or visit the TheDowTheory.com and become a subscriber. The Bearish Signals are here As noted above the Dow Theory mainly focuses on the price movements of four major market indices all of which we will individually cover on today’s Macro Monday: 1. S&P500 – Three Bearish Signals 2. Dow Jones Industrial Average Index – Three Bearish Signals 3. Dow Jones Transportation Average Index – Three Bearish Signals 4. NYSE Arca Major Markets Index – Two Bearish Signals (one pending) S&P500 - SP:SPX The price and price structure on the S&P500 chart has provided us with 3 key bearish confirmations (see Chart 1 Above) Dow Jones Industrial Average Index - TVC:DJI The DJI is significantly more bearish than the S&P500 as it failed to make a new high since its high in Jan 2022 whilst the S&P500 broke to new highs in July 2023. We could consider this as a negative divergence with the DJI providing us an advance warning due to its failure to establish a new high in July 2023, instead it confirmed a lower high. The price and price structure on the TVC:DJI Chart has provided us with 3 key bearish confirmations also (see Chart 2 Below). Dow Jones Transportation Average Index - DJ:DJT Similar to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), the DJT also confirmed a lower high in July 2023 compounding the bearish signal already observed in the DJI. These could also be considered double tops with a lower high for the latter two. The price and price structure on the TVC:DJI Chart has provided us with 3 key bearish confirmations also (see Chart 3 Below). NYSE Arca Major Markets Index - TVC:XMI Similar to the S&P500 the XMI chart made a higher high in July 2023 however this was a false break out followed by a throw over with price then falling through the 21 week moving average. The price and price structure on the TVC:XMI Chart has provided us with 2 key bearish confirmations with the third pending confirmation, however with the 21 week moving average sloping downwards and with the three other charts above already having breached the diagonal resistance line, it is highly probable that the XMI will follow suit and breach its diagonal support line (see Chart 4 Below). As you can see all charts are strongly suggesting that we have started to turn into bearish trend and all have an heir of a double top pattern. To be clear, this is using the Dow Theory approach which historically has been very effective at getting us on the right side of probability but there are no guarantees, there are times the Dow Theory has been completely wrong. Given that three of the charts are in complete agreement with the fourth looking liking to confirm a similar bearish path, probability strongly in the favour of the bears. For those who appreciate this theory they would now start to make some changes to their portfolios to protect themselves from a drawdown event, as noted in the introduction protection from drawdown events is where The Dow Theory really shines. The Halloween Effect might fool us all The Halloween effect on the markets is based on the historical tendency for the stock market to perform better between Halloween Oct and May Day (the "winter" months) than in the other six months of the year ("summer" months). It closely related to the oft-repeated advice to sell in May and go away. In particular the months of Oct – Dec are some of the best return months impacted by the Halloween effect. I will follow up with a chart in the comments that illustrate the % return of the Halloween effect versus the summer months. In the past the Dow Theory and other market indicators have provided confirmation of a bear trend and the market has made higher highs thereafter only to be thrown over into a longer bear market many months later confirming the original bear trend thesis. The point being is that it is probable we are going to see some impact from the Halloween Effect and this could in fact press prices higher in the short term, and in some cases we can even make higher highs. We need to be extremely cautious if we make reasonable progress during the Halloween Effect period, perhaps this could be seen as an opportunity to take some profits and de-risk some of your portfolio. I have covered the XMI, DJT, XMI and DJI charts in detail previously on Tradingview and here. Please review them if you would like to get more familiar with their components and historical performance. As always folks, stay nimble in this market and reduce risk where possible PUKA
SP:SPX
by PukaCharts
2
Macro Monday 14~Unemployment Rate Rise Macro Monday 14 US Employment Rate Pre-Recession Indications The Unemployment Rate tells us how many people in the United States are currently without a job and actively looking for one. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates and reports the unemployment rate. In basic terms it consists of the following; Survey: The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts a regular survey of a sample of households across the country. They ask people whether they are working or actively trying to find work. Calculation: Based on the survey results, the Bureau calculates the percentage of people who are unemployed (those without jobs but actively seeking employment) compared to the total number of people in the labor force (those who are either employed or actively looking for work). Reporting: This percentage is then reported as the unemployment rate. For example, if 5 out of every 100 people in the labor force are unemployed, the unemployment rate would be 5%. At present the Unemployment rate is 3.8%. In simple terms, the unemployment rate is a way to gauge how many people are struggling to find jobs in the United States. In this respect it is an important economic indicator that helps us and policy makers understand the health of the job market. The Chart In today’s chart I will be analysing the history of the Unemployment Rate and how it has behaved both before and during recessions. The aim of the analysis is to help us understand the distinct pre-recession patterns and levels that occur prior to recession so that we can prepare ourselves should these levels be breached or these patterns play out again. These historic levels will be placed on the chart for you to monitor from today forward. Chart Outline: 1. Recessions are the red zones (also numbered & labelled 1 – 12 and on the chart itself) 2. Increases in the Unemployment Rate prior to recession are in blue. - These blue zones start at the lowest level the Unemployment Rate established prior to the recession periods in red. - Basis points (bps) have been used to show the change in the value within the blue zones (pre-recession zones) e.g. recession No. 2 The Great Financial Crisis had a pre-recession Unemployment Rate increase from 4.39% - 5.00% which is a 0.61% increase in the unemployment rate or a 61 bps increase. - Peaks: I have also included peak bps increases within these pre-recession periods (within the blue zones). These are times that the Unemployment Rate peaked higher but reduced thereafter but a recession still followed. Chart Findings: 1. In 10 out of 12 of the recessions outlined the Unemployment Rate increased in advance of the on-coming recession (in the blue zones) demonstrating that initial early increases to the Unemployment Rate can act as an early recession warning signal: - An average increase of 33.5 bps over an average timeframe of 7.3 months is observed pre-recession. - The maximum increase in the pre-recession blue zones was 71bps over 8 months. This max increase was observed prior to 1980 Volcker/Energy Recession no. 6 on the chart (this increase was from 5.59% to 6.30% in the Unemployment Rate itself – a 71bps increase). This recession was induced by Fed Chair Paul Volcker’s sudden increase to interest rates much like those that have been imposed by Jerome Powell over recent months (Volcker was appointed in Aug 1979 and got to work quick). - The max timeframe for a rising Unemployment Rate prior to recession was 16 months. This was prior to the The Gulf War Recession, no. 4 on the chart (which was considered a short 8 month softer recession). This max 16 month pre-recession timeframe has been marked on the chart to May 2024 in correspondence with today’s pre-recession blue zone timeline – so we know where a max timeline would put us (not a prediction). - 2 out of 12 times the Unemployment Rate did not increase prior to recession however it did not decrease either, it based at 0 bps or no change (No.1 COVID-19 Crash and No. 5 The Iran/Energy Crisis Recession). Whilst the Unemployment Rate did not increase, they did temporarily peak higher within the blue zones by 10 bps (No. 1) and 31 bps (No.5) demonstrating the importance of peaks and bases formed prior to an Unemployment rate ramp up and recession. I found the peak increases interesting to include because they illustrate that the Unemployment Rate can oscillate peaking higher temporarily only to form a higher low or return to its starting point, but a peak, if significant enough could be a telling indicator. The most notable peaks are the following; 62 bps (no. 12), 61 bps (no. 9), 60 bps (no. 10), 30 bps (No. 8), 31bps (No. 5) and only 10 bps (No. 2) for the COVID Crash. All of these peaks reduced thereafter within their pre-recession blue zones but a recession still ensued. A sudden increase in the unemployment rate should be taken seriously. I will include a subsequent data table chart that outlines these peaks and all other data utilized for Chart 1’s illustration and findings. We are currently in dangerous territory as we have passed the average timeframe of 7.3 months of increases to the Unemployment Rate and the Unemployment Rate increased by 40 bps over that period which is higher than the historical average of 33.5bps. We have surpassed both averages. The max historical pre-recession increase is 71 bps (No. 6) so this is a level to watch going forward. This translates to a level of 4.11% in the Unemployment Rate (marked on the chart). Similar to today’s Unemployment Rate level, there are two very similar instances in the past where the Unemployment Rate increased from c.3.4% to c.3.8% prior to recession (See RED ARROWS on chart). These both took 7 – 10 months to play out with a 10 – 42 bps increase to be established before recession hit. This is very similar to today’s levels which are at 7 months and 40bps of an increase with the 8th month being released this Friday 6th October 2023 which should be very revealing. We are now well armed with an historical chart as a reference point for any upcoming Unemployment Rate figures released in coming months. We know we have surpassed the averages in terms of timeframe (7 months) and the 40 bps increase is above the avg. 33.5 bps. We can refer back to this chart using Trading View, press play and see if we are breaching the max pre-recession level of 4.11% (the 71bps move) or other extreme pre-recession levels such as the dot.com and GFC Unemployment Rates (both marked on the chart). And if you don’t frequent the chart on trading view I will update you here regardless. Lets see what Friday brings…. PUKA
FRED:UNRATE
by PukaCharts
1
MACRO MONDAY 10~ Interest Rate & S&P500MACRO MONDAY 10 – Historical Interest Rate hike Impact on S&P500 This chart aims to illustrate the relationship between the Federal Reserve’s Interest rate hike policy and the S&P500’s price movements. At a glance the chart highlights the lagging effects of the Federal Reserves Interest Rate hikes on the S&P500 (the “Market”). In all four of the interest rate hikes over the past 24 years the S&P500 did not start to decline until 3 months into an interest the rate pause period (at the earliest) and in 3 out of 4 of the interest rate pauses there was a 6 – 16 month wait before the market begun to turn over. The move to reducing interest rates (after a pause period) has been the major warning signal for the beginning or continuation of a major market decline/capitulation. We might have to wait if we are betting on a major market decline. In the chart we look particularly at the time patterns of the last two major interest rate hike cycles of 2000 and 2007 as they offer us a framework as to what to expect in this current similar hike cycle. Why is this cycle similar to 2000 & 2007?.. because rates increased to 6.5% in 2000, 5.25% in 2007 and we are currently at 5.50% in 2023 (sandwiched between the two). These are the three highest and closely aligned rate cycles over the past 24 years. The COVID-19 crash is included in this analysis but has not been given the same attention as the three larger and similar hike cycles 2000,2007 & 2023. The Chart We can simplify the chart down to FIVE key points (also summarised hereunder): 1. Previously when the Federal Reserve increased interest rates the S&P500 made significant price gains with a 20% increase in 2000 and a 23% increase in 2007. - Since rates started increasing in February 2022 we have seen the S&P500 price make a sharp decline and then recover all those losses to establish an increase of 5% at present since the hiking started. - This means all three major interest hike cycles resulted in positive S&P500 price action. - For reference, a more gradual rate hike pre COVID-19 also resulted in 20%+ positive price action. 2. When the Federal Reserve paused interest rates in 2000 it led to a 15% decline in the S&P500 and then in 2007 it led to a 28% increase in the S&P500. It is worth noting that a lower interest rate was established in 2007 at 5.25% versus 6.5% in 2000. This might indicate that this 1.25% difference may have led to an earlier negative impact to the market in 2000 causing a decline during the pause phase. Higher rate, higher risk of market decline during a pause. - At present we are holding at 5.5% (between the 6.5% of 2000 and the 5.25% of 2007). 3. In the event that the Federal Reserve is pausing rates from hereon in, historic timelines of major hike cycles suggest a 7 month pause like in 2000 or a 16 month pause in line with 2007 (avg. of both c.11 months). For reference COVID-19’s rate pause was for 6 months. - 6 - 7 months from now would be March/April 2024 and 16 months from now would be Nov 2024 (avg. of both Jun 2024 as indicated on chart). 4. As you can see from the red circles in the chart the initiation of Interest rate reductions have been the major and often advanced warning signals for significant market declines, including for COVID-19. 5. It is worth considering that before the COVID-19 crash, the interest rate pause was for 6 months from Dec 2018 – Jun 2019. Thereafter from July 2019 rates begun to reduce (THE WARNING SIGNAL from point 4 above)…conversely the market rallied hard by 20% from $2.8k to $3.4k topping in Feb 2020 at which point a major 35% capitulation cascaded over 6 weeks pushing the S&P500 down to $2,200. Similarly in 2007 the rates began to decline in Aug 2007 in advance of market top in Oct 2007. A 53% decline followed. The lesson here is, no matter how high the market goes, once interest rates are decreasing it’s time to be on the defensive. Summary 1. Interest Rate increases have resulted in positive S&P500 price action 2. Interest rate pauses are the first cautionary signal of potential negative S&P500 price action however 2 out of 3 pauses have resulted in positive price action. The higher the rate the higher the chance of a market decline during the pause period. 3. Interest rate pauses have ranged from 6 to 16 months (avg. of 11 months). 4. Interest rate reductions have been the major, often advanced warning signal for significant and continued market decline (red circles on chart) 5. Interest rates can decrease for 2 to 6 months before the market eventually capitulates. - In 2020 rates decreased for 6 months as the market continued its ascent and in 2007 rates decreased for 2 months as the market continued its ascent. This tells us that rates can go down as prices go up but that it rarely lasts with any gains completely wiped out within months. September – The Doors to Risk Open We now understand, as per point 2 above, that an Interest rate pause is the first cautionary signal of potential negative S&P500 price action. Should the Fed confirm a pause in September 2023 we will clearly be moving into a more dangerous phase of the interest rate cycle. Based on the chart and subject to the Fed pausing interest rates from September 2023 we can now project that there is a 33% chance of immediate market decline (within 3 months) when the pause commences with this risk increasing substantially from the 6th and 7th month of the pause in March/April 2024. I have referenced previously how the current yield curve inversion on the 2/10 year Treasury Spread provided advance warning of recession/capitulation prior to almost all recessions however it provided us a wide 6 - 22 month window of time from the time the yield curve made its first definitive turn back up to the 0% level (See Macro Monday 2 – Recession Timeframe Horizon). Interestingly September 2023 will be the 6th month of that 6 – 22 month window. Both todays chart and Macro Monday 2’s chart emphasize how the month of September 2023 opens the door to increased market risk. Buckle up folks. March/April 2024 – Eye of the Storm On Macro Monday 2 – Recession Timeframe Horizon our average time before a recession after the yield curve starts to turn up was 13 months or April 2024 (average of past 6 recessions using 2/10Y Treasury Spread). From today’s review of the Interest rate hikes impact on the S&P500, we have a strong indication that March/April 2024 will be key high risk date also. Now we have two charts that indicate that the month of Mar/Apr 2024 will come with significantly increased risk. Its worth noting a pause could last 16 months like in 2007 lasting until Nov 2024, at which point we would be pretty frustrated if we had been preparing defensively since Mar/Apr 2024. Just another scenario to keep in mind. The Capitulation Signal Based on today’s chart, should interest rates at any stage decline we should be prepared for significant market decline with immediate effect or within 2 months (at worst). Regardless of any subsequent increases in the market, these would likely be wiped out within 6 – 9 months by a capitulation. An optimist could run a trailing stop and hope it executes in the event of. Bridging the Gaps Please have a look at last week’s Macro Monday 9 – Initial Jobless Claims if you would like to measure risk month to month. The chart is designed so that you can press play and have an idea of the risk level we are entering into on an ongoing basis. In this chart we summarised more intermediate risk levels with Sept-Oct 2023 as Risk level 1 (yield curve inversion time window opens and potential rate pause risk increase) and Nov-Dec 2023 as stepping into a higher Risk Level 2 (as increase in Jobless claims average timeframe will be hit). Should the yield curve continue to move up towards being un-inverted and should Jobless Claims increase then Jan 2024 forward this could be considered a higher Risk level 3 leading the path to our Risk level 4 defined today which is March/April 2024. Final Word It is worth noting that the Fed could surprise us and start increasing rates again, they may also not pause interest rates in Sept 2023. For this reason I included the small black and red arrows that provide a general timeline across different rate periods to help us gauge a market top (red arrows) and a market bottom (black arrows). The black arrows suggest a time window of 27 – 32 months from now being the market bottom. A lot of people are focused on when a recession or capitulation will start, we may want to start thinking a step ahead and prepare for the opportunity that will present itself at a market bottom. Having a time window can help us plan and be psychologically prepared to consider taking a position in a market of pain and fear should the timing window align. If we are expecting this bottom in between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026, we can make more rational decisions when the streets are red. We can try to make more definitive calls and decisions on an ongoing bases so please please do not take any of the above as a guarantee. We know the risk is increasing now and a lot of charts indicate incremental increases in risk up to Mar/Apr 2024, Nov 2024 and even January - March 2025. All of theses dates are possible trigger events but ultimately we don’t know. We are just trying to prepare and read the warning signs on the road as we drive closer to a potential harpin turn. If you have any charts you want me to look at or think would be valuable to review in the context of the above subject matter please let me know, id love to hear about it. PUKA
ECONOMICS:USINTR
by PukaCharts
6
MACRO MONDAY 7 - CHINA DEFLATIONMacro Monday (7) - Advance Release China Inflation Rate – $CNIRRY China entered into deflationary territory in July 2023 and this is being shared by many with an extremely negative outlook for markets. I believe this chart outlines a very different perspective that leans more neutral than cautionary whilst also providing a more usable framework in the event of a recession scenario playing out. 🔴The last 3 global recessions commenced during China's peak inflationary periods, not during deflationary periods. This is the first clear indication from the chart (red circles). 🔵The last 3 periods of deflation in China signaled the forming of a market bottom in 2000 (over 14 months), thee market bottom in 2008 and resulted in positive S&P500 price action in 2020 (blue areas). Two out of three times China Deflation has been immediately positive for markets. ⚠️The most contentious period of deflation can be assigned to the 2000 Dot Com crash. The commencement of this 14 month period of deflation from October 2001 did not immediately mark the bottom. Instead the S&P500 made a further c.35% decline to gradually form its bottom over those 14 months ending in December 2002. If this was to repeat we could be looking at Sept 2024 as a possible market bottom and a 35% decline would be $2.9k for the S&P....👀 This scenario is worthy of consideration especially factoring in the comparisons of the 2023 AI boom 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? Its hard to answer no to any of these questions but against the backdrop of record levels of QE and Fiscal Deficit we have to keep an open mind as we froth in record levels of liquidity. What is useful about this chart is that if a 2000 Dot Com crash scenario was to play out from hereon, we could use China’s move back into inflationary territory (above 0% line) as a possible confirmation of a market bottom/reversal as was the case in Dec 2002. What day is it? 🤣🤣🤣 I released this early brief Macro Monday as I seen this topic repeatedly in my feed today and wanted to share the perspective as soon as possible. There is a strong possibility of a 2nd alternative Macro Monday Chart on Monday 14th. Hope to see you there! As always I hope the chart offers perspective and utility PUKA
ECONOMICS:CNIRYY
by PukaCharts
ISM New Orders vs Consumer SentimentISM New Orders Vs Michigan Consumer Sentiment index ISM New orders provide an indication of current consumer demand. Utilising a chart of New Orders readings we can attempt to understand the trend of consumer demand forward. ISM New Orders could be considered an additional gauge of consumer sentiment because if businesses are reporting increases in orders month over month, this demonstrates consumers have the consistently had the resources and the desire to spend. If this continues over months a trend can form and we can capture this direction on a chart. To support the ISM predictive argument I include a chart that illustrates a correlation between the ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, the latter of which is considered one of thee leading indicators for predicting future consumer spending/demand. This will be posted in the comments. According to Investopedia "ISM data is considered to be a leading indicator of economic trends. Not only does the ISM Manufacturing Index report information on the prior two months, it outlines long-term trends that have been building over time based on prevailing economic conditions". According to the University of Michigan, the Consumer Sentiment Surveys "have proven to be an accurate indicator of the future course of the national economy." Based on the above correlation I postulate that we can use the ISM New Orders Index as an additional leading/predictive indicator to establish what direction consumer demand is trending. Something we can keep an eye on and something that will factor in this weeks MACRO MONDAY Edition which i will post immediately after this PUKA
ECONOMICS:USMNO
by PukaCharts
MACRO MONDAY 5 - Major Market Index XMINYSE Arca Major Market Index - TVC:XMI The XMI Index is a chart that gets overlooked by many but it is still monitored by OG legacy traders. I recently came across the XMI being utilized by Sentiment Trader in one of their reports, considering that Sentiment Trader provide some of the best metrics in the business, their coverage of the XMI peaked my interest. The XMI is a price weighted index consisting of 20 blue chip U.S Industrial Stocks, 17 of which are also in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Within the index there is surprising blend of stocks that include transport, travel, food, pharma, energy and technology. A breakdown of its components can be found at this Trading View link (Will be added to comments below). The Chart The long term pattern on the chart is very obviously a rising wedge pattern which presents diagonal resistance above and below. We are currently 7% away from the top diagonal resistance line so this will be an important level in coming weeks and doesn’t leave a lot of room overhead. God forbid if we ever breach the base line of the large wedge. In the past a 200 week SMA re-test and flattening has predated recessionary/capitulation price action. If we come close to the 200 week SMA again we should be preparing ourselves for that potential outcome. The XMI made lower highs from Jan 1999 - Sept 2000 providing an advanced 9 month warning of the follow up recession/capitulation price action that initiated from Sept 2000 onwards on the S&P 500. The XMI made lower highs as the EIGHTCAP:SPX500 made higher highs over the 9 month period. The XMI did not provide a similar advance warning for the 2008 Great Recession however, it did make a lower high, which is something we else we can look out for as a weaker warning signal. This is not a concern at present as the XMI has just broke up into new highs. Its interesting to see how the XMI gave a significant 9 month advance warning of the 2000 Recession but was not as clear cut at providing an advance warning of the 2008 Great Recession. Conversely, the SPDR Homebuilders ETF ( AMEX:XHB ) which we covered in Macro Monday 3 provided an advance warning of the 2008 Great Recession, however was not as clear cut at providing an advance warning of the 2000 Recession. This is because the 2008 Great Recession was mainly a result of high risk mortgage lending which lead to a housing market collapse, whilst the 2000 recession was a tech led crash and general economic slowdown invoked by the Federal reserve who had been increasing rates to quell an overvalued bubbling tech stock market. We will need to pay separate attention to these individual index charts as we move forward for clues and warnings as we do not know what market or chart will provide us with that ultimate advance warning. In March 2020 it was the Dow Transportation Index DJ:DJT (Macro Monday 1), in 2007 it was the Homebuilders XHB (Macro Monday 3) and in 2000 it was the Major Market Index XMI (See Chart). MACRO MONDAY 1 - DJT MACRO MONDAY 3 - XHB It is worth noting that the current yield curve inversion on the 2/10 year Treasury Spread provided advance warning of recession/capitulation prior to all of the above events 2000, 2007 & 2020 however it provided us a wide 6 - 22 month window of time from the time the yield curve made its first definitive turn back up to the 0% level (See Macro Monday 2). We are 5 months into that 6 – 22 month window and thus closing in on dangerous territory, however the DJT, XHB and XMI charts remain very positive suggesting a longer time horizon is likely on the cards. I hope with the addition of DJT, XHB and XMI we are providing you with additional warning/timing indicators allowing us to hone in on a more specific timeframe, making us better informed and more nimble market participants. MACRO MONDAY 2 - 2/10 year Treasury Spread As we continue with Macro Mondays we will continue to cover these and similar leading charts and indicators. At present the yield curve inversion suggests recession is only a matter of time however the DJT, XHB and XMI charts do not have clear warning signals presenting, but when and if they do, we will be able to recognize these signals and position accordingly. Into the 6 – 22 month danger window we go. No guarantees, just probable outcomes. Stay nimble folks PUKA
TVC:XMI
by PukaCharts