Market Notebook

by | Aug 18, 2024

Discussion – 

PRICE ACTION:
Equity prices, as measured by the ticker SPY, and bond prices, as measured by the ticker BND, closed higher last week.

SPY    +4.00%
BND    +0.54%


TECHNICAL ANALYSIS:
SPY price appears established in a medium-term upward trend. The recent pullback in price signals that a transition to a corrective pattern is possible. SPY should be considered to be in a consolidation or corrective pattern until SPY price exceeds the July 16th high.

The recent BND price breakout above the 2024 highs suggests a possible transition to an upward trend.

SENTIMENT:
Equity sentiment was strongly positive as market participants believe that the Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy over the next few months.

ECONOMY AND FUNDAMENTALS:
Throughout the tightening cycle, jobless claims have never indicated a recession by our measure. We will continue to monitor weekly jobless claims closely.

The 12-month trimmed mean PCE is below the long-term average, meaning the Federal Reserve is already within a window within which it could cut interest rates at any time.

The first rate cut will likely happen over the next few months. Market participants should be on the lookout for recessionary conditions following the first rate cut after a tightening cycle. To avoid recessionary conditions, the Federal Reserve will have to get the timing of rate cuts exactly correct. Thus far, the Federal Reserve has managed the economic cycle well; however, evidence is building that they are behind the curve and need to change policy soon.

All the best during the week ahead!

Disclaimer: Nothing in this discussion should be considered investment advice. The content of this discussion is strictly my personal opinion and subject to change at a moment’s notice. Investment advice can only be provided to you by your investment professional and not by a general market discussion such as this one. If you wish to speak with an investment advisor, contact us. We can probably help.