Unemployment, FED Rates, SPXLooks like market bottoms just before the Unemployment peak.
Market peaks just before fed starts reducing the rates.
At the current situation, we have fed fund rates high and also unemployment started to climb.
Will be looking at the unemployment going high and markets roll over and fed cuts rates.
if FED keeps the same rate for long, something in the economy will break and they have to reduce the rate and if it happens then it's already too late.
Looks like CD's and earning ~5% interest on cash is much better than risking for very limited upside in the market.
Recession
A Possible Recession Coming: What to Invest in During DifficultChart Analysis:
The chart depicts the relationship between the M2 money supply, US Consumer Price Index (CPI), labor market trends, and historical recessions. Key observations include:
Recessions:
-Historical recessions are marked and correlated with significant economic downturns.
-Each recession coincides with substantial drops in the labor market and fluctuations in the M2 money supply and CPI.
M2 Money Supply and US CPI:
-The M2 money supply (blue line) shows a steady increase over the years, reflecting ongoing monetary expansion.
-The US CPI (orange line) follows a similar upward trend, indicating rising consumer prices and inflation.
Current Economic Conditions:
-The chart suggests a potential recession on the horizon, marked by the recent economic indicators and historical patterns.
Bitcoin's Role in the Current Economic System:
This is the reason the goverments wants to stop Bitcoin. People want out of their slave system where they create abundance for themselves with money printing while our labor value is always decreasing.
Recession Expectations and Market Opportunities:
Be open to a recession in the coming winter. The CME is having a meeting today where there is a 5% chance for a 0.25 rate cut and a 95% chance for a cut in September. Historically, there is a two-month window where the market booms and then rolls over into a recession after rate cuts. This supports the idea of a left-translated cycle and a longer multi-year cycle. For more information, see "The Fourth Turning."
Investment Opportunities_
With this information, there can be good opportunities to get in early on investments in the precious metal markets like gold and silver, and also mining stocks. Production materials like copper, oil, and steel can be great shorting opportunities in the coming weeks and months.
Conclusion:
Understanding these economic indicators and historical patterns provides valuable insights for making informed investment decisions. While the future economic landscape looks challenging, strategic investments in precious metals and shorting opportunities in production materials could offer significant returns.
A Recession Is Coming - Brace for Impact First things first
What is a Recession?
A recession is a period when the economy isn't doing well. It means businesses are selling less, people are losing jobs or not getting raises, and overall, there's less money being spent. It's like a slowdown in the economy where things are not growing, and sometimes they shrink. This period of economic decline usually lasts for a few months or longer. Usually, when we have two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) we say that we are in a recession.
Now, let's look at previous recessions to see if we can find some patterns that help us predict the coming one. 😊
This is how you can navigate through the chart:
- past recessions are highlighted with orange colored boxes based on the data from "FRED economic data".
- The purple line chart shows the US inflation rate.
- The US GDP is shown in a green step-line chart.
- The US interest rate is shown with an orange line.
- The Yellow line chart shows the unemployment rate in the US.
- The most important line chart here is the blue one that shows the spread between the 10-year bond yield and the 3-month bond yield (Yes we could also use 2-year instead of 3-month).
This blue line, the yield curve, is important to us because it's a reliable indicator that almost every time gave us a heads up for a recession (if you were looking at it of course 😁). When it falls below zero, we call it the inverted yield curve and we hit a recession almost every time it gets back up after spending some time below zero.
An inverted yield curve tells us that the market participants are concerned about future economic growth It can lead to tighter financial conditions, reduced lending, and lower consumer and business spending, which can contribute to a downturn in the economy.
With that said, take a look at the chart and you can easily spot the repetitive pattern of interest rate hikes/cuts, unemployment rate, and the inverted yield curve just before each recession.
With the strong possibility of having the first rate cut in September, and the patterns you see on the chart, can you say that we are going to have a hard landing and a recession? I would say yes.
If you say we are not going into a recession and your counter argument is backed by a low unemployment rate and a positive GDP and a declining inflation rate, this chart does not support the idea.
I know there are other factors that might support the soft landing scenario, and I would like to have your point of view on this. So, please share your thoughts in comments section if you are reading this post through Tradingview. 😊
For further research, you can pull up the charts of indices like S&P500 or commodities of your choice to see how they moved during each recession. This will help you find some patterns that might assist you in your future investments.
is this signalling a market crash? The yield curve invesrion remains in place for the longest historical inversion run.
This cant be good right?
History shows once the spread between the 10 & 2 corrects back to normal / un-inverts you usually get a sell signal in the market.
We are observing a massive bullish wedge pattern unfolding and looks poised at any moment to breakout.
The un- inversion breakout usually happens quickly and sharply.
A cyclical historyWe have all heard that the economy works in cycles, and so does the market. But what does this truly mean? Has anyone actually been able to show you where you can see these cycles occur? Well, here is a great graph that will show you how. By looking at the 6-month time frame, the percentages of stocks above the 20 daily MA, you are achieving 2 things.
Seeing price action at the timeframe used to declare technical recessions
Seeing the percentage of stocks in a short term uptrend or downtrend as the complement is also true
Here it's quite easy to see how an important world event unfolded with a clear, repeatable pattern. When the percentage oscillates heavily, it allows for many technical resets, causing a healthy uptrend when the percentage returns to above 50% by the end of the semester. Another patter is that after a period of over-performance, a period of under-performance is followed and vice versa.
When looking at world events, just remember at the end of the day we are all a number in a larger scheme. And the laws of statistics will end up controlling our outcomes, as there must be balance in all binomial systems. Even when biases can be present in distributions, the more we generalize and zoom out, the more we can see the statistical convergences in human behavior. At the end of the day, our lives are influenced by fractals, some of which we are not even aware exist.
Macro View Shows 2-4 Month Max And Then It Starts!Traders,
Some rather ominous signs are showing in various markets not least of which includes the U.S. housing market. As you know, we have been periodically tracking the USHMI as a key leading indicator to show us where and when our coming U.S. (perhaps global) recession begins. We are close if we have not already begun, but I imagine there will be no ability for denial in about 2-4 months time. Before then, markets may continue to blow off and I still expect Bitcoin to hit our 85k target. Today we'll review our USHMI chart along with other key charts for further clues mapping future trajectory.
Navigating Frothy US Equities with S&P SpreadsNavigating frothiness in US equities requires both caution and tact. With the S&P 500 nearing its all-time high amid flashing recession signals, investors must be vigilant with volatility during upcoming earnings season, driven by outsized expectations.
This paper explores the persistent recession indicators and forces at play during upcoming earnings. The paper posits a spread trade using CME’s Micro E-Mini futures (Long S&P 500 and Short Russell 2000) to maintain upside potential with reduced downside risk.
RECESSION RISKS PERSIST AS RATES REMAIN HIGH
On Friday, the PCE Price Index (Fed’s preferred gauge) showed inflation cooling to 2.6% in May, in line with expectations. Price pressures are slowly abating.
Numbers aside, the broader economic landscape presents a complex picture.
Signals from the job market point to unemployment claimants at a record high for the past two and a half year with job openings shrinking drastically. Personal earnings were higher than anticipated in May (0.5% vs 0.4%), but spending was below expectations. Consumers are being more cautious. Mint Finance covered these nuances in a previous paper .
Housing is flashing weakness as new housing starts hit a four-year low in May. Soaring prices and steep mortgage rates are weighing on demand.
The Fed’s policy path remains unconfirmed. However, consensus point to a rate cut as early as September. Even if that happens, rates are expected to decline gradually.
Source: CME FedWatch
Despite risk of recession, the S&P 500 has had an exemplary showing this year, trading near their all-time high. YTD performance of 15% in 2024 has been far higher than the 74-year average of 4%.
Yet, the performance has been increasingly top-heavy. Nvidia, Apple, and the rest of the tech titans have contributed much of the gains in the broad S&P500 index as it is market cap weighted. The index is heavily reliant on and sensitive to the performance of these mega-caps.
The equal-weighted S&P 500 index is up only by 4% in sharp contrast. The spread between the S&P 500 and its equal-weighted counterpart is near its highest point since 2008. The spreads between the S&P 500 and both the Russell 2000 and S&P Midcap indexes have reached multi-decade highs.
Outperformance was re-affirmed after the recent earnings season. Mega-caps crushed EPS and revenue expectations and reported phenomenal guidance while other stocks, especially utility and energy sector reported revenue and EPS figures below estimates according to FactSet report .
Rallies in mega-cap stocks are being driven by idiosyncratic tailwinds, such as advancements in AI. Meanwhile, slowing consumer spending in the US is raising concerns for the broader market.
RISK OF SHARP CORRECTION WARRANTS SPREAD POSITION
According to FactSet , Q1 earnings season was positive. Only 19% of firms reported earnings below expectations. Actual average EPS YoY growth for the index was 5.9% (above 3.4% expected as of March 31).
Frothiness in the equity market is palpable. Consistent outperformance by mega caps is baked into investor expectations. Strong earnings are already factored into prices, as evidenced by the S&P 500's P/E ratio of 28.38x (far higher than the 10-year average of 20x translating to a 42% above average earnings expectations). Average P/E ratio in the best performing tech sector is even higher at 37.47x.
Even minor shortfalls in guidance or revenue/earnings can lead to significant corrections in such a climate. The FactSet reports that 31.8% of firms which beat earnings EPS estimates by up to +5% saw average price decline of -0.9%.
Source: FactSet Research
In fact, overall, positive earnings only drove a 0.9% increase in price (1% 10Y historical average) while a negative earnings report led to 2.8% drop (-2.3% 10Y historical average).
Source: FactSet Research
Market frothiness elevates risk of a sharp price correction in single names during Q2 earnings. Analysts are concerned as expectations for Q2 EPS YoY growth have been lowered from 9% on 31/March to 8.8% as of 22/June.
Despite this, mega-caps remain in solid position. Robust demand for AI, buoyant advertising revenue, globalized revenue streams, and substantial market dominance have positioned them to continue growing at a disproportionate rate.
In case the upcoming Q2 results pan out similarly to Q1 in favor of mega-caps, the S&P 500 will continue to outperform the broader market indices.
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE SETUP
The S&P 500, with its high concentration of mega-cap stocks, is likely to perform better than broader market indices in the coming earnings season. However, recession signals are also flashing.
The S&P 500 does not perform well during recessions. Over the last four recessions, it has declined an average of -14%. Comparatively the spread between S&P 500/Russell 2000 spread has increased 1.7%.
The S&P 500/Russell 2000 spread has also outperformed during the six-month preceding recessions.
Given the S&P 500-Russell 2000 spread's historical outperformance during recessions, a spread position presents less downside risk compared to an outright long position in the S&P 500.
This strategy also maintains a bullish outlook on the top-heavy S&P 500's potential to outperform in the upcoming season.
Moreover, the spread trade preserves the upside potential in the ongoing rally, as its performance has been comparable to an outright long position in the S&P 500.
A view on the spread between the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 can be expressed using CME Micro E-Mini Equity futures. At 1/10th the size of the full-size E-mini futures, the Micro contracts allow for smaller trades with more granular exposure.
A long position in the Micro E-Mini S&P 500 futures expiring in September (MESU2024) can be offset by a short position on 2 x Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 futures expiring in September (M2KU24). This position is highly margin-efficient as CME offers margin credit for this spread.
Hypothetical trade set up in summary requires entry at 2.69x, with a target at 2.78x coupled with stop loss at 2.6x.
The simulated payoffs are described below.
MARKET DATA
CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. 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
DISCLAIMER
This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
6 INEVITABLE Stock Market DownturnsIn the world of stock trading, and crypto trading, volatility is as much a part of the landscape.
Whether you’re a day trader or a long-term investor you’re bound to undergo different degrees of stock market downturns, drops and crashes.
And each level of downturn has its own set of characteristics, challenges, and strategies for recovery.
Let’s dive into the nuances of market downturns, so you can navigate these stormy waters with confidence and savvy.
DOWNTURN #1: Down -2%: A Ripple of Volatility
Think of a -2% drop in the stock market as your morning coffee spilling over a bit—it’s unpleasant but hardly the end of the world.
This level of decline is typically seen as a blip of volatility, a common occurrence in the stock markets that often corrects itself in the short term.
DOWNTURN #2: Down -5%: The Pullback Perspective
When the market drops by 5%, it’s is often referred to as a pullback and, while it might cause a bit of concern.
However, if you look at the bigger time frame, you’ll see it might not signify a long-term trend.
DOWNTURN #3: Down -10%: Entering Correction Territory
A 10% drop is a clear signal that the market is in a correction phase.
This is where the uptrend will come to a temporary halt and the market will drop and correct itself.
You’ll see moving averages will cross down and the medium term trend will be showing downside.
You’ll also most likely look for shorts (sells) and take advantage of the correction.
DOWNTURN #4: Down -20%: The Bear Market Looms
Now we’re in the territory of the bear market.
This is generally characterized by a 20% or more drop.
It might be time to look into more defensive stocks or sectors, such as utilities or consumer staples, which tend to be less affected by economic downturns.
DOWNTURN #5: Down -50%: The Market Crash Crisis
A 50% plunge is the equivalent of a financial earthquake, causing widespread panic and uncertainty.
It’s quite rare, but when it happens, it’s all hands on deck.
We saw this in the financial crisis.
We saw this during the tech bubble.
We saw this with the oil crisis.
Silver Linings:
Even in the darkest times, opportunities can be found.
And whenever we’ve had a crash with world markets, they have turned up, made a come-back and moved to all time highs.
DOWNTURN #6: Prolonged downside: The Depression
This one I don’t have a number for you.
Unlike recessions, which are typically shorter and less severe, depressions are rare and can last for several years, causing long-term damage to a country’s economic health.
The most famous example is the Great Depression of the 1930s, which started with the stock market crash in 1929 and lasted for about a decade in most countries.
During this period, unemployment rates soared, reaching as high as 25% in the United States, while industrial production, prices, and incomes plummeted.
Conclusion:
Steady as She Goes
As I like to say.
It’s important to know that the downtrends, downturns and downside will come.
We need to be clued up and prepare for these situations.
That way we’ll take advantage as traders of what to do.
With the right approach, you can not only survive these downturns but emerge stronger and thrive profitably on the other side.
Unemployment & The Coming RecessionOnce the Unemployment Rate crosses the 36 mo MA this has historically marked a period of
a coming Recession. As you can tell from the RSI indicator we entered into this phase a few months ago.
I'm posting this chart because tomorrow Biden is going to tell everyone how great the Economy is doing (wait for it), but the Unemployment Chart indicates we have officially moved into the "Recession" category and there is nothing on the horizon that says this situation is going to be improving, in fact, millions of illegal aliens now flooding into the country indicates the situation will be getting much worse. Banks will begin seizing a record number of properties in foreclosures and bankruptcies as the Unemployment Rate continues upward thanks to the plans they implemented. These periods of "Boom and Bust" are completely fabricated through the policies they implement. There is no reason why this chart shouldn't be mostly a steady line with minor hills and valleys in what would be considered a growing and healthy economy. Also note the Unemployment Rate has never returned back to it's 1972 levels following the removal of the Gold Standard in 1971 by Nixon.
Yield Curve Inverts Further on Rising Recession Risk As the tides of economic fortune ebb and flow, a spectre of recession looms over the horizon, whispering in the rustling of Treasury yields and the shifting sands of macroeconomic indicators.
Recent economic data has painted a complex tableau of financial uncertainty. From declining PMI figures to a palpable deceleration in GDP growth, the economic forecast has shifted, stirring speculations that Fed may be forced to cut rates should the US economy slip into recession.
Uncertainty around the timeline of rate cuts plus a potential looming recession are causing the yield curve to invert once more. Investors can obtain exposure using CME yield futures with a reward to risk ratio of 1.6x.
RECESSION SIGNALS ARE FLASHING AGAIN
Monetary policy winds are starting to shift once more. Recent economic data, including PMI figures, and a sharply weaker GDP in the US have led participants to increase their expectations that the US Federal Reserve (“Fed”) will have to relent and cut rates in 2024.
Source: CME FedWatch
Over the past month, probability of a rate cut at 7/Nov policy meeting has increased from 42% to 47%. More notably, the probability of a second rate cut at the 18/December policy remains slightly elevated over the past week at 35%.
Typically, rate cuts suggest that the Fed is nearing its dual goals of maximum employment and stable prices. However, current expectations for rate cuts may stem from distinct reasons.
Inflation remains persistent. Fed officials remain steadfast in their battle against inflation. But inflation is stalled at 3%. Higher rates are instead starting to impact economic growth. As rates remain high, the odds of an economic slowdown rise.
On 4/June, job openings in the US fell to their lowest level in three years. On 31/May, the Chicago PMI indicator fell sharply into what is a recession territory.
Q1 GDP was revised lower last month. Weak consumption data from the US has led to expectations that GDP growth during Q2 may remain slow.
On a similar note, the household jobs survey showed full-time employment declining by 625k in May while part-time employment rose by just 286k. However, not all jobs’ data was negative. The establishment jobs survey showed strong job creation at 272k far higher than expectations of 182k. Additionally, wage growth was above expectations as weekly average earnings rose 0.4% compared to 0.2% in April.
The household survey counts each individual only once, regardless of how many jobs they have. In contrast, the establishment survey counts employees multiple times if they appear on more than one payroll.
Many observers have been calling for a recession in the US ever since the Fed raised rates to their highest level in 23 years. Yet the US economy has remained robust. Part of the reason behind the resilience has been the savings cushion that US consumers built up during the pandemic. However, with the strong inflation during the past year, most of that cushion has been spent. Consumers have already started to shift their consumption habits and credit usage (and delinquency) has been on the rise.
Credit card delinquencies are at the highest level in more than a decade and personal savings built up during the pandemic have been exhausted.
ECONOMIC DATA DRIVES BOND YIELDS LOWER AND RE-INVERTS YIELD CURVE
Throughout the past 10 days, economic releases in the US have driven bond yields consistently lower. Recent non-farm payrolls data drove a rally in yields.
Economic releases have also driven a decline in the yield spreads resulting in further inversion of the yield curve. Since the release of the PCE price index and Chicago PMI on Friday 30/May, the 10Y-2Y spread has declined by nine basis points.
The 30Y-2Y spread has performed the worst since then as it stands ten basis points lower.
Further, unlike the uptick in yields following NFP, the yield spreads continued to invert further, especially for the 30Y-2Y and 10Y-2Y spread.
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE SETUP
Historically, the yield spread between 10-year and 2-year Treasuries tends to normalize by the time a recession officially hits the US. Based on current trends, a recession, as indicated by GDP metrics, might not occur until early next year.
Currently, the yield curve is deeply inverted, and recession signals are intensifying. Moreover, the possibility of a rate cut remains uncertain. This ongoing uncertainty about the policy direction is further exacerbating the inversion of the 10Y-2Y spread.
Another factor to consider is the upcoming US elections. As the Fed strives to remain an independent authority, they may opt to avoid major policy moves before elections are concluded.
This week is set to bring several key economic updates, including the May CPI report and the Federal Reserve's revised economic projections. These projections are expected to reveal that rate cuts, previously anticipated for 2024, might be delayed further.
The volatility in economic data has made it challenging to assess the yield trends. Despite a general rise in yields, the yield curve continues to invert, particularly the 30Y-2Y spread, which has been the most adversely affected. This reflects ongoing investor concerns about long-term Treasuries as expectations for rate cuts are pushed further into the future.
Source: CME CurveWatch
Investors can obtain exposure to a further inversion in the 30Y-2Y spread using CME Yield futures. CME Yield futures are quoted directly in yield with a one basis point change in the yield representing a P&L of USD 10.
As yield futures across various maturities represent the same notional, spread P&L calculations are equally intuitive with a one basis point change in the spread between two separate maturities also equal to USD 10.
The hypothetical trade setup using the 30Y-2Y spread is described below.
• Entry: -36.5 basis points (bps)
• Target: -50 bps
• Stop Loss: -28 bps
• Profit at Target: USD 135 (13.5 bps x USD 10)
• Loss at Stop: USD 85 (8.5 bps x USD 10)
• Reward to Risk: 1.59x
MARKET DATA
CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. 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
DISCLAIMER
This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
Euro Area Interest Rate Reduction a signal? Euro Area Interest Rate
◻️Reduced from 4.5% to 4.25% as expected
◻️We can acknowledge the pattern & recognize its significance without jumping to any immediate conclusions
◻️Chart will need to be combined with others to make assertions, such as the 10Y/2Y Yield Spread
U.S. 10Y/2Y Yield Spread with U.S. Unemployment rate
The amount of months that have passed prior to recession initiation after the yield curve makes its first turn back up towards 0% level
◻️ Historical Average timeframe is April 2024
◻️ Historical Maximum timeframe would be Jan 2025
No guarantee that history will repeat. Again, just a chart and some data that is worth keeping an eye on. Some people state the bond market is now broken and manipulated, we should know within 12 - 18 months, or sooner.
PUKA
Economic Overview | The "Yellowstone Bubble"On Thursday, May 16th, I was sipping coffee and watching The Today Show , when a guest appeared on the program to talk about how much money YOU are supposedly making in your 401(k). Oddly enough the commentator - who was identified as the "chief business correspondent for CNN" - then reminded viewers that "you really should only look at your 401(k) once or twice a year"....
What?....WHAT?
My first thought: we don't need to be lectured on how often we should be checking on our retirement funds.
But this got me thinking, WHY do these "professional money managers" insist that working people not pay attention to their money??
I am speculating here, but I assume it is because retirement fund managers (large investment institutions) are also in the business of making money and therefore TAKING PROFIT.
Is there any evidence for this?... Well, yes:
Now factor in all of the nonsense that is constantly pumped by television commentators, meme stock pumpers, crypto fantasies, immature CEOs, and more recently - celebrities and professional athletes.
Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that there is a television commercial for $QQQ... Things have become so obscene that money managers are paying for airtime to deceptively lure regular people into buying their securities, so they can take profits, after already receiving bailouts. You've seen it, there are several versions of the same commercial and the narrative goes something like "I'm investing in QQQ for the future".
The Unemployment Rate has bottomed - there is no more growth to be had and even if we were to see unemployment trend below 3%, we can go back to the early 1950s and 1960s to see that financial markets really DON'T return much more below 3% unemployment; again this is because there is no more growth below 3% and therefore marginally less return.
Credit card delinquency is rising rapidly, thanks to inflation from Covid helicopter money.
And Household Debt-to-GDP has also bottomed. This one is particularly concerning because as we just explained, there is no more growth to be achieved from here (UNRATE). So, ask yourself: what happens if GDP falls ? Answer: household debt as a proportion of GDP rises by at leas that amount (it's a ratio - it has no choice). Expanding on this question, ask yourself: what happens if household debt continues to rise, amid maxed out unemployment? Answer: the already record profit-margins of investment banks increase to highly unstable levels, thereby further incentivizing profit-taking.
Anyway, I am calling this market the Yellowstone Bubble . Everyone is a rich tough-guy cattle rancher, everyone is a crypto professional, everyone thinks "Tesla is the future" (LOL), everyone is an AI expert, everyone is a pro because they scroll forums and listen to some podcast.
In a world that runs on "users" and "clicks" and web traffic, you must remain vigilant!
Take care!
Aggregate Rate of Return All 401(k) PlansThe purpose of this chart is to show how retirement funds are drained once returns reach 20%.
The reason this happens is because the purpose of the 401(k) is to prevent working people from ever reaching anything that resembles financial independence.
From the time we begin our careers to the time that we reach retirement age, we are CONSTANTLY told that if we do NOT use the 401(k), we are "leaving free money on the table".
But look at the chart.
The reality is: retirement funds get drained, people lose their life savings ('08), and big institutional funds (supposedly fiduciaries) get bailed out, WHILE YOU LOSE EVERYTHING YOU WORKED TO BUILD.
All I'm saying is: if you work with a "financial professional", you have a right to ask questions. You have a right to seek answers. You have a right to know what THEIR plan is for YOUR money.
Look at the S&P 500.
Ask your advisor: What causes these massive drops? Why does this occur? Am I protected?
I will build on this in my subsequent chart publishing.
United Kingdom GDP (QoQ) ECONOMICS:GBGDPQQ
Great Britain officially entered in Recession due to Two Consecutive Negative Quarters.
The British economy contracted 0.3% on quarter in Q4 2023,
following a 0.1% decline in Q3,
worse than market forecasts of a 0.1% fall, preliminary estimates showed.
The economy entered recession amid a broad-based decline in output,
namely in services (-0.2%, the same as in Q3), particularly wholesale and retail trade (-0.6%); industrial production (-1% vs 0.1%), mostly manufacture of machinery and equipment (-7%) and construction (-1.3% vs 0.1%).
On the expenditure side, there was a fall in exports (-2.9% vs -0.8%), imports (-0.8% vs -1.8%); household spending (-0.1% vs -0.9%), particularly lower spending on recreation and culture, miscellaneous goods and services, and transport; and government consumption (-0.3% vs 1.1%), namely lower activity in education and health.
Those falls were partially offset by an increase in gross capital formation (1.4% vs -1.4%), mostly other buildings and structures. Considering full 2023, the GDP in the UK edged up 0.1%.
source: Office for National Statistics
How Does Recession Affect Financial Markets?How Does Recession Affect Financial Markets?
Recessions, marked by widespread economic decline, profoundly impact financial markets. Understanding how different markets – stock, forex, commodity, and bond – respond to these downturns is crucial for traders and investors. This article delves into the varied effects of recessions, highlighting strategies for navigating these challenging times and identifying potential opportunities for resilience and growth in the face of economic adversity.
Understanding Recessions
A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, typically visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale retail sales. Economic experts often cite two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction as a technical indicator of a recession. However, it's more than just numbers; it reflects a noticeable slump in economic activities and consumer confidence.
Historically, recessions have been triggered by various factors, such as sudden economic shocks, financial crises, or bursting asset bubbles. For instance, the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2008 stemmed from the collapse of the housing market bubble in the United States, leading to a worldwide economic downturn.
Recession impacts nearly every corner of the economy, leading to increased unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and overall economic stagnation.
Effects of Recession on Different Financial Markets
A recession's impact on financial markets is multifaceted, influencing everything from stocks and bonds to forex and commodities. However, each market reacts differently. To see how these various asset classes have reacted in past recessions, head over to FXOpen’s free TickTrader platform to access real-time market charts.
General Impact on Markets
During a recession, the financial landscape typically undergoes significant changes. Investors, wary of uncertainty, often reassess their risk tolerance, leading to shifts in asset allocation. Market volatility usually spikes as news and economic indicators sway investor sentiment. This period is often marked by cautious trading and a search for safer investment havens.
Impact on Stock Markets
Stock market performance in a recession can be quite varied. Generally, stock markets are among the first to react to signs of a recession. Prices may fall as investors anticipate lower earnings and weaker economic growth. This decline is not uniform across all sectors, however.
Some industries, like technology or luxury goods, might experience steeper drops due to reduced consumer spending. Conversely, sectors like utilities or consumer staples often include stocks that do well during a recession, as they provide essential services that remain in demand.
Impact on Forex Markets
In forex, recessions often lead to significant currency fluctuations. Investors might flock to so-called safe currencies like the US dollar or Swiss franc, while currencies from countries heavily affected by the recession weaken. Central bank policies, such as interest rate cuts or quantitative easing, play a crucial role in currency valuation during these times.
Impact on Commodities
Commodities can react differently in a recession. While demand for industrial commodities like oil or steel may decline due to reduced industrial activity, precious metals like gold often see increased interest as so-called safe-haven assets.
Impact on Bonds
Bond markets usually experience a surge in demand during recessions, particularly government bonds, seen as low-risk investments. As investors seek stability, bond prices typically rise, and yields fall, reflecting the increased demand and decreased risk appetite.
Types of Stocks That Perform Well During a Recession
During economic downturns, certain stock categories have historically outperformed others. The stocks that go up in a recession generally belong to sectors that provide essential services or goods that remain in demand regardless of the economic climate.
Consumer Staples: Companies in this sector, offering essential products like food, beverages, and household items, may appreciate during a recession. As these are necessities, demand usually remains stable even when discretionary spending declines.
Healthcare: Healthcare stocks often hold steady or grow during recessions. The demand for medical services and products is less sensitive to economic fluctuations, making this sector a potential safe haven for investors.
Utilities: Utility companies typically offer stable dividends and consistent demand. Regardless of economic conditions, consumers need water, gas, and electricity, providing these stocks with a buffer against recessionary pressures.
Discount Retailers: Retailers that offer essential goods at lower prices can see an uptick in business as consumers become more budget-conscious during tough economic times.
Types of Stocks to Hold in a Recession
While there are some stocks that perform well in a recession due to sustained demand for their products, there are other types of stocks that are valued for their financial resilience and potential to provide long-term stability.
Blue-Chip Stocks: These are shares of large, well-established companies known for their financial stability and strong track records. During recessions, their history of enduring tough economic times and providing dividends makes them attractive.
Value Stocks: Stocks that are undervalued compared to their intrinsic worth can be good picks. They often have strong fundamentals and are priced below their perceived true value, with the potential to rebound strongly as the economy recovers.
Non-Cyclical Stocks: These stocks are in industries whose services or products are always needed, like waste management or funeral services. Their demand doesn’t fluctuate significantly with the economy, which may offer stability.
The Role of Government and Central Banks During Recessions
During recessions, governments and central banks play a crucial role in stabilising financial markets.
Government interventions often include fiscal policies like increased spending and tax cuts to stimulate the economy. Central banks may reduce interest rates or implement quantitative easing to increase liquidity in the financial system.
These actions can bolster investor confidence, stabilise markets, and encourage lending and spending. However, their effectiveness can vary based on the recession's severity and the timeliness of the response.
The Bottom Line
Navigating recessions requires understanding their multifaceted impact on financial markets. From stocks and bonds to forex and commodities, each sector reacts uniquely, offering both challenges and opportunities.
To take advantage of the various opportunities a recession presents, opening an FXOpen account can be a strategic step. We provide access to a broad range of markets and trading tools designed to help traders adapt to a shifting economic landscape.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
$SHOP 10D wants $68 if we stay under $80Of course, all ideas are my opinion alone. SHOP went a bit crazy last week but still rejected the same gap from the Winter 22' pullback. Looking at this head and shoulders on the daily, PA seemingly looking for a touch of the gap below around $64. May have to wait for the first week of April for the move to be underway. Keep on Watch, with a Bullish Market, $82+ possible before the end of the week for a Bull Trap setup as stock is breaking trendlines of the possible larger timeframe bear flag its been in since Spring 22' .... Stay Patient.. after high $60s I'll be looking for a rally to fill gap above at $89.12
Bearish Hedging Strategy LONG inverse ETFsThe idea is shown on this 120 minute. With the new sticky inflation data, the writing is on the
wall. Likely the rate cut will be kicked down the time road. When is in consideration may be
a rate hike in the meanwhile. Mortgage rates unchanged makes the banks suffer. Loan
applications are down. Treasuries are being affected. So are tech stocks that have a growth
perspective as a fundamental basis for anticipated futures growth propelling share price.
This hedging idea is a way to survive or even thrive in a chaotic and volatile market
environment and a means to treat an overload of bullish bias with an antidote of sorts.
GIS weekly Cup formation progress LONGGIS a consumer staples is set up long and is a good defensive play for recession or black swan
events. The idea is on the chart. I am long since the first of the year. Adding for small dips
on the daily or 180 minute chart. Food is about as basic as it gets. GIS is a market leader.
TSN idea also. What about McDonalds?
CHARTOLOGY 101 --- 43 years in the makingThe bigger the pattern
the bigger the consolidation
the more explosive the move
how about this Chart Porn?
Cup and handle
I expect the log tgt not only to be made but surpassed given yesterdays event's in #baltimore
Yup Massive east coast supply chain disruptions to be expected
Ports jammed
Aviation fuel disruptions
Major economic ripples could transpire form this
the east coast is home to 120 million people I believe ..
Wow
Stock up on your Cadbury's and many other things ... :0
VIX - forecast 2024The market's recent rally (indices are up 25% since November!) feels frustrating. It doesn't seem to reflect the economic realities we're facing.
Inflation is cooling, but it's still above targets.
The labor market is strong, which might seem good, but it could be unsustainable with high interest rates.
We're seeing layoffs, which contradicts the market's optimism.
Maybe I'm missing something, but the disconnect between the market and the economy is concerning.
VIX has been rangebound since November 2023 and recently generated a positive MACD signal.
Looking ahead, the FOMC statement and Fed rate decision are later today. Historically, these events haven't triggered major market swings. A significant correction might require unexpected data, particularly a surprising labor market report.
Trade safe!
The Great Reset
After Trading for some time ive gotten into all types of analysis, i personally found Elliot waves and Fibonacci retracements the most interesting, i look at long term and short term trends, and the other day i was looking at the S&P500 and DJI over large spans of time, and the more you trade using patterns and waves things just click when you see them, I spotted what i find to be quite the interesting pattern, a rising wedge going all the way back to 1896 for the DJI, and 1908 for the SPX respectively. This is all theory and chart analysis IS NOT full proof its NOT financial advice its NOT a warning its just me looking way back and you can too ive plugged in the charts i was examining and i must say its a bit scary to think about and if the wedge plays out properly potentially the greatest wealth transfer in history could occur. Let me know what you all think am i crazy or am i crazy lol
AMEX:SPY SP:SPX TVC:DJI
Massive US Unemployment Move Inbound
On the FRED:UNRATE dataset, we can see that since 1953, every time the unemployment rate make a significant move above the 24 months SMA, with the sole exception of October '67, we saw a large spike in unemployment allong with a recession.
Currently, FRED:UNRATE rose above the 24 months SMA in August 2023 and has been stochastically moving higher ever since. Historically, this means that we can expect an aggressive move in unemployment in the following months.