The S&P 500 fell 1.42% today but that does not change the long-term trend of the market. From a very basic perspective, price has moved from the bottom left of the chart below to the top right. That is because price is trending higher.
Investors continue to display a propensity to take on risk which is bullish for the entire stock market. Below is a chart of the relative strength of a Consumer Discretionary ETF (XLY) versus a Consumer Staples ETF (XLP). When the line in the upper panel is rising, it indicates that the Discretionary ETF (risk-on asset) is outperforming the Staples ETF (risk-off asset).
In the past, you can see that discretionary stocks started to under-perform staples prior to past major market tops. When this occurs along with other deteriorating market technicals, it is a strong warning that the odds of a market correction are increasing.
Notice how the line has shot up this year. This is further evidence of broad stock market strength and supports our working thesis of being in a strong bull market for stocks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email.
The Bottom Line
Bias:
Positive for Stocks and Commodity Prices
Negative for Interest Rate Sensitive Bonds
• Even though the stock market fell 10% earlier this month, we are still in a bull market.
• When the S&P 500 is hitting all-time highs, international markets are advancing strongly, and market breadth is positive – there is no other way to view the market other than positive!
• Interest rate sensitive bonds are falling and could be transitioning into a long-term bear market.
• Long-term, the weight of the evidence continues to be bullish for stocks. At some point, this will change and when it does, I will have no problem flipping to a bearish bias and reallocating client accounts to a more defensive posture. However, market technicals continue to signal that we are in a bull market and thus we should be invested in stocks aggressively.
Client Update
I continue to view stock market risk as low, thus our accounts have high stock market exposure.
I have continued to add to our equity holdings by buying stocks and stock funds that have pulled back and are in long-term up-trends.
We do not hold any interest rate sensitive bond funds.
Craig Thompson, ChFC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-709-0066
Asset Solutions Advisory Services, Inc. is a Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisor specializing in helping the needs of retirees, those nearing retirement, and other investors with similar investment goals.
We are an “active” money manager that looks to generate steady long-term returns, while protecting clients from large losses during major market corrections.
Asset Solutions is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.