Fed And BoJ On This Week’s Docket
Three key charts are trying to hold onto the “breakout followed by a retest” as described on September 14. Given that the market is bracing for a double-dose of central banks this week (Fed and Bank Of Japan), the charts below should provide some insight into the market’s risk-reward profile over the coming days and weeks. From Reuters:
The U.S. dollar fell from Friday’s more than two-week high against a basket of major currencies on Monday on expectations that any Bank of Japan action this week would not weaken the yen and the Federal Reserve would refrain from raising rates. The BOJ is due to conduct a comprehensive review of its policy framework, which combines negative interest rates with a massive asset-buying program. The BOJ and Fed meet on Sept. 20-21.
Economically-Sensitive High Beta
The High-Beta ETF SPHB has higher weightings in materials (NYSE:XLB), energy (NYSE:XLE) and financials (NYSE:XLF) relative to the S&P 500’s weightings (NYSE:SPY). As shown in the chart below, this economically sensitive investment is trying to hold the recent break above an area that has acted as resistance for a year. As recently as June 28 (point C below), SPHB looked to be on the ropes.
Is Recent Volatility Waving Red Flags?
This week’s stock-market video provides insight into recent market volatility via historical examples. How much volatility can occur after a bullish breakout and within the context of a bullish trend? Why is capital preservation important?
S&P 500 Weekly
The weekly S&P 500 chart below is an updated version of the chart described on September 13. If the current weekly retest ends with the S&P 500 remaining above the long-term consolidation box, bullish probabilities would improve relative to bearish probabilities looking out weeks, months and years.
Broad NYSE Composite
It comes as no surprise the broad stock market is hovering near a key level prior to announcements from two central banks. In October 2015, sellers thought 10,513 was relevant on the NYSE Composite. Sellers surfaced again near 10,511 in April 2016. Last Friday, the NYSE Composite closed in the same basic area at 10,532 (see chart below).
Is A Surprise Rate Hike Possible?
During the trading session Monday, the markets were pricing in an 85% probability the Fed does nothing with interest rates this week. Given the market’s near obsession with central-bank liquidity, it is prudent to remain open to any and all market reactions this week. From MarketWatch:
Economists said they could not rule out a surprise rate hike this week, particularly since Yellen said “the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months.” …That said, Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics, says that a surprise hike “just doesn’t fit Chair Yellen’s style.”
Charts And The Market’s Reaction
The longer high-beta stocks, S&P 500 and NYSE Composite can stay above the levels outlined above, the better for the bullish case. Conversely, a sustained break below the key levels would increase bearish odds. We will learn something either way.