As a new year gets underway, it is always important to be on the lookout for changes in the markets. Examples here include changes to leadership, trend, investor sentiment, momentum, and/or the macro-outlook. One of the important lessons I’ve learned is that changes can happen fast – especially as the calendar resets.
So far at least, the market action has clearly improved in 2023. The trend is up. Momentum indicators are turning positive. And leadership is on the move. All of which can be placed on the “good” side of the market analysis ledger.
But (you knew that was coming, right?), our furry friends in the bear camp are quick to point out that despite the improved tenor, the S&P 500 has only made it back to its downwardly trending 200-day moving average. And of course, the 200-day is viewed by many market participants as a line in the sand that determines which team has possession of the ball.
So, given that the venerable index has failed in its previous attempts to break on through to the other side, the-glass-is-at-least-half-empty crowd contends that things are unlikely to be different this time around.
To be sure, market technicians will agree that stocks remain in a downtrend and until a “higher high” can be established, traders are likely to continue to “fade” any/all rally attempts – especially once the indices reach those overbought levels or bump into any key technical areas.
An Important Change To Note
With that said, and while I can certainly appreciate the bear camp’s argument, there is also an important change to take note of as we embark on our 2023 investing journey.
The chart below is NDR’s Inflation Timing Model. This is a group of indicators designed to “call” the direction of inflation. And while it has been a very long time since such a model has been in play, inflation is clearly a focal point of this market. Thus, getting a feel for where inflation is likely headed from here could prove to be helpful.
Longtime readers know that this model did a superb job of alerting us to the big move up in inflation – and BEFORE everything from semiconductors, cars, houses and oil got more expensive. So, I thought it was a good idea to point out what the model is telling us about what to expect going forward.
Inflation Timing Model
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Image Source: Ned Davis Research Group
Cutting to the chase, the Inflation Timing Model is on a Sell signal and near one of the lowest levels seen in the last decade. This tells us that while inflation readings remain high (likely due in large part to the way the government accounts for changes in rents/shelter), the model is in the “Low Inflationary Pressures” mode. A mode where inflation has moved lower in the past.
So, from my seat, the idea that inflationary pressures are now in the “low” zone suggests that one of the market’s major concerns/worries is likely to recede as we move forward in 2023.
This is not to say that it will be smooth sailing ahead for the bulls or that the road won’t be bumpy along the way, as there are many inputs to the game. But with the inflation backdrop heading in the right direction, my thinking is we may want to start giving the bulls the benefit of the doubt – and perhaps even buying the dips again.
Now let’s review the “state of the market” through the lens of our market models…
Below is a group of big-picture market models, each of which is designed to identify the primary trend of the overall “state of the stock market.”
* Source: Ned Davis Research (NDR) as of the date of publication. Historical returns are hypothetical average annual performances calculated by NDR.
Below are the ratings of key price trend indicators. This board of indicators is designed to tell us about the overall technical health of the market’s trend.
Below is a summary of key internal momentum indicators, which help determine if there is any “oomph” behind a move in the market.
* Source: Ned Davis Research (NDR) as of the date of publication. Historical returns are hypothetical average annual performances calculated by NDR.
Below is a summary of key early warning indicators, which are designed to suggest when the market may be ripe for a reversal on a short-term basis.
* Source: Ned Davis Research (NDR) as of the date of publication. Historical returns are hypothetical average annual performances calculated by NDR.
Below is a summary of key external factors that have been known to drive stock prices on a long-term basis.
* Source: Ned Davis Research (NDR) as of the date of publication. Historical returns are hypothetical average annual performances calculated by NDR.
Thought for the Day:
The meaning of life is to give life a meaning. — Unknown
All the best,
David D. Moenning
Investment Strategist
Disclosures
At the time of publication, Mr. Moenning held long positions in the following securities mentioned: none- Note that positions may change at any time.
NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are those of Mr. David Moenning and Redwood Wealth and may not actually come to pass. The opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as investment recommendations. The analysis and information in this report is for informational purposes only. No part of the material presented in this report is intended as an investment recommendation or investment advice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any investment program.
Any investment decisions must in all cases be made by the reader or by his or her investment adviser. Do NOT ever purchase any security without doing sufficient research. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives outlined will actually come to pass. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Neither the editor, employees, nor any of their affiliates shall have any liability for any loss sustained by anyone who has relied on the information provided.
Mr. Moenning and Redwood Wealth may at times have positions in the securities referred to and may make purchases or sales of these securities while publications are in circulation. Positions may change at any time.
The analysis provided is based on both technical and fundamental research and is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Although the information contained is derived from sources which are believed to be reliable, they cannot be guaranteed.
Investments in equities carry an inherent element of risk including the potential for significant loss of principal. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
