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Daily State of the Markets Good morning. As I ran out for a quick errand on Wednesday morning, I couldn’t help but take note of the fact that it was an absolutely gorgeous fall day in Colorado. There were crystal blue skies, bright sunshine, not a cloud in sight, and a temperature reading in the car that caused me to start planning for an afternoon bike ride. However, a few hours later it was clear that a change was in the air and my bike would have to remain hanging from its hook in the garage. Such is life living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. One minute you are in shorts and a t-shirt and the next, well, you’re digging around for the ski garb. With the temperature dropping like a rock yesterday afternoon, I was forced to adapt by heading to the closet for some layers. And once I was properly attired for the new forecast (some white stuff was starting to fall out of the sky) and back at my desk, it occurred to me that there was also a change in the air in the stock market – and perhaps I’d best think about dressing my portfolio strategy accordingly as well. One of the keys to success in this business is to understand what type of environment you are in. I’ve long felt that the trick is to first identify the type of market you are dealing with and then to implement the appropriate strategy for the environment. This is a lot like having the right layers in your backpack when embarking on an early morning hike in October. So, let’s start with the environment. In looking back at the last couple of years, there have basically been two types of markets. I’m not referring to bulls and bears here. No, I’m talking about markets that have either been uber violent, roller coaster rides in reaction to external events (think each and every deadline relating to Greece, EU Summits, ECB meetings, credit downgrades, and Fed announcements) or, on the other hand, more pedestrian “trending” types of markets. Cutting to the chase, I believe that we’re now back in the latter environment where markets trend in either direction for a period of time before turning and going the other way. The next question, of course, is which direction the trend is heading. And in my humble opinion, the answer to this question tends to be driven by the market’s various inputs. In short, each new input (earnings report, economic report, etc.) is fed into the market’s collective computer and adjustments are made to prices based on the new outlook for the future. Currently, stocks are “adjusting” to the W.T.E. theme that has developed where earnings and economic growth are weaker than had been expected. And from the looks of the charts, stocks are now in a modest downtrend. In other words, the recent consolidation phase appears to have morphed into a corrective phase. As such, one needs to play the game accordingly. To clarify, I believe that the market environment is changing. First and foremost, I believe that we are in a trending environment, as opposed to a news- or event-driven reactionary environment. As such, it is appropriate to make some adjustments. For me, these “adjustments” are handled by my systems. I have a series of market models designed to adapt to the changing environments as well as any accompanying trend changes. And given that there is clearly a change in the air right now, my models told me this week that some adjustments were necessary. Although my main “Market Environment Model” – which is designed to indicate whether the odds favor the bulls, the bears or neither team – remained modestly positive coming into this week, another of our models effectively said, “Hey, the trend is changing so you might want to reduce your risk exposure.” Thus, in the same way that I added a layer yesterday when the temperature dropped, we reduced our risk exposure in our more aggressively positioned portfolios in response to changing model readings. Am I “talking my book” here? Yes, indeed I am. And for that I apologize because there is more than one way to skin a market cat. As I’ve mentioned a time or twenty, I prefer systems and models to guide my decisions. But the bottom line is that regardless of whether you use intuition, charts, models, or a finger in the wind, there is indeed a change in the air and you’d best make an adjustment – just in case a storm develops. (And based on the looks of things out my window, I’m glad I took my skis in for a tune!) Turning to this morning… After five days of declines for the major indices, a surprisingly strong GDP report in the UK and expectations for more easing in Japan has traders in a better mood this morning. However, there are several important economic reports to review before the bell and earnings from Apple and Amazon after the close today. On the Economic front… We will get the reports on Durable Goods, Weekly Jobless Claims, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort, and Pending Home Sales this morning. Thought for the day… Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn Pre-Game Indicators Here are the Pre-Market indicators we review each morning before the opening bell… !========>
Positions in stocks mentioned: none Follow Me on Twitter: @StateDave!========> Download our Special Report on our New “Adaptive” Active Risk Management System for the Stock Market The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are those of Mr. David Moenning and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Moenning’s opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as recommendations. The analysis and information in this report and on our website is for informational purposes only. No part of the material presented in this report or on our websites is intended as an investment recommendation or investment advice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed nor any Portfolio constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any investment program. The opinions and forecasts expressed are those of the editors of StateoftheMarkets.com and may not actually come to pass. The opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as recommendations of any specific security nor specific investment advice. One should always consult an investment professional before making any investment. 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. 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. The information contained in this report is provided by Ridge Publishing Co. Inc. (Ridge). One of the principals of Ridge, Mr. David Moenning, is also President and majority shareholder of Heritage Capital Management, Inc. (HCM) a Chicago-based money management firm. HCM is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. HCM also serves as a sub-advisor to other investment advisory firms. Ridge is a publisher and has not registered as an investment adviser. Neither HCM nor Ridge is registered as a broker-dealer. Employees and affiliates of HCM and Ridge may at times have positions in the securities referred to and may make purchases or sales of these securities while publications are in circulation. Editors will indicate whether they or HCM has a position in stocks or other securities mentioned in any publication. The disclosures will be accurate as of the time of publication and may change thereafter without notice. 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. |
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