Lets take our monthly look at ten of the world equity markets.
USA - Dow
Underlying MACD (green bar histogram) cycle is now ticking lower again. At the current rate of decline, the MACD (black line) will cross below the zero threshold at the start of March. The last time the Dow saw that technical setup... Sept'2008.
Upside resistance of the monthly 10MA stands at 17324, but that will drop to around 17000 at the Feb' 1st open. On no reasonable basis can equity bulls expect the Dow to see sustained trading >17K until Aug/Sept' at the earliest.
In terms of downside, first target is the Aug'2015 low of 15370. Considering other indexes have already broken well below that equivalent level, it seems an easy target. Below that, the 14200/000 zone, and then 13K.
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Germany
The economic powerhouse of the EU - Germany, saw a net monthly decline of -8.8% @ 9798. There is strong resistance around the 10K threshold. In terms of downside, first big target is the 2000/2007 double top, in the 8300/000 zone. There will also be rising support in the 8800s in April. Most bearish case for the DAX is the 7500/7000 zone.
Japan
The BoJ fuelled Nikkei saw a January decline of -8.0% @ 17518, having seen a powerful bounce from the 16K threshold. Broadly, further weakness to at least 14K looks due. 12K is likely the 'best bear case' by April/May.
China
Despite various efforts by the communistic leadership, the Shanghai comp' saw a net monthly decline of -22.6%. Price structure across Aug-Dec'2015 was a very clear bear flag, and the January downside fully confirms it. Next support is around 2500, then 2K.
Brazil
With commodities remaining broadly weak, the Bovespa declined for the third consecutive month, settling -6.8% @ 40405. Most notable, there was a clear break of support that stretches back to 2009. It would seem 30K will be hit, and right now that is a full 25% lower.
Russia
Despite weak energy prices, the Russian market was the most resilient market in January, net lower by just -2.0% @ 741. However, the broader trend remains dire, with next downside target of the Dec' 2014 low of 578. That looks likely to be broken, and then its a case of whether the RTSI floors this spring/early summer around 500, or more likely, the 400/300 zone.
It is a rarely mentioned issue, but what are the implications for Putin? Is the Russian President not under great pressure from some of the 'big money' in Russia? The Russian market is lower by a nightmarish -65% since April 2011. Had the sp'500 declined in a similar fashion, we'd now be trading at 478.
UK
The UK market saw an intra month low of 5639 - the lowest level since Nov'2012, but settling net lower by just -2.5% @ 6083. Next downside target is the 5250/4750 zone.
France
Like most world markets, the French market settled lower for a second consecutive month, -4.7% @ 4417 (intra low 4084). Next downside target is the 3500 threshold.
Spain
The ugliest of the EU-PIIGS - Spain, saw a net monthly decline of -7.6%, settling @ 8815. Next downside target is 7500, but it would seem 6K is possible by late spring.
Greece
The economic/societal basket case of the Euro block - Greece, saw another horrific decline, net lower by -12.4% @ 552. It would seem the Athex is going to break below the June 2012 low of 471, with natural psy' level support at 400, 350, and then 300.
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Summary
It was indeed an exceptionally bearish start to the year.
The December 2015 close was a bearish one - with even the US indexes closing under their respective monthly 10MAs. January has given FULL confirmation that the market is in at least a mid term downward trend.
Price structure on many of the monthly charts is highly suggestive that we're now headed much lower into the spring.
No doubt the central banks will try to stall/halt the declines - as the BoJ tried on Friday via NIRP. Yet... it won't likely be enough.
It would seem that once the current bounce maxes out by mid February, most indexes are set to fall around 20/25% in the next multi-week down wave.
It would seem prime time for the equity bears will be March.
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Looking ahead
M - Pers' income/outlays, PMI/ISM manu', construction,
T -
W - ADP jobs, PMI/ISM serv', EIA report
T - weekly jobs, prod'/costs, Factory orders
F - monthly jobs, intl' trade, consumer credit
*there are 3 fed officials on the loose, notably Fischer, 12pm Monday.
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Back on Monday.