Saturday 30 January 2016

Weekend update - World monthly indexes

It was an exceptionally bearish start to the year for world equity markets, with net January declines ranging from -22.6% (China), -5.5% (USA - Dow), to -2.0% (Russia). Near term outlook offers threat of further upside into mid February, but with high probability of a crash wave in March.


Lets take our monthly look at ten of the world equity markets.

USA - Dow


The mighty Dow saw a net monthly decline of -5.5%, settling @ 16466. However, it is highly notable that at one point the Dow was net lower by -1974pts @ 15450.

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.

Bits and pieces to wrap up January

It was a very bearish start to the year, with the sp'500 -103pts (5.1%), @ 1940 (intra low 1812). The Dow saw a net decline of -958pts (5.5%) @ 16466 (intra low 15450). WTIC Oil settled -$3.45 (9.3%) @ $33.62 (intra low 27.56). Copper, -3.5% @ $2.06. US bonds saw a bullish break to the upside, with TLT +5.6% @ $127.30.


sp'monthly1b



Dow, monthly2



WTIC Oil


Copper, monthly



TLT, monthly


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Econ/Market chatter from Schiff



Schiff's point about statistics and GDP data interpretation is important. As for the BoJ implementing NIRP - with a rate of -0.1%. its pretty incredible. Now it is indeed a case of whether the Fed will follow this late spring/summer.

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As for February

It would seem we'll see further upside into the week of Feb'8th, but from there.. we'll likely get stuck and max out. A potential 10-15 day crash wave will be viable in March.

Goodnight from London
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*the weekend post will be on the world monthly indexes

Daily Index Cycle update

US equity indexes end the week and month on a rather positive note, sp +46pts @ 1940. The two leaders - Trans/R2K, settled higher by 3.0% and 3.2% respectively. Near term outlook continues to offer the 1940/70 zone... before the high probability of a crash wave in March.


sp'daily5



Trans



Summary

Suffice to add, the bull flag played out on the sp'500, and we've seen rather powerful gains to end the week/month.

It would seem the 1950s look an easy target early next week. The 1960/70s look more viable in the week of Feb'8th.

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a little more later...