It was a very mixed month for world equity
markets, with net monthly changes
ranging from +13.8% (China), +11.5% (Greece), +5.3% (Australia), +5.0% (France), +3.7% (USA), +3.1% (Germany), +2.9% (Japan), +2.4% (Spain), -1.9% (Brazil), to -2.1% (Russia).
Lets take our regular look at ten of the world equity markets
USA - Dow
The mighty Dow climbed for a second consecutive month, +916pts (3.7%) to 25916. Note the key 10MA at 25142, which was decisively settled above. Underlying macd (green bar histogram) cycle has turned, and is starting to tick upward. At the current rate, a bullish cross will be seen in early May.
The Oct'2018 historic high of 26951 is just another 1035pts (4.0%) to the upside, and looks viable in late April/early May.
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Germany – DAX
The economic powerhouse of the EU - Germany, saw a net February gain of 342pts (3.1%) to 11515. Note the key 10MA at 11827, as the German market remains m/t bearish, since the break of l/t trend in Sept'2018. Recent Q4 GDP of 0.0% is very reflective of the weakening EU. Bearish unless >12k.
Japan – Nikkei
The Japanese market climbed for a second month, +611pts (2.9%) to 21386. The Nikkei is still below the key 10MA, after the major break of l/t trend last October.
China – Shanghai comp'
It was an extremely bullish month for Chinese equities, with the Shanghai comp' +356pts (13.8%) to 2940. The settlement above the 10MA was decisive, as psy'3K is already near. Note key price threshold of the 3400s, which will be a valid target by mid year, as the communists are throwing everything they can to boost the economy/market.
Brazil – Bovespa
It was a mixed month for Brazilian equities, breaking a new historic high of 98588, but settling -1809pts (1.9%) to 95584. The monstrously giant psy' threshold of 100k is clearly viable in March. Higher commodity prices, along with a cooler USD, would really help this market/economy.
Russia - RTSI
Russian equities settled -26pts (2.1%) to 1188, as the 1200 threshold remains very strong resistance. Higher energy prices would help this market/economy into the spring.
France – CAC
French equities soared for a second month, with the CAC +247pts (5.0%) to 5240, just fractionally above the key 10MA. Things only turn m/t bullish >5500.
Spain – IBEX
Spanish equities climbed for a second month, with the IBEX +221pts (2.4%) to 9277, which was just fractionally above the key 10MA. The m/t bearish trend will be broken if >9500.
Australia – AORD
The Australian market soared for a second month, settling +315pts (5.3%) to 6252, notably above the key 10MA. Note the Dec'2018 candle, which saw a spike from l/t rising trend. New multi-year highs (>6481) can be expected. Higher commodity prices would really help this market/economy.
Greece - Athex
Greek equities climbed for a second month, with the Athex +72pts (11.5%) to 707. The Feb' settlement above the key 10MA, offers next resistance of around 850.
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Summary
Eight markets were net higher, with two net lower.
China, Australia, and France, are leading the way higher, whilst Brazil and Russia are lagging.
Eight of ten markets settled above the key 10MA, the notable exceptions were Germany and Japan.
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Looking ahead
Earnings:-
M: CRM
T: NIO, TGT, KSS, SINA
W: ANF, MEET
T: COST, KR
-
M - Vehicle sales, construction
T - PMI/ISM serv', new home sales
W - ADP jobs, intl' trade, EIA Pet', Fed Beige book
T - Weekly jobs, product/costs
F - Monthly jobs, housing starts
*fed officials Mester and Williams are due on Wed', and the market will be looking for any further chatter about the end of QT, which might be announced as early as the next FOMC of March 20th.
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Final note
The econ-data continues to show signs of a weakening US economy. Whilst few (yours truly included) expect the US to fall into recession any time soon, the problems are mounting. Trump has already played the tax cuts card, all that is left is an infrastructure bill, and there is zero sign of that being passed before the next election in Nov'2020.
Whilst the equity/econ bears can tout weaker data, the bulls can look forward to the Fed ending the QT program, with an eventual rate cut. The latter will be the ultimate equity sell signal, as it was in Sept'2007. Keep in mind, that initial rate cut resulted in one final multi-week rally to new historic highs in October.
Whilst a fair number of the usual suspects are touting 'beware the ides of March', when considering the February settlements in an array of world markets, any equity weakness across the coming weeks has to be seen as just a retrace. That view is only changed if a majority of US indexes see a March (or somewhat beyond) monthly settlement back under the monthly 10MA. Right now, new historic highs appear more probable, than such bearish monthly settlements.
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*the next post on this page will likely appear 5pm EDT on Monday.
