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Andrew Sachais

Andrew Sachais

I am currently a student at Georgetown University studying Economics. I am in the process of developing my own Global Macro based strategies. The Fund…

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Equity Market Goes on the Defensive after Recent Highs

Equity markets achieved record highs in recent weeks, but market participants have been calling for a pullback along the way. With the Easter holiday and the looming non-farm employment report on Friday, volume could be light and the markets could see a pause. Last month’s employment report was strong, and expectations have risen for the March numbers, but with upward revision comes the increased chance of negative surprise. As was seen with the manufacturing numbers today, activity fell to 51.3 missing the expected read out of 54. It would not kill the intermediate trend to see a slightly negative surprise on Friday, but it would provide a catalyst for correction. The intermarket macro picture signals the market’s defensive stance following equity’s’ recent high.

Equity Markets

Above is a chart of the treasury credit spread. The long term bond (TLT) is in the numerator and the short term note (SHY) is in the denominator of the ratio. This pair trades opposite of risk assets and when it strengthens, it signals a flattening of the yield curve. As equities have approached their highs the pair has pulled back a bit, showing a more defensive preparation. It has broken a 4.5 month trend line, and could signal a short term pullback of risk.

Related article: Global Threats that Create International Investment Opportunities

Equity Markets 1

The next indicator, pictured above, is a measure of market breadth. The equal weight equity index (RSP) placed over the weighted equity index (SPY) shows when a majority of the components are outperforming. The outperformance is not necessary for equity indexes to rise, but indicate strength of the overall trend. As is seen over the previous few months, the market move was widespread. However, since February the markets have traded sideways. Equities have continued to reach new peaks, but the lack of full market participation makes for a greater chance of upcoming market correction.

Equity Markets 2

Related article: Where to invest in an Oscillating Market

The last indicator that signals defensive positioning is that of a select dividend index (DVY) over the equal weight equity index that was seen above. This indicator correlates negatively to risk on appreciation and usually shows leadership to market downturns. The dividend index is comprised of mostly of utilities, industrials, and consumer defensives, as seen in the chart below. The market looks to be taking cautiously positioning with its sector rotation into defensive funds and thus making a case for short term market weakness. This is shown in the chart above with a breakout of the multi-month trading range. In the weeks leading up to Q1 earnings announcements, look for profit taking in outperforming sectors.

DVY Sector Breakdown

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By. Andrew Sachais


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