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Shipping Rates Plunge, Commodities and Stocks May Follow

An almost immediate reaction to the Coronavirus outbreak in China and throughout most of the world has sent shock-wave through the global markets – particularly seen in Shipping and Oil.  The actions within China to attempt to contain the virus spread include shutting down entire cities and setting up mass quarantine events.  It is estimated that as many as 8+ million people were quarantined within cities in China throughout the Chinese New Year.

Chinese President, Xi Jinping, warned recently that the Coronavirus, and the efforts to stop it, may greatly reduce the Chinese economy over the next few months.  The Chinese President urged top officials to refrain from “more restrictive measures” to contain the virus.  It is our opinion that more restrictive measures are essential to efforts to contain the spread of this virus and that further contraction in the Chinese economy, as well as other economies, are almost set in stone at this point.

Information we’ve received from some friends living in China and Hong Kong suggest travel is very restricted, face masks are very scarce, people are staying inside their homes and surviving as family units within very close contact with one another.  They are scared, trapped and unable to do anything other than try to wait this out.  Imagine what this is doing to the local economies, shops, offices, and businesses?

Reflectively, global shipping rates have collapsed over the past 30+ days as one of the first signs of the contraction in the global markets.  As of December 31, 2019, both Tanker and Dry-Bulk rates were hovering near $14,000 per day.  Now, this rate is near $2500 per day – a -82% decrease.  As you consider the broader aspects of this massive decrease in shipping rates, consider the global contagion event that may setup if the Belt-Road region is adversely hit with the Corona Virus.

Source: Bloomberg.com

SEA SHIPPING SECTOR ETF – DAILY CHART

Shipping stocks are taking a beating. Factories are shut down, the product is not being shipped, and even product ready to be shipped many don’t want to take delivery for the time being.

From a short term standpoint, this sector is looking oversold, but depending on how much the virus spreads we could see another 20% from the current price.

CHINA’S BELT-ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

China’s Belt-Road Initiative consists of massive infrastructure, port, and other projects throughout Europe, Asia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Africa, and other nations.  These projects have been initiated over the past 5+ years and are well underway.  We believe the spread of the Coronavirus may follow a path along with the Belt and Road projects and potentially infect a larger number of individuals over the next 30+ days than originally expected.  If this virus moves into the Middle East or Africa, containment may become very difficult.

The reality is that Shipping and Commodities could see a dramatic price decline as this virus outbreak continues over the next 60+ days.  Reports are already starting to hit the news wires that Autos and manufacturing supplies are starting to pile up and ports in China.  Without a functioning manufacturing sector and workers to keep everything running, China’s economy will grind to a halt very quickly.

This translates into lower Oil prices, lower raw material prices and higher metals prices.  A capital shift will continue to take place throughout the world where capital will move away from risky environments and towards more secure investment environments.  Thus, capital will move away from Asia, India, the Middle East and potentially Europe and towards the USA, Canada and possibly Mexico.  Everything depends on what happens over the next 60 to 90+ days with regards to this virus outbreak.

MONTHLY CRUDE OIL CHART

This Monthly Crude Oil chart shows how quickly Oil rotated lower in January 2020.  Currently, Oil is trading near $50 per barrel and may break lower towards the $44 to $46 price level before finding any real support.  Overall, our research team believes Oil may reach as low as $35 to $36 ppb before reaching a bottom.  You can read our earlier research here: https://www.thetechnicaltraders.com/oil-begins-to-move-lower-will-our-predictions-come-true.  Within that research post, dated November 19, 2019, we highlighted our earlier predictive modeling research from July 2019 suggesting Oil would break substantially lower in November 2019 and again in February 2020.  We predicted this downside move in Oil nearly 8+ before it happened.

Transportation Index Monthly Chart

This Transportation Index Monthly chart highlights the sideways FLAG formation setting up in the US Transportation sector.  If the US market breaks lower as a result of lower global economic activity, we believe we will see the Transportation Index fall very quickly to levels below $9,500.  A breakdown in the Transportation Index would be an early warning sign that the US economy is headed towards a recession or contraction event.  Global shipping has already confirmed this event is taking place – yet the US Transportation sector has not shown much weakness.

Traders need to be very aware of the risks in the markets and the continued Capital Shift that is taking place throughout the planet.  Capital is running away from risk and pouring into more stable markets.  The ultimate risks to the global economy are for those nations where debt/economy levels are fragile, to begin with – which is why we highlighted the Belt Road project.  If China enters a protective mode where the Chinese Central Bank attempts to bail out Chinese companies/initiatives, we believe the Belt Road project could become a great risk.  And we believe this could happen very quickly given the current market environment.

The dynamics of global markets are changing very quickly.  It is time for traders to prepare for bigger volatility and large range sector rotation.  Follow our research, learn how we can help you stay ahead of these bigger moves in the markets.  2020 is going to be a fantastic year for skilled traders – you just have to stay ahead of the risks and be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities as they are presented.

Join my Swing Trading ETF Wealth Building Newsletter if you like what you read here and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site (www.thetechnicaltraders.com) to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

2020 – A Close Look At What To Expect

Quite a bit has changed in the global markets and future expectations over the past 4+ weeks.  Q4 2019 ended with a bang.  US/China Trade Deal, US signing the USMCA Continental Free Trade Agreement, BREXIT and now the Wuhan Virus.  On top of all of that, we’ve learned that Germany and Japan have entered a technical recession.  As Q4-2019 earnings continue to push the US stock market higher – what should traders expect going forward in 2020?

Volatility, Sector Rotation, and Continued US Stock Market Strength.

Our researchers have been pouring over our charts and predictive modeling tools to attempt to identify any signs of weakness or major price rotation.  There are early warning signs that the US Stock Market may be setting up for a moderate downside price rotation within the first 6 months of 2020, but we believe the continued Capital Shift that has been taking place over the past 24+ months will continue to drive foreign investment into the US and North American stock markets for quite a while in 2020 and 2021.

The interesting component to all of this, which should keep investor’s attention and really get them excited, is the chance that some type of foreign market disruption may take place in 2020 and 2021.  There are a number of things that could potentially disrupt foreign market expectations.

First on the list is this virus event in China (that seems to be spreading rapidly).  Second would be the news that Japan and Germany have entered a recession.  Further down the list is the very real possibility that many Asian and foreign nations could see a dramatic decrease in GDP and economic activity throughout much of 2020 and 2021.

It is far too early to make any real predictions, but traders need to be aware of the longer-term consequences of global markets entering a contraction phase related to a confluence of events that prompts central bank intervention while consumers, financial sectors and manufacturing and industrial sectors are pummeled.  Imagine what the global markets would look like if 25% to 55% of Asia, Europe, and Africa see a dramatic decrease in economic output, GDP and financial sector activities (on top of the potential for massive loan defaults).  It may spark another Credit Crisis Event – this time throughout the Emerging and Foreign markets.

A massive surge in US stock market valuation has taken place since the start of 2020.  It is very likely that foreign capital poured into the US stock market expecting continued price advancement and very strong earnings from Q4 2019.  This valuation appreciation really started to take place in early 2019 and continued throughout the past 14+ months.  We believe this valuation appreciation is foreign capital dumping into the US markets to chasing the strong US economic expectations.

We believe this surge into the US stock markets will continue until something changes future expectations.  The US Presidential election cycle would usually be enough to cause some sideways trading in the US stock market – maybe not this time.

The fact that Japan and Germany, as well as China very soon, have entered an economic recession would usually be enough to cause some sideways price rotation in the US stock market – maybe not this time.  The potential wide-spread economic contraction related to the Wuhan virus would normally be enough to cause some contraction or sideways trading in the US stock market – maybe not this time.

There is still a risk that price could revert to middle or lower price channel levels at any time in the future.  We’ve highlighted these levels on the charts below.  Yet, we have to caution traders that the foreign markets may be setting up for one of the largest capital shift events in recent history.  If any of these contagion events roil the foreign markets while the US economic activity and data continue to perform well, then we could be setting up for a massive shift away from risky foreign markets/emerging markets and watch global capital pour into Safe-Havens (metals/miners) and pour into the US stock market (US, Canada, Mexico).

We’ve authored numerous articles about how the foreign markets gorged themselves on debt after 2009 while easy money policies allowed them to borrow US dollars very cheaply.  We’ve highlighted how this debt is now hanging over these corporations, manufacturers and investors heads as a liability.  The recent REPO market activity suggests liquidity risks already exist in the global markets.  If these liquidity issues extend further, we could see a much broader market rotation within the US and foreign markets.

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE – QUARTERLY CHART

Currently, the US stock market appears to be near the upper range of a defined price channel.  Near these levels, it is not uncommon to see some downside price rotation to set up a new price advance within the price channels.  This INDU chart highlights the extended price channel trend, originating from 2008, and the more recent price channel (yellow) originating from 2015.  Any breakdown of these channels could prompt a much broader downside price move.

S&P 500 – QUARTERLY CHART

This SPY chart highlights the extended upside price trend in the US stock markets.  The SPY has recently breached the upper price channel level.  It may be setting up a new faster price channel, yet we believe this rally in early Q1 2020 is more of a reaction to the very strong 2019 US economic data and the continued capital shift pouring capital into the US markets.  A correction from these levels to near $275 would not be out of the question.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR – QUARTERLY CHART

This Transportation Index (TRAN) chart presents a very clear price channel and shows a moderate weakness recently in this sector.  The fact that the TRAN has consolidated into a middle range of the price channel while the other US stock market indexes continue to push higher suggests the valuation advance in the US stock market is mostly “capital chasing strength of the US economy” than a true economic expansion event.

2020 will likely continue to see more volatility, more price rotation, more US stock market strength and further risks of a reversion event.  We believe forward guidance for Q1 and Q2 will be revised lower as a result of these new global economic conditions originating from Asia, Europe, and Japan.

If the virus event spreads into Africa and the Middle East (think Belt-Road), then we could see a much broader correction event.  In the meantime, prepare for weaker future earnings related to the shut down of industry and consumer sectors throughout much of Asia.

If this “shut down” type of quarantining process extends throughout other areas of the world, then we need to start to expect a much broader economic contraction event.  Minor events can be absorbed by the broader markets.  Major events where global economies contract for many months or quarters can present a very dangerous event for investors.

Overall, we may see another 20 to 40+ days of “sliding higher” in the US stock market before we see any real risks become present for investors.  This means you should start preparing for any potential unknowns right now.  Plan accordingly as this event will likely result in a sudden and potentially violent change in price trend.

Join my Swing Trading ETF Wealth Building Newsletter if you like what you read here and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site (www.thetechnicaltraders.com) to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

Is The Coronavirus Bullish For Stocks?

Earnings volatility has certainly been big.  Tesla pushed the markets much higher early this week and the US stock markets have continued the upward momentum after the State Of The Union address and the acquittal of President Trump on Wednesday.  Still, we continue to believe this rally may be a “fake-out” rally with respect to the fallout from the Wuhan virus.  Certainly, foreign investors are continuing to pour capital into the US stock market as the strength of the US Dollar and the strong US economy is drawing investment from all areas of the globe.

We believe the scope of this parabolic rally in the US stock market should actually concern skilled traders.  Markets just don’t go straight up for very long.  The last time this happened was in the 1970s and 1980s.  Very minor volatility during that time prompted a big move higher in the US stock market that set up the eventual DOT COM collapse.

Oil, Shipping, Transportation, Consumer, Manufacturing, and Retail will all take a hit because of the Wuhan virus.  We’ve, personally, received notices from certain suppliers that factory closures in China will greatly delay the fulfillment of orders.  Our opinion is that nations may have to close all or a majority of their cities, ports, and activities in Asia for at least 90+ days in order to allow this virus event to peak and subside.  We don’t see any other way to contain this other than to shut down entire cities and nations.

The US Fed and Central Banks are doing everything possible to continue the economic growth and stability of global economics.  Yet, the reality may suddenly set in that without risking a global virus contagion, nations may be forced to actually shut down all non-essential activities for well over 90+ days (possibly even longer).  If you could stop and consider what it would be like for half of the world, and many of the major manufacturing and supply hubs, to shut down for more than 3 to 6 months while a deadly virus is spreading.

Repo lending continues to show that liquidity is a problem.  We believe this problem could get much worse.  Skilled traders need to be prepared for a sudden and potentially violent change in the direction of the global stock markets.

$TNX – 10 YEAR US TREASURE YIELD DAILY CHART

30 YEAR TREASURY BOND PRICE – DAILY CHART

There is now a solid wall of inversions in all the treasury notes and bills.  The 10-year yield is inverted with 6-month and shorter durations.  The 30-year long bond dipped below 2.0% for the third time and is just 6 basis points from a record low.

Prepare to capitalize on this “crowd behavior” in the near future.  Right now, the US stock market is pushing higher as Q4 earnings drive future expectations.  Yet, be prepared for the reality of the situation going forward.

This Wuhan virus may present a very real “black swan” event.  At the moment, the US stock market appears to want to rally as earnings and economic data continues to impress investors.  Overall, the real risk to the markets is a broader global economic contagion related to the Wuhan virus and the potential it may have on foreign and regional economies.

Next week is going to be critical for many things I feel. Virus contagion growth, factory closures, Oil breakdown follow through, equities breakout follow through, and the precious metals pending move.

We locked more gains this week with one of our positions as we rebalance our portfolio holdings for these new big trends to emerge. If you want to know where the markets are moving each day and follow my trades then join my ETF Trading Newsletter.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Corona Virus and Manufacturing Shutdowns Will Affect Companies

A technical trader talks about this week’s large price swings, Coronavirus, and how to trade this volatility.

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A Combination Topping Pattern Is Setting Up

Our research team has highlighted a number of technical and other factors that point to a very real potential of a major market top setting up across the global markets.  We’ve highlighted a number of research articles over the past 30 to 45 days that clearly illustrate our interpretation of the US and global markets.

Our research team believes the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan china will cripple economic expansion and consumer economic activity in China and much of SE Asia over the next few weeks and months.  If the virus spreads into India, it could quickly target large portions of India’s economic capabilities.  We are very early into this potential pandemic event.  The growth rates reported by China suggest only a 2~3% death rate, yet an almost exponential growth rate for the number of invested.  It started off below 100 about 10+ days ago and is now almost ready to break 10k.

Skilled traders must understand that the world is far more inter-connected economically and via transportation than it was even 50 years ago.  More people travel to various parts of the world more often than ever before.  More goods and services travel back and forth across oceans and continents than ever before.  This inter-connected world is actually quite small when you consider a student or vacationer can travel more than halfway around the planet in less than 35 hours, access two or three major transportation hubs (airports) and have direct contact to dozens of people and indirect contract to thousands of people within that span of time.

January 23, 2020: JANUARY 2018 STOCK MARKET REPEAT – YIKES!

December 20, 2019: WHO SAID TRADERS AND INVESTOR ARE EMOTIONAL RIGHT NOW?

December 16, 2019: CURRENT EQUITIES RALLY SIMILARITIES TO 1999

Our concern is, quite literally, that the growth of the number of infected people related to this Coronavirus is only just starting to explode.

One analyst we were watching on TV suggested waiting for a -5% price correction in high-value US equities before attempting to buy back into this weakness.  Knowing that any type of global pandemic even could continue to expand for many months, years of decades, we believe a large number of these analysts are failing to understand the total scope of this potential event.

Our research team believes the next 6 to 12 months will become very telling regarding the real economic contraction resulting from the Coronavirus spread.  We believe the initial measures governments and world organizations are taking will shrink economic opportunity by at least 10 to 20% for certain nations.  If the virus explodes into Africa, or the Middle East, or North America, then we have another set of problems to deal with.  At that point, the economic ramifications could result in a 30 to 50% contraction in certain segments of the US and Global economy.

Let us try to explain our thinking…

No, people will not stop buying toilet paper, toothpaste, food, and other essential supplies, but they will likely slow their purchases at Starbucks, Movie Theaters, Social Events, Traveling to unknown areas and shopping in large exposed areas (big box stores).  Anything that is perceived as a risk will be viewed as potentially dangerous and unwanted.

Consumers and Businesses are like flocks of birds or schools of fish, they all seem to turn to follow the others and move as a single group or “beast”.  If consumers start to pull back as this issue extends, we expect the “beast” will follow this trend until the risk is minimized.

Even though the US economic numbers from Q4 are still landing with very strong numbers – remember this data does not include any real data from the current quarter.  Everything looks really good if you ignore the threat of the Coronavirus going forward (which is rather foolish).  Q1 and Q2 2020 could become a completely different set of numbers.

January 29, 2020: ARE WE SETTING UP FOR A WATERFALL SELLOFF?

We believe the waterfall even that we highlighted earlier this week is still a very valid interpretation of the global market future reaction throughout most of Q1 and Q2 of this year.  We don’t see any real alternative other than price contraction as long as the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the planet.  If the virus is suddenly contained and diminishing, or cured, then we believe the global perception will change back to positive very quickly.

We believe the first waterfall event is already taking place.  We believe the second waterfall event will produce a downside price move targeting recent support near $307 on the SPY.  We believe any further breakdown of the price below this support level will prompt a downside price move targeting the $260 level.  These rotations will come in waves or waterfall events and could target various sectors of the US and global markets.

Pay attention to what the Transportation Index is doing as this outbreak continues.  Slowing consumer activity means essential items will still be in high demand, but big-ticket items, cars, luxury, and vacations may see a dramatic slowing in sales and activity.  Even homes and apartments may slow in sales.  People tend to become very protective and secure in these economic modes.

The Transportation Index may initially fall to levels near 10,200 before finding any real support.  Then a further downside move may target longer-term support near 8,500.  Below that level..  well, let’s just say that below that level and we could be well into a very serious Bearish contraction phase of the global markets.

Take this time to reposition your assets and protect your value.  You can always redeploy your capital when you feel the time is right to jump back into the markets.  We believe the next 60 to 90 days will become very informative relating to the spread and capabilities of this virus and our ability to fight it.  Don’t let this volatility be something like 2009 when you look back and say “I should have known better”.

Join my ETF Trade Alert Newsletter – Wealth Building Newsletter if you like what you read here and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

The Wuhan Wipeout – Could It Happen?

News is traveling fast about the Corona Virus that originated in Wuhan, China.  2744 cases and 80 deaths confirmed globally according to Bloomberg and the National Health Commission.

In most of Asia, the Chinese New Year is already in full swing.  Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, India and a host of other countries are already starting to celebrate the 7 to 10 day long New Year.  Millions of people have already traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to visit family throughout this massive celebration.  We are certain that hundreds or thousands have traveled to all parts of the world by now.  The potential for exponential growth in the threat from this virus could be just days or weeks away.

Far too many people are too young to have any knowledge of the 1855 Third Plague Pandemic that originated in China.  This outbreak quickly spread to India and Hong Kong and claimed 15 million victims.  It lasted until the 1960s when active cases of the Plague dropped below a couple hundred.

If we consider the broader scope of this issue, we have to take into consideration the results it may have on the broader global economy, commodities and consumer activity as skilled traders.

The world is much bigger than it was in 1855.  We have more technology, more capability and faster response capabilities related to this potential pandemic.  Yet, we also have a much greater heightened inter-connected global economy, currency, and commodity markets.  What happened in China can, and may, result in some crisis events throughout the planet.  It is not the same world as it was in 1855. (Source: history.com)

It is far too early to speculate on any future economic outcomes related to this potential outbreak, but it is fairly certain that China, most of Asia, India and potentially Africa could see extensive economic damage related to a contraction in consumer and industrial economic demand as a consequence of this outbreak.  Once the Chinese New Year ends, in about 10 to 15+ days, people will return back to their home cities and we’ll begin to understand the total scope of this problem.  If the problem continues to be isolated in China, Asia and within that general region, then we may see economic consequences isolated to these regions.  If not, then we could see a much bigger and broader global economic consequence setting up.

The 1855 Plague Pandemic lasted for nearly 100 years and wiped out 1.25% of the total global population.  This was at a time when there was limited transportation options and global economics was a much smaller component of the total global economy.  Everything is somewhat isolated at that time. In today’s world, a similar type of event could wipe our 1% to 5% of the total global population before we have any means to attempt to control it.

Bill Gates believes this outbreak could kill more than 30 million people within 6 months (Source: businessinsider.com)

It is time to get real about this and prepare for how the global markets will interpret this potential outbreak.

We’ve been warning that the market was “Rallying To A Peak” recently and believe this outbreak has changed the minds of traders.  This could the catalyst that breaks the bullish trend for quite a while.  Skilled traders will be trying to get ahead of this rotation in the markets and attempt to deleverage risk.  As retail traders, we should be doing the same thing – deleveraging risk, buying metals, trimming open long positions and hedging into inverted ETFs.

DAILY ES CHART

This Daily ES chart highlights a very real support level near 3050 that also aligns with the longer-term Moving Average.  A downside move like this would represent a -10 to -11% downside price reversion and take us back to December 2019 price levels.  It could happen very quickly.

TRANSPORTATION INDEX CHART

This Transportation Index chart highlights a potential downside price reversion of -11% to -12% – targeting the 9,750 level.  We’ve recently authored an article about the weakness in the Transportation Index and how we believe it could be setting up for a downward price move.  If a breakdown move like this happens in TRAN, it would suggest a massive contraction in the global economy is taking place.

DOW JONES (YM) DAILY CHART

This last YM chart highlights support near 28,000 which would be an immediate downside target if the Dow Jones Industrials revert lower.  And, again, this would put us back to December 2019 price levels.  If this 28,000 level is broken, then we start looking at levels closer to 26,000 (roughly -20%).

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

Right now, consider this situation as you are a captain of a ship sailing into a storm.  You can either prepare for it and navigate through it to the best of your ability or ignore the warnings and hope for the best.  It is far too early to panic at this point, but a certain degree of “preparation” is certainly in order.

We’ll know more in about 7+ days as we learn how far and how wide this problem has actually extended.  In the meantime, watch your investments.  Protect your assets.  Prepare for the storm.  Best case, you can always reposition your capital for clearer skies in a few weeks.

As a technical analysis and trader since 1997 I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles, I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for both short-term swing trading and long-term investment capital. The opportunities are massive/life-changing if handled properly.

Join my Wealth Building Newsletter if you want winning ETF swing trade alerts every month? Then ride my coattails as I make money while others will struggle and lose money as the markets correct and become more volatile.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site (www.thetechnicaltraders.com) to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

What Does The Global Stock Market Contraction After The Missile Strike Mean?

The US Stock Market contracted in early morning trading on Friday, January 3, by more than 1% after news of the missile attack in Baghdad targeting a top-level Iranian military General and others.  After the attack on the US Embassy in Iraq last week, President Trump issued a strong warning that the US would act to protect its people throughout the world and Iran scoffed at this message.  It would certainly appear President Trump means business and won’t hesitate to stop terrorists from acting against the US – no matter where they are in the world.

This news, overnight, pushed Oil, Gold, Silver and most precious metals higher.  The fear factor associated with the unknowns of what may come from these actions shot through the roof over the past 24 hours.  The global stock markets contracted by a fairly strong amount in Friday’s trading.  Most global markets were off by 0.75% to levels well over 1%.

GLOBAL MARKET SELLOFF AFTER MISSLE STRIKE – CANADA, BRAZIL, CHINA, UK…

The real question skilled technical traders must ask themselves is this “will this turn of events prompt a change in investor expectations/thinking over the next 12+ months”?

I can remember what happened in the markets and the US economy in 1991 when Desert Storm happened.  Because this was one of the first US military efforts that were televised almost 24/7, almost immediately people were suddenly distracted by these war images and videos.  They were entranced by the actions taking place half-way around the world.  Local economies slowed because of this change in consumer sentiment and certain businesses struggled as their customers stayed home and watched TV.

A similar type of event happened after 9/11.  The United States was in shock.  People still attempted to conduct life as normal, yet our objectives changed.  We lost a bit of that care-free American attitude that we had in place before the 9/11 event.  We were more solemn, more conservative, more reserved in our daily lives.  Could something like this happen if Iran (and neighbors) attempt to retaliate against the US for this missile attack?  Could this change the thinking of consumers and investors as concerns about re-engaging in a Middle East conflict arise?

US MARKET SOLD OFF ON MISSILE ATTACK

The US stock market contracted fairly strongly in early trading on Friday, January 3, 2020.  Yet, by afternoon trading, support had pushed most prices off the lows.  We authored a research article recently that suggested traders were very emotional near the end of 2019.  We believe these emotions could continue to haunt the markets in various ways over the next 10 to 25+ trading days.  One thing we are concerned with is a change in price trend sometime between January 13 and January 25.  We believe these dates could prompt a major change in price trend and direction in the near future.

December 20, 2019: WHO SAID TRADERS AND INVESTOR ARE EMOTIONAL RIGHT NOW?

We don’t have a confirmation, as of yet, that any major trend change is taking place – but we feel it would be unprofessional to not warn traders that an event like this could dramatically change the way traders view future expectations.  We really have to understand one key factor about investing and trading – trends are the results of investors/traders believing the future revenues and results of a company, stock or economy will product greater or weaker returns.  If investors believe the returns will be greater, then the trend tends to move higher.  If investors believe the returns will be weaker, then the trend tends to move lower.

EVENT COULD CHANGE EQUITIES MARKET OUTLOOK – DOW JONES INDEX

Could this new event change future expectations for traders and investors?  How will extended uncertainty or military engagement alter trader’s expectations over the next 12+ months?

Right now, we want to urge our followers to protect their open long positions and watch carefully as this event unfolds.  We don’t have any confirmation that a trend change is taking place.  If the YM price fell to levels below $28,000, then we would consider recent support near $28,350 breached and begin to take a look at other price modeling systems.

We suggest our followers read the following research post from the end of 2019.  This will give you a better understanding of what is really happening right now and what would be needed to push the markets into a new bearish trend in early 2020.

December 31, 2019: WHAT TO EXPECT IN EARLY 2020

As we warned throughout most of 2019, we believe 2020 will be an incredible year for traders with extended volatility and returns.  You really don’t want to miss these bigger price moves when they happen.  Our precious metals calls throughout all of 2019 were nearly perfect and our recent Gold calls have nailed this big move.  Get ready – 2020 is going to be a great year for skilled technical traders.

With over 55 years of technical trading experience, we have been through a few bull/bear market cycles, I have a good pulse on the market, timing key turning points and what to buy and sell for both short-term swing trading and long-term investment capital. The opportunities are financially life-changing if handled properly.

I urge you visit my Wealth Building Newsletter and if you like what I offer, join me with the 1 or 2-year subscription to lock in the lowest rate possible and ride my coattails as I navigate these financial markets and build wealth while others lose nearly everything they own.

Chris Vermeulen
Founder of Technical Traders Ltd.

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site www.TheTechnicalTraders.com to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

Long-Term Predictive Software Suggests Volatility May Surge

Over the past few weeks and months, a number of key economic data has continued to rally the US major indexes towards new highs, hopes of a US/China trade deal, a continued shift of capital in the US markets for protection and safety, and moderately strong US economic indicators and an earning season that appears to be moderately strong for Q3 of 2019.  The interesting facet of this move higher is that it is happening while trading volume has diminished dramatically in the SPY.  The futures contracts, the ES, YM, and NQ, continue to show relatively strong volume activity though.

Additionally, the overnight Repo markets have risen to the attention of many skilled analysts.  The concern is that the continued US Fed support of the overnight Repo facility may be a band-aid attempt to support a gaping credit crisis that is brewing just outside of view.  We’ve been doing quite a bit of research over the past few weeks regarding this Repo market support by the US Fed and we believe there is more to it than many believe.  We believe certain institutional banking firms may be at extreme risks related to derivative investments, shadow banking activities and/or global commodity/stock/currency/asset risk exposure.  The only answer we have for the extended Repo facility at increasing levels is that the institutional banking system is starting to “fray around the edges”.  Thus, we believe some larger credit risk problems may be just around the corner.

Our longer-term analysis continues to suggest that “all is fine – until it is not”.  Our belief that a capital shift that has been taking place over the past 5+ years where foreign capital continues to pour into the US markets is driving US stock market prices higher.  There is evidence that the capital shift into the US has slowed over the past 5+ months, yet one would not notice this by looking at these longer-term charts.  The point we are trying to make today is that price peaks near current highs have, historically, been met with strong resistance and collapsed by 8 to 15% on average.

SP500 INDEX – 2 MONTH LONG TERM CHART

This ES 2 Month chart highlights the resistance channel initiated near the 2003 lows (the lower YELLOW price channel line) and how that level has continued to act as moderate price resistance throughout most of 2017, 2018 and 2019.  We believe that price, at current levels, must either rally above this level and be capable of sustaining higher price levels (which would be supported by stronger forward guidance, earnings, economic data and/or investments), or will attempt to rotate lower from these current highs because price is simply unable to support/sustain higher price levels given the current global economic data.

When we attempt to rationalize the potential for price given the Repo issues, the current global economic data/news, the uncertainty of a US Presidential election cycle only 12 months away, the BREXIT deal hanging out in the near future and recent currency rotations, we believe is transitional shift is taking place in the markets in preparation for some type of surge in volatility associated with a very strong potential for extended price rotation.

NASDAQ 2 WEEK CHART – ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC LEARNING (ADL)

Our Adaptive Dynamic Learning (ADL) price modeling system on this NQ 2-Week chart highlights what the ADL system suggests as a moderate price rotation setting up over the next 2 to 8+ weeks.  This data originates on August 5, 2019, and the alignment of the future predicted price levels (the DASHES) on this chart shows how accurate the ADL future price predictions have been over the past 3+ months.  Currently, the ADL predictive modeling system is suggesting a price reversion is about to take place in the NQ where price may fall 10 to 15% over the next 2 to 6+ weeks.  Then, the price will attempt to set up a momentum base and begin to move higher near the end of 2019 or early into 2020.

DOW 2 WEEK CHART – ADAPTIVE DYNAMIC LEARNING (ADL)

This YM 2-Week chart showing the same type of ADL predicted price levels suggests the YM may also see some type of price reversion, yet the size of this reversion is much smaller than the NQ.  The ADL predictive modeling system is suggesting the YM may rotate to levels near 26,000 or lower before finding immediate support and attempting a renewed rally back to levels near 27,000.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

What this suggests is that the NASDAQ and S&P500 may become much more volatile than the Dow Jones index over the next 2 to 6+ weeks.  Volatility may surge on a reversion move in the ES and NQ over the next few months while the YM remains rather calm comparatively.  Skilled traders must understand that subtle risks are starting to show throughout the global markets.  Foreign markets are starting to show signs of extended contraction – China and Asia in particular.  The situation in Europe and with the Euro are open to interpretation.  Our opinion is that risk levels have already exceeded a comfort level in this arena.

Should some event take place where the global banking system and/or Repo market continue to attempt to take up the slack – traders will become even more concerned that “something is broken” and could pull massive amounts of capital out of the markets fairly quickly.  If this happens when volume and volatility are very low, we have a situation where simple price exploration could present a real problem (think FLASH CRASH).

Skilled traders need to stay very cautious near these new highs.  We may see a surge in volatility over the next few weeks unless the markets are able to settle the concerns raised by analysts and others.  Headed into the end of 2019, into a contentious US presidential election cycle and with obvious signs that something may be breaking in the global banking system, now is the time to protect and prepare for the unknown.  We can’t make this any clearer – consider this a warning alert from www.TheTechnicalTraders.com.

US Major Indexes Retest Critical Price Channel Resistance

News, again, drives the US stock market and major indexes higher as optimism of a US/China trade agreement floods the news wires.  As we’ve been suggesting, the global markets continue to be news-driven and are seeking any positive news related to easing trade tensions and capital markets.  We believe any US/China trade deal would be received as very positive news by the global capital markets – yet we understand the process of achieving the components of the “deal” would likely still be 6 to 24 months away.

Still, with the strength of the US economy and the potential that some deal could be reached before the end of 2019 setting positive expectations, the US stock market and major indexes rallied last Thursday and Friday (October 10 and 11).  As the long holiday weekend sets up with no trading on Monday, it will be interesting to see what is potentially resolved between President Trump and the Chinese before the markets start to react on Sunday and Monday nights. Make sure up opt-in to our free market trend signals newsletter.

Our research team wanted to highlight some very key elements related to technical price theory and technical analysis.  These weekly charts highlight what we believe is “key resistance” in the US major indexes and share our research team’s concern that the markets may be reacting to news more than relying on fundamental economic and earnings valuations.  In past articles, we’ve highlighted how a “capital shift” is continuing to take place where foreign capital is actively seeking safety and security for future returns.  This leads to a shift in how capital is being deployed throughout the globe.

The current price channels in these Weekly charts highlight two key facets of the current market setup.  Either the US stock market will attempt to rally above this lower yellow price channel and attempt to regain strength between the two yellow price channels, or it will fail near the current price level and attempt to identify new support somewhere below the current price rotation ranges.

Just a few days ago, we posted this research article to alert traders of the Pennant/Flag formation that is setting up in the US markets …

October 7, 2019: US STOCK MARKETS TRADE SIDEWAYS – WAITING ON NEWS/GUIDANCE

NASDAQ WEEKLY CHART

With the holiday weekend upon us, we believe the news and economic data will continue to drive the market’s future moves and that volatility will continue to increase.

This Weekly ES chart highlights a similar setup, yet one key fact must be understood.  Price has already fallen away from the lower YELLOW price channel level and established a “lower high” price rotation recently.  Any price rally failure near this level may prompt a very big downside move.  The price must continue to rally above 3100 is price makes any attempt at further gains.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

We believe skilled technical traders have already digested and are well aware of the risks that are present in the current market environment.  We’ve been urging our followers to stay mostly in cash and to consider very strategic, expertly timed, investments when price trends are relatively secure.

This is not a speculative market any longer – this is a very volatile and uncertain market that is currently resting as major resistance levels.  Don’t get overly aggressive at this point.  It is better for the markets to tell us what it wants to do.  Lower risk, lower chance of disaster and live to trade another day – these should be hammered into the heads of traders at this stage of the markets.

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NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.  Visit our web site to learn how to take advantage of our members-only research and trading signals.

Downside Price Rotation Dominates After Manufacturing Data

Our research team has been all over this longer-term Pennant/Flag setup and the potential for the breakdown in the US/Global markets.  The US manufacturing data released today confirmed what we believed would be the outcome of the extended trade issues between the US and China – a moderate slowdown in US manufacturing.  Couple that with a US Fed that is attempting to navigate very difficult economic developments, consumers headed into the Christmas season unsure of what lies ahead, the US political environment (almost complete chaos) and uncertainties with foreign markets and we have a perfect setup for “investor malaise”.

This is something we last saw after 9/11 and even earlier in 1990 when the US invaded Kuwait.  With each of these events, consumers and investors entered a phase of moderate indifference/malaise in terms of attention put towards global economics and investing as well as a general unwillingness to actively engage in anything related to investing and finance related.  It appeared that consumers and investors were just busy taking care of their lives, families, jobs and watching the “news cycle” as it seemed every evening something new hit the news-cycles to distract from the markets.

If this is the case with the new Impeachment proceedings, the US Presidential election event (2020) and geopolitical trade/finance issues in today’s markets, then we may be entering a period where capital will continue to shift into safe-havens, protective stocks (DOW and dividend-paying stocks) and attempt to shun the high-flying, high-risk technology, Biotech and heavy-equipment and other stocks that rely on a booming global economy.  We have about 13 months to go before the November 2020 US Presidential elections and it appears we have a dramatically changing economic environment ahead of us.

If this downward price move continues as we expect, capital will move away from risk factors and into safe-havens, bonds, and blue-chip stocks as a method of protecting against valuation risks.  The NASDAQ and technology stocks could get crushed while the VIX index rockets higher. The smart money index and the price reversion look to be starting now and we explained it much more detail in this article.

S&P 500 (ES) DAILY CHART

This ES Daily chart highlights the new lower low produced by the downside price move on October 1.  This new low confirms the bearish trend is currently dominating the direction and suggests price may attempt to target the 2880 level (first level of support) before possibly moving lower.  Our researchers believe the ES is likely to fall 5% to 12% over this total downside rotation based on our Adaptive Dynamic Learning (ADL) predictive modeling system. If this happens then see what we think will happen to the price of the VIX. Thus, retesting August 2019 lows is really going to be a key setup to determine what happens next.

DOW JONES DAILY CHART

This YM Daily chart provides an even more dramatic example of the new price low set up that continues to suggest further downside price action is in our future.  Support near 26000 would be our first target level and ultimate support near 25000 would be our ultimate support level based on recent price rotation.  Ideally, we believe the YM will move towards the 26000 level and find support rather quickly.  Much more quickly than the ES and NQ – as we’ve recently detailed in our ADL predictive modeling research article.

NASDAQ DAILY CHART

Because we believe the NASDAQ and the S&P stocks are more likely to experience a broader price rotation than the Dow Jones stocks, we believe that capital will begin a very dramatic and dedicate shift away from risk over the next 2 to 3+ weeks.  This would suggest that certain S&P and Dow stocks/sectors could see some support setting up within a 3~5 week span – well before the NASDAQ stocks find any real support.  It also suggests that Metals and Miners are likely to begin another rally higher over the next few weeks/months.

Ultimately, this will result in the VIX rallying much higher, as we suggested near 30+ days ago, and possibly targeting levels above 25 (initially), then possibly 35 as the capital shift extends.  Once capital begins to pour out of risk and into safe-havens, the VIX could rally above 40 on a deep price downturn in the NASDAQ.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

If this downside rotation extended into the global stock market, we may see a much broader rotation of capital throughout the world as risk factors are heightened and credit/debt issues are pushed to the limits for certain foreign nations/corporations.  This is likely to be a “shake-out” moment if the downside price move extends deeply.

Right now, we need to watch how the foreign markets will react to this new and how consumers and corporations address this manufacturing slowdown.  Obviously, everything is not as rosy as one might think given the global trade and economic issues.  But we believe this rotation is very healthy for the markets and if our ADL predictive modeling is correct, the ES and YM will recover near mid-November for a moderate Christmas rally for 2019.  The NASDAQ/technology/Biotech sectors, though, may not be so lucky.

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As a technical analysis and trader since 1997, I have been through a few bull/bear market cycles. I believe I have a good pulse on the market and timing key turning points for both short-term swing trading and long-term investment capital. The opportunities are massive/life-changing if handled properly.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

NOTICE: Our free research does not constitute a trade recommendation or solicitation for our readers to take any action regarding this research.  It is provided for educational purposes only.  Our research team produces these research articles to share information with our followers/readers in an effort to try to keep you well informed.