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Yield Curve Patterns – What To Expect In 2020

Quite a bit of information can be gleaned from the US Treasury Yield Curve charts.  There are two very interesting components that we identified from the Yield Curve charts below.  First, the bottom in late 2018 was a very important price bottom in the US markets.  That low presented a very deep bottom in the Yield Curve 30Y-10Y chart.  We believe this bottom set up a very dynamic shift in the capital markets that present the current risk factor throughout must of the rest of the world.  Second, this same December 2018 price bottom set up a very unique consolidation pattern on the 10Y-3Y Yield Curve chart.  This pattern has been seen before, in late 1997-1998 and late 2005-2008.

The reality of these two patterns setting up in the Yield Curve charts suggests that the US and global markets are going to experience a surge in volatility and a very real potential that the US and global markets will contract over the next 6 to 24 months.  Within about 3 to 6+ months of these patterns setting up, one of two separate outcomes typically takes place.

A.  A continued US stock market price advance takes place pushing the Yield Curves lower and ultimately setting up a massive stock market top formation.

B.  A moderate price peak sets up where the Yield Curve levels begin to rise from these current levels while the US and global stock markets begin a moderate correction phase – eventually leading into the possibility of a massive price collapse.

Our research team believes the deep price rotation near the end of 2018 set up a very unique capital shift event that took place within the global markets.  Currently, there is well over $75 Trillion in the US and global markets.  This capital has become enough of a force in the global markets to act as the “moon and the tide”.  In a way, this capital, and the search for profits and safety, has propelled the global markets into a very fragile position.

This total amount of capital, in combination with the derivative markets and global credit markets, presents a significant risk for global central banks and nations.  Many foreign nations have pushed their debt levels to well over 100% of GDP.  Still, even more, have engaged in reckless lending and shadow banking practices that engage a further level of risk to the global markets.  Global central banks have taken on excessive debt levels and acquired assets after 2009 in order to help stabilize the global markets.  The combination of all of these facets of new capital, risk, and assets add a new dynamic to historical patterns in the Yield Curves.

Even though the patterns are similar in structure, the risks are far greater than in 2000 or 2008.  Before, the Central Banks were like a ship navigating the Tides of the seas.  Now, the Central Banks have become the Tides and the Moon – they are essentially an omnipresent force in all levels of assets, capital, risks, and contagion.

We believe the 30Y – 10Y yield curve may move slightly lower if any type of reprieve or complacency continues throughout the global markets that risk is not a factor going forward. This would suggest that the US stock market may continue to move a bit higher – possibly seeing the DOW breach the $30,000 level.  Otherwise, we believe the Yield Curve may continue to climb suggesting that a global market peak is setting up and a price reversion event is beginning to take place.

This 10Y – 3Y Yield Curve chart highlights the potential for a brief collapse in this level to below ZERO, yet it is not necessary at this point in time to confirm a potential major market peak.  Ideally, the future of the US and global stock markets depend on how these yield curves react at this juncture in time.  A deeper move to levels below ZERO will suggest a broader market peak is setting up.  A rally from these levels would suggest the peak has already set up and that real risk and fear are entering the global markets.

The NQ setup an Engulfing Bearish pattern after a very impressive rally from moderate rotation in December 2019.  We highlighted the potential that the US markets are rallying to a peak in a number of research articles recently.  The one we’ve included, below, is an excellent example of this type of research.

January 31, 2020: A COMBINATION TOPPING PATTERN IS SETTING UP

As we’ve been suggesting for many months, this is the time for skilled traders to become “cautious long traders”.  This upside move could end in a very violent manner as the Moon and Tide shift suddenly as fear and central bank paralysis setup in the markets.  We urge all our friends and followers to prepare for this eventual setup and to understand the total scope of this omnipresent capital/debt event.  This time will certainly be different because Central Banks have become banker, holders, guarantor and leveraged participants in the future outcome.

Our suggestion is to plan to setup your portfolio so you have sufficient cash in reserve in the event of an unexpected market decline.  We also suggest proper protection/hedge investments, such as precious metals and metals miner ETFs.  Currently, this single Engulfing Bearish pattern is not enough of a trigger to warn of any immediate action for traders – but the Yield Curve charts are clearly showing us the markets will either continue to rally to an ultimate peak or begin to setup that peak very quickly from current levels.

Think of it this way, we know the music will likely stop at some point in the near future, we just don’t know exactly when it will stop.  So, we have to prepare for the scramble for the chairs when it ends.

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

Is The Technology Sector Setting Up For A Crash? Part IV

As we continue to get more and more information related to the Coronavirus spreading across Asia and Europe, the one thing we really must consider is the longer-term possibility that major global economies may contract in some manner as the Chinese economy is currently doing.  The news suggests over 700+ million people in China are quarantined.  This is a staggering number of people – nearly double the total population of the entire United States.

If the numbers presented by the Chinese are accurate, the Coronavirus has a very high infection rate, yet a moderately small mortality rate (2~3%).  Still, if this virus continues to spread throughout the world and infects more and more people, there is a very real potential that 20 to 50 million people may be killed because of this event.  It may become one of the biggest Black Swan events in recent history.

We really won’t know the total scope of the damage to the Chinese and Asian economies for another 35+ days – possibly longer.  The information we have been able to pull from available news sources and from the Chinese press is that hundreds of millions are quarantined, the Chinese Central Bank is pouring capital into their markets in order to support their frail economy and, just recently, President Xi suggested stimulus will not be enough – austerity measure will have to be put into place to protect China from creating a massive debt-trap because of this virus.

Austerity is a process of central bank planners cutting expenses, cutting expansion plans, cutting everything that is not necessary and planning for longer-term economic contraction.  It means the Chinese are preparing for a long battle and are attempting to protect their wealth and future from an extreme collapse event.

From an investor standpoint, FANG stocks have outperformed the S&P, NASDAQ and DOW JONES indexes by many multiples over the past 5~6 years.  The chart below highlights the rally in the markets that originated in late 2016 (think 2016 US Presidential Election) and the fact that foreign capital poured into the US stock market chasing expected returns promised by future President Trump.

It becomes very clear that the FANG stocks rallied very quickly after the elections were completed and continued to pull away from valuation levels of the S&P, NASDAQ and DOW JONES US indexes.  How far has the FANG index rallied above the other US major indexes? At some points, the FANG index was 30~40% higher than the biggest, most mature industries within the US.  In late 2018, everything contracted a bit – including the FANG index.

As or right now, the FANG index has risen nearly 274% from October 2014.  The S&P has risen nearly 60% over that same time.  The NASDAQ has risen 140% and the S&P 500 Info Tech Index rose 180%.  The reality is that capital has poured into the technology sector, FANG stocks and various other US stock market indexes chasing this incredible rally event.

(source: https://www.theice.com/fangplus)

This Netflix Weekly chart highlights what we believe are some of the early signs of weakness in the FANG sector.  The sideways FLAG formation suggests NFLX has reached a peak in early 2018 and investors have shied away from pouring more capital into this symbol while the Technology index and FANG index have continued to rally over the past 8+ months.

This Weekly Custom FANG Index chart highlights the rally that took place after October 2018 and continues to drive new highs today.  This move on our Custom FANG index shows a very clear breakout rally taking place which is why we believe more foreign capital poured into the US markets as the US/China trade deal continued to plague the global markets and as BREXIT and other economic issues started to weigh on economic outputs.  What did investors do to avoid these risks?  Pour their capital into the hot US technology sector.

Another chart we like to review is our Custom Technology Index Weekly chart.  This chart shows a similar pattern to the FANG chart above, yet it presents a very clear picture of the excessive price rally and rotation that has taken place over the past 5+ months.  The real risk with this trend is that investors may start to believe “it will go on forever” and “there is no risk in these trades”.  There is a very high degree of risk in these trades.  Once the bubble bursts, the downside move may become very violent and shocking.

A reversion event, bubble burst event, in the technology sector as a result of the economic collapse in China and throughout other areas of the world may break this rally in the technology sector at some point and may push investors to re-evaluate their trading plans.  Until investors understand the risks setting up because of the Coronavirus and the potential for a 20%, 30%, even 40% decrease in economic activity and consumer spending may finally push global investors to really think about the true valuations within the FANG/Technology sector.

We writing this article to alert you to the very real fact that “what goes up – must come down” at some point.  Pay attention to how this plays out and what may cause global investors to suddenly change their opinion of the Technology sector.   A pullback in this sector may result in a -40% to -50% price reversion.

We believe the economic collapse and humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in China may be enough to put a massive dent in future expectations for 2020 and 2021.  You simply can’t have a major global economic collapse in this manner without having some type of cross-over event.  As we learned in 2008-09 with the US credit crisis – when a major economy collapses its assets and financial markets, the ripples spread across the globe.  China may become the next financial crisis event for the new decade.

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

Is The Technology Sector Setting Up For A Crash? Part III

FANG stocks seem uniquely positioned for some extreme rotation over the next 6+ months.  The continued capital shift that has taken place over the past 5+ years has driven investment and capital into the Technology sector – much like the DOT COM rally.  The euphoric rally in the late 1990s seems quite similar to today.

The biggest difference this time is that global central banks have pushed an easy-money monetary policy since just after 2000.  The policies and rallies that took place after 9/11 were a result of policies put in place by George W. Bush and Alan Greenspan.  Our research team believes these policies set up a  process where foreign markets gorged on cheap US Dollars to expand industry and manufacturing throughout the late 1990s and most of the early 2000s.  This process sets up a scenario where the US pumped US Dollars into the global markets after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and foreign markets gobbled this capital up knowing they could expand infrastructure, industry, and manufacturing, then sell these products back to the US and other markets for profits.  Multiple QE attempts by the US Fed continued to fuel this capital shift.

It wasn’t until after 2008-09 when the US Fed entered a period of extreme easy money policy.  This easy money policy populated an extensive borrow-spend process throughout most of the foreign world.  Remember, as much as the US was attempting to support the US markets, the foreign markets were actively gorging even more on this easy money from the US and didn’t believe anything would change in the near future.  China/Asia and most of the rest of the world continued to suck up US Dollars while pouring more and more capital into industry, manufacturing and finance/banking.

This process of borrowing from the US while tapping into the expanding US markets created a wealth creation process throughout much of Asia/China that, in turn, poured newly created wealth back into the US stock and real estate markets over the past 7+ years.  It is easy to understand how the trillions pushed into the markets by the US Fed created opportunity and wealth throughout the globe, then turned into investments into US assets and the US stock market.  Foreign investors wanted a piece of the biggest and most diverse economy on the planet.

This foreign investment propelled a new rally in the Technology sector, which aligned with a massive build-out of technology throughout the world and within China.  Remember, in the late 1990s, China was just starting to develop large manufacturing and industry.  By the mid-2000s, China had already started building huge city-wide industry and manufacturing.  But in the late-2000s, China went all-in on the industry and manufacturing build-out.  This created a massive “beast” in China that depends on this industry to support finance and capital markets.  This lead to the recent rise in the global and US markets as all of this capital rushed around the globe looking for the best returns and safest locations for investment.

FANG stocks have taken center stage and the recent rally reminds of us the DOT COM rally from the 1990s.  Could the Coronavirus break this trend and collapse future expectations within the global markets?  Is it possible that we are setting up another DOT COM-like bubble that is about to break?

THE WEEKLY CHART OF APPLE (AAPL)

This first Weekly chart of Apple (AAPL) shows just how inflated price has rallied since August 2019.  The share price of AAPL has risen from $220 to almost $320 in the last 6 months – an incredible +49%.  We attribute almost all of this incredible rise to the Capital Shift that took place in the midst of the US/China trade war.  Foreign capital needed to find a place to protect itself from currency devaluation and to generate ROI.  What better place than the US Technology Sector.

THE WEEKLY CHART OF FACEBOOK (FB)

Facebook has also seen a nice appreciation in value from the lows in late 2018.  From the August 2019 date, though, Facebook has seen share prices rise about +25% – from the $180 level to the $225 level.  Although many traders may not recognize the Double Top pattern set up near the $220 level, we believe this setup may be an early warning that Technology may be starting to “rollover” as capital may begin searching for a safer environment and begin exiting the Technology sector.

THE WEEKLY CHART OF GOOGLE (GOOG)

Google (Alphabet), GOOG, is another high-flier with share prices rising from $1200 to $1500 from August 2019 till now – a +28% price increase.  We can clearly see that GOOG is well above the historic price channel set up by the rotation in late 2018.  We believe resistance near $1525 will act as a price boundary and may prompt a downside price rotation associated with the rotation away from risk within the Technology sector.  Any downside move, if it happens, could prompt a price decline targeting $1350 or lower.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:

Remember, we are warning of a change in how capital operates within the markets.  The Capital Shift that has continued to drive advancing share prices in Technology may be nearing an end.  It does not mean the capital shift will end, it just means this capital may rotate into other sectors in an attempt to avoid risks and seek out returns.  We believe this is a real possibility because we believe the Coronavirus in China is disrupting the markets (supply/manufacturing and consumer spending) by such a large factor that we believe capital will be forced to identify new targets for returns.  In other words, we believe the Technology Sector may be at very high risk for a price reversion event if this “black swan” event continues to disrupt the global markets.

Let’s face it, a very large portion of our technology originates and is manufactured in China.  In fact, a very large portion of almost everything we consume is manufactured in China.  Heck, the cat food I buy every week is made in China.  If this Coronavirus continues to force China to shut down large sections of their nation and manufacturing while it continues to spread, then the only real outcome for the rest of the world is that “China manufacturing capabilities will be only 10~20% of previous levels” (if that).

Once supply runs out for most items originating from China, then we are going to have to deal with a new reality of “what are the real future expectations going to really look like” and that is why we are preparing our followers and friends the Technology sector may be one of the biggest rotating sectors in the near future.

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.

Technology Sector Setting Up For A Crash? Part II

In the first section of this article, we highlighted three key components/charts illustrating why the “rally to the peak” is very likely a result of a continued Capital Shift away from risk and into the US stock market as an attempt to avoid foreign market growth concerns.  This method of pouring capital into the US stock market is a process that is driving incredible asset rallies in the US technology sector.  Already the US technology sector (FANG and our Custom Technology Index charts) are up almost 15% in 2020.  How long will it last and when will it end?

Recently, China has revised the Coronavirus data with a sharp increase in infection cases – now over 40,000.  We believe the true number of infections in China are currently well above 250,000 from video content and other data we’ve researched.  We believe economic data originating from China for January and February 2020 will show a dramatic 60% to 80%+ decrease in activity for many of the major cities.  Satellite technology suggests manufacturing and consumer activity in most major Chinese cities is only a fraction of what would be considered normal – 10% to 20% or normal levels.

This means the manufacturing capacities in China have collapsed and that supply to the rest of the world will collapse as well.  This means major electronics manufacturers and suppliers will suddenly quickly experience shortages and outages very shortly.  This is why we believe the technology sector may come under severe pressure over the next 6+ months and why we believe the “high-flying” technology sector may be one of the biggest sector rotations of 2020.

Just how much of a “collapse” are we talking about?  How can anyone attempt to quantify the true scope of this potential “black swan” event and how it may result in sector rotation?

Let’s start with some of the basics.  First, the global economy has been focused on Chinese manufacturing and production of goods for more than the past 20+ years.  Over the past 10 to 15+ years, the Chinese economy has become the central hub of manufacturing and supply for some of the largest economies on the planet.  At this point in time, nearly every nation on the planet relies on China in some form for some essential goods that support their local economies.

This image showing the size and scope of global economies may highlight just how interconnected we really are.  The Chinese economy is 15.4% of the total global economy when taken as a whole compared to other global economies.  Yet, China supplies a very large number of these other nations with cheap goods, essential components for industry and manufacturing as well as a very large number of everyday essential items for consumers.  So, when we attempt to consider a “shut-down” of the Chinese economy as they attempt to deal with this virus, try to think about how long it would take for the supply chain to dry up and then what?

Source: visualcapitalist.com

Try to take a moment and think about the total scope of what we’re dealing with in regards to this Corona Virus outbreak.  Take a minute to review this graphic from InvestmentWatchBlog.com showing some of the “Best” US firms and how many rely on China for manufacturing/supply of critical components or generate a large portion of their revenues from China.

Source: investmentwatchblog.com

It has been over 45 days since the end of 2019.  China knew about this virus fairly early in December 2019.  So, in reality, it has been over 75 days since this outbreak first started. The data accumulated by Johns Hopkins CSSE started on January 20, 2020.  Since that time, China has experienced a more than 4000% increase in new Corona Virus cases – that is only about 21 days.  The number of infected has risen to well over 64,000 and we believe that number (reported by the Chinese government) may be only a fraction (1/8th to 1/6th) of the real infected rate.

Source: gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com

Not all technology companies rely on China to supply products and software.  Many technology companies have strong core business enterprises that are independent of Chinese manufacturing.  Yet we continue to believe the disruption in manufacturing and supply from China will disrupt forward earnings data enough to potentially send the technology sector much lower than current levels.  Additionally, if capital rushes out of technology in search of a more suitable opportunity – where will that capital find a new home?

What happens if this “shut down” of the Chinese economy lasts for more than 6+ months and what happens to the world economy as a result of this virus outbreak?  In Part III of this research article, we’ll try to share our insight a bit further and attempt to show you where real opportunity exists as this rotation plays out.

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 Technology Sector Setting Up For A Crash? Part I

One thing that continues to amaze our research team is the total scale and scope of the Capital Shift which is taking place across the globe.  For almost 5+ years, foreign investors have been piling into the US stock market chasing the stronger US dollar and continued advancement of US share prices.  It is almost like there is no other place on the planet that will allow investors to pool capital into such a variety of strong assets while protecting against foreign capital risks.  Yet the one big question remains – when will a price reversion event hit the US stock market?

So many researchers, even our team of researchers, believe we have found the keys to unlocking when the price reversion event will take place.  Time-honored technical analysis techniques have set up very clear triggers that were negated by higher prices and continued upside trending.  What is certain at this point is that the Capital Shift is going to continue until it stops – at some point in the future.

Our research team decided to take a look at the FANG index and the individual symbols that make up that sector to see where the real strength and weakness exist.  Our goal was to attempt to understand how and when a potential price reversion event may take place and how this event may be correlated to the global contraction event related to the Coronavirus spreading across the planed while paralyzing certain economies.  Could the Coronavirus event be the catalyst that sets off a breakdown in the technology sector?

There are three components we want to start our focus on in this, Part I, of this research article.  First, the very real possibility that we are “rallying to a peak” at some point in the near future.  Second, the Custom Volatility Index highlighting continued overbought price action and the very real potential for a breakdown in price from these inflated levels.  Lastly, the FANG index itself suggesting we are very near to upper price boundaries after capital has poured back into the US markets in early 2020.

These three components suggest a market that is full of over-enthusiastic optimism and capital that has poured into the US stock market chasing gains that were clearly expected as 2019 came to a close.  Yet, in early 2020, a new risk suddenly became known, the Coronavirus, and this risk has already begun to devastate China’s economy and economic activity.  What happens if this sudden collapse in economic activity spreads over the next 30+ days and how will it change future expectations in the US stock markets?

CUSTOM TECHNOLOGY INDEX WEEKLY CHART

This Custom Technology Index Weekly chart highlights what we clearly believe is the “rally to the peak” type of price action related to the continued Capital Shift taking place in the global markets.  The breakout to the upside in November 2019 prompted a concentrated pooling of capital into the US markets.  After the end of the year, when institutional investors started engaging in the markets again, it was rumored that more than multiple-billions reentered the markets in early January 2020.  It is obvious when you look at this chart.

By the second week of the new year, capital continued to pour into the technology sector – pushing it higher by nearly 15% in less than 45 days.  That is an amazing rally to start off 2020 and could possibly be the “rally to the peak” process we’ve been hinting about.

CUSTOM VOLATILITY INDEX WEEKLY CHART

This Custom Volatility Index Weekly Chart is something we use to determine how overbought or oversold the US stock market is in relation to historical VIX weighted price ranges.  When this index is above the GREEN middle range, the US stock market is reaching into extremely bullish trending and overbought territory.  When this index is below the GREEN middle range, the US stock market is reaching extreme bearish trending and oversold territory.  The GREEN middle range is a neutral zone for trading.

Obviously, as VIX spikes and price levels collapse, we can see this Custom Volatility Index falling to levels below 6.0.  As price trends higher with moderately low VIX levels, we continue to see this Custom Volatility Index hover above 12~14.  The downside rotation in the US stock market (the -600 pt Dow day) pushed this Custom Volatility Index from near 22 to 14 – a big reversion event on this chart.  Now, the current level is back above 18 and pushing higher – the rally to the peak is setting up.

FANG WEEKLY CHART

Lastly, this FANG Weekly chart highlights the concentration of capital that has pushed the technology sector, and particularly the FANG stocks, much higher in 2020.  The reality of the situation is that until forward expectations, guidance or global economic functions change, this rally will likely continue for some time.  Our concern is that global market expectations could change very quickly in relative terms because of global economic functions and contractions related to the Corona Virus.

We recently authored an article suggesting that the entire Belt Road sector could become a risk factor if China is pushed into a very deep economic crisis.  China’s banking sector recently underwent a stress test where China’s economy dipped below expected GDP levels.  Nearly 15% of China’s banks will become insolvent if GDP drops below 5.5%.  Nearly 50% of China’s banks will become insolvent if GDP drops below 4.5%.  What happens if China’s GDP drops to 0.5% for a 4 to a 6-month span of time and the Chinese economy sputters in recovery after this Coronavirus event settles?

What happens to the Belt Road Initiative and the projects/relationships China has with those nations if, all a sudden, China enters a “Credit Crisis” in excess of $5 to $6 trillion US dollars.  Bloomberg recently reported that China Home Sales plunged 90% in the first week of February.  You don’t have to be a genius to understand the risks associated with that type of plunge in a key economic growth component.

If our research team is correct, this “rally to the peak” will continue in the US for as long as risk factors stay mildly calm for the US.  Once risk levels elevate across to a point where the US investors and economy may become threatened, then traders will likely begin to bail out of overvalued sectors, like Technology, and into safe-haven investments.  It is critical that skilled traders be prepared for this move because when it happened, it may happen very quickly and violently.

Join my Market Timing Signals Alert 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.

Stock Market Sector Rotation Should Peak Within 60+ Days – Part II

The first part of this article highlighted what we believe is the start of a broad market sector rotation setup in the US and global markets.  This second part will highlight what we believe are excellent examples of sector trade setups for our friends and followers.

As China continues to pour capital into their markets to stabilize the outflow and fall of asset prices, a number of interesting components of broader sector rotation are setting up.  First, the US stock market has rolled lower in what we are calling a “first-tier” of the “waterfall event”.

Additionally, Mid-Caps, Transportation, Energy, and Financials have all started to roll-over of already begun to rotate lower.  We believe the contraction in economic activity and global market engagement as a result of the Wuhan virus will result in a much bigger and broader downside price move than many are expecting in the coming weeks.

The death toll for the Coronavirus outbreak reached 910, surpassing the number that died in the 2003 SARS episode. This is causing huge issues with global supply chains and shipping companies as I talked about last week in my HoweStreet Interview.

We believe traders need to be aware of the continued capital shift that has been taking place over the past 4+ years.  As foreign markets struggle and the US Dollar continues to strengthen, capital has been moving into the US stock market as a protective measure.  We believe this will continue throughout the virus event, yet we believe the US stock market will contract, move lower, as a result of this virus event as well.

Many US companies are still exposed to foreign markets through overseas engagement and retail locations,  Automakers, consumer products, manufacturing, heavy equipment and dozens of other sectors derive 5% to 25%+ of their revenues from China and other overseas markets.  MacDonalds, Starbucks, Caterpillar and dozens of other US companies have broad exposure in China and Asia.  We believe this virus event could last well into July and possibly much longer.  Because of this, we believe a broader market sector rotation will take place and that volatility will continue to increase over the next 6 to 12+ months.

Here are the three sectors we believe have a strong potential for setting up a fantastic trade.  Follow our research to learn more about what we do and how we can help you find incredible trade setups.

RUSSELL 2000 (IWM) – WEEKLY CHART

The Russell 2000 (IWM) has already started to move a bit lower over the last few weeks.  Even though the US stock market was plowing higher throughout most of December and January, the Russell 2000 is actually showing signs of a rounded top formation with a very clear downside “first leg” (waterfall) type of price decline.  We believe broader market contraction and sector rotation could push IWM below $144 in an attempt to target historical support near $126.

TECS TECHNOLOGY SECTOR ETF – WEEKLY CHART

The Technology sector may see a broader market decline over the next 30 to 60 days that could push TECS from recent lows, below $6, to levels above $12 to $16 on a reactionary move in this 3x ETF.  TECS has experienced very low volatility over the past 3+ months while the US stock market has continued to rally in Q3 and Q4.  Any breakdown in the global technology sector could push TECS well above recent peak levels near $18.

XLF FINANCIAL SECTOR ETF – WEEKLY CHART

The Financial Sector is very likely to experience a 3% to 10% decrease in consumer activity related to the lack of travel, outside entertainment, shopping and food services activities and could see extended risk to loans, debts, and other services as a result of a global economic market contraction.  We believe a downside risk exists in XLF where the price will likely break below $30 and target the $25 to $26 level over the next 30 to 60+ days.  Ultimately, XLF must hold above the December 2018 lows near $22 if the current downside rotation ends within recent price ranges.  A move below $22 would indicate we have entered a new stage of a Bear trend.

The reality of the situation for most of us is that we are not at immediate risk of catching anything except a common cold or flu.  As skilled traders, we must identify an opportunity where it presents itself and we must attempt to learn to capitalize on that opportunity.  We believe these sectors, and many others, are about to present very real trading opportunities for skilled traders.

The virus is expected to double in scope every 6.5 days based on modeling data.  Obviously China and Asia are the biggest risks right now.  Our biggest concern is that the virus spreads into India and Africa.  We believe a spread into these regions could add hundreds of thousands or millions of infected people to the lists.  At this point, it is far too early to tell how extended this virus event will become – yet we feel we are just starting this rotation and the true scope of it won’t be known for many weeks or months.

Join us in our quest to create incredible profits from these bigger trends today. As a technical analyst 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 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

Broad Market Sector Rotation Starts In 60+ Days – Part I

We have been writing about the strong potential for a deeper market rotation in the US and global markets for well over 60+ days.  In fact, our researchers predicted an August 2019 breakdown date based on Super-Cycle patterns that, eventually, pushed into 2020 as the US/China trade negotiations and other global news kept global markets in a low volatility bullish trend throughout the end of 2019.

We’ve highlighted some of our research posts over the past 30+ days to help illustrate the technical and price patterns that our research team has identified and shared.

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

December 16, 2019: CURRENT EQUITIES RALLY SIMILARITIES TO 1999

December 2, 2019: NEW PREDICTED TRENDS FOR SPX, GOLD, OIL NAT GAS

Technical Analysis is based on the premise that price reflects all news and expectations the instant that news or data is known.  A common term in Technical Analysis is “Bias”.  This is when the price trend is substantially more Bullish or Bearish by nature or expectation.  Bias occurs when investing conditions mostly eliminate risk (for the Bullish side) and opportunity (for the Bearish side).  When traders feel they can enter trades without any real risks (trading Long) or when they feel there is no opportunity for the markets to rally (trading Short), then a BIAS exists in the markets.

When the global markets rotate and volatility extends to much higher levels, the markets change from a “Biased Trend” to what Technical Analysts call “True Price Exploration”.  When this happens, price begins to operate under the price principles of Gann, Fibonacci and Elliot Wave theories where price attempts to rotate to new lows or highs in an attempt to “seek out” clear support and resistance levels before establishing a new longer-term “Biased trend”.

We believe the global markets are about to enter a very volatile period of sector rotation.  Certain sectors may see a much deeper price exploration than others.  For example, consumer product manufacturers focused on US and European markets may see very limited risks compared to the Industrial Supply sector where a global economic slowdown could really hurt their future expectations.

These two Market Sector Maps (source www.Finviz.com) highlight the change in the direction and scope of these changes over the past week and the past 30 days.

THIS FIRST SECTOR MAP IS A 1 WEEK SECTOR MAP

THIS SECOND SECTOR MAP IS A 1 MONTH SECTOR MAP

Pay very close attention to the sectors that were moderately or strongly weak in the 1-month chart and continue to weaken in the 1-week chart (Financial, Property, Telecommunications, Telecom Services, Healthcare, Biotech, Basic Materials, Industrial Goods, Lodging, Resorts, Travel, Hospitality, Food, Packaging, Textile.  The list is rather impressive and it suggests this Coronavirus has somewhat panicked the markets and consumers.  Yes, many of these consumers will continue to go out for food, entertainment, and other essentials – but what if 15% to 25% of them cut back on these activities and decide to stay home more often and watch movies or play games?

I remember in 1990 when Desert Storm started.  Just before this war started, the US economy was clicking right along.  I remember that within 10 days of the war starting, things started to change on the roadways and markets.  I also noticed a change in consumer spending with a friend’s computer gaming distribution company.  All of a sudden, consumers slowed their external purchasing activities and focused more on protectionist activities.  We believe this same type of event is going to quickly unfold within the US and other nations as this Corona Virus extends over the next 30+ days.

This is why I believe the volatility of price and market sector rotation will continue for at least 60+ days as the globe attempts to contain and eliminate the risks associated with this virus.  We understand the risks in the US and Canada are very small at the moment, but that has not stopped shoppers from emptying the shelves at the local hardware and pharmacy stores for “surgical masks” and supplies.  Trust us, people are already well into the protectionist-mode and are preparing for what may happen over the next 30+ days.

This creates an opportunity for technical investors and traders.  This potential for deeper price rotations and extended opportunities resulting from an end of bias volatile price exploration allows us to target very quick and exciting trades.

In part II of this research post, we’ll highlight three specific sectors we believe are poised for great trade setups as a result of the volatility and rotation in the global markets.  Join us in our quest to create incredible profits from these bigger trends – visit www.TheTechnicalTraders.com today.

Chris Vermeulen

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 Platinum Breakout & Bull Market of 2020

Platinum has setup into a longer-term FLAG formation and has recently broken the APEX of this FLAG.  The long term potential for Platinum, in conjunction with the advance in Rhodium, Palladium, Gold, and Silver, is a new Bullish Price Trend.

Our researchers believe Platinum must move above $1200 for this new Bullish trend to anchor a “Breakout Base” formation.  The current investment environment suggests a new metals rally is setting up.  Fear is starting to take hold of the markets and industrial and manufacturing demands are still driving prices and supply demands higher and higher.  As investors pile into the metals as a form of safety, we expect Platinum to rally above $1200 within the next 4 to 6+ months and begin a much broader rally to levels above $1600 overtime.

Demand for Platinum has increased because of two main reasons:

1) Rapid increase in consumption in SE Asia
2) Increase in acceptance of fuel cells.

As we learn more about the industrial and manufacturing demands for Platinum. It becomes evident that a new upside bias in trend may just be getting started.

Traders need to understand and consider the opportunities presented by this incredible longer-term setup in Platinum.   Could platinum DOUBLE in price within 12 months?  Could it TRIPLE?

Follow our research to stay ahead of this incredible opportunity for skilled technical traders and learn how we can help you find great trades.

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 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.