Thursday, January 23, 2020

The Morning Call--The numbers are't getting any better


The Morning Call

1/23/20

The Market
         
    Technical

The Averages (29186, 3321) were basically flat yesterday (Dow down slightly, S&P up slightly), though they still closed above both MA’s and in uptrends across all timeframes. So, the strong upside momentum continues. Volume was down; breadth weakened a tad, but prices remained in overbought territory.  Remember that there are still multiple gap up opens down below that ultimately need to be filled.

            Persistency.

The VIX was up ½ %, but that did little to improve the chart/suggest that investor sentiment could be changing to the negative.

The long bond rose 3/8%, finishing above its 100 DMA (now resistance; if it remains there through the close on Friday, it will revert to support).  This is the first potential technical challenge to TLT’s downside momentum.  A reversion to support would bring into question current bond investor sentiment that the economy is growing stronger.

The dollar continued to decline (down two cents).  Of the group of indices that I follow, it has by far the ugliest chart.  So, it appears that there is more downside.  That said, there is a huge gap down open dating back to 12/23 that will at some point begin to exert a powerful magnetic pull to the upside on UUP. 

Gold was up five cents, closing within very short term and short term uptrends and above both MA’s.

The chart of the S&P is clearly pointing at a stronger economy.  Those of GLD and UUP not so much; and TLT may also about to challenge that scenario.

            Wednesday in the charts.

    Fundamental

       Headlines

            Yesterday’s US stats were mixed.  December existing home sales (primary indicator) were strong and month to date retail chain store sales growth improved.  The November housing index was in line.  However, weekly mortgage and purchase applications along with the December Chicago Fed national activity index were disappointing.

            End of cycle worries.

            ***overnight, ECB leaves interest rates and QE unchanged.
           
Bottom line: while there is still no recession in my forecast, there is little support in the numbers for a pickup in economic growth.  The bond market may be hinting that is the case.

            Preparing for low returns.

            Here’s is why you should rebalance.

    News on Stocks in Our Portfolios
 
Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG): Q2 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.42 beats by $0.05; GAAP EPS of $1.41 beats by $0.03.
Revenue of $18.24B (+4.6% Y/Y) misses by $130M.

V.F. Corp (NYSE:VFC): Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.23 beats by $0.02; GAAP EPS of $1.13 misses by $0.08.
Revenue of $3.38B (+4.6% Y/Y) misses by $50M.

V.F. Corp (NYSE:VFC) declares $0.48/share quarterly dividend, in line with previous.

Economics

   This Week’s Data

      US

            December existing home sales rose 3.6% versus estimates of +1.3%.

            Weekly jobless claims rose 6,000 versus consensus of up 10,000.

     International

            The November Japanese all industry activity index came in at +0.9 versus expectations of -0.1; its December trade deficit was Y152.5 billion versus forecasts of Y150.0 billion.

    Other

            ***overnight, China quarantines third city.

            Trains, planes and trucks.

            Architectural billings end year on positive note.

            Those who fail to learn from history…………

What I am reading today

            Dealing with gun violence.

            Ways to love with money.

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