On Monday I discussed how Crude broke out above its resistance area & downtrend line. I said I would like to see consolidation and the 52 day MA turn back up before considering a long. Well since Monday, Oil has fallen sharply lower falling back inside the downtrend line, while also closing below $57.30 support and once again trading below the 52 day MA.
 
Given the 52 day MA is sloping down already and the setup we are witnessing this price action looks quite bearish at the moment. In the short term I'm looking for potentially a small retracement back to either 57.30 area, or a move back higher towards its downtrend line currently around $58.50.

However after the brief retracement process, I'm looking for Crude Oil to continue to roll over and head for $55.15 support as its first potential area to move towards.
 
Since on a macro level that global Manufacturing PMI's are rolling over at the moment, as well as supply rising from US Oil production its no surprise that Oil is weak at the moment. Since the last down move back a few weeks ago was around $50.60 level, its certainly possible we could reach this area over the next few weeks if we see follow through selling.

More importantly considering the 52 day MA is much lower now than 3 to 4 weeks ago, Crude Oil has the potential to move towards a lower area beyond the June lows.
 
However we are getting ahead of ourselves at the moment, especially considering how bullish US stocks are presently this could come to play on Oil & stocks this week and next since they are closely correlated.
 
Either higher stock prices can support Oil prices despite the bearishness or by forcing stocks to pullback lower in the short term. Its also important to note that on occasion the two assets classes have and can move in opposite directions for a while. But its certainty worth watching closely for the rest of this week.

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Copper continues to remain under pressure as it sits close to the lows reached at the start of Jan 19. The price action is in a consolidation sideways pattern over the last two weeks, as Copper prices in a slowing weak global economy.
 
This contrasts with US stocks over the last two weeks that has seen a large bounce off its recent lows on the prospects that Powell & the FED are now looking cutting rates in 2019. The prospect of rate cuts is inflationary for hard assets, however Copper is not buying this premise at least for now.

Currently the price action for Copper is sitting between 26,680 resistance & 25,940 support. In addition the price is respecting its downtrend line as well. So moving forward we would need to see a clear breakout above both 26,680 & 27,135 resistance, before we see Copper following the bullishness of US stocks. Given the weakness its more likely we see the price move towards 25,940 soon.

Platinum's price action is showing a close resemblance to Copper's price action, as it also has not seen any recent bounce in the last two weeks of trading, while also hovering near its lows reached In Dec 18 & Feb 19.
 
Why this is relevant is because Platinum is utilized in multiple industrial applications in multiple industries within the manufacturing process. So just like Copper, the price action of Platinum at the beginning of the year saw a decent rally and new uptrend formed as the markets were pricing optimism on the global economy based on a trade deal being struck between the US & China.
 
Now the deal has collapsed, the price action has collapsed along with the deal. Platinum is also in a consolidation pattern as it currently is respecting $800 support after hitting $820 resistance last week. Given that global economic macro data remains weak as global trade slows, it likely like copper we see lower prices in the short term.

So if we see a break of $800 support, look for a move towards $780. If we see a move above $820 in the coming weeks, followed by a close above the 52 day moving average price of $845 - $850, then this would indicate a shift in optimism for the global economy.

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Last week price action for US stocks was remarkable from the start to the end of the week. On Monday we saw US stocks gapped lower on the threat of tariffs on Mexico by Trump. With each trading day we saw weak or negative economic news being released in the US. Yet what we saw was stocks were no longer moving lower. By the end of the week on Friday we had US Non-farm payrolls released and it was a massive miss, coming in at 75k new jobs instead of 177k estimates, but it didn’t matter. By the end of the day stocks continued to move higher, as it followed the momentum of buying that started from Tuesday. So why successive pieces of negative news & economic data being released did the S&P 500 index form a bullish engulfing pattern on increasing volume? The answer in one word is: FED.
 
Last week Mr Powell held its monthly press conference and the general point of the commentary by Powell was that the FED would do what is required to keep growth going in the US. Which the market interpreted as the FED is about to start cutting rates, with the likely hood of several cuts to come by the end of 2019. The reaction by the market was swift, as we saw the US dollar index roll over and break its uptrend, while Gold shot up this week over $100 an ounce as the market digested another pivot by the FED moving forward. Which is why I realized this week that this lows reached at the beginning of the week was likely to be the lowest prices we will see moving forward for the rest of the year.

Looking at the price action of the weekly chart for the SPX index, you can see that we have confirmed another higher low was formed, as the most recent low close was still above the lows reached back in the first week of March this year. This confirms on a weekly chart that the buyers are still in control of US stocks. The other interesting thing is that volume on the previous two weeks of falling prices was below the average volume for the index. With this week bullish engulfing candle stick pattern was formed on slightly above average volume, which also confirms the bullishness of the move.

This week I would be looking to see if there is follow through for the week in higher prices to close the week, to support the bullish pattern. If there is follow though its possible, we could see a move towards 2,930 resistance level either this week. If we see follow through buying then the likely support on a retracement is 2,873-75 level to look for in coming weeks. If we on the other hand see this move as a failed move, then prices would need to move back towards 2,785 support. However this is unlikely now the FED has given the green light for stocks to move higher regardless of how back the economy is. Well at least for now that is.
 
Lastly on a more of longer term look ahead, given the outlook of the FED and the interesting price action for US stocks, it would not surprise me at all if we see new all-time highs reached in the coming weeks or at the least next few months.

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Crude Oil suffered its second weekly fall last week following Trump’s tweets on OPEC & Gas prices. So far the market appears to be paying attention to Trump’s attempt to lower Oil.

Looking closely at the weekly Crude Oil chart, we can see that prior to breaking its uptrend line this week, the price on the weekly chart moved all the way back to a previous support (now resistance) level of $64.30. Once it reached this level, it made a few failed attempts to close above resistance.

This week's follow through selling, saw the price action breach the uptrend line that began in late December ‘18 similar to when the S&P 500 market rally started. The last time Crude Oil breached its uptrend line back in Oct 18 (see circled area), we saw the price of Oil fall further. Potentially -33% lower.

However, this time the breaching of its uptrend line has so far had different movements relative to the breach last October ‘18. For one, the price action of Oil is still trading above its 10 week moving average. Back in Oct 18 when it closed below the uptrend line it also closed below its 10 week moving average.

Another interesting point is back in October ‘18, the S&P 500 weekly price action was following in very similar lock step to Oil prices, with the S&P 500 also breaching its uptrend line & closing below its 10 week moving average. However, this week the S&P 500 has made a new all time high price.

So going forward we have to be open minded that we could see further pull backs ahead for Oil, while at the same time also looking out for the possibility that this could be a pullback / consolidation, within a long term rally even though its broken its uptrend level.

To become more bearish with Oil, we have to see a breach of its current support that it has so far been respected at $61.45, as well as a close below the 10 week moving average this week. If that happens, our next level of support to look for is around $59.

Conversely, to become bullish on Oil, we need to see support of $61.45 held this week, with a clear break above its $64.30 resistance level. If we see this occur, this would be a very bullish signal & a likely move to $67.70 would occur shortly after.

So for now we have to wait and watch to see what unfolds to gain a better understanding on where we head next.

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US Macro Data

The chart below shows the last 2 years of US economic data summarized under 'soft data' which comprises of various surveys on the US economy, 'hard data' which comprises of all actual macro economic data as a whole. 'Hope' which is survey's based data on sentiment on the economy.

From mid 2017 you can see clearly all 3 categories peaked and have been making lower highs and lower lows since then, as the macro data continues to weaken further. This is a trend that has been occurring in most countries around the world. Because of this increasing trend of weak economic data overall, I've been bearish on the US economy for some time now.

This has also let me to suggest there is a high probability of a US recession occurring either in 2019 or early 2020 based on these trend. In fact if you strip out the increase in US Government spending in the last GDP quarter the US would of already reached a negative GDP print.

S&P 500 Chart = Bullish Stocks

Please note: Chart was taken from close 22nd March

Since I'm a trader as well as an investor, I have had to learn to sometimes hold an opposing view that contradicts each other when viewing charts as a trader. Taking the close of the S&P500 chart from Friday, we can see the current trend of US stocks as an index since the end of December, looks a whole lot different to the economic data chart shown on the above chart.

The current trend is moving higher with successive higher lows (green circles) with the green lines highlighting this overall strength. If you look at left side of the chart below from Oct 2018 - Dec 2018 period you can see a different weak down trend, with the market giving clues and warnings (black circles forming lower highs) for US stocks before the sharp declines in late Nov & Dec 18.

Once we broke support in Mid Dec (red circle) we saw a sharp decline for the next 2 weeks. Coming back to current trend in March 19, as a trader I have to keep a bullish stance overall even with the strong selloff we experienced on Friday 22nd March. The bullish stance will hold unless I see the S&P500 close below its most recent higher low around 2740 level. Followed by a confirmed lower high on the charts.

If this doesn't occur then as a trader I need to view any subsequent pullback in stocks, which is likely to continue this week as a healthy consolidation within an uptrend. This explains my reasoning why as a trader I'm bullish US stocks overall, while as an investor I'm bearish the US economy.

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With the release of this week's Gurhaven newsletter, we cover some of the top posts from Guruhaven.com from last week. I review just what's going on with Silver, with the likely levels to look out for. Plus our traders and investors from Guruhaven discuss US markets, NASDAQ, Forex, China and more. To view the Silver review and for the round up of great content Click here for the latest newsletter

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Guest Article Written By: Robert Blake

When the US Federal Reserve raises interest rates it always affects the US dollar. In this case, the hike would normally reduce the inflationary pressure, and as a result appreciates the dollar. The latest decision to raise the target for the fed-funds rate to a range between 1.75%-2%, in June of this year, was due to a stronger economy and a healthy US jobs market.

We mentioned previously on Crush the Market how interest rates have been steadily rising since 2015.
With three to four increases forecasted for 2018, the graph of the Fed “dot plot” below illustrates how eight policy makers expect four or more quarter-point increases for the year.

Traditionally, interest rates in the United States averaged about 5.72% from 1971 to 2018, with Money Cafe reporting a high of 20% in March 1980 and a record low of 0.25% in December 2008.

Higher interest rates generally mean a lower economic growth, but also slower inflation. In the past, the best way to achieve full employment and stable prices was to set the inflation rate of the dollar at 2%, which would grow the economy at a healthy pace. The Fed hiked this year, in response to a growing economy and fear of rising inflation, increased interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point. Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, remarked that the “economy is doing very well,” following the rate hike announcement. The graph below shows the historical Fed rates over a period of 47 years.

Historically, even with low interest rates the US dollar enjoyed favorable exchanges rates in relation to major currencies like the Euro or the Pound. Investopedia reveals that this is in part due to the US dollar being the reserve currency for much of the world. As a result of higher interest rates and a strengthening dollar, more Forex traders will be hedging on the US dollar.
FXCM outlines that the Forex market trades an average volume exceeding $5 trillion daily, and the current Fed interest rate plays a factor in determining the value of the US dollar. 

However, it is mainly its perception as a safe haven in uncertain economic times, which has been the main reason for its high value in relation to other currencies. However, it is mainly its perception as a safe haven in uncertain economic times, which has been the main reason for its high value in relation to other currencies.

Bloomberg reported how the dollar spot index, which tracks a number of global currencies against the US dollar, rose temporarily immediately following the Fed announcement.

As was expected, however, the trend that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is following seems to indicate that it’s stepping up the pace of rate hikes, stating that economic growth should continue regardless. While the course of the increases will remain gradual, the perceived aggressive pace demonstrates how the FOMC is looking to tighten policy amid falling unemployment levels (which fell to their lowest of 3.8% in May) and national growth.

The following chart illustrates the historical date of the price-adjusted US dollar index published by the FOMC.

For now, the economic forecast indicates that core inflation will reach the Fed's target of 2% by the year’s end with an overall economic growth of 2.8% for 2018. As such, with a fourth and final hike projected for this year, the Fed indicated that it will expect more rate hikes in 2019. Despite the recent hikes, as part of their long term forecast, the committee indicated that they still see the rate increasing to 2.9% and peaking at 3.4% by 2020, with an estimated GDP increase of 2.4% in 2019 and 2% in 2020. In addition to upwards estimates for GDP and inflation, the committee also estimated a cut to their original unemployment projection, from 3.8% to 3.6% for the full year. Despite the current political turmoil in the US, the economy continues to look positive.

Author Bio: Robert Blake is a freelance financial adviser and consultant. Since gradating from university he has started writing finance articles online to help give readers a clearer understanding of the US and global economy. In his spare time he can be found visiting financial seminars.

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Stellar Run

Netflix has been on a tear over the last 12 months as investors continue to focus on the rampant rise of subscriber growth especially in the international market. From the image below you can see that domestic growth has been steadily rising in the US, however the real star has been international growth as Netflix has been introducing its content into several new countries.

Even more surprising has been the record surge in the stock from the start of this year now having risen 30% year to date.

Netflix stock jumped higher today in the futures market after the stock closed for trading as the market digested the earnings report. I have added the latest jump taken from CNBC.com where the stock has moved a further 8% after a strong day leading up to the earnings release. It seems the company cant do no wrong.

What Investors Are Ignoring

One of the key reasons why Netflix subscriber growth has been so spectacular has been due to the fact that Netflix pricing for its streaming services is extremely low. This is even more evident when you compare it to traditional cable / pay TV companies.

By keeping the pricing low its placed a huge strain on its cash flows, as the company has been spending record amounts of its cash as its business model clearly inst sustainable even though company is growing so quickly. With the chart below you can see its latest cash burn was staggering at $523 million for the most recent quarter.

Whats even more worrying is the company is forecasting to burn through a total of $4 Billion in 2018.

Original Content Is Its Achilles Heel

The other key reason for the massive cash burn for Netflix is its huge budgets spent on generating its own original content. Not only has it been rising every year for the last five years, but its expected to hit $7.5 + Billion based on forecasts. (See Below)

The company's historical content spending is as follows:

2018: $7.5-$8 billion (forecast)
2017: $6 billion
2016: $5 billion
2015: $4 billion
2014: $3 billion
2013: $2 billion

Netflix content also outpaces its competitors own content budgets by a significant amount with a spend of approximately double its closest competitors content budget.

The end result of Netflix business model is the company is knowingly placing huge strains on its balance sheet with the loss of billions in cash each year and rising debt which is sitting around $20 Billion to fund its yearly cash burn.

For the moment none of this matters as stock investors cheer the company on by bidding it higher and higher rewarding the company for such reckless spending that it clearly cannot sustain.

Why Low Rates Are Important?

Netflix like many companies listed in the US are more reliant than ever on low interest rates to fund their business model. If US Government 10 year bond yields continue to move higher it will spell disaster for Netflix and other companies who continue to accelerate their debt levels to fund their losses.

If yields move beyond 3% it will mean significantly higher interest payments and accelerate already high cash burn levels which could ultimately lead to bankruptcy under their large debt levels. However until that day its celebrations all round for investors as the fundamentals don't matter at all.

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Crude Oil Under Pressure From Rising US Production

Crude Oil is about to break its 13 month uptrend as rising US crude production is starting to break down the price of Crude Oil. This is despite OPEC announcing a supply cut some months ago to help stabilize the price of Crude Oil. 

If you take a look at the chart below of US  Crude production and Oil Rig count within the US, they both seemed to level out around September / October 2016 just as the last leg of the downtrend  of Crude Oil was playing out. Since making the lows late last year the rig count has been steadily rising with production levels rising along side the rig count albeit on a 1 - 2 month lag.

Record US Crude Production Leads To Record Glut

Since US crude oil production has been soaring for several months now, inventories have also been rising along with rising production. Compounding the issue is the US economy which has been slowing for close to two years now. Now the decline in the US economy is accelerating consumption demand for gasoline within the US is also falling. Hence you will notice on the chart below on the right the sudden spike higher in inventories. 

Crude Oil Monthly Chart Review

Since making multi year lows back in February 2016 touching USD $26.14 a barrel, Crude Oil had been steadily climbing for around 13 months. After closing above its downtrend line back in April 2016, Crude continued to march higher for the remainder of 2016 and into early 2017. With just 1 trading week left in the month of March, unless there is a major reversal this week Crude Oil is set to close below its 13 month uptrend with a large red candle.

Crude Oil Heading Towards $41.50 Target

Based on the current outlook of the Monthly chart with a clear break of the uptrend currently occurring for Crude Oil, the next level of support on a monthly chart is around the $41.50 - 60 level which is another $6.50 - $6.60 or 13.75% lower from the current price.

Looking at the momentum indicators below, they are both supporting the current weakness in the price, as Momentum even though is still positive is heading back towards zero. The stochastic momentum indicator is also showing that based on the current price of $48 would form a bearish cross. (See circled area within Stochastic indicator) Monthly stochastic indicators are usually more reliable indicator of change of trends as they are much longer time frame and take a long time to form.

Hedge Funds Change Direction As Crude Oil Prices Shifts

Up until as recently as February 2016 Hedge Funds had placed a record amount of long contracts (betting on higher prices) for Crude Oil. Since then Hedge funds have begun to reverse their bullish bets setting a new record for reducing the bets for higher prices. The swift change in sentiment among Hedge Funds and Traders was due to the price falling below the physiological $50 level.

Crude Oil - Weekly Chart Review

Taking a closer look at Crude Oil via the weekly chart you can see that the price tried to break higher numerous times back in January and February this year. However after reaching the the $53.80 - $53.95 level on several occasions the price collapsed a few weeks with a long red candle which I have circled on the chart.

Momentum Falls Below Zero

Momentum is currently sitting at -5.74 on the weekly chart having closed below zero in the first week of March as the bulls became exhausted and finally gave in to lower prices.

The weekly Stochastic momentum indicator has been falling for several weeks now confirming the weakness in price. Since both indicators are supporting the falls in price on the weekly and monthly chart, it suggests that there is a high probability that the weakness in Crude Oil will continue over the medium to long term.

Since Crude Oil has confirmed a close below the weekly uptrend 3 weeks ago, the next level of support on the weekly chart is $40.50 a barrel.

Watch For A Surprise Reversal Above $54

Although very unlikely to occur over the coming weeks, I suggest watching out for a potential reversal in price back to the current resistance level of just below $54 a barrel. There may be another attempt to break above $54 but will unlikely succeed with current oversupply issues facing the market with rising US production.  The reason why I suggest looking at for the reversal is if OPEC announces further cuts to their supply to attempt to stop the falls in price.

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If you would like to view my most recent macro article on the US economy click the link below:

Rising Rates About To Crack The US Economy Under Record Debt Levels

To view my most recent Stock/s review click the link below:

Russell 2000 Bullish Run Looks Tired As Momentum Falls

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US Interest rates have been steadily rising since the lows in July last year, as the market reacts to both inflation pressures, FED commentary and 2 rate rises in 15 months. As a consequence interest rates have risen around 1.2% for US 10 year Government bonds since July 2016. Rising rates has created a major headwind for the US economy, as the weight of the massive debt levels for consumers and companies are starting to have a weakening effect on demand dragging the US economy towards slower growth. In spite of slowing growth economy the US stock markets are or near all time record highs as bullishness over the Trump presidency have overridden a weakening macro environment as stock investors look to the future with optimism.

Market Pricing 100% For FED Rate Rise For March

Over the last few weeks the probability of FED rate rise in March has been climbing, as a series of press releases and comments from various FED officials, including FED chairperson Janet Yellen have shown their eagerness to raise rates this month. Due to FED officials comments the market has priced in a 100% probability of rate rise when the FED holds their Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and release their statement on the 15th March US time. 

US  Government 10 year Bond Yields Set To Break Out Towards 3.00%

With the recent talk regarding interest rate rises by the FED this week and the market now pricing a 100% certainty of FED funds rate rising by 0.25%, Government bond yields have once again started to climb higher for two straight weeks reaching previous resistance of 2.62% last Friday. (See chart below)

The important factor to note for the 10 year bond yields is if the 2.62% level is broken and closes above the resistance level indicated for the week, we will see interest rates move progressively higher towards 3.00% which is the next level of resistance.

Higher Rates To Hit Corporate & Consumer Credit Debt At Record Highs

If US Government bond yields move towards 3.00% over the coming months, a situation which is likely if the FED raises rates this week. This is going to have a major effect on slowing the US economy even further. The extremely high debt levels in the US, that were built up during a low interest rate environment created by the FED is now beginning to cause some serious problems for the economy and eventually stocks as well with small increases in rates having a larger impact on considerably higher debt levels.

The reason rising US Government 10 year bond yields is such an important factor in determining the health of the US economy, is because the majority of debt products for consumers and companies are priced from Government 10 year bond yields. In other words everyone will experience a rate rise and be negatively effected because the US is drowning in debt, with consumer credit and companies debt levels excluding financials are at record highs. (See charts below)

Crush The Market addressed the negative effects that a significant rise in rates would do towards the US economy back in November as rates began to spike higher in November with the election of Donald Trump. To view this article click the link below:

Surging Bond Yields Signalling Pain Not Growth Ahead For US Economy

Since November's article the rise in yields has played out as predicted with a slowing in a number of key macro economic data announcements, as the economy continues to slow in a rising interest rate environment causing pain for consumers, companies and the economy overall.

Consumer Credit  Debt Led By Student & Auto Loans

The picture is no different for the average consumer who is struggling under record levels of debt, with debt levels rising by approximately 1 trillion since the previous peak reached before the global financial crisis in 2008 & 2009.

The majority of the gains in debt levels have come across from an exponential increase in student debt as tuition fees for college are far outpacing CPI increases. The other main contributor for such a significant rise in consumer credit has been the boom in auto loans to the average consumer. Auto sales had previously been booming from increasing in credit for a number of years. Now as consumers are tapped out with much more debt since 2009, delinquencies are rising in the auto loans market as higher interest rates are biting hard on consumers disposable income.

The rapid increase in debt since 2009 together with increasing rates since July last year, has already been felt within the economy as various parts of the economy are now showing further continued weakness.

Higher Rates Slowing Lending Growth For Consumers

The rise of around 1.2% in US Government 10 year bond yields since July has already started to impact demand for more debt by consumers over the last year. Since the start of 2016 loan creation growth has slowed dramatically from between 9 - 10% per year to a current growth level of between 4% - 4.6% pa. Although the growth rate are in the positive the accelerating of debt growth levels is impacting retail sales within the economy. For example auto sales from the Big 4 auto manufactures have fallen by up to 11% in January 2017 from a year ago. To view auto sales data shown in my recent US economy article Click here.

Atlanta FED Slashes Q1 GDP Forecast to 1.2%

In the beginning of February this year the Atlanta FED forecasting team had set Q1 GDP as high 3.4%. Since February economic data has been released showing further deterioration and slowing in the economy with economic data missing expectations. As a result of this the Atlanta FED has had to  continually reduce their forecasts all the way to 1.2% as of March 8th. Depending on pending new economic data releases in the coming weeks we could see Q1 forecast fall below 1%.

US Gasoline Sales Begin To Fall Again

US Gasoline sales have been in structural decline for several years now, as the chart has shown below falling by over 50% since 2005.  After reaching the lows in 2014 gasoline sales began to start rising again as the economy began to gather pace as jobs and debt accumulation began to accelerate. However recent data has shown Gasoline retail sales have once again resumed their downward trend and starting falling as weakness in the economy  from higher rates is started to effect consumer demand.

Federal Government Receipts Now Negative Y/Y - First Time Since Last Recession

Similar to Gasoline sales US Federal Government receipts were growing strongly up to 2014 reaching a growth rate close to 14% y/y. Since 2014 recent high Federal Government receipts have been falling dramatically over the last 2 years, having just recently turned negative falling -1.1% Y/Y for the first time since the last recession in 2008 /9. (See chart below)

Having a closer look at the chart on the right hand side, you will notice that the majority of the decline in growth rates occurred over a relatively short time frame in 2016. This coincides with the similar time frames when interest rates stopped falling and began to rise rapidly in the second half of 2016.

US Restaurant Operators Same Store Sales Falling

The most recent data available for restaurant same store sales has been released, showing that December 2016 same store restaurant sales are the weakest they have been for in 3 years. In addition Q4 comparable sales and traffic is also down from a year ago, indicating that the restaurant industry is reeling as consumers cut back spending out for food.

 Does A Rising Interest Rate Environment Matter To Stocks?

According to history a rising rate environment has serious implications to the future performance of the market. Since the 1970's 7 out of 8 occurrences where interest rates cycles began to tighten resulted in some large corrections in the stock market. With the last tightening cycle resulting in a 56% fall in the markets in 2009.

The tightening cycle has been running for close to 9 months now as has already had a major impact to the grow rates of the economy slowing dramatically over the same period. With the potential for another rate rise occurring this week, its quite possible we could see 3% US 10 year Government bond yields in the coming months playing further havoc on the economy. Based on the last 45 years of data a tightening cycle in the US has not be very kind to stocks either as the economy reacts to higher rates.

Warning! - The Insiders Are Rushing For The Exits

Company executives are selling around 10 to 1 relative to buying trades of company stocks despite record prices for stocks. The buyer / seller ratio is also on a downtrend since peaking in late 2015  and the beginning of 2016 (See chart below)

When executives are selling in such large amounts it usually means they are seeing the writing on the wall for future earnings and prospects for the companies they run. Perhaps since interest rates are rising and the economy is slowing its starting to place pressure on future earnings targets. The next quarter earnings may provide further insights, especially since companies are conducting record amounts of buybacks that are financed from previously low rates of  debt.

The recent strong performance of stocks in late 2016 and early 2017 has masked a serious deterioration in the US economy that started as early as 2014 - 2015. With interest rates about to break out higher on the way towards 3% we could see the last legs of the economy knocked out bringing stocks down with them as earnings will start to fall again with weaker consumer demand filtering through to lower sales results.

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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only, and all the information contained within this post is not to be considered as advice or a recommendation of any kind. If you require advice or assistance please seek a licensed professional who can provide these services.