by Lance Roberts
My articles My offerMy siteAbout meMy videosMy books
Follow on:TwitterSeeking AlphaFacebookAmazon
Key market indicators for November 2024 present a complex but opportunity-filled environment for traders and investors. Following the first phase of Federal Reserve rate cuts and growing global uncertainties, the technical landscape suggests several notable shifts. Let’s explore the key market indicators to watch.
Note: If you are unfamiliar with basic technical analysis, this video is a short tutorial.
Seasonality and Breakout Patterns
As discussed recently, Seasonality is a crucial key market trend in November. Historically, the stock market transitions from the weaker summer months into a stronger end-of-year rally, often dubbed the “Santa Claus Rally,” beginning mid-December. On a rolling 6-month basis, November to April has both the highest percentage returns and the highest hit rate at 77%.
The seasonal trend is reinforced by the weekly MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) signal crossing into bullish territory, hinting at upward momentum through the year-end. The previous two seasonal “buy signals” have worked well for investors. However, that signal does not preclude a short-term correction to moving average support levels.
As noted in that previous article, the return of corporate share buybacks will be an important support to the market, adding nearly $6 billion daily to large-cap purchases.
Sectors to Watch: Tech and Industrials Lead
With interest rates declining, cyclical sectors—like industrials and technology—are gaining strength. Large-cap tech companies, particularly the “Magnificent 7,” are all holding above critical moving averages. Despite more bearish investors suggesting the “AI” trade is done, the price action continues to suggest strong institutional participation, which could drive the Nasdaq higher into year-end. Such is particularly the case given that hedge funds remain significantly underweight U.S. equities versus the benchmark. On a risk-adjusted return basis, we are already seeing them increase exposure to “catch up” on performance into year-end.
Notably, these stocks generate all estimated earnings growth for the S&P 500 index.
Meanwhile, the industrial and materials sectors, which were consolidating from March to August, are beginning to trend higher. Such is due to expectations of a Presidential election outcome that would lead to stronger economic growth, oil and gas investments, tax cuts, and reshoring of U.S. manufacturing.
Those policies would also generate stronger domestic employment, higher wage growth, larger investments in technology, and increased loan demand from the financial sector. This is likely why we have also seen improvement in those sectors lately.
Back to seasonality, it is also notable that many of the stocks that drive the Technology and Financial sectors are also some of the largest purchasers of their shares. As that window opens into year-end, additional price support should be provided.
Volatility Rising
Of course, while the market may be betting on a certain election outcome, over the last month, the rise in the Volatility Index (VIX) signals potential unease beneath the surface. Typically, VIX declines as equities rise, reflecting lower risk sentiment. However, the current divergence suggests investors continue to hedge against an unanticipated or contested election outcome. The chart shows the $VIX index inverted against the S&P 500 index. Normally, there is a high correlation between the inverted volatility index and the market. However, the non-correlation is currently extremely elevated, suggesting professionals are hedging their portfolios against downside risk.
While not an immediate red flag, this disconnect warrants caution. Investors should monitor for potential market reversals or volatility spikes, as rising VIX amid bullish markets can indicate heightened sensitivity to external shocks. However, if the election passes as anticipated, the reversal of volatility hedges could also provide an additional tailwind for equities into year-end.
The key point for investors is to be aware of short-term risks in the market despite a stronger bullish view into year-end. Therefore, continue to adjust strategies to incorporate volatility-based stops or other hedges to manage risks effectively.
Momentum Indicators: Negative Divergences
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator offer mixed signals on the broad market. While the broad market remains bullish, holding above key moving averages, relative strength and momentum show a negative divergence.
These negative divergences have often preceded short to intermediate-term corrective market actions. At this point, investors tend to make two mistakes. The first is overreacting to these technical signals, thinking a more severe correction is coming. The second is taking action too soon.
Yes, these signals often precede corrections, but there are also periods of consolidation when the market trades sideways. Secondly, reversals of overbought conditions tend to be shallow in a momentum-driven bullish market. These corrections often find support at the 20 and 50-day moving averages (DMA), but the 100 and 200-DMAs are not outside regular corrective periods.
Navigating Market Uncertainty and Upcoming Catalysts
The November outlook marks a critical period with macroeconomic and election uncertainties still in play. The Fed’s dovish tone remains encouraging for equity markets, but geopolitical risks and U.S. election developments could inject volatility. As we approach the year-end, investors must remain agile and ready to respond to sudden market shifts. Therefore, investors may want to consider several strategies:
- Increase Equity Exposure: Large-cap stocks historically perform well during this period. You could consider increasing exposure to diversified index funds or sector ETFs that align with historical trends. If you are a stock picker, focus on large-cap, highly liquid names that generate the strongest earnings growth.
- Review Portfolio Risk: While the MACD buy signal is a positive indicator, you should assess your portfolio’s risk tolerance and ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.
- Rebalance Allocations: Now may be a good time to rebalance by reducing positions in riskier assets or diversifying across asset classes.
- Use Stop-Loss Orders: To manage downside risk, consider using stop-loss orders.
While the markets remain very bullish currently, rebalancing risk may lead to short-term underperformance while the “sun is shining.” However, a steady practice of risk controls ensures you won’t be caught without an umbrella which it “begins to rain.”
“The trick to navigating markets is not trying to “time” the market to sell exactly at the top. That is impossible. Successful long-term management is understanding when “enough is enough” and being willing to take profits and protect your gains. For many stocks currently, that is the situation we are in.” – TheBullBearReport
As we head into the Mega-cap earnings reports, that advice remains relevant this week. The trick will be to navigate the outcome without making emotionally driven decisions.
Continue to follow the rules and stick to your discipline. (Read our article on “What Is RIsk” for a complete list of rules)
The post Key Market Indicators for November 2024 appeared first on RIA.
Full story here Are you the author?You Might Also Like
Corporate Buybacks: A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
2024-11-01
Corporate buybacks have become a hot topic, drawing criticism from regulators and policymakers. In recent years, Washington, D.C., has considered proposals to tax or limit them. Historically, buybacks were banned as a form of market manipulation, but in 1982, the SEC legalized open-market repurchases through Rule 10b-18. Although intended to offer companies flexibility in managing capital, buybacks have evolved into tools often serving executive interests over broader shareholder value.
This article explores the mechanics of buybacks, how they impact markets, and whether they truly return capital to shareholders—or merely enrich insiders.
The Rise of Corporate Buybacks: By the Numbers
Since 2003, U.S. corporations have spent over $11 trillion on share repurchases. Corporate
How Howard Marks Thinks About Risk…And You Should Too
2024-10-08
When most people hear the word “risk,” they think about wild market swings, scary headlines, and losing money overnight, but Howard Marks, Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of Oaktree Capital Management, takes a different approach. In his new video series How to Think About Risk, Marks digs deep into what risk is and how investors should handle it. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about volatility.
The CFA Institute recently summarized the video stream, but I wanted to elaborate on some of Howard Mark’s views.
Let’s break down some key lessons from Marks that can help you rethink your investing approach to risk.
Risk Isn’t Just Volatility
One of the biggest takeaways from Marks’ series is the idea that risk and volatility aren’t the same thing. For years, many investors (and academics)
Election Outcome Presents Opportunity For Investors
2024-10-04
As the November 2024 election draws near, the election outcome will profoundly affect the financial markets. Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency, each administration will bring distinct policies creating investment opportunities and potential risks for investors.
Overbought Conditions Set Up Short-Term Correction
2024-08-27
As noted in this past weekend’s newsletter, following the “Yen Carry Trade” blowup just three weeks ago, the market has quickly reverted to more extreme short-term overbought conditions.
Note: We wrote this article on Saturday, so all data and analysis is as of Friday’s market close.
For example, three weeks ago, the growth sectors of the market were highly oversold, while the previous lagging defensive sectors were overbought. That was not surprising, as the growth sectors of the market were the most exposed to the “Yen Carry Trade. “
We saw much the same in the Risk Range Analysis (Note: both sets of analysis presented are published weekly in the Bull Bear Report).
As explained in the weekly report:
Two critical points. First, three weeks ago, many sectors and
Market Decline Over As Investors Buy The Dip
2024-08-20
The market’s 8.5% decline during August sent shockwaves through the media and investors. The drop raised concerns about whether this was the start of a larger correction or a temporary pullback. However, a powerful reversal, driven by investor buying and corporate share repurchases, halted the decline, leading many to wonder if the worst is behind us.
However, the picture becomes more nuanced as we examine the technical levels and broader market conditions. While the recent bounce suggests the market decline may be over, risks remain—particularly with the November election looming. Let’s dive into the details.
The August Decline: What Caused It?
August has historically been volatile for markets; this year was no exception. A combination of factors drove the S&P 500’s 8.5% drop:
Economic Growth Myth & Why Socialism Is Rising
2024-08-16
I was recently asked about the seemingly strong “economic growth” rate as the Federal Reserve prepares to start cutting rates.
“If economic growth is so strong, as noted by the recent GDP report, then why would the Federal Reserve cut rates?”
It’s a good question that got me thinking about the trend of economic growth, the debt, and where we will likely be.
Since the end of the financial crisis, economists, analysts, and the Federal Reserve have continued to predict a return to higher levels of economic growth. The hope remains that the Trillions of dollars spent during the pandemic-driven economic shutdown will turn into lasting organic economic growth. However, the problem is that while the artificial stimulus created a surge in inflationary pressures, it did little to spark
UBI – Tried, Tested And Failed As Expected
2024-08-09
A Universal Basic Income (UBI) sounds great in theory. According to a previous study by the Roosevelt Institute, it could permanently increase the U.S. economy by trillions of dollars. While such socialistic policies sound great in theory, history, and data, they aren’t the economic saviors they are touted to be.
What Is A Universal Basic Income (UBI)
To understand why the theory of universal basic income (UBI) is heavily flawed, we need to understand what UBI is.
“Basic income, also called universal basic income (UBI), is a public governmental program for a periodic payment delivered to all citizens of a given population without a means test or work requirement. Basic income can be implemented nationally, regionally, or locally, and is an unconditional income sufficient to meet
Yen Carry Trade Blows Up Sparking Global Sell-Off
2024-08-06
On Monday morning, investors woke up to plunging stock markets as the “Yen Carry Trade” blew up. While media headlines suggested the sell-off was due to fears of a recession, slowing employment growth, or fears over Israel and Iran, such is not the case.
Tags: Bear Market,Featured,Investing,Lance Roberts,newsletter,recession,S&P 500
