Chart for the Week
GDP growth is slowing, while US corporate profits (before tax) are also declining as a percentage of GDP.
Yet the S&P 500 and other major indices are rising, lifted by Fed liquidity injections in the repo market. The red line shows total assets on the Fed’s balance sheet.
The Long Game
We play the long game — reducing exposure to equities when market risks are high and staying on the defensive until normality is restored — even if this means sitting on cash while equities rise. The only alternative, unless you trust your ability to accurately identify exact market tops and bottoms, is to hang on to your positions no matter what happens. But there are few individuals who can withstand the stress and make rational decisions during a major market draw-down.
Updates for Market Analysis Subscribers
- S&P 500: Stocks lift but jobs and profits a red flag
- ASX 200 breakout
- Australia: Bearish apart from mining
- Gold bearish on imminent phase 1 deal
Best wishes for the New Year. It promises to be an eventful one.