Robust US employment but global bear market warning

By Colin Twiggs
February 1, 2019 8:00 p.m. ET (12:00 a.m. AEDT)

First, please read the Disclaimer.

The US economy remains robust, with hours worked (non-farm) ticking up 2.2% in January, despite the government shutdown. Real GDP growth is expected to follow a similar path.

Average hourly earnings growth increased to 3.4% p.a. for production and non-supervisory employees (3.2% for all employees). The Fed has limited wiggle room to hold back on further rate hikes if underlying inflationary pressures continue to rise.

History shows that the Fed lifts short-term interest rates more in response to hourly wage rates than core CPI.

The Leading Index from the Philadelphia Fed ticked down below 1% (0.98%) for November 2018. While not yet cause for concern, it does warn that the economy is slowing. Further falls, to below 0.5%, would warn of a recession.

Markets are anticipating a slow-down, triggered by falling demand in China more than in the US.

S&P 500 volatility remains high and a large (Twiggs Volatility 21-day) trough above 1.0% (not zero as stated in last week's newsletter) on the current rally would signal a bear market. Retreat below 2600 would strengthen the signal.

Crude prices have plummeted, anticipatiing falling global (mainly Chinese) demand. Another test of primary support at $42/barrel is likely.

Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index breached primary support at 79, signaling a primary decline with a target of 70.

China's Shanghai Composite Index is in a bear market. Respect of resistance at 2700 would confirm.

Bearish divergence on India's Nifty also warns of selling pressure. Retreat below 10,000 would complete a classic head-and-shoulders top but don't anticipate the signal.

DJ Stoxx Euro 600 rallied but is likely to respect resistance at 365/370, confirming a bear market.

The UK's Footsie also rallied but is likely to respect resistance at 7000. Declining Trend Index peaks indicate selling pressure, warning of a bear market.

My conclusion is the same as last week. This is a bear market. Recovery hinges on an unlikely resolution of the US-China 'trade dispute'.

Concessions to adversaries only end in self reproach, and the more strictly they are avoided the greater will be the chance of security. ~ Thucydides (460 - 400 B.C.)

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Disclaimer

Colin Twiggs is director of The Patient Investor Pty Ltd, an Authorised Representative (no. 1256439) of MoneySherpa Pty Limited which holds Australian Financial Services Licence No. 451289.

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