October sell-off continues
By Colin Twiggs
October 11th, 2014 2:30 p.m. AEDT (11:30 p.m. EDT)
Advice herein is provided for the general information of readers and does not have regard to any particular person's investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Accordingly, no reader should act on the basis of any information contained herein without first having consulted a suitably qualified financial advisor.
Performance
ASX200 Prime Momentum strategy returned +9.64%* for the 12 months ended 30th September 2014 compared to +5.93% for the benchmark ASX200 Accumulation Index. The current sell-off has affected performance of both the Momentum portfolio and the index, but two-year results for the portfolio remain above 20% p.a.
The S&P 500 Prime Momentum strategy has been running live for eleven months, since November 2013, and returned 14.25%* for the period, compared to 14.33% for the S&P 500 Total Return Index. Macroeconomic and volatility filters indicate low risk typical of a bull market and we maintain full exposure to equities.
* Results are unaudited and subject to revision.
Weekly highlights:
- DAX and FTSE break support, signaling a down-trend
- China is bullish, but rest of Asia is bearish
- US stocks are correcting, but continue to indicate a bull market
- ASX testing primary support
The quarter-end sell-off has been exacerbated by weakness in Europe.
Germany's DAX broke primary support at 8900/9000, signaling a (primary) down-trend. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero strengthens the bear signal. Target for the decline is 8000*. Recovery above 9000 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.
* Target calculation: 9000 - ( 10000 - 9000 ) = 8000
The Footsie displays similar weakness, breaching primary support at 6400/6500. Target for the decline is 6000*. Recovery above 6500 is unlikely, but would warn of a bear trap.
* Target calculation: 6400 - ( 6800 - 6400 ) = 6000
China's Shanghai Composite Index is holding above its new support at 2340/2350, but expect retracement to at least 2250 in response to US/European weakness.
Japan's Nikkei 225 Index broke medium-term support at 15500 and the rising trendline to warn of a correction. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero would strengthen the signal. Breach of 14800 would indicate a test of primary support at 14000.
The S&P 500 is testing primary support at 1900. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow warns of selling pressure. Reversal below zero would indicate a down-trend, offering a target of 1800*.
* Target calculation: 1900 - ( 2000 - 1900 ) = 1800
CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) rose to above 20, indicating moderate risk, but nowhere near the levels typical of a bear market.
The ASX 200 broke support at 5250/5300, suggesting a test of long-term support at 5000. Declining 13-week Twiggs Money Flow below zero indicates strong selling pressure. Recovery above 5350 is unlikely, but would suggest that the correction is over.
* Target calculation: 5350 - ( 5700 - 5350 ) = 5000
A tough time in the market
This has been a tough few weeks for investors and may continue for several more. My advice, however, is: Don't change your strategy. If your plan was to stay in the market and ride out secondary movements, stick to your plan. Investors are notorious for selling at the wrong time and buying at the wrong time.
Weak economic data out of Europe is likely to hold back the market until the reporting cycle, that started with positive earnings surprises from Costco and Alcoa this week, is well under way. None of our macroeconomic and volatility filters indicate market stress and we believe the best strategy is to maintain existing exposure to equities.
Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG]
LNG had a less than auspicious introduction to the ASX 200, with a sharp sell-off in the last few weeks. There are signs that buyers are returning to the stock, with a strong blue candle on Friday when most other stocks were falling. We recommend that investors continue to hold the stock, at least for the next few weeks.
That's all from me for today. Take care.
Troubles are temporary. So is life. Decide which one you want to focus on.
~ Christy Jordan
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