In the dynamic landscape of the US equity market, investors find themselves navigating through a series of challenges as economic indicators paint a complex picture. Accelerating EPS downgrades, a rise in bankruptcies, and an increase in accounts placed for collection have set off alarms, challenging the prevailing optimism.
The potential for rapid rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, historically a response to systemic issues. The conventional wisdom of a gradual and orderly process may be tested, and investors are urged to brace for possible turbulence.
The Credit Managers Index underscores the economic unease, reporting a surge in bankruptcies, a rise in rejected credit applications, and an overall cautious stance. Despite escaping a recession in 2023, the economic landscape is far from a boom, as indicated by the Beige Book from the Federal Reserve, citing concerns over consumer delinquencies and a less optimistic outlook for the coming months.
In the face of mounting living costs, a growing number of Americans are dipping into their savings to sustain their accustomed lifestyles. According to recent Morning Consult polling, there’s been a notable decline in the percentage of adults capable of covering six months of expenses with their savings compared to the previous year.
Adding to the complexity is the widest gap in history between Gross Domestic Income (GDI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This dissonance prompts a skeptical view, questioning the prevailing market hype and urging investors to tread carefully.
In an environment where investors appear to be stumbling through endless minefields, the cheers may be premature. The economic indicators suggest a need for caution and a reevaluation of the prevailing narrative. As the signals flash warning signs, the path forward remains uncertain, demanding a vigilant and strategic approach from investors.
Sources:
"Accelerating EPS downgrades have a very high probability of leading to equity market draw-downs and defensive sector & style rotations."
– JPMorgan pic.twitter.com/Ys7SZBdvZU
— Daily Chartbook (@dailychartbook) November 29, 2023
When the Fed cuts, it is usually needs to cut fast, in panic mode because something broke. What are the odds that it will be gradual and orderly process this time? pic.twitter.com/nRNPt5yB1G
— Michael A. Arouet (@MichaelAArouet) November 28, 2023
🇺🇸 Fed Fund Futures are pricing in 125 basis points of rate cuts for 2024 beginning May 1!
H/t: @Interest_Rates pic.twitter.com/44WEAnkehT
— Alex Joosten (@joosteninvestor) November 29, 2023
"so what?" pic.twitter.com/hcXKCGJkfT
— Callum Thomas (@Callum_Thomas) November 29, 2023
The bull case and the bear case are now the same for 2024:
Lower rates.
Bring it. pic.twitter.com/Y5Or8nnYFU
— Mac10 (@SuburbanDrone) November 29, 2023
Are US crude inventories signalling a recession?
US inventories of crude oil have already recovered over half of their 2023 losses – most of that happening in just the past 3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/mkX84Lrhp5
— Longview Economics (@Lvieweconomics) November 29, 2023
Americans Are Saving Less and Drawing Down Their Existing Savings
— Michael Lebowitz, CFA (@michaellebowitz) November 29, 2023
PC (put/call ratio) just got annihilated. Haven't seen it this low in 2 years. pic.twitter.com/CQPW44TXfm
— Darkly Energized (@ka1n0s) November 29, 2023
Imagine a fat, drunken slob stumbling through endless mine fields while stuffing his belly with a big grin on his face. That's also the current state of US equity market "investors" right now. pic.twitter.com/w4om56zNcH
— Bartholomew’s #onelastbounce Quandry (@BartsQuandry) November 29, 2023
Bears are capitulating, I can tell from my lack of Twitter X engagement.
Another sign that the end is near. pic.twitter.com/uEPyPFK4Ue
— Mac10 (@SuburbanDrone) November 29, 2023
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