US and Global markets recoiled from the higher inflation/CPI data last week. The US Fed raised interest rates by 75pb on June 15. The Fed also warned that other, more aggressive rate increases might be necessary later this year. Before the Fed decision, global markets opened on Sunday, June 12, and quickly started selling downward. US Indexes sold off on Monday, June 13, by more than 2.5% almost across the board. A brief rally after the Fed decision seems to have evaporated in early trading on Thursday, June 16.
It is clear that global markets expected inflation to stay elevated but were hoping for some moderately lower data showing the recent Fed moves had already dented some inflation concerns. Now, it appears the US Fed has its backs against a wall and moved rates aggressively higher to stall inflation (and possibly destroy global asset values). From my perspective, this is unknown territory for the US Fed and Global Central banks. That means traders should expect increased volatility and the possibility of a very determined reversion of price over time.
Another Global Financial Crisis May Be Unfolding
The research conducted by my team and I shows some interesting new data. In particular that the US Current Account data is very near to the levels reached just before the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2006 (near -$218B). I consider this a very clear sign that the US economy, inflation, consumer engagement, and asset values have continued to hyper-inflate since the COVID-19 virus event.
The chart below highlights the US Current Account data and the Dow Jones Industrial (DJI) Average price data. Notice how the lowest level of the US Current Account data reached a deep trough (September 2006) about 12 months before the absolute peak in the DJI (September 2007). This time, the US Current Account trough formed in September 2021, and the peak in the DJI happened in December 2021 – only 3~4 months later.
I expect this new global price revaluation may last throughout the rest of 2022 and possibly carry into early 2023. It depends on what the US Fed does and how this event unfolds. If there is an orderly unwinding of excesses in the markets, we may see an extended decline as global expectations transition to new normal economic expectations. If a new crisis event blows a massive hole in the global economy, like in 2008-09, a very sudden decline may occur – shocking the global markets.
My research suggests the US Fed is far behind the curve and has allowed the excess speculative rally to carry on for too long. Global Central Banks should have been raising rates to moderate levels near the end of 2020 and in early 2021. Now, we have an excess phase bubble similar to the DOT COM and GFC events merged. We have an extreme Technology Bubble and an excess global credit/liability bubble.
If you have not already adjusted your assets to protect from downside risks, it’s time. When doing so, please consider the long-term risks of trying to ride out any extended downtrend in price. Are you willing to risk another -25% to -40% of your assets, hoping the global markets find a bottom soon?
WHAT STRATEGIES CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE CURRENT MARKET TRENDS?
Learn how we use specific tools to help us understand price cycles, set-ups, and price target levels in various sectors. Also, learn how we identify strategic entry and exit points for trades. Over the next 12 to 24+ months, we expect very large price swings in the US stock market. The markets have begun to transition away from the continued central bank support rally phase and have started a revaluation phase as global traders attempt to identify the next big trends. Precious Metals will likely start to act as a proper hedge as caution and concern begin to drive traders/investors into Metals and other safe-havens.
Historically, bonds have served as one of these safe-havens. This is not proving to be the case this time around. So if bonds are off the table, what bond alternatives are there? How can they be deployed in a bond replacement strategy?
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