The BLI Market View of the S&P 500 Index¹
for the month ending February 2017
Commentary:
The US Stock Market continues to rally. By comparing the closing price of the S&P 500 Index (S&P) for February to its Blue Line, we can observe that price is approximately 7.1% higher than the Blue Line. This means, according to our process, that price could “correct” by that much, or slightly more, without us being concerned about a change in the primary trend. For now, we consider the primary trend to be positive.
One thing to keep in mind however is the relationship between price and the Blue Line over time. We will use a rubber band for analogy. As a rubber band is stretched out the tension rises. When it is let go, the rubber band snaps back to its normal state, thereby eliminating the tension. The stock market can sometimes behave in a similar manner. If prices rise at too fast a pace it is like the rubber band being stretched out. While the stock market does not have to “snap back” or “crash” to return to its normal state, we believe it is worth being mindful of, especially if new contributions to the market are being considered.
Thanks for reading.
¹ The S&P 500 Index is one of the most commonly followed equity indices, and many consider it one of the best representations of the U.S. stock market, and a bellwether for the U.S. economy. It is comprised of 500 large companies having common stock listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ. The volatility (beta) of the account may be greater or less than the index. It is not possible to invest directly in this index.
² Blue Line Investing (BLI) is a disciplined investment process, based on technical analysis research. The process applies trend-following, along with observations of the moving averages of the market. Key to the process is the “blue line”, which is derived from comparing an investment’s price against its moving average. BLI monitors those activities over time in order to determine allocations within client accounts.
³ According to Blue Line Investing, once the price of any publicly-traded investment falls below the blue line, the trend is considered “neutral” and could become “negative.” As such, a Phase 1: WARNING, means, by dropping below the blue line, the market is providing a “warning” of distribution.
⁴ According to Blue Line Investing, once the price of any publicly-traded investment fails to rally and remain above the blue line, it is a signal from the market that selling pressure is greater than buying pressure. This results in a Phase 2: FAILURE, representing the markets “failure” to re-establish a trend above the blue line. The probability of a change in trend is higher.
⁵ According to Blue Line Investing, once the price of any publicly-traded investment fails to rally and remain above the blue line on any second rally attempt, this results in a Phase 3: CONFIRMATION – it is “confirmation” from the market that the trend has changed to negative and investors should expect losses for an indeterminate period of time.
Disclaimers:
Technical analysis is a method of evaluating securities by analyzing statistics generated by market activity, such as past prices and volumes. Technical analysis attempts to predict a future stock price or direction based on market trends. The assumption is that the market follows discernible patterns and if these patterns can be identified then a prediction can be made. The risk is that markets may not always follow patterns. There are certain limitations to technical analysis research, such as the calculation results being impacted by changes in security price during periods of market volatility. Technical analysis is one of many indicators that may be used to analyze market data for investing purposes and should not be considered a guaranteed prediction of market activity. The opinions expressed are those of Blue Line Investing. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Blue Line Investing reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies based on changing market dynamics or client needs.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. The information contained herein should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. This information is intended for educational purposes only.
Advisory services offered through Gordon Asset Management, LLC (GAM). GAM is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level or skill or training. More information about the advisor, its investment strategies and objectives, is included in the firm’s Form ADV Part 2, which can be obtained, at no charge, by calling (866) 216-1920. The principle office of Gordon Asset Management, LLC is located at 1007 Slater Road, Suite 200, Durham, North Carolina, 27703.
