The BLUE LINE INVESTING™ (BLI)¹ Market View of the
S&P 500 Index² for the month ending December 2017
Commentary:
The S&P 500 Index (S&P) finished the month of December closing +7.32% above the Blue Line, almost unchanged from 7.95% at the end of November. With the S&P remaining above the Blue Line we continue to categorize the primary trend as Positive.
Calendar year 2017 was very unique in our opinion. Since 1980, there have only been 3 other calendar years – 1989, 1995, 2013 – when the S&P did not test the Blue Line during the calendar year. This suggests to us the probability of the S&P testing the Blue Line during calendar year 2018 is high.
Therefore, we do not believe a price correction of at least 7% (based on current prices) should be surprising to investors, if one occurs. Our process pays close attention to these metrics to help determine when to consider adding protective hedges to existing client strategies, as well as to help identify preferred purchase prices when investing new money into the stock market.
Thanks for reading.
Jeff Link
Disclaimers:
¹ Blue Line Investing (BLI) is an alternative to traditional wealth management. BLI uses a disciplined, rules-based investment process to seek investment opportunities, regardless of whether financial markets are rising or falling. Based on technical analysis research, the process applies trend-following along with observations of economic moving averages of the market and other technical indicators.
² 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.
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.
