August Macro Update: Housing Weak But Recession Unlikely In 2019

Summary: The 25bp rate cut by the FOMC this week was warranted given ongoing weakness in housing, but the balance of the macro data remains positive, meaning a recession starting in 2019 is unlikely.

The bond market sees continued but modest growth. The yield curve has 'inverted' (10 year yields less than 2-year yields) ahead of every recession in the past 40 years (dots). The lag between inversion and the start of the next recession has been long: at least 7 months and in several instances as long as 2-3 years. The yield curve has not yet inverted; on this basis, the current expansion will likely to last through 2019 at a minimum (from JPM). Enlarge any image by clicking on it.

High Consumer Confidence Is A Notable Stock Market Warning

Summary:  In July, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) jumped to its highest level since last September, right before stocks started a 20% correction. Sometimes a high in the CCI coincides closely with a 5% or greater fall in stocks, but at other times the lag has been many months. In general, however, the risk/reward for investors over the next 6 months has not be favorable.

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In July, the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) jumped to the highest level since last September. According to the Conference Board: “Consumers are once again optimistic about current and prospective business and labor market conditions. In addition, their expectations regarding their financial outlook also improved."

The CCI was created in 1967, based on a monthly survey of 5,000 households. The report gives details about consumer attitudes (how would you rate the current business and employment situation; do you think your income will be higher or lower in 6 months) and buying intentions.

Increasing confidence is generally good for the economy as it drives consumption, which is 70% of the US economy.

But excessive confidence is not good, especially for the stock market. The timing is far from perfect but risk/reward and forward returns are often poor.

The current CCI is now 136. It has been higher in only 3 other periods: the late 1960s, the late 1990s and last year (the next 4 charts are from Sentimentrader; to become a subscriber and support the Fat Pitch, click here). Enlarge any chart by clicking on it.

Weekly Market Summary

Summary:  The broadest US equity indices made new all-time highs last week. Stocks have risen 6 of the past 7 months and by more than 20%. The summer months can see interim weakness, but this level of momentum has a strong propensity to carry stocks higher into year-end.

The FOMC is likely to lower its guidance rate tomorrow. When the economy is expanding and stocks are near their highs (like now), this has been a net positive for equities.

Sentiment data is inconclusive, but a 3-5% decline wouldn't be unusual at this point, especially as the typically weak August-October period is now here.

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The rally since early June has carried SPX more than 10% higher in just two months. July will likely end with US equities higher for the 6th time in the past 7 months (table from alphatrends.net). Enlarge any chart by clicking on it.

July Macro Update: Housing Remains The Weakest Link

Summary: A small "insurance" rate cut by the FOMC later this month appears warranted given ongoing weakness in housing, but the balance of the macro data remains positive, meaning a recession starting in 2019 is unlikely.

The bond market sees continued but modest growth. The yield curve has 'inverted' (10 year yields less than 2-year yields) ahead of every recession in the past 40 years (dots). The lag between inversion and the start of the next recession has been long: at least 7 months and in several instances as long as 2-3 years. The yield curve has not yet inverted; on this basis, the current expansion will likely to last through 2019 at a minimum (from JPM). Enlarge any image by clicking on it.

Small Caps Are Lagging. Investors Should Be More Concerned When They Lead

Summary:  SPX made a new all-time high (ATH) last week. DJIA and NDX were not far behind. And the broadest measure of the US stock market comprising 98% of stocks came just 0.1% shy of a new ATH.

By contrast, small caps are lagging. They have retained none of their gains made over the past 1-1/2 years and haven't been close to a new ATH in 10 months. Should investors be worried?

By most measures, the answer is probably not. Small cap underperformance has more often marked a low in SPX, not a high. Investors should be more worried when small caps - which are highly speculative and high beta - lead, as this has most often been a feature of major bull market tops, the reverse of the situation we have now.

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Last week, SPX made a new all-time high (ATH). The DJIA equalled its ATH from October 2018 and NDX came within 1% of its ATH from just last month. The broadest measure of the US stock market, the Russell 3000, which comprises 98% of stocks, exceeded its May high and came within 0.1% of its October 2018 ATH. By most measures, US stock prices are doing well. Enlarge any chart by clicking on it.