Important Insights for the U.S. Trading Day
While you were sleeping, the 30-year Treasury yield briefly breached the 5% mark earlier on Wednesday, signaling ongoing turbulence in the bond market.
Prominent figures in the investment world are sounding alarm bells. As the stock market experiences a turbulent journey, technical analysts are closely monitoring a critical level for the S&P 500, which is the focus of today’s discussion.
Michael Kramer, Founder of Mott Capital Management, emphasizes the significance of the 4,200 mark. He points out, “Not only is it where the 200-day moving average (DMA) resides, but falling below 4,200 would mean the S&P 500 no longer maintains a 20% gain from the October 2022 lows.” On Tuesday, the S&P 500 closed at 4,229.45, marking a 1.37% decline.
Kramer notes the potential for investor anxiety if the 200-day moving average is breached, signaling the end of the bull market. The 200-DMA is a key indicator used by many technical analysts to assess long-term trends. Despite Tuesday’s sell-off, the S&P 500 remains 21% above its October intraday low. To exit its bull market, the market would need to decline by 20% from its July 31 high.
Kramer emphasizes the significance of the 4,200 level, both technically and psychologically. He believes that if it breaks, the situation could deteriorate further, especially if weak job data on Friday leads to rate collapses.
Heisenberg (@Mr_Derivatives), a stock market commentator, has also discussed the pivotal moment facing the S&P 500. He anticipates a visit to 4,200 in the near future, possibly even overshooting to 4,185 to 4,190, followed by a reasonably strong rally.
On the other hand, Keith Lerner, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Chief Market Strategist at Truist Advisory Services, sees opportunity as the stock market approaches its most oversold condition since autumn 2022, particularly near the 4,200 support level. He expects a temporary dip below this level, considering the high number of observers.
The positive news is that “the percentage of stocks within the S&P 500 trading above their 50-day moving average is now below the 20% threshold considered oversold and sits at 15% currently,” according to Lerner. This suggests indiscriminate selling and historically tends to precede market rebounds, especially in stronger markets. However, the outcome will hinge on yield stabilization and the upcoming earnings season.
For investors who are under their benchmark equity targets, there may be an opportunity to “lean into equities and bring weightings closer toward neutral,” Lerner advises.
