Time to Increase Allocation?

Retain cash raised from sales for opportunities to purchase investments later at a better price. Investment Rule: Sell High, Buy Low

Important “Sell Signal” In The Works

Lastly, the long-term chart of the markets are beginning to flash warning signs that this extremely long bull-market cycle may be at risk. While it is still too early to make a more defensive call now, there are signs of significant deterioration in the overall “momentum” of the market.

The chart below shows two of the three indications on a monthly basis labeled S1 (sell signal 1) and S2 (sell signal 2). There have only been three periods since 1998 where the S1 indicator has been triggered. The first was in late 1999 as the markets climaxed toward their peak in 2000; the second was in late 2007, and the third was in January of this year.

Considering that market momentum is waning, deflationary pressures are rising and economic growth is slowing on several fronts (along with a rather rapid decline in corporate earnings) it certainly suggests that risks are beginning to outweigh the rewards significantly. Is this suggesting that the next major bear market is underway? No. It does suggest, however, that investors should pay much closer attention to the inherent risk in portfolios currently.

The S1 signal could be reversed with a very strong rally that propels the markets to new highs. While this is certainly possible, it has historically not been the case. However, the market over the last few years, due to massive Central Bank interventions, has repeatedly defied statistical analysis and historical comparisons.

The next couple of weeks will be extremely important for the markets to regain their“mojo” otherwise the risk of a much larger correction remains a dominant threat. As we saw with the Seattle Seahawks during the SuperBowl, making the wrong call late in the game can have disastrous consequences.

Oil And Energy Stocks

Last week, I heard a money manager proclaim that “no one could have foreseen the collapse in oil and energy stock prices.”

Really? I guess he doesn’t read my weekly missive because beginning in early June of 2014 I begin warning about the deviation between oil and energy stock prices and that a massive correction would have to eventually come. To wit:

“In early May I set a target for oil prices at $106. That target has now been reached. With oil prices extremely overbought, now is a good time to take profits in energy related stocks. This is particularly the case in operators and drillers that are directly impacted by changes in oil prices.“

Those warnings intensified into the early summer as I warned:

“While oil prices have surged this year on the back of geopolitical concerns, the performance of energy stocks has far outpaced the underlying commodity.

The deviation between energy and the price of oil is at very dangerous levels. Valuations in this sector are also grossly extended from long term norms.

If oil prices break below the consolidation channel OR a more severe correction in the markets occurs, the overweighting of energy in portfolios could lead to excessive capital destruction.”

And the again in August:

“Oil prices have now broken down below the long term consolidation channel which suggests further economic weakness as well. Be warned that if oil prices do not begin to firm soon, overweighting of energy in portfolios could lead to excessive capital destruction.“

And then again in early September:

“Oil is currently VERY oversold on a short-term basis and will likely bounce in the next couple of weeks potentially giving a lift to energy stocks. This would likely be a good time to lift some exposure and reduce weightings to the sector for the time being.“

And again:

“Energy stocks have violated intermediate term support. Profits should be harvested on a rally and overall portfolios weightings reduced. As discussed above in this week’s missive, the spike in the dollar is negatively impacting oil prices and the massive deviation between energy stock prices and oil could be filled. Caution is advised until performance improves.”

Then the most important warning came in November:

“Those comments fell on deaf ears back then (August). However, the good news is that the recent rally in energy stocks has gotten the sector into the previously shown “sell zone.”If you have gotten yourself trapped in this sector, are overweight energy, or need to rebalance your portfolio – this is the opportunity to do so.

The deviation between oil prices and stock prices will be filled with most likely energy prices falling further. This has been a decent “dead cat” bounce as I suggested several weeks ago. Time to take the money and run…for now.”

Okay, you get the idea. It was easy to see coming if you paid attention, unfortunately, since most money managers run an emotionally driven portfolio (fundamental analysis is hugely subjective and emotionally bound) they rarely can see the risks that prevail and the damage that is coming until it is far too late. This is why the large majority of money managers ultimately produce relative performance to their indexes.

You can do better.

(See Sector Analysis Section for update on Energy Stocks and Oil Prices)

Earnings Scorecard

Via Zacks Research

Comparing the results thus far with what we have been seeing from the same group of companies in other recent quarters in terms of growth rates, beat ratios, and guidance presents a mixed picture.

The charts below show the comparison of the results thus far with what we have seen from this same group of companies in other recent quarters.

We have discussed the Apple (AAPL) effect in this space before and the effect is very pronounced.

The charts below provide a side-by-side comparison of the Q4 earnings and revenue growth rates for the 274 S&P 500 companies that have reported results, with and without Apple in the numbers (the left side is with Apple and the right side is excluding Apple). The comparisons are with what we have seen from the same group of companies in 2014 Q3 and the average of the preceding four quarters.

We should keep in mind however that Apple isn’t the only ‘unusual’ factor this earnings season. Results from the Finance sector, particularly tough comparisons at Citigroup (C) and J.P. Morgan (JPM), have been a drag on the aggregate growth picture. And then we have the whole oil situation, with profitability of the Energy sector companies following what has been happening to oil.

The chart below shows the results thus far excluding the effect of Apple and the Energy sector. As you can see, the earnings growth picture is broadly comparable with historical levels on this basis.

But irrespective of whether we look at the results as a whole or piecemeal, the weakness on the revenue side comes through – revenue growth rate is tracking below other recent quarters whether we look at the results with or without Apple, Finance or Oil.

Another common theme in the reports thus far is the impact of a strong dollar and sharp fall in oil prices. The oil price impact hasn’t been restricted to the Energy sector alone, even companies like Caterpillar (CAT) have been affected. Estimates for Q4 had fallen more than normal due to the oil development and we are seeing the trend play out in a big way in estimate revisions for the current and following quarters.

In fact, the magnitude of energy-driven negative revisions for 2015 Q1 and Q2 is so severe that the first half 2015 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 index as a whole has almost evaporated. The chart below shows what is happening to 2015 Q1 and Q2 earnings estimates for S&P 500 companies.

Earnings are showing signs of slowing and will likely deteriorate substantially more over the next couple of quarters as the effect of declining energy revenues and reduced capital expenditures reverberates through the entire manufacturing complex. Some caution is advised.

Deflation Is A Big Problem

In the first six weeks of this year a stunning 16 central banks have reduced interest rates. The question is why is there such a rush to increase liquidity and ease monetary policy?

This seemingly coordinated move in by central banks is likely the function of deflationary pressures that are surging on a global basis. As shown in the chart below from ANZ’s Global Economics team it is likely that the rate cuts were desperately needed.

The warning is clear. It is highly unlikely that the deflationary pressures that are building on a global basis can ultimately be avoided by the U.S. It is likely only a function of time before the economic growth data in the U.S. shows a more severe deterioration which is already being reflected in everything from corporate earnings and trade deficits.

Closing Comments

While the markets can defy logic for longer than one can imagine, it will not last indefinitely. While I will address the addition of equity exposure in the 401k plan manager below, it is important to remember that it should be done cautiously and with a very tight sell discipline.

Eventually, something will go wrong. When it does, like with energy related equities, the excuse you hear from your advisor should not be “well, no one could have seen it coming.”

See you next week.

Disclaimer: All content in this newsletter, and on Streettalklive.com, is solely the view and opinion of Lance Roberts. Mr. Roberts is a member of STA Wealth Management; however, STA Wealth Management does not directly subscribe to, endorse or utilize the analysis provided in this newsletter or on Streettalklive.com in developing investment objectives or portfolios for its clients. Please read the full disclaimer.