Take-Aways:
The strongest day for the S&P 500 since the COVID lows has pushed the index through the key 3,900 level that we have been highlighting. This incrementally bullish dynamic opens the door for a possible run to the 200-day moving average. With the advance, we have seen a more risk-on message from the themes that we track. Many have moved above their respective 50-day moving averages. The next step is to break above their 200-day moving averages. From a trend perspective, Small over Large and Value over Growth remain in place.
Before diving into our normal Friday content, we wanted to put some context around the strong rally in stocks yesterday. The 5.5%+ gain for the S&P 500 was its largest since the March and April 2020 leading into and coming out of the COVID bottom.
The advance took the index through the key 3,900 level, an incrementally bullish development that has the potential to take the index to the declining 200-day moving average.
Key Themes and Relationships
Semiconductors vs. S&P 500
Semiconductors rallied strongly to regain broken support and the declining 50-day moving average. The ratio remains below the declining 200-day moving average. Holding above support would be a sign that the bearish trend is beginning to reverse.
The 14-day RSI is trying to break from a bearish regime, and we would welcome an overbought reading as a sign of building upside momentum.
High Beta vs. Low Volatility
The High Beta/Low Volatility ratio remains stuck between support and resistance but has regained the 50-day moving average. The ratio is set to do battle with the 200-day moving average, a break of which could be viewed as incrementally positive for risk appetite in the market.
The 14-day RSI remains in a bearish regime but is testing the upper bound. Here too we would welcome an overbought reading to signal stronger upside momentum.
Consumer Discretionary vs Consumer Staples (Equal Weight)
The Discretionary/Staples ratio has regained the 50-day moving average while trading below the declining 200-day moving average. Breaking above the 200-day and resistance at the pre-COVID levels could set the stage for further outperformance by Discretionary.
The 14-day RSI is trying to break from a bearish regime after failing to become oversold since the June lows.
Growth vs Value (Large Cap)
Despite a strong move to the upside yesterday, the Growth/Value ratio remains below the 50 and 200-day moving averages. The ratio is still below the May lows, keeping the 2018-2019 consolidation zone in play.
The 14-day RSI is in a bearish regime as it works off an oversold condition.
Small Caps vs Large Caps
The Small Cap/Large Cap ratio remains above a short-term support level but must still contend with the peaks from October/November 2021. Breaking above this level would put the Small Caps in a strong leadership position.
The 14-day RSI is holding above the short-term downtrend line as it shows signs of a shift to a bullish regime.
High Yield vs Treasuries
The High Yield to Treasuries ratio continues to trade between support and resistance and between the moving averages. We are waiting on a clear directional break.
The trend here remains neutral, confirmed by the 14-day RSI trading in the middle of the range. However, the lack of oversold readings of late tilts the odds slightly in favor of an upside resolution.
Lumber vs Gold
The Lumber/Gold ratio remains below support and the 50 and 200-day moving averages. Equity bulls want to see this ratio moving higher with stocks.
The 14-day RSI has continued to fade, but we note that it has found support near 40. This could be the start of a momentum shift, but more time is needed.
Copper vs Gold
The Copper/Gold ratio continues to trade in a neutral position between support and resistance, and between the moving averages.
The 14-day RSI could be shifting into a bearish regime. Bulls would like to see this indicator become overbought as/if the ratio moves above resistance.
Potomac Fund Management ("Company") is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the advisory firm by the SEC nor does it indicate that the advisory firm has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This information is prepared for general information only and should not be considered as individual investment advice nor as a solicitation to buy or offer to sell any securities. This material does not constitute any representation as to the suitability or appropriateness of any investment advisory program or security. Please visit our FULL DISCLOSURE page. The company does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to the Company website or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility for any of this information. The views of the Company are subject to change and the Company is under no obligation to notify you of any changes. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable or equal to any historical performance level.