"Bad news" are becoming bad news

Bad financial data for the U.S. market continues to stack up. This week, we saw a slump in ISM non-manufacturing PMI to 51.2 (from the previous figure of 55.1) and ISM manufacturing PMI to 46.3 (from 47.7 in the preceding print). In addition to that, we also saw that factory orders declined by 0.7% (MoM) in February 2023, and JOLTs job openings fell below 10 million for the first time in nearly two years. Finally, as if it was not enough, ADP employment change came in at 145 000 (vs. 261 000 in the previous release), far below expectations. More data is scheduled for release today, including initial jobless claims, continuing jobless claims, and total vehicle sales. While we can speculate whether these numbers will be good or bad, we can hardly argue about the increasingly apparent trend of worsening economic data (among various metrics). With that said, we believe the market is reaching a point when data will start to matter again (especially after a decade of disregarding fundamentals as unimportant). As a result, “bad news” will become bad news, no longer sparking speculation about the U.S.'s ability to dodge a recession. Accordingly, we remain bearish on the index and maintain our price target of $3 400.

Illustration 1.01

Illustration 1.01 displays the daily chart of SPX and two simple moving averages. It also shows sloping resistance and two sloping supports. A breakout above the sloping resistance will be bullish, while a breakout below support levels will bolster a bearish case.

Technical analysis gauge
Daily time frame = Slightly bullish (weak trend)
Weekly time frame = Neutral
*The gauge does not necessarily indicate where the market will head. Instead, it reflects the constellation of RSI, MACD, Stochastic, DM+-, ADX, and moving averages.

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DISCLAIMER: This analysis is not intended to encourage any buying or selling of any particular securities. Furthermore, it should not be a basis for taking any trade action by an individual investor. Therefore, your own due diligence is highly advised before entering a trade.

Trade active:

The banking sector kicks off the earnings season for the first quarter of 2023. This week, we will pay close attention to the results of the following companies:

JP Morgan Chase & Co. - 14th April 2023
Citigroup - 14th April 2023
Wells Fargo & Co. - 14th April 2023