Don’t Fight the Fed. Don’t Fight the Tape.
The Federal Reserve appears increasingly likely to be on a tightening course, with potentially one or two rate hikes ahead. The probability of a hike at the next meeting is currently around 55%, and much of that risk may already be discounted in the market. Still, the larger point shouldn’t be overlooked: the Fed is leaning toward tightening, not easing.
There are two old market rules I still respect deeply: Don’t fight the Fed, and don’t fight the tape.
Right now, those two signals are somewhat at odds. The Fed is becoming a potential headwind, while the tape remains relatively bullish. The major indexes are holding up well, and certain areas of the market continue to advance. But beneath the surface, participation is clearly thinning and the market is becoming increasingly fragmented.
That distinction matters.
Some of the leadership we had been looking to in the AI space—particularly companies tied to the data-center buildout—is beginning to encounter resistance. At the same time, a negative political narrative around data centers has been developing.
Meanwhile, money continues to gravitate toward the largest, most established companies. $FNGS is rallying as investors seek the relative safety of mega-cap companies with proven earnings power. That can keep the indexes looking healthy even while conditions underneath become considerably more challenging.
A narrowing market is not necessarily an immediately bearish market, but it is a more difficult market to trade. When participation contracts, fewer stocks respond favorably, breakouts become less dependable, and stock selection becomes increasingly important because the market is simply not lifting all boats. Add to that the seasonal backdrop. September has historically been the weakest month of the year.
For now, the tape still gets the benefit of the doubt. But this is not an environment for complacency. I continue to hold select longs, most of which are profitable trades that I've owned but are still respecting stops.
As far as a catalysts, I'm keeping a keen eye on the 10-year yield, which is at a very important level. Should the 10-year breakout to the upside (especially above 5%), that would likely put the market in a challenging position going into September.
Why do I think the 10-year yield at an important level and a breakout to the upside would be bearish?
Because right now most expect the Fed to tighten 25 basis points one or two times. However, it's not of the common opinion that the Fed is behind the curve. If interest rates keep rising, that will be an indication that the Fed is falling behind the curve and they may have to tighten more aggressively. So the 10-year right could be a key catalyst, in my opinion.
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