There are indicators that the S&P 500 (SPY) could lastly be prepared to interrupt out above 4,200 and declare the beginning of the brand new bull market. Sadly, the bears have cause to consider that the worst will not be but behind us with early Could financial reviews looming massive in investor choice making. Get Steve Reitmeister’s take with buying and selling plan and high picks within the commentary under.

4,200 for the S&P 500 (SPY) is a crucial stage for the market. Above it lies a brand new bull market. Under it the bears can nonetheless declare victory.

Certainly, shares have been working as much as that battle line as soon as once more this week.

Why? And what does that imply for the ultimate bull/bear end result for the market?

That would be the focus of this week’s commentary.

Market Commentary

On Thursday we came upon that Q1 GDP was a lot decrease than anticipated at solely +1.1% development when 2.3% was anticipated. The first cause was that issues slowed down significantly in March.

On high of that the Fed’s most well-liked inflation measure, Private Consumption Expenditures (PCE), was larger than feared at +4.2% versus the earlier studying of +3.7%. This could clearly have traders frightened in regards to the Fed’s “larger charges for longer” stance as we roll into their subsequent announcement on Wednesday 5/3.

In truth, the mix of slower development and better inflation on Thursday had extra commentators speaking about Stagflation. That was an financial illness within the 1970’s that was a part of a protracted secular bear market that didn’t actually take off till 1982 when inflation began to come back down and the financial system bought wholesome as soon as once more.

Feels like this might all equate to a different Danger Off day. NOPE…suppose once more!

The outcome was a stunning +2% rally on Thursday with tech main the best way due to the current earnings success for Microsoft and Meta (Fb). After which practically one other 1% was tacked on Friday to shut on the highest stage since early February.

Gladly it’s not simply tech exhibiting promise this earnings season.  Because the graphic under reveals that only a week again on 4/20 Wall Avenue anticipated Q1 earnings to be down -9.75% 12 months over 12 months. And but now with half of the businesses in S&P 500 reporting that has been greater than halved to solely -4.28%.

Earlier than you begin getting too bullish on this optimistic earnings development, sadly the unhealthy information reveals up within the subsequent 2 columns. That being the place estimates are getting barely worse for the subsequent 2 quarters. This coincides with the GDP report which reveals that softness began finish of Q1 and could also be accelerating.

That’s the reason estimates are nonetheless poor and why it might not essentially be time to rejoice the top of the bear market. So at this stage the impetus from earnings season could have a contact extra upside as much as the road at 4,200.

To get a determined bullish break above 4,200 or to retreat again into bearish territory is awaiting the subsequent spherical of catalysts. Like among the key financial reviews on the docket for subsequent week:

5/1 ISM Manufacturing

5/3 ISM Providers, Fed Charge Resolution

5/5 Authorities Employment Scenario

Word that the Chicago PMI report from Friday is taken into account the perfect main indicator of the place ISM Manufacturing will land. In that case it was nonetheless in contraction territory at 48.6. Nevertheless, on the brilliant facet that’s the highest studying since September 2022.

So directionally it could possibly be learn that issues are bettering. We’ll know if that can be the case for ISM Manufacturing on Monday.

The purpose is that we’re coming as much as a second of reality. Do bulls have the required gas to interrupt above 4,200 and declare victory? Or does the specter of recession nonetheless loom massive sufficient to remain underneath that key stage?

It’s doable that we’ve got our reply by the top of subsequent week given the three key reviews famous above.

Sadly, we could have sufficient info to remain confused and in a limbo underneath 4,200 some time longer.

The buying and selling plan stays balanced close to 50% invested. If break bullish, then holding including engaging Danger On positions to stand up nearer to 100% invested.

If break bearish, then cut back quantity invested with a really conservative mixture of Danger Off shares.

So let the chips fall the place they could and we’ll commerce accordingly.

What To Do Subsequent?

Uncover my balanced portfolio method for unsure occasions. The identical method that has overwhelmed the S&P 500 by a large margin up to now in April.

This technique was constructed based mostly upon over 40 years of investing expertise to understand the distinctive nature of the present market atmosphere.

Proper now, it’s neither bullish or bearish. Somewhat it’s confused…risky…unsure.

But, even on this unattractive setting we are able to nonetheless chart a course to outperformance. Simply click on the hyperlink under to start out getting on the fitting facet of the motion:

Steve Reitmeister’s Buying and selling Plan & Prime Picks >

Wishing you a world of funding success!

Steve Reitmeister…however everybody calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
CEO, StockNews.com and Editor, Reitmeister Whole Return

SPY shares fell $0.20 (-0.05%) in after-hours buying and selling Friday. Yr-to-date, SPY has gained 9.17%, versus a % rise within the benchmark S&P 500 index throughout the identical interval.

In regards to the Writer: Steve Reitmeister

Steve is best recognized to the StockNews viewers as “Reity”. Not solely is he the CEO of the agency, however he additionally shares his 40 years of funding expertise within the Reitmeister Whole Return portfolio. Be taught extra about Reity’s background, together with hyperlinks to his most up-to-date articles and inventory picks.

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