Earlier in the week, I offered that very short-term, nimble traders could sell the rally as stocks were beginning to look a little tired. I stick by that and still believe that’s a good strategy. Since then, several of our models have started to turn negative which changed my tone to be more defensive and less “risk on”. I think that will likely be the case into Q3 although that’s purely a guess. Of course, I could be wrong and might have to chase stocks higher down the road.
When I do a quick sector review, most of them look very similar with the exception of the defensive ones. They look tired which can be corrected by sideways movement or an orderly pullback. Utilities, REITs and staples look much healthier unless they close below their lows of last week. High yield bonds are holding up really well and that is one sector worth keeping front and center. Without junk bonds rolling over, it will be difficult for the bears to make much noise in stocks.
On the horizon we have the Fed set to meet this month along with the G20 and the anticipated meeting between Trump and Xi. Either could be a positive or negative catalyst although I have a tough time believing that Powell & Co. will cut interest rates this month.
