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2 Divergences of Note

thetechnicaltake's picture




 

Last week, I found 5 negative divergences between equities and various data points and asset classes. This week I will give you just two. We all know in this game of hot potato --i.e., this market environment -- these divergences don't matter until they do at which time everyone rushes for the exits at once leaving most investors to wonder why didn't they pay more attention when prices were going up and up. Just a reminder: this time won't be different.

The first divergence is between copper, the industrial metal with a Ph. D. in economics, and the SP500. See figure 1 a weekly chart. If copper is a barometer of the global economy, then it is saying that "things" aren't too good. Since February, 2011 (the highs for copper), the yellow metal has made a series of lower highs. On the other hand Since August, 2011 (when the Federal Reserve averted a recession with Operation Twist), the SP500 has made a series of higher lows. The best thing that can be said for copper is that it is currently at trend line support. The SP500 is approaching all time highs. (Note to self: I am not sure if this is good or bad.) This is a noteworthy divergence and has me wondering if the US can go at it alone?

Figure 1. Copper (blue) v. SP500 (red)

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Since the start of 2013, the SP500 is up 11.5%. The i-Shares MSCI Emerging Market Index Fund (symbol: EEM) is actually negative by 2%. So what gives? Like copper, emerging markets topped out in February, 2011 and are severely underperforming here in 2013. Is this the effect of QE on US markets or reflective of economic fundamentals around the globe sans US? Or when will economic fundamentals (in the US and globally) catch up with the markets? The SP500 is clearly in its own stratosphere right now!

Figure 2. EEM (blue) v. SP500 (red)

 

 

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Mon, 03/18/2013 - 13:55 | 3343370 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

U.S. Equities are overbought.

FED QE and liquidity to any bank in Europe that needs it has pushed hot money into U.S. Equities and propped the dollar.

The MSM "recovery" propaganda is in overdrive, and the Wizard is behind the curtain pulling levers to create flames and smoke.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 13:05 | 3343143 gaoptimize
gaoptimize's picture

Damn, My copper looks more red than yellow.  If yours is better, can you hook me up with some?

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 12:49 | 3343058 viagraking
viagraking's picture

OH, darn them Meddling Kids(Got Reality)

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 11:07 | 3342505 Father Lucifer
Father Lucifer's picture

Unfortunatly divergences haven't worked for years in the CB rigged market.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 11:03 | 3342474 sunny
sunny's picture

It's only a matter of timing, huh.  Any decade now when the Fed stops printing everything will correct to traditional norms.  I can't wait...but I'll have to.

sunny

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 10:53 | 3342411 Stuck on Zero
Stuck on Zero's picture

Copper prices are set by China.  S&P 500 prices are set in the U.S.  There will always be major divergences.

 

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 10:06 | 3342199 Lmo Mutton
Lmo Mutton's picture

Where is the chart showing the divergence between the market and reality?

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 10:06 | 3342198 moneybots
moneybots's picture

Itf this time won't be different, the U.S. can't go it alone.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 09:56 | 3342153 thetechnicaltake
thetechnicaltake's picture

what is your point?

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 13:48 | 3343342 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

Nice critique. LOL

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 09:51 | 3342123 DeadFred
DeadFred's picture

"copper, the industrial metal with a Ph. D. in economics"

I've been watching the metal since the divergence started and now you tell me it's a moron with no connection to reality. LOL

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 11:20 | 3342596 Panafrican Funk...
Panafrican Funktron Robot's picture

"it's a moron with no connection to reality."

You basically just restated what he said.

Ph. D. in economics = moron with no connection to reality

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 13:46 | 3343334 NotApplicable
NotApplicable's picture

Wait... people are still writing articles... about "MARKETS?"

Wonders never cease.

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