Happy Anniversary of "The Top" In The Market

In fact, Regional Banks had already peaked 2 months prior while the entire US Financials Sector was breaking down to new 5-month relative lows:

And the Regional Banks Index ETF was already making new all-time relative lows:

These aren't the types of things that happen in strong bull markets, and especially not right before Financials break out of a decade+ base to new all-time highs.

It's the opposite actually.

The Value Line Geometric Index had peaked multiple years prior and was no where near new highs:

Dow Theory enthusiasts saw Transports also no where near new highs, which is as classic as it gets. We're going on 130 years of data that people decided to fight a year ago:

The permabulls were suggesting at the time that Transports would be the ones to play catch-up. But my point was that if they were about to outperform, they sure had a funny way of showing it as they were already breaking down to new relative lows:

The list of new 52-week highs had already peaked and was deteriorating:

The NYSE (Common Stocks Only) Advance-Decline line had already peaked and was making lower highs:

Emerging Markets were making new multi-decade relative lows:

The S&P500, while still making new highs on an absolute basis, was the big loser compared to Gold and Bonds. Look at those downtrends in S&Ps relative to its alternatives:

Money had already been rotating into defensive assets. Look at Consumer Staples outperforming, which is classic behavior for markets where stocks are under pressure, or about to be:

US Treasury Bonds were breaking out, as money was already flowing into defensive assets:

You saw it in the Forex markets as well as Japanese Yen was squeezing, the most defensive of currencies:

US Treasury Bonds and US Dollars were breaking out simultaneously while stock market breadth was deteriorating aggressively:

The Copper/Gold ratio was rolling over pointing to lower rates and a massive breakdown in US 10yr Yields:

Look at bonds relative to Crude Oil breaking out of this base:

This was all happening well before Crude Oil traded below zero. Look at Energy stocks telegraphing this:

I can keep going, but I think you get the idea.

There was more evidence suggesting we should be out of stocks, than just before any other crash in market history.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

All you had to do was pay attention.

What you also might notice is that what's happening in the current market is the opposite of all of these:

Financials are leading.

Bonds and Gold are the worst places on earth.

The Dow Transports are confirming the new highs in Dow Industrials.

The Value Line Index is making new all-time highs.

The Advance-Decline lines for Small-caps, Mid-caps and Large-caps are all making new all-time highs.

We just saw the most new 52-week highs on the NYSE & Nasdaq ever.

Consumer Staples are underperforming, not leading.

The Copper/Gold ratio is breaking out to new highs.

Interest rates are rising.

Crude Oil is making new highs.

Emerging Markets are a leadership group.

I can keep going if you want.

But my point is that yes, happy anniversary of the top in S&Ps, Dow & Nasdaq. Sure. But they were the only ones left. The anniversary of the actual top in stocks was well before that. Most people just decided not to pay attention.

Which brings me to my biggest takeaway here.

If you're concerned with the gossip on television and the sexy headlines, you're going to miss what is actually going on underneath the surface.

People get so distracted with the "news" of the day, that they completely miss the giant elephant slowly walking right in front of them.

This one was very clear.

We work really hard here and are confident that we will catch these signs for the "next great crash".

Currently, we're just not seeing it.

When we do, you know we'll be right here pointing it out.

I hope you can be here with us.

Ping me, and I'll make sure Peter has you on the right distribution list.

Thank you for your attention.

And Happy Drink Wine Day.

JC