PRESCIENT COMMENTARY

The EuroCurrencies (Euro and Swiss Franc) are at present above today’s Neutral Zones; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light. Amongst the five primary BEGOS components, the best correlation is negative between the Bond and Gold. As for the five’s Market Values in real-time: the Bond is better than -6 points “low” vis-à-vis its smooth valuation line, the Euro -2.16 points “low”, Gold +96 points “high”, Oil right on its valuation line, and the Spoo -215 points “low”, (the S&P 500 itself now eight days “textbook oversold”, however fundamentally by earnings still catastrophically overvalued, the “live” P/E 43.6x). Incoming metrics for the Econ Baro today include March’s Pending Home Sales plus the first peek at Q1 GDP.

The Bond is at present below its Neutral Zone for today; above same is Copper, the cac volume for which is rolling from May into July, and BEGOS Markets’ volatility is mostly light within the context that Market Ranges have been increasing these last couple of months. Leading our Market Rhythms for consistency is (on a 10-test swing basis) the Euro’s 1hr Parabolics; more broadly (on a 24-test swing basis) the Swiss Franc’s daily Parabolics continue to top that list. At Market Trends, as anticipated, we’ve confirmation of both precious metals’ “Baby Blues” having moved below their respective key +80% axes: thus we should see still lower prices for Gold and Silver near-term. The Econ Baro looks to March’s Durable Orders.

All three elements of the BEGOS Markets’ Metals Triumvirate are at present below today’s Neutral Zones; the other components are within same, and volatility is light-to-moderate. On the heels of the current Gold Update’s near-term negative stance, Gold yesterday suffered its third-worst intraday high-to-low loss (-2.7%) since February a year ago; (’twas Silver’s fourth-worst [-5.7%] across the same 14-month stint). We expect to see lower near-term levels still for both precious metals as (in real-time) their respective “Baby Blues” are crossing below their key +80% axes (see Market Trends). Gold vis-à-vis its smooth Market Values line has essentially halved the recent +200-point gap, but still (in real-time) price is +99 points above valuation. The Econ Baro awaits March’s New Home Sales.

The Bond, Swiss Franc, Gold, Silver and Oil are all at present below their respective Neutral Zones for today; above same is the Spoo, and BEGOS Markets’ volatility runs from light-to-robust, Silver having already traded 101% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). The Gold Update cites the yellow metal as “fit to pull back a bit”, which on cue ’tis doing: still, our live Market Values shows price +162 points above its smooth valuation line; mind too at Market Trends the level and direction of Gold’s “Baby Blues” of trend consistency. As to the S&P 500, ’tis technically in a “textbook oversold” mode for the first time since late last October; regardless, the Index remain excessively high given its ongoing lack of earnings support: the futs-adj’d “live” P/E at this moment is 43.0x. The volume of incoming Q1 earnings is substantive as the week unfolds.

At present we’ve the Bond, Swiss Franc and Oil above today’s Neutral Zones; the Spoo is below same, and volatility is robust given markets responding to an escalation of conflict in the Middle East; of note, the Metals Triumvirate (Gold/Silver/Copper) along with the Euro are the least volatile (comparatively) of the BEGOS Markets thus far this session. We still sense some near-term retrenchment for Gold, and both it and Silver are nearing negative Market Magnet crossovers. The S&P 500 would appear to be enroute to a sixth consecutive down day, a streak not seen since 05-12 October 2002. The Dollar Index continues to hover above the 106 handle, a level last visited some five months ago. And as noted yesterday, the Econ Baro’s week has already concluded, the net result bringing a downward bent.

Dough is finding its way into the BEGOS Markets: at present the Bond, Swiss Franc, all three components of the Metals Triumvirate and the Spoo are above today’s Neutral Zones; the Euro and Oil are within same, and volatility is pushing toward moderate. On a 10-test basis, these five Market Rhythms are leading the pack for swing consistency: the Bond’s daily Parabolics, Copper’s 12hr Parabolics and 6hr Price Oscillator; the Euro’s 2hr MACD, and the Spoo’s daily Parabolics. More broadly time-wise, the leader on the 24-test swing basis is the Swiss Franc’s daily Parabolics. The Econ Baro completes its week today, incoming metrics including April’s Philly Fed Index, plus March’s Existing Home Sales and Leading (i.e. “lagging”) Indicators.

All eight BEGOS Markets are at present within their respective Neutral Zones for today; session volatility is again light. Going ’round the Market Values horn for the five primary components, as readings are excessive: the Bond is -8 points “low” vis-à-vis its smooth valuation line, the Euro -0.044 points “low”, Gold +189 points “high”, Oil +2.88 points “high”, and the Spoo -216 points “low”. Very early on in Q1 Earnings Season, with 23 S&P 500 constituents having thus far reported, only 13 (57%) have bettered their bottom lines of a year ago. The “live” P/E of the S&P (futs’-adj/d) is 44.7x and the yield 1.420%. No metrics are due today for the Econ Baro.

The Swiss Franc is at present below its Neutral Zone for today; the other seven BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light in context with all EDTRs (see Market Ranges) increasing of late. Speaking of the Swissie, its daily Parabolics are leading our Market Rhythms studies for consistency on a 24-test swing basis. As noted in the current edition of The Gold Update: “…the stock market [is] poised for a downward skate…” even as it has been descending over the past couple of weeks: indeed the Spoo’s daily Price Oscillator study indicated a fresh Short per this morning’s open; there is some arbitrary structural support into the lower 4900s, (depending upon one’s measuring of such); again, the S&P 500 remains a vastly overvalued index relative to earnings, especially in an attractively-positive risk-free interest rate environment. The Econ Baro looks to March’s Housing Starts/Permits and IndProd/CapUtil.

The week begins with the Bond at present below its Neutral Zone; above same are the Euro, Swiss Franc, Gold, Silver and Spoo; and BEGOS Markets’ volatility is moderate-to-robust, notably for both Silver and Copper. The Gold Update cites our 2375 forecast having been achieved (last Tuesday); even so as price remains cheap relative to debasement valuation, Gold on a near-term basis remains excessively “overbought”: currently 2374, the Market Value smooth valuation line is but 2192. Looking at Market Trends for all eight BEGOS components, the 21-day linregs are positive for Gold, Silver, Copper and Oil; such trends are negative for negative for the Bond, Euro, Swiss Franc and Spoo; on balance, a rather an inflationary view, that. The Econ Baro starts a fairly busy week with April’s NY State Empire and NAHB Housing Indices, March’s Retail Sales, and February’s Business Inventories.

The Bond and the Metals Triumvirate are all at present above today’s Neutral Zones; below same are the EuroCurrencies, and BEGOS Markets’ volatility is pushing toward moderate. Gold has eclipsed the 2400 level (All-Time High now 2413): price (now 2408) is +222 points above its smooth valuation line (see Market Values); more of course in tomorrow’s 752nd consecutive Saturday edition of The Gold Update. And yet, the Dollar also is on the move, trading this week to levels not seen since mid-November, (Gold then nearly -400 lower points than today). The Econ Baro concludes its week with a bit more inflation information as it awaits March’s Ex/Im Prices, plus UofM’s Sentiment Survey. And banks start to report for Q1 Earnings Season.

Similar to this time yesterday, ahead now of StateSide wholesale inflation, all eight BEGOS Markets are within today’s Neutral Zones, and volatility is light. At Market Trends, the Spoo’s “Baby Blues” for trend consistency are looking to cross their 0% axis as the linreg rotates from positive toward negative; technically for the S&P 500 itself, the daily parabolic trend, MACD and Moneyflow standard studies have all taken a negative bent; the Index’s “live” P/E (futs-adj’d) is 45.2x and the yield 1.387%. Gold (not unexpectedly) has mildly come off both its All-Time High (2385) and our year’s forecast high (2375): current price is 2354; Gold’s Market Magnet settled last evening at 2307; and by Market Values, Gold’s smooth valuation line is notably lower at 2179. Again today’s incoming metrics for the Econ Baro include March’s PPI.

Yesterday (09 April) Gold achieved our forecast high price for this year at 2375; as you readers of the Gold Update know, at the beginning of the year we couched such call as “conservative”, and given some nine months now still remain in 2024, it well could be. Ahead of Stateside retail inflation, all eight BEGOS Markets are at present within their respective Neutral Zones for today, and volatility is very light, the average EDTR (see Market Ranges) tracing just 27% to this point. Looking at Market Profiles, we’ve trading support for the Bond at 117^22, the same for the Spoo at 5254, and for Oil at 85.20; Gold’s most dominantly traded handle of the past two weeks is 2304 and for the Euro ’tis 1.087. As noted, the Econ Baro awaits March’s CPI as well as the month’s Treasury Deficit, plus February’s Wholesale Inventories.

At present, the Bond is above its Neutral Zone whilst below same is Copper; BEGOS Markets’ volatility is light. Leading Market Rhythms for consistency on a swing basis are: (10-test basis) Copper’s 6hr Price Oscillator, the Bond’s daily Parabolics, and Gold’s 15mn MACD; (24-test basis) the Swiss Franc’s daily Parabolics and Copper’s 6hr Parabolics. At Market Values for the Spoo, both price and its smooth valuation line finally have met; the deviation for Gold remains extremely stretched to the upside, in real-time by +198 points; for the other three primary BEGOS components: the Bond is 5 points “low”, the Euro 0.23 points “low” and Oil nearly 6 points “high”. Again, nothing is due today for the Econ Baro ahead of inflation data (CPI, PPI, Ex/Im Prices) through the balance of the week.

The back-loaded EconData week is underway with the Bond, Swiss Franc, Copper and Oil all at present beneath their respective Neutral Zones for today; above same is Silver, and BEGOS Markets’ volatility is already mostly robust, the components of the Metals Triumvirate all well-exceeding their EDTRs (see Market Ranges). The Gold Update again cites (in a positive way) the “extreme” overbought technical near-term stance of price; so far this session, Gold has traded to within 3 points of our forecast high (2375) for this year: mind Gold’s Market Values graphic as to price vis-à-vis its smooth valuation line. As Q1 Earnings Season commences today, the “live” (futs-adj’d) P/E of the S&P is 46.6x, essentially double that since its inception a dozen years ago; the yield is a paltry 1.371% vs. 5.215% annualized on the risk-free US three-month T-Bill.

All three elements of the BEGOS Markets’ Metals Triumvirate are at present below their respective Neutral Zones for today; none of the other components are above same, and volatility runs the gamut from light-to-robust, Silver having already traced 102% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). Following yesterday’s Commentary on the Spoo seeing its “Baby Blues” (see Market Trends) having slipped below their key +80% axis as well as the S&P 500 being in a historically extreme overbought streak, an inevitable price dump emerged: to the extent it becomes material near-term remains to be seen, the Spoo up a tad this morning. In the day’s balance, the Econ Baro looks to March’s Payrolls data, followed late in the session by February’s Consumer Credit.

Silver — for which the net gain across the past two trading days was +8.3% — is at present below today’s Neutral Zone, as is the Bond; above same is Copper, and volatility for the BEGOS Markets is mostly light. The Spoo’s “Baby Blues” (see Market Trends) confirmed settling beneath their key +80% axis, thus indicative of lower price levels near-term, although two of the past six like downside signals from a year ago-to-date have produced minimal material downside given the S&P 500 having been in “straight-up” mode. Indeed through yesterday, the S&P recorded its 52nd consecutive trading session as “textbook overbought” which ranks fifth for such streaks in better than four decades. With Q1 Earnings Season commencing next week, the “live” (futs-adj’d) P/E is now 46.7x. Today’s incoming Econ Baro metrics include February’s Trade Deficit.

At present we’ve both Silver and Copper above today’s Neutral Zones; below same are both Oil and the Spoo, and BEGOS Markets’ volatility is again mostly light; (both the white and red metals have traced better than 50% of their EDTRs [see Market Ranges]). Looking at Market Values (in real-time): the Bond is nearly -4.5 points “low” vis-à-vis its smooth valuation line, the Euro nearly -0.03 points “low”, Gold +166 points “high”; Oil +4.9 points “high”, and the Spoo now down to just +29 points “high”. Specific to Gold’s “high” deviation, such extremes are rare and have historically led to price pullbacks near-to-medium term; ‘course since Gold is (finally) getting a bid these days, history may not necessarily repeat: rather, the smooth valuation line can instead catch up to price. The Econ Baro looks to March’s ADP Employment data and the ISM(Svc) Index.

Early on we’ve the two EuroCurrencies below today’s Neutral Zones, whilst above same is Silver; BEGOS Markets volatility is mostly light as most ETDRs (see Market Ranges) are narrowing, save for those of the Metals Triumvirate. The Dollar continues getting a bid now to nearly a two-month high as Fed rate cuts fade a bit from FinMedia wishful reporting. Looking at Market Rhythm swing consistencies (on a 10-test basis), we’ve five of note per late night’s data runs: Oil’s 60mn Moneyflow, Copper’s 6hr Price Oscillator, the Spoo’s daily Parabolics, and for the Bond both its 2hr Moneyflow and daily Parabolics. The Econ Baro awaits February’s Factory Orders.

The BEGOS Markets’ Metals Triumvirate are all above today’s Neutral Zones, as is the Spoo; none of the other components are below same, and volatility runs from light-to-robust, Gold already having traced 102% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). Gold, with its fresh June premium, is now 2281, within 100 points of our forecast high for this year of 2375; The Gold Update remains a bit wary of Gold being technically over-extended near term; too therein, February’s PCE data (reported during Friday’s holiday) confirms a five-month rising trend of inflation by that metric. Regardless, the Spoo at present (5330) is poised such that the S&P 500 would open at a record high. Due for the Econ Baro is March’s ISM(Mfg) Index and February’s Construction Spending.

The week’s final trading day is underway with the Euro, Swiss Franc and Silver all at present below today’s Neutral Zones; the other BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light-to-moderate, the Euro, Gold and Copper already exceeding 50% of their respective EDTRs (see Market Ranges). Per our S&P 500 Moneyflow page, all three time measures (week, month, quarter) are lately indicative of money not flowing from the Index, but neither is inflow increasing; the “live P/E of the S&P (futs’adj’d) is now 47.3x, which as you regular readers know is essentially double that since this measure’s inception a dozen years ago: the S&P thus remains significantly (understatement) expensive. ‘Tis a busy two days for the Econ Baro: today’s incoming metrics include March’s Chi PMI and revision to the UofM Sentiment Survey, February’s Pending Home Sales, and the final revision to Q4 GDP. Tomorrow whilst the markets are closed the Baro nonetheless looks to February’s Personal Income/Spending, plus the “Fed-favoured” PCE data. Joyeuses Pâques à Tous !

Both the Swiss Franc and Oil are at present below today’s Neutral Zones; otherwise the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light. Looking at Market Rhythms , the most consistent on a 10-test swing basis is the Spoo’s daily Parabolics, whilst on a 24-test swing basis ’tis the Euro’s 15mn Price Oscillator. Market Values’ deviations of note are the Euro as some -0.02 points “low” per its smooth valuation line, Gold as +68 points “high” and the Spoo as +90 points “high”. And as previously noted, at Market Trends Silver’s “Baby Blues” of consistency confirmed dropping below their key +80% axis suggestive of lower price levels near-term. Nothing is due today for the Econ Baro ahead of a data barrage both Thursday and Friday (the markets being shut on the latter).

The Swiss Franc, Silver and Copper are all at present below their respective Neutral Zones for today; the other BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is mostly light, save for Copper which has already traced 62% if its EDTR (see Market Ranges). At Market Trends (in real-time), the “Baby Blues” of trend consistency for both Silver and Copper have dropped below their key +80% axes. Gold’s negative technicals (covered in the current Gold Update) have yet to similarly affect price: too, Gold’s cac volume today is rolling from April into that for June, in turn adding +22 points of fresh premium to price. For the Econ Baro today we’ve March’s Consumer Confidence and February’s Durable Orders.

We start the shortened week with Copper at present above its Neutral Zone for today; all the other BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light-to-moderate. The Gold Update graphically lays out the increasing inflation scenario, querying if the Fed has lost its “cred”; too, the Update cites near-term negative technical measures for Gold and that there is little structural support sub-2150 until 2050, (were price to materially let go); of course, the broader weekly parabolic trend remains firmly Long. The S&P 500 is 45 days “textbook overbought”, placing it in the 98th percentile of such overbought conditions since at least the year 1980; the “live” (futs-adj’d) P/E is presently 46.2x. The Econ Baro looks to February’s New Home Sales.

The EuroCurrencies and Metals Triumvirate are all at present below their respective Neutral Zones for today; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is firmly moderate. Whilst by Market Ranges most of the EDTRs are on the rise, ’tis not the case for either the Bond nor Oil, (nor to a minor extent, the Euro). Yesterday’s high-to-low plunge in the Swiss Franc of -1.69% was the largest across the day’s range in better than a year (since 15 March ’23) on the heels of the Schweizerische Nationalbank unscheduled reduction of its key interest rate. Looking at Market Rhythms for consistency, our 10-test swing leader is the Spoo’s daily Parabolics, (see too the Yen’s 15mn Moneyflow study); on the 24-test basis ’tis the Swiss Franc’s daily Parabolics. The Econ Baro’s week is complete.

The Swiss Franc, Copper, Spoo and Gold are all at present above today’s Neutral Zones: the yellow metal recorded a new high overnight at 2225; BEGOS Markets volatility is moderate-to-robust, Gold notably having traced 135% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges); and by Market Values (in real-time) price (currently 2209) is +119 points above its smooth valuation line. Per the Fed’s math, even as inflation is increasing, they calculate it as decreasing; more on that in the next Saturday edition of The Gold Update. The Econ Baro wraps its week today, income metrics including Q4’s Current Account Deficit, March’s Philly Fed Index, plus February’s Existing Home Sales and Leading (i.e. “lagging”) Indicators.

Spring starts similarly to Winter’s final day, with (save for the Bond) all the BEGOS Markets at present in the red ahead of the Fed; volatility is mostly light (Copper having already traced 63% of its EDTR — see Market Ranges). ‘Twill be interesting to note (perhaps during Chair Powell’s post-FOMC Policy Statement presser) if a FinMedia member brings up the notion of a rate hike, (all as luridly updated in the current edition of The Gold Update). As for the S&P 500, the “live” (futs-adj’d) P/E is 45.8x and the yield 1.380%; that for the 3-month T-Bill is 5.238% annualized. Nothing is due today for the Econ Baro.

All eight BEGOS Markets are at present in the red; session volatility is mostly moderate; of note, the Yen (not as yet a BEGOS component) has traced 168% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges for those of the BEGOS Markets), as the BOJ ends its era of negative interest rates. Looking at Market Rhythms, our leader for consistency on a pure swing 10-test basis is Gold’s 30mn Price Oscillator, whilst on a 24-test basis ’tis the Swiss Franc’s 6hr Parabolics; indeed by Market Trends, the Swiss Franc is the only component now sporting a negative linreg: were there a “hawkish hint” in the FOMC’s Policy Statement (tomorrow) ‘twould likely add to Dollar strength. The Econ Baro awaits February’s Housing Starts/Permits.

Both Oil and the Spoo are at present above their respective Neutral Zones for today; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light. The Gold Update continues (at the very least) to muse over the notion of the Fed at some point actually having to raise rates: therein, our updated inflation table tells the story. The yellow metal itself as “expected” is coming off the recent All-Time High of 2203 (currently 2155) given the excessive distance of price above its smooth valuation line, that live reading now +79 points (see Market Values). ‘Tis a light week of data for the Econ Baro, beginning today with March’s NAHB Housing Index.

The Swiss Franc at present is below today’s Neutral Zone; above same are the three elements of the Metals Triumvirate; BEGOS Markets volatility is moderate, Copper indeed having already traced 128% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). Cac volume for the EuroCurrencies is rolling from March into that for June, whilst too for Oil is the volume from April into May. At Market Trends, breaking the case of all eight components having been in positive linregs is the Swiss Franc as the Dollar gets the bid over recent days: might the Fed have to raise? More on that in tomorrow’s Gold Update. The Econ Baro looks to complete the week with March’s NY State Empire Index and UofM Sentiment, plus February’s Ex/Im Prices and IndProd/CapUtil.

Both Gold and Copper are at present below today’s Neutral Zones; above same is Oil, and BEGOS Markets volatility is pushing toward moderate, Copper having already traced 105% of today’s EDTR. Gold (2173) has dominant Profile trading support at 2165, and again by Market Values, Gold (in real-time) is +107 points above its smooth valuation line: (the Spoo at present is +171 points above same). ‘Tis a busy day for the Econ Baro, incoming metrics including February’s PPI and Retail Sales, plus January’s Wholesale Inventories.

Copper is the sole BEGOS Market at present outside (above) its Neutral Zone for today; session volatility is light. At Market Trends, all eight components are in positive linreg, and six of the eight (save for Copper and Oil) have their “Baby Blues” of trend consistency in ascent. At Market Values (in real-time), the Bond, Euro and Oil are all essentially on their smooth valuation lines; Gold is +101 points “high” and the Spoo +180 points “high”. Nothing is due today for the Econ Baro, ahead of 12 incoming metrics over the next two days.

Gold is at present below today’s Neutral Zone whilst the Spoo is above same; BEGOS Markets volatility is light, (albeit the Yen [not a BEGOS component] has traced 107% of its EDTR [see Market Ranges for those of the BEGOS Markets]). Recall from the current Gold Update that the yellow metal is very high above its smooth valuation line (per Market Values), in real-time now +121 points: historically as therein cited, some natural price pullback is to be expected. Otherwise, the five primary Markets are again in positive correlation with one another. For the Econ Baro today we’ve February’s CPI and Treasury Budget.

The Bond and Swiss Franc are at present above today’s Neutral Zones; below same is the Spoo, and BEGOS Markets volatility is mostly light. Cac volume for the Spoo is moving from March into June, with 63 points of additional premium in the latter. The Gold Update cites the fresh spate of marginal All-Time Highs, (to as high as 2203); too, the Update describes a current S&P condition which only has occurred twice in the past 25 years, both prior cases leading to “corrections” of 16% to 18%. Our leading Market Rhythm at present on a 10-test swing basis is the Bond’s daily Parabolics, whilst on a 24-test swing basis ’tis the Swiss Franc’s daily Parabolics. The Econ Baro is quiet today ahead of 15 metrics due as the week unfolds.

The Euro is at present below its Neutral Zone for today; above same is Silver, and BEGOS Markets volatility is light with February’s Payrolls data in the Econ Baro’s balance. Going ’round the Market Values page (in real-time): the Bond is essentially on its smooth valuation line as is the Euro, Gold is +113 points “high”, Oil is +3.2 points “high”, and the Spoo +211 points “high”. The “live” P/E of the S&P (futs-adj’d) is 47.4x and the yield 1.381%; annualized three-month risk-free dough yields 5.228%. Gold continues to make marginal All-Time Highs, the latest being 2172; more of course on that in tomorrow’s Gold Update.

Gold is ticking over marginal highs: presently 2164, the fresh All-Time High is now 2169. The yellow metal along with Copper are both at present above today’s Neutral Zones; below same is the Spoo, and BEGOS Markets volatility is mostly light, save for Gold having traced 70% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges) to this point. All five primary components (Bond/Euro/Gold/Oil/S&P) through last evening are in positive correlation with one another. The Econ Baro looks to metrics including January’s Trade Deficit and Consumer Credit, along with revisions to Q4’s Productivity and Unit Labor Costs. FedChair Powell completes his Humphrey-Hawkins Testimony today before the Senate Banking Committee.

Gold has yet to crack its 04 December All-Time High (2153), albeit ’tis knocking on the door; again this is in the context of price trading up this year toward our forecast high of 2375, so the next incremental high is not that big a deal. At present, we’ve Copper above its Neutral Zone for today; the rest of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is mostly light. A final quick peek at Q4 Earnings Season in looking beyond just the S&P 500: of the 1,859 total companies reporting, just 52% improved their bottom lines over the prior year’s like quarter. For the Econ Baro today we’ve February’s ADP Employment Data, plus January’s Wholesale Inventories. Too, FedChair Powell commences his two-day Humphrey-Hawkins Testimony beginning with the House Financial Services Committee. Then late in the session we get the Fed’s Tan Tome.

Gold settled yesterday at an All-Time Closing High (2123); ‘course, the All-Time High itself remains 2152. At present, the Bond is above today’s Neutral Zone; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is again light-to-moderate. For Gold, our best Market Rhythm on a pure swing basis (10-test) is its 8hr Moneyflow; on a profit-take basis, ’tis Gold’s daily Parabolics, (see Market Rhythms). Silver (24.14) remains exceptionally cheap relative to Gold, the Gold/Silver ratio 88.1x vs. the century-to-date average of 68.1x. The Econ Baro looks to February’s ISM(Svc) Index plus January’s Factory Orders.

The Euro, Swiss Franc and Copper are all at present above today’s Neutral Zones; the other BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light-to-moderate. The Gold Update cites the early machinations of stagflation as Econ Baro data suddenly weakens, yet inflation data moves up and away from the Fed’s +2.0% target. Whilst we received a positive Swiss Franc signal last week as the “Baby Blues” (see Market Trends) moved above their -80% axis, of note the daily Parabolics have just flipped to Short, one of the top current Market Rhythms; so perhaps price works lower, then higher, (barring the Baby Blues reverting southerly). The Econ Baro awaits 13 incoming metrics for the week (none today), of which just 5 “by consensus” are expected to have improved period-over-period. Finally, Q4 Earnings Season has concluded with 4 of 10 S&P 500 constituents not having improved their year-over-year bottom lines: and yet the S&P sits at an all-time high (5137), the “live” P/E at 46.8x.

The Swiss Franc and Copper are both at present below today’s Neutral Zones; above same is the Spoo, and volatility is light-to-moderate. We’re a bit surprised with equities’ upside move yesterday on the heels of a firm Core PCE Report for January at an annualized pace of +4.8%, well beyond double that sought by the Fed; (more on that in tomorrow’s 746th edition of The Gold Update); still, the Dollar Index hasn’t backed off a wit, sensing that current rate levels shan’t decline any time soon. The Econ Baro rounds out its week with February’s ISM(Mfg) Index and revision to UofM Sentiment, plus January’s Construction Spending.

We’ve reached “PCE” Day” and all eight BEGOS Markets are at present within their respective Neutral Zones for today; volatility is light; for the record, the non-BEGOS Market Yen has already traced 140% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges for the BEGOS components); there are musings that Japan may move toward an interest rate increase. The Spoo which has stalled in recent days is nonetheless by Market Values +124 points (in real-time) above its smooth valuation line. Along with January’s “Fed-favoured” Core PCE reading (which by consensus is expected to be double December’s pace), other incoming metrics for the Econ Baro today include the month’s Personal Income/Spending, Pending Home Sales, and February’s Chi PMI.

Red is the watchword for the BEGOS Markets, all the components to the South, save for the Bond, the cac volume for which is rolling from March into that for June; session volatility is again light. The markets have taken on a “wait and hold” approach ahead of tomorrow’s release of January’s Fed-favoured PCE data. At Market Trends, the Swiss Franc’s “Baby Blues” of trend consistency yesterday confirmed crossing above their key -80% axis, indicative of high price levels near-term. And today for the Econ Baro we’ve the first revision to Q4 GDP.

The components of the Metals Triumvirate are all above their Neutral Zones; none of the other BEGOS Markets are below same, and volatility continues as light to this time of day. On a 10-test swing basis, our most consistent Market Rhythm is the Bond’s daily Parabolics; on a 24-test swing basis ’tis the Spoo’s 1hr Moneyflow. By Market Trends, only Oil and the Spoo are in positive linreg, albeit the Euro appears near to rotating from negative to positive. For the Econ Baro today we’ve February’s Consumer Confidence and January’s Durable Orders.

Both Silver and Copper are at present below today’s Neutral Zones; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is again light. The “flu-abbreviated” Gold Update reminds us of the yellow metal having only just started a fresh weekly parabolic Short trend, despite price’s resiliency to this point; noted therein is traders’ new awareness of the Fed potentially having to raise rather than cut rates, something upon which we’ve occasionally mused since the start of the year; (PCE data is due Thursday). This is the final week of Q4 Earnings Season. And the Econ Baro begins a fairly busy week with January’s New Home Sales.

At present, all eight BEGOS Markts are inside of today’s Neutral Zones, and volatility is light. Copper’s cac volume is moving from March into that for May, and we ought see same for Silver as the new week unfolds. The “live” P/E of the S&P is now 49.0x, exemplary of the comparatively weak Q4 Earnings Season, which itself has one more week to run even as the Index continues to ascend. Our top Market Rhythm for swing consistency (10-test basis) is the Euro’s 30mn Parabolics; more broadly (24-test basis) ’tis Silver’s 30mn Parabolics. Hardly robust is Gold (2030) as it tries to defy the 2020-1936 structural support zone: more on it all in tomorrow’s 745th edition of The Gold Update.

The EuroCurrencies, Metals Triumvirate, and Spoo are all at present above their respective Neutral Zones for today; BEGOS Markets volatility is moderate-to-robust, the Euro having notably traced 116% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). The “live” P/E of the S&P is 46.9x and the yield 1.439% versus an annualized 5.235% on three-month risk-free dough; the Index is now 23 consecutive trading days as “textbook overbought”; as to the Spoo, ’tis +160 points above its smooth valuation line (see Market Values). The Econ Baro concludes its very quiet week with January’s Existing Home Sales.

Silver and Copper are at present above today’s Neutral ones; the Spoo is below same, and volatility is mostly light. By Market Trends: Silver, Oil and the Spoo are sporting positive linregs; those for the Bond, Euro, Swiss Franc, Gold and Copper are negative. Some seven weeks ago we speculated on the Fed potentially having to raise rather than cut rates: the FinMedia and now just starting to pick up that notion, (more on that in next Saturday’s edition of The Gold Update). Nothing is due for the Econ Baro today; however, the FOMC’s Minutes from the 30/31 January meeting are to be released.

The BEGOS Market’s two-day session continues with both the Euro and Gold at present above their respective Neutral Zones for today, whilst below same are Silver and The Spoo; volatility is moderate. Leading our Market Rhythms for swing consistency (10-test basis) are the Bond’s daily Parabolics and Copper’s 1hr Parabolics, whilst on a 24-test basis we’ve Copper’s 30mn Parabolics and same study for Silver. For Oil (currently 77.71), we’ve Market Profile support at 77.60; for the Spoo (currently 4998) Market Profile resistance shows at 5015. January’s Leading (i.e. lagging) Indicators come due for the Econ Baro.

‘Tis the first of a two-day session for the BEGOS Markets (given today’s StateSide holiday). At present, both the Bond and Silver are below today’s Neutral Zones, whilst above same are Gold and the Spoo; volatility is light-to-moderate, Silver having already traced 76% of its EDTR (see Market Ranges). The Gold Update re-muses over the notion of the Fed perhaps having to raise (rather than stand pat or cut) rates; and with Gold’s weekly parabolic trend having flipped from Long to Short, we anticipate the 2020-1936 support zone seeing further testing. Following a very busy week of 19 incoming metrics for the Econ Baro, just three are on the slate this time ’round. Q4 Earnings Season has two weeks yet to run: specific to the S&P 500, of the 364 constituents having thus far reported, 62% (276) having improved their bottom lines over Q4 of a year ago.

The Bond and Swiss Franc are at present below their respective Neutral Zones for today; above same is Copper, and volatility is mostly light, (the red metal the sole component having already traded in excess of 50% [54%] of its EDTR [see Market Ranges]). At Market Trends, save for Oil and the Spoo, the other six BEGOS Markets are in linreg downtrends. And in going ’round the horn in real-time for the five primary components’ Market Values: the Bond is better than -4 points “low” per its smooth valuation line, the Euro -0.023 points “low”, Gold -36 points “low”, Oil nearly +4 points “high”, and the Spoo +185 points “high”. The Econ Baro concludes its very busy week with February’s UofM Sentiment Survey, plus January’s PPI and Housing Starts/Permits.

We’ve at present both the Bond and Swiss Franc above today’s Neutral Zones; the balance of the BEGOS Markets are within same, and volatility is light. Looking at Market Rhythms, on a 24-test wing basis for consistency, Copper’s 30mn Parabolics ranks 1st. By Market Trends, Copper’s “Baby Blues” are in decline, as are those for all the other components, save for the Spoo, the Market Value for which (in real-time) is +170 points above its smooth valuation line. The “live” P/E of the S&P (fut’s adj’d) is 49.7x. ‘Tis a massive set of incoming metrics (11) for the Econ Baro today: included therein are February’s NY State Empire Index, Philly Fed Index and NAHB Index, plus January’s Retail Sales, Ex/Im Prices and IndProd/CapUtil, plus December’s Business Inventories.