Executive Summary:

The good news is the bulls have been able to hold the line at key support levels (think 50-day moving averages) across the board on the major stock market indices. The bad news is the recent rebound hasn't reversed the trend or moved the bulls completely out of harm's way. As such, my take is that the battle lines have been drawn for the two teams to fight over in the weeks ahead. The bottom line is the bulls need a breakout above the 3589 level on a closing basis on the S&P 500 cash index while the bears are hoping for a break down below 3310. And everything in between can be viewed as basically "noise."

The State of the Trend Indicators

While still far from positive, the Trend Board has definitely perked up a bit over the past week. Neutral "hold" signals have replaced the "sells" from a week ago in both the Short-Term Trend and Channel Systems. And while the Intermediate-Term Channel System ticked down to neutral from positive, the board now sports a largely neutral position. From my seat, this means you can hold current long positions until/unless the bears can produce (and hold) a meaningful break below the recent lows.

View Trend Indicator Board Online
NOT INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT ADVICE.

About The Trend Board Indicators: The models/indicators on the Trend Board are designed to determine the overall technical health of the current stock market trend in terms of the short- and intermediate-term time frames.

My Take on the State of the Charts...

The "test" of the recent support zones has been successful so far. However, the bulls will want to put some distance between here and the lows (and avoid additional downside testing) as the old saw says that the more a zone is tested, the weaker it becomes. So, if the bulls can continue movin' on up and make an effort to start testing the upper lines in the sand (i.e. key resistance), we'd consider that bullish action. However, if the current rebound begins to stall, then we should probably expect some additional downside price exploration. Oh, and plenty of volatile back-and-forth action in between - that's just how the game is played these days.

S&P 500 - Daily

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One of the complaints in the market has been the concentration in the megacap leaders. I think it is important to note that (a) this type of condition is fairly typical at times (especially in a global pandemic that is producing clear winners that are growing and gaining market share) and (b) that this can last for some time. However, in looking at the "total market" index (Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index ETF - VTI) one can argue the broad market is "doing just fine, thank you." Yes, VTI is cap-weighted so it winds up being drawn toward the large-cap blend quadrant of the style boxes. And yes, VTI does hold a healthy chunk of the FANG's - albeit in smaller doses than the SPY and/or QQQ. But from my seat, the fact that the this "core" ETF remains in an uptrend suggests that the bulls are still in control of the game from a big-picture standpoint.

Vanguard Total Stock Market - Daily

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Next, let's check in on the state of the market's internal momentum indicators.

View Momentum Indicator Board Online
* Source: Ned Davis Research (NDR) as of the date of publication. Historical returns are hypothetical average annual performances calculated by NDR. Past performances do not guarantee future results or profitability - NOT INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT ADVICE.

I've always believed that momentum is "where the rubber meets the road" in terms of the true state of the market. Thus, it is modestly positive that the Momentum Board has replaced a couple sell signals with hold signals this week. And while the board looks to be neutral overall, the hypothetical historical return of the S&P 500 with the momentum models in their current state has moved up from 1.36% per annum last week to 10.88% this week. In my book, this is a meaningful improvement and suggests that we continue to give the bulls the benefit of any doubt here.

So, given that the S&P has already experienced what amounts to a "garden variety" correction (a pullback in the -5% to -10% range, this one has been about -7% so far), it might be best to remain optimistic unless/until the bears can produce a break below those lines in the sand.

My view is that if the bears can find a reason to break through to the downside, we could easily see some additional scary downside action, which would likely be one-directional and violent. But until then, I think it is best to look on the bright side and give the bulls a chance.

Thought For The Day:

Banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. -Thomas Jefferson (1802)

Trend Models Explained

Short-Term Trend Model: A series of indicator designed to identify the status of the stock market’s short-term (0-3 weeks) trend. The model compares the current price of S&P 500 relative to 5-day customized smoothing (weighted and moved forward 3 periods), the relationship of the 5-day to the 10-day, and the relationship of 10-day to 39-day.

Short- and Intermediate-Term Channel Breakout Systems: The short-term and intermediate-term Channel Breakout Systems are modified versions of the Donchian Channel indicator. According to Wikipedia, "The Donchian channel is an indicator used in market trading developed by Richard Donchian. It is formed by taking the highest high and the lowest low of the last n periods. The area between the high and the low is the channel for the period chosen."

Intermediate-Term Trend Model: A model designed to identify the status of the stock market’s intermediate-term (3 weeks to 6 months) price trend. The model compares the current weekly price of S&P 500 relative to relative to customized 10-week smoothing (weighted and moved forward 3 periods), the relationship of the 10-week to the 30-week, and the relationship of 30-week to 55-week.

Long-Term Trend Model: An indicator designed to identify the status of the stock market’s longer-term (>6 months) trend. The indicator compares the 50-day smoothing of the S&P 500 relative to its 200-day smoothing. When the 50-day is above 200-day, the indicator is positive and vice versa.

Cycle Composite Projections: The cycle composite combines the 1-year Seasonal, 4-year Presidential, and 10-year Decennial cycles. The indicator reading shown uses the cycle projection for the upcoming week.

Short- and Intermediate-Term Trading Mode Models: These indicators attempt to identify whether the current market action represents a "trending" or "mean reverting" environment. The indicator utilizes the readings of the Efficiency Ratio, the Average Correlation Coefficient, and Trend Strength models.

Momentum Models Explained

Short-Term Trend-and-Breadth Model: History shows the most reliable market moves tend to occur when the breadth indices are in tune with the major market averages. When the breadth measures diverge, investors should take note that a trend reversal may be at hand. This indicator incorporates an All-Cap Dollar Weighted Equity Series and A/D Line. At the time of this writing, when the A/D line has been above its 5-day smoothing and the All-Cap Equal Weighted Equity Series is above its 25-day smoothing, the equity index has gained at a rate of +26.5% per year since 1980. When one of the indicators is above its smoothing, the equity index has gained at a rate of +14.5% per year. And when both are below, the equity index has lost over -20% per year.

Intermediate-Term Breadth Model: A proprietary diffusion index developed by Ned Davis Research. The indicator is designed to determine the technical health of the market’s 157 sub-industry groups (GICS categorizes the market into 11 sectors, 20 industries, and 157 sub-industry groups). Technical health is determined by the direction of each sub-industry’s long-term smoothing and the rate of change of the sub-industry’s price index.

Short- and Long-Term Volume Relationship Models: These models review the relationship between "supply" and "demand" volume over the short- and intermediate-term time frames.

Intermediate-Term Price Thrust Model: This indicator measures the 3-day rate of change of the Value Line Composite relative to the standard deviation of the 30-day average.

Intermediate-Term Volume Thrust Model: This indicator uses NASDAQ volume data to indicate bullish and bearish conditions for the NASDAQ Composite Index. The indicator plots the ratio of the 10-day total of NASDAQ daily advancing volume to the 10-day total of daily declining volume. The indicator supports the case that a rising market supported by heavier volume in the advancing issues tends to be the most bullish condition, while a declining market with downside volume dominating confirms bearish conditions.

Breadth Thrust Model: This indicator uses the number of NASDAQ-listed stocks advancing and declining to indicate bullish or bearish breadth conditions for the NASDAQ Composite. The indicator plots the ratio of the 10-day total of the number of stocks rising on the NASDAQ each day to the 10-day total of the number of stocks declining each day. Using 10-day totals smooths the random daily fluctuations and gives indications on an intermediate-term basis. Historically, the NASDAQ Composite has performed much better when the 10-day A/D ratio is high (strong breadth) and worse when the indicator is in its lower mode (weak breadth). The most bullish conditions for the NASDAQ when the 10-day A/D indicator is not only high, but has recently posted an extreme high reading and thus indicated a thrust of upside momentum. Bearish conditions are confirmed when the indicator is low and has recently signaled a downside breadth thrust.

The ALL-NEW 2020 Daily Decision Model Portfolio

Current Positions and Performance Update

Below are the current positions for the 2020 Daily Decision Model Portfolio as well as an update on year-to-date performance through yesterday's close.

About The Portfolio: The Daily Decision Model Portfolio is an aggressive, actively risk-managed, multi-strategy, multi-manager approach. The primary objective of the portfolio is to stay in tune with the major market cycles - both bull and bear. However, the portfolio will, at times, actively manage exposures based on shorter-term moves. In addition to "timing" moves, the portfolio will utilize levered positions via ETFs and may hold an effective net short position during negative cycles.

Strategy Diversification: The 2020 DD Portfolio utilizes a well diversified approach. The management strategy incorporates multiple trading strategies so as to avoid the "singular failure" problem that can occur when a single strategy is out of sync. There are a total of 9 different trading strategies working in the 2020 DD Portfolio. Three "turbo-charged" aggressive beta strategies. Three mean reversion strategies. And three risk-management strategies. In addition, there are three separate managers working in the portfolio.

An Actively Traded Approach: We anticipate the portfolio will trade 2-3 times a week and hold between two and four ETF positions. Finally, please note that the Daily Decision Portfolio strategy is aggressive in nature and thus, drawdowns can and will occur. However, we believe the strategy will rebound quickly after temporary pullbacks.

Testing The Trading Systems

In my humble opinion, it would be foolish to utilize any trading approach without first testing the strategy. However, when you combine strategies that have never been combined before, you have a hypothetical strategy. As such, you must do a back test on the combination.

There is a well known saying in the investment management business relating to hypothetical tests of trading systems that goes a little something like this: "Back tests are bull*#$!"

To be sure, there are problems involved with back testing, not the least of which is curve fitting. I.E. making your system fit the data provided. This is what happens when inexperienced traders try to develop systems that would have done well historically.

However, our approach here is different. We aren't using back testing to develop strategies to trade the market. No, we are testing a combination of EXISTING systems in effort to create "proof of concept." In other words, does a certain combination of systems developed by different managers work well together over time?

Wishing You All The Best in Your Investing Endeavors!

The Front Range Trading Team

Disclosures

At the time of publication, the author or the author's firm/clients held long positions in the following securities mentioned: None - Note that positions may change at any time.

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. The analysis and information in this report and on our website is for informational purposes only. No part of the material presented in this report or on our websites is intended as an investment recommendation or investment advice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed nor any Portfolio constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any investment program. The opinions and forecasts expressed are those of the editors and may not actually come to pass. The opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as recommendations of any specific security nor specific investment advice. Investors should always consult an investment professional before making any investment.

Important Disclosures Relating to the Limitations of Back Testing:

The preceding summary of hypothetical performance is for illustrative purposes only and is not a solicitation or recommendation of any investment strategy.

There is no guarantee that investment results portrayed in this illustration will yield similar future results. All investments and/or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. Consult an investment professional before investing in any investment program.

In the illustration we have utilized hypothetical back testing to create the performance record to reflect the manner in which an account could be managed. Hypothetical back tested performance results have many inherent limitations and do not reflect the actual results of any client account.

Hypothetical performance results are achieved by means of the retroactive mixing of portfolio strategies that was designed and prepared with the benefit of hindsight. No representation is being made that any strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or have losses similar to those shown. Hypothetical testing may not reflect the impact that any material market or economic factor may have on investment decision making. Further, the performance record in this illustration may have under or over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors (e.g. lack of liquidity, trading costs, etc.). The conditions, objectives or investment strategies may have changed materially during the time period, or after the time period, portrayed in this performance record, and the effect of such change is not portrayed in the performance record.

Hypothetical back tested performance results are shown gross of management fees. Hypothetical back tested performance results are before trading and other custodian costs and do not consider the impact of taxes.

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS