• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Stock First the Fed; Then Focus on Sectors Where Supplies Are Tight
Stock

First the Fed; Then Focus on Sectors Where Supplies Are Tight

by July 24, 2023
by July 24, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

The market’s leadership is changing, just in time for the Fed’s next rate increase. And the stocks of companies where there are tight supplies of products look poised to make a big move.

The market is expecting another 25 basis point rate hike on 7/26. I see no reason to disagree. I’m more interested in what the market does in response, and I’m already seeing signs that the smart money is making bets on sectors where product supplies are tightening.

Moving on, the bloom is off the rose on AI, for now, as Taiwan Semiconductors (TSM), on 7/20, missed on its earnings, downgraded its guidance, and forecast a future glut of semiconductors, which its CEO noted is unlikely to be offset by demand from the AI sector. Oops!

On the same day, homebuilder DR Horton (DHI) delivered a hefty beat of expectations, offered stable guidance, and yet the stock also tanked. But while TSM’s shares continued to drop, DHI may have found support. The difference between the two is the underlying supply-demand scenario for their respective products.

Expect a Continued Supply Squeeze in Key Economic Sectors

In the past few weeks, I’ve highlighted the bullish influence of tight supplies on key market sectors, such as oil, which I discussed in detail here.

Since that article was published (5/28/23), West Texas Intermediate Crude (WTIC) is up nearly $10 per barrel, with the price now testing the 200-day moving average. A move above the $80 per barrel price now looks like a reasonable expectation as oil producers are gradually turning off the spigots. In 2023, there are 100 fewer operating rigs in the U.S. compared to 2022. OPEC and Russia are also cutting production.

The NYSE Oil Index (XOI) of oil stocks has already crossed its 200-day line, marking its return to bull market territory. I’ve been building positions in energy stocks for the past several weeks. So far, so good.

In contrast, TSM crashed in response to its bearish supply forecast for the chip market. Indeed, the price chart shows the decline was well forecast by the stock’s double top, which developed prior the earnings announcement.  

Moreover, Accumulation/Distribution topped out with the stock and began dropping as short sellers built positions. In addition, On Balance Volume (OBV) rolled over soon after ADI, as the smart money began to outright sell the stock. The drop in both indicators accelerated on the news suggesting the selling, which has taken the stock below its 50-day moving average. Given the status of the Volume-by-Price Bars (VBP) on the chart, the $85 area near the 200-day moving average is a reasonable longer-term target on the downside.

Meanwhile, DHI found support at its 20-day moving average after sellers took profits. That’s because not only did DHI beat its estimates handily, but it also raised its guidance for the rest of the year and again noted that housing supplies remain tight, demand is stable, and the company continues to manage its inventory to ensure balance and maintain its earnings and profit margins.

All of which, until proven otherwise, adds up to the current decline being a short-term pullback for DHI. This, of course, could change depending on what the Fed does and how it affects bond yields and mortgage rates. As I detail below, supply remains on the side of the homebuilders.

I own shares in DHI, which is currently a long-term holding at Joe Duarte in the Money Options.com. You can have a look at the entire portfolio, and my latest recommendations on what to do with your homebuilder shares FREE with a two week trial subscription.

Homebuilders are in a Sweet Spot

According to Redfin, 90% of homeowners hold mortgages with rates below 6%. Nearly 25% are paying 3%. Redfin adds that only 14 out of 1000 homes in the U.S. are now exchanging hands; compared to 19 of 1000 homes in 2019.

Homeowners don’t want to sell since a new home would mean a higher mortgage. Homebuilders are building just enough homes to keep up with demand; ensuring profit margins. The result is record-low supplies of homes, and a homebuilder sweet spot.

So, why did the homebuilders take a beating on 7/20/23? Partially, it was out of fear of the Fed, as yields climbed U.S. Ten Year note yield (TNX) on the same day. Yet, by the next day, yields retraced their rise although TNX remained above 3.8%. As you can see, mortgage rates finally caught up to the lower bond yields, which occurred in early July. This also built a floor under DHI and the rest of the homebuilders after the 7/20 decline.

Meanwhile, analysts are reducing their outlook on homebuilders, expecting an increase in supplies once the Fed lowers interest rates. But here’s the rub. Redfin’s survey concludes that most potential existing home sellers would not consider listing their home until mortgage rates fall to 5%. Since the average 30-year mortgage is currently hovering near 6.5-7%, bond yields would have to fall two points from current levels to reach the magic 5% number. That would be a U.S. Ten Year Note yield (TNX) of between 1.5 to 2%, which would mean that the economy has slowed drastically.

Bottom Line

Until proven otherwise, sectors where product supplies are tight, especially in the face of stable or high demand, are going to fare better over the next few months. Think oil. Think homebuilders. Think agricultural and commodity products.

My subscribers have been taking profits in both homebuilders and AI stocks for weeks. Now, we’re heeding our sell stops and will wait to see what happens with both these sectors after the Fed makes its move.

As I described in my latest Your Daily Five video, and as I described above I follow the footprints left by the smart money. You can see where the smart money is flowing to now with a FREE trial to my service by clicking here.

Incidentally, if you’re looking for more in-depth actionable data on real estate, an area where the smart money is currently building positions, check out my Weekly Real Estate Report here.

New Highs on NYAD

As I said last week, the long-term trend for stocks remains up. The New York Stock Exchange Advance Decline line (NYAD) remains in a stable position for now as it remains above its 50 and 200-day moving averages.

Last week, I noted that the Nasdaq 100 Index (NDX) was overdue for a consolidation, as illustrated by its reversal we saw on 7/15/23, outside the upper Bollinger Band. The bad news from Taiwan Semiconductor was just the excuse for the selling. Still, ADI and OBV, although they’ve rolled over in the short term, remain in uptrends. Support is at now at 15,250 and the 20-day moving average.

The S&P 500 (SPX) is acting a bit better. Both ADI and OBV are showing signs of some profit-taking. There is support at 4300-4450.

VIX Holds Steady

I’ve been expecting a move higher in VIX, but it hasn’t materialized. When this happens, it usually leads to stable-to-higher stock prices. The key is whether VIX can rise above the 15 level convincingly.

When the VIX rises, stocks tend to fall, as rising put volume is a sign that market makers are selling stock index futures to hedge their put sales to the public. A fall in VIX is bullish, as it means less put option buying, and it eventually leads to call buying, which causes market makers to hedge by buying stock index futures. This raises the odds of higher stock prices.

Liquidity Remains Stable

As it has for the past few weeks, liquidity has been stable. This is one of the reasons the market has been in a bullish trend. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), which recently replaced the Eurodollar Index (XED), but is an equal sign of the market’s liquidity remains range bound, which is relatively bullish. A move below 5.0 would be more bullish. A rise above 5.1% would be bearish.

To get the latest information on options trading, check out Options Trading for Dummies, now in its 4th Edition—Get Your Copy Now! Now also available in Audible audiobook format!

#1 New Release on Options Trading!

Good news! I’ve made my NYAD-Complexity – Chaos chart (featured on my YD5 videos) and a few other favorites public. You can find them here.

Joe Duarte

In The Money Options

Joe Duarte is a former money manager, an active trader, and a widely recognized independent stock market analyst since 1987. He is author of eight investment books, including the best-selling Trading Options for Dummies, rated a TOP Options Book for 2018 by Benzinga.com and now in its third edition, plus The Everything Investing in Your 20s and 30s Book and six other trading books.

The Everything Investing in Your 20s and 30s Book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It has also been recommended as a Washington Post Color of Money Book of the Month.

To receive Joe’s exclusive stock, option and ETF recommendations, in your mailbox every week visit https://joeduarteinthemoneyoptions.com/secure/order_email.asp.

You Might Also Like
  • Will the Banking Sector Collapse Bring Down the Market?
  • Stock Market Panic: Why Strong Jobs and Inflation Signal Trouble Ahead
  • Market Rotation and Cap-Weight Dynamics: A Closer Look
  • Further Inversion of Yield Curve Pushes Out End Date for Bear Market
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
DeSantis camp releases supercut of liberal talking point that GOP governor is ‘far more dangerous’ than Trump
next post
Relentless heat wave has people cranking up their air conditioners — and energy bills

You may also like

Looking at Recent Market PULLBACK in a Long-Term Context &...

September 28, 2023

Top Ten Charts to Watch for February 2024

February 2, 2024

The Halftime Show: Crude Oil Back in the “White House...

December 14, 2023

Breadth Thrust Can Validate a New Bull Phase for Stocks

June 14, 2024

Timeless Lessons from the Godfather of Technical Analysis

September 14, 2023

Why Try To Call Tops And Bottoms? It’s Easy!

April 9, 2023

How Bad Could This Selling Get?

July 7, 2023

How Overextended Are You, QQQ?

February 24, 2024

Scanning Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Custom Scans

April 7, 2023

Fresh Trade Opportunities as Market Eases Up on the Reins!

December 2, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout, pulls outlook

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025
    • The Unpredictable Stock Market: How to Make Sense of It

      May 8, 2025
    • AMD CEO calls China a ‘large opportunity’ and warns against strict U.S. chip controls

      May 7, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,630 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,339 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,320 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,302 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,186 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Krispy Kreme stock plunges after doughnut chain pauses McDonald’s rollout,...

      May 8, 2025
    • Don’t Buy Robinhood Stock… Until You See This Chart Setup

      May 8, 2025
    • UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO’s killing

      May 8, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,066)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,530)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    An Incredible Stock Market Rally Closes...

    November 3, 2023

    Strongest Top 3 S&P 500 Stocks:...

    December 31, 2024

    The Ord Oracle August 1, 2023

    August 2, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here