Signs of a Continued Stock Market Rally?

By: Mike_Stathis

It's been a while since I made any posts about the market because there hasn't been much to discuss. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that the 8200 level was fairly significant and represented a pivotal point in the market. Since then, the market has rallied to this level and has stuck around.

From that level, I felt the market would make a large move; either up or down. A few weeks ago I was inclined to believe that the market would make a downward move. However, the longer such a move is held off, the longer the economy would have to respond to the trillions of dollars being pumped into the economy, ridiculously low interest rates, changes to mark-to-market accounting and other short-term remedies that will only create bigger problems down the road. It is also likely that the recent swine flu media mania has served to distract from the realities of the economy.

On Monday, the market delivered surprising gains based on the growing misplaced optimism of a "recovery" in the financial and real estate sectors, which is thought to be the key to a recovering economy. This could be no less true. If you have been following my articles, you know that a real recovery will not materialize. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article10208.html

However, that does not mean that the market won't respond to these illusions because it most likely will. Knowing the realities of the economy is only partially useful. You must also understand sentiment because it drives short-term market performance. Knowing the realities of the economy will help you manage downside risk.

As I have stated previously, you should expect a surge in the market (along with misleading economic data) due to the trillions of taxpayer dollars pumped into the economy.  But such "progress" will represent an illusion and will be short-lived.  Monday's gains have increased the chances that this surge could be forming now. Much of the previous gains made since the market lows several weeks ago were a normal compensatory response due to the massive sell-off. Now the slate is clean and you should monitor further positive gains in the market with more scrutiny.

Over the past several days, the market has largely ignored bad news and this is always seen as a sign of elevated investor sentiment. But this short-term trend, if it holds should not be confused with a reversal in the downward market trend. 

The longer the market can hold these levels the greater chances for further positive movement. Monday's performance was key, as it signals what I believe to be some important signs that the rebound from market lows could extend up to the 9000-9200 range over the next few weeks. I am not saying that it will; only that this probability is considerably higher with Monday's gains combined with positive market sentiment over the past 1 to 2 weeks.

It is still too soon to tell whether this short-term trend will hold. But if the Dow can hold above 8000 through this week, that would strengthen my impression. Further gains this week would be even more compelling. The key thing to focus on over the next several days is to note what kind of news is hitting the wires, how much optimism, and how much the market reacts. Understand that overreaction to news events is linked to short-term overvaluation. In contrast, overvaluation is not linked to market timing. For this we must read market sentiment.

All of the semantics aside, I would only recommend investors to take advantage of such a move by implementing short-term trading strategies. That means you must be skilled in short-term trading. This is NOT the time to practice your trading skills. Otherwise, I would sit this one out and wait for a correction in this ~30% move since the bottom was reached.

The only other option would be for investors with a long investment horizon to pick up or add to solid name companies paying good dividends. 

I still believe we will retest the 6600 bottom and ultimately break down to new lows most likely in the below 6000. This could happen in a couple of months or a couple of years. But the intermediate-long term trend for the market is still down.

Everything changes with time and new developments. This is especially true with the stock market. However, based upon what I have seen over the past few months up through today, I still hold these views. 

With the exception that you are a skilled short-term trader with a high risk tolerance, in my view, it is still best to focus on caution rather than opportunity, even if that means you miss out on further gains.

Of course no one has a crystal ball. That is why it is critical to follow things closely and factor in new developments into your investment strategy and forecasts.  

I want to encourage all who seek the truth and valuable guidance to follow me to my new site www.avaresearch.com (coming in a few days). You won't see me pitching gold or investments to you like others. You will continue to receive nothing but unbiased top-tier insight, education and commentaries.

By Mike Stathis
www.avaresearch.com

Copyright © 2009. All Rights Reserved. Mike Stathis.

Mike Stathis is the Managing Principal of Apex Venture Advisors , a business and investment intelligence firm serving the needs of venture firms, corporations and hedge funds on a variety of projects. Mike's work in the private markets includes valuation analysis, deal structuring, and business strategy. In the public markets he has assisted hedge funds with investment strategy, valuation analysis, market forecasting, risk management, and distressed securities analysis. Prior to Apex Advisors, Mike worked at UBS and Bear Stearns, focusing on asset management and merchant banking.

The accuracy of his predictions and insights detailed in the 2006 release of America's Financial Apocalypse and Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble have positioned him as one of America's most insightful and creative financial minds. These books serve as proof that he remains well ahead of the curve, as he continues to position his clients with a unique competitive advantage. His first book, The Startup Company Bible for Entrepreneurs has become required reading for high-tech entrepreneurs, and is used in several business schools as a required text for completion of the MBA program.

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