MACRO MONDAY 33 ~ U.S. NFIB Business Optimism Index MACRO MONDAY 33 ~ NFIB
National Federation of Independent Business Index (NFIB)
Released Tuesday 13th Feb 2024
Think of the NFIB small business index as a sentiment index, a sort of mood meter for small businesses. The higher the index, the more optimistic small businesses will be about spending more, expanding and increasing or maintaining employees.
The NFIB is the nation’s largest small business advocacy group, with more than 600,000 members from all 50 states. Members are typically small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These small businesses account for roughly 50% of the nation's private workforce and contribute to 44% of all U.S. economic activity making them an extremely important cohort to monitor and survey for economic purposes.
The NFIB Index data
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (chart data) is a composite of ten seasonally adjusted components calculated based on the answers of around 620 of the NFIB members. The survey questions cover various aspects of business sentiment, such as hiring plans, sales expectations, capital expenditure plans, and overall economic outlook. The Index figure is derived from all the survey responses, weighted and aggregated to produce a composite score that reflects the sentiment and economic outlook of small business owners.
Baseline Level (100): The baseline level of 100 is often considered the neutral point on the NFIB Index. An index value of 100 indicates that small business owners are neither optimistic nor pessimistic about economic conditions. Values above 100 indicate optimism, while values below 100 indicate pessimism.
On the chart below I note the relevance of the sub 91.5 level as a breach of this level has historically preceded or coincided with recessions (grey areas).
The Chart
The chart is fairly straightforward in that the green zone illustrates the optimistic zone (>100), the pessimistic zone is orange (<100) and the recession zone is red (<91.5).
At present we are moving out of recessionary territory into the pessimism zone which is an improvement but we are a long way from the neutral level of 100. Expectations for Tuesdays release is a slight move higher towards 92.4. If we do move to 92.4 it will be the highest level recorded since June 2022.
NFIB Negative Divergences
Here is a supplemental chart that illustrates how the NFIB small business sentiment index has presented clear negative divergences against the S&P 500 during the last three recessions.
In addition to the negative divergences, thereafter the following trigger events marked the beginning of thee significant drawdown events of each recession;
1⃣ The NFIB index breached below the 100 level in Oct 2000 prior to the Dot. Com Crash
2⃣ The NFIB index breached below the 91.5 index level in April 2008 prior to the GFC capitulation event
3⃣ The NFIB index breached both the 100 (Mar 2020) and 91.5 (Apr 2020) index level during the COVID Crash.
In summary the negative divergences signaled the initial warning signs of recessions, thereafter losing key levels such as the 100 level and 91.5 level signaled the main draw down event initiation.
Not all negative divergences resulted in a recession or poor price action and not all recessions came about after a breach of the 100 level however, both in combination add weight to the probability (but no guarantee's). This chart should not be viewed in isolation but should be added to our other charts to help gauge the likelihood of negative and positive outcomes.
At present the small cap 2000 index is significantly under performing other stock indices which are breaking past all time highs. The small cap 2000 TVC:RUT adds weight to the struggling smaller businesses in the U.S. when combined with the under performing pessimistic reading of the NFIB small business index. A significantly positive reading on the NFIB could be a leading signal that small caps could start to perform again, catching up with the other indices. A negative reading might suggest the small caps 2000 will continue to lag and struggle.
Lets see how we fair on Tuesday for the release of January 2024's survey results
PUKA
Lets see how we fair on Tuesday for the release of January 2024's survey results
PUKA
Labourmarket
We are not in a recessionary bear market yet....This analysis overlays US Recessions over CBOE:SPX on the top pane.
Bottom pane is a technique shared by famous trader , Larry William - recently presented at a NAAIM Conference. The technique looks at US job market as % of population. You can find more on Sentimentrader.
Larger declines in stock market are usually accompanied by a recession. There is clearly a softening of the labor market but hanging above the recession territory.
Unless we dip into a recession and Oct 2022 lows on SPX holds - we are not in a recessionary bear market.
Macro Monday 14~Unemployment Rate Rise Macro Monday 14
US Employment Rate Pre-Recession Indications
The Unemployment Rate tells us how many people in the United States are currently without a job and actively looking for one. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates and reports the unemployment rate. In basic terms it consists of the following;
Survey: The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts a regular survey of a sample of households across the country. They ask people whether they are working or actively trying to find work.
Calculation: Based on the survey results, the Bureau calculates the percentage of people who are unemployed (those without jobs but actively seeking employment) compared to the total number of people in the labor force (those who are either employed or actively looking for work).
Reporting: This percentage is then reported as the unemployment rate. For example, if 5 out of every 100 people in the labor force are unemployed, the unemployment rate would be 5%. At present the Unemployment rate is 3.8%.
In simple terms, the unemployment rate is a way to gauge how many people are struggling to find jobs in the United States. In this respect it is an important economic indicator that helps us and policy makers understand the health of the job market.
The Chart
In today’s chart I will be analysing the history of the Unemployment Rate and how it has behaved both before and during recessions. The aim of the analysis is to help us understand the distinct pre-recession patterns and levels that occur prior to recession so that we can prepare ourselves should these levels be breached or these patterns play out again. These historic levels will be placed on the chart for you to monitor from today forward.
Chart Outline:
1. Recessions are the red zones (also numbered & labelled 1 – 12 and on the chart itself)
2. Increases in the Unemployment Rate prior to recession are in blue.
- These blue zones start at the lowest level the Unemployment Rate established prior to the
recession periods in red.
- Basis points (bps) have been used to show the change in the value within the blue zones
(pre-recession zones) e.g. recession No. 2 The Great Financial Crisis had a pre-recession
Unemployment Rate increase from 4.39% - 5.00% which is a 0.61% increase in the
unemployment rate or a 61 bps increase.
- Peaks: I have also included peak bps increases within these pre-recession periods (within
the blue zones). These are times that the Unemployment Rate peaked higher but reduced
thereafter but a recession still followed.
Chart Findings:
1. In 10 out of 12 of the recessions outlined the Unemployment Rate increased in advance of the on-coming recession (in the blue zones) demonstrating that initial early increases to the Unemployment Rate can act as an early recession warning signal:
- An average increase of 33.5 bps over an average timeframe of 7.3 months is observed pre-recession.
- The maximum increase in the pre-recession blue zones was 71bps over 8 months. This max increase was observed prior to 1980 Volcker/Energy Recession no. 6 on the chart (this increase was from 5.59% to 6.30% in the Unemployment Rate itself – a 71bps increase). This recession was induced by Fed Chair Paul Volcker’s sudden increase to interest rates much like those that have been imposed by Jerome Powell over recent months (Volcker was appointed in Aug 1979 and got to work quick).
- The max timeframe for a rising Unemployment Rate prior to recession was 16 months. This was prior to the The Gulf War Recession, no. 4 on the chart (which was considered a short 8 month softer recession). This max 16 month pre-recession timeframe has been marked on the chart to May 2024 in correspondence with today’s pre-recession blue zone timeline – so we know where a max timeline would put us (not a prediction).
- 2 out of 12 times the Unemployment Rate did not increase prior to recession however it did not decrease either, it based at 0 bps or no change (No.1 COVID-19 Crash and No. 5 The Iran/Energy Crisis Recession). Whilst the Unemployment Rate did not increase, they did temporarily peak higher within the blue zones by 10 bps (No. 1) and 31 bps (No.5) demonstrating the importance of peaks and bases formed prior to an Unemployment rate ramp up and recession.
I found the peak increases interesting to include because they illustrate that the Unemployment Rate can oscillate peaking higher temporarily only to form a higher low or return to its starting point, but a peak, if significant enough could be a telling indicator. The most notable peaks are the following; 62 bps (no. 12), 61 bps (no. 9), 60 bps (no. 10), 30 bps (No. 8), 31bps (No. 5) and only 10 bps (No. 2) for the COVID Crash. All of these peaks reduced thereafter within their pre-recession blue zones but a recession still ensued. A sudden increase in the unemployment rate should be taken seriously. I will include a subsequent data table chart that outlines these peaks and all other data utilized for Chart 1’s illustration and findings.
We are currently in dangerous territory as we have passed the average timeframe of 7.3 months of increases to the Unemployment Rate and the Unemployment Rate increased by 40 bps over that period which is higher than the historical average of 33.5bps. We have surpassed both averages. The max historical pre-recession increase is 71 bps (No. 6) so this is a level to watch going forward. This translates to a level of 4.11% in the Unemployment Rate (marked on the chart).
Similar to today’s Unemployment Rate level, there are two very similar instances in the past where the Unemployment Rate increased from c.3.4% to c.3.8% prior to recession (See RED ARROWS on chart). These both took 7 – 10 months to play out with a 10 – 42 bps increase to be established before recession hit. This is very similar to today’s levels which are at 7 months and 40bps of an increase with the 8th month being released this Friday 6th October 2023 which should be very revealing.
We are now well armed with an historical chart as a reference point for any upcoming Unemployment Rate figures released in coming months. We know we have surpassed the averages in terms of timeframe (7 months) and the 40 bps increase is above the avg. 33.5 bps. We can refer back to this chart using Trading View, press play and see if we are breaching the max pre-recession level of 4.11% (the 71bps move) or other extreme pre-recession levels such as the dot.com and GFC Unemployment Rates (both marked on the chart). And if you don’t frequent the chart on trading view I will update you here regardless.
Lets see what Friday brings….
PUKA
$FVRR can rise in the next daysContextual immersion trading strategy idea.
The demand for shares of Fiverr International looks higher than the supply.
The company operates an online marketplace worldwide. Its platform enables sellers to sell their services and buyers to buy them.
Due to the spread of COVID-19 and lockdown, the demand for the company`s services rose.
This and other conditions can cause a rise in the share price in the next days.
So I opened a long position from $29,99;
stop-loss — $28,65.
Information about take-profits will be later.
Do not view this idea as a recommendation for trading or investing. It is published only to introduce my own vision.
Always do your own analysis before making deals. When you use any materials, do not rely on blind trust.
You should remember that isolated deals do not give systematic profit, so trade/invest using a developed strategy.
If you like my content, you can subscribe to the news and receive my fresh ideas.
Thanks for being with me!
$PAYX can fall todayContextual immersion trading strategy idea.
Paychex has a strong downside trend.
The company provides integrated human capital management solutions.
Due to the spread of the COVID-19, the demand for the company's services has fallen.
This and other conditions can cause a fall in the share price today.
So I opened a short position from $55,53;
stop-loss — $58,43 — over today's high.
Information about take-profits will be later.
Do not view this idea as a recommendation for trading or investing. It is published only to introduce my own vision.
Always do your own analysis before making deals. When you use any materials, do not rely on blind trust.
You should remember that isolated deals do not give systematic profit, so trade/invest using a developed strategy.
If you like my content, you can subscribe to the news and receive my fresh ideas.
Thanks for being with me!
$MAN can fall in the next daysContextual immersion trading strategy idea.
ManpowerGroup has a strong downside trend.
The company offers recruitment services and other workforce solutions and services in the Americas, Southern Europe, Northern Europe, and the Asia Pacific Middle East region.
Due to the spread of the COVID-19, the demand for workforce solutions fell.
This and other conditions can cause a fall in the share price in the next days.
So I opened a short position from $61,46;
Information about stop-loss and take-profits will be later.
Do not view this idea as a recommendation for trading or investing. It is published only to introduce my own vision.
Always do your own analysis before making deals. When you use any materials, do not rely on blind trust.
You should remember that isolated deals do not give systematic profit, so trade/invest using a developed strategy.
If you like my content, you can subscribe to the news and receive my fresh ideas.
Thanks for being with me!
Johnson's threats and pound fail: earning moneyYesterday Boris Johnson turned British politics upside down.
By the way, labour market data came out mixed. On the one hand, claims for unemployment benefits increased (+ 28,800 versus + 26,400 in October), and on the other hand, employment rate was higher than expected (24,000 with a forecast -14,000), and unemployment rate turned out to be better than experts expected (3.8% with a forecast of 3.9%).
Johnson stated the need for the legislative establishment of the deadline for the transition period, which is intended to coordinate and adopt a new EU trade agreement. We are talking about the end of 2020. The fact is that the development of a similar treaty between the EU and Canada took 7 years. And Johnson offers to do it in a year. Since this is practically unrealistic, as the EU representatives have already stated, the markets took Johnson’s position as a signal that exit without a deal ( so-called “hard” Brexit) is again becoming a real alternative.
As a result, the pound dropped below 1.31. Since our position on the pound was extremely clear - to buy, it is necessary to explain what to do now in the light of such information.
Well, to start with, our position has not changed, and a decline in the pound is an opportunity for cheaper purchases. It is necessary to clearly distinguish Johnson’s words from Johnson’s actions, that is, what he is saying and what he is doing. Recall, we prefer to work with facts. So, the truth is there is an already developed agreement Johnson has also the parliament is under his control, that is, everything for a successful Brexit.
As for the inconsistency of his words and actions, then keep in mind his rhetoric in September-October: no delays after October 31. But, the agreement with the EU and the postponement of Brexit until January 31, 2020. So we will continue to buy the pound and consider yesterday's decline as a gift from Johnson. The only thing to keep in mind is that locally the decline may continue today until the 1.30 mark. Given the rate of decline, the chances of reaching this base level for the pound are quite large.
As for our other positions, they are unchanged: we are looking for points for selling the dollar, the Russian ruble, we are buying yen and gold.
US and China buck up markets, Bank of England disagreesThursday was not full in events however we could observe some movements that were mainly focused on safe-haven assets, in which a mass exodus of traders was observed.
You do not have to guess what is markets concern about, just look throughout the dynamics of gold or the Japanese yen, you can see is there any progress or not in negotiation between the USA and Sino.
Since gold, like the Japanese yen, was sold yesterday, it is clear that something positive happened between the United States and China. Indeed, China and the United States have agreed to tariffs phase-out before the deal to be made.
This is a very strong confirmation signal for markets that were expecting the successful completion of the first phase of negotiations by the end of the month. Accordingly, investors relaxed and began to leave the safe-haven assets, which provoked sales in government bond markets and safe-haven assets.
In connection with such news, we will wait a while with the purchase of safe-haven assets, since in the short term it is difficult to say how long it will take to work out this fundamental factor. Although in the medium term we remain bulls (gold), and we consider the current decline as an opportunity for cheaper purchases.
Progress in trade negotiations contributed to the oil prices growth so that diversification once again proved to be the best ( losses in gold were offset by oil earnings). Well, our recommendation to buy oil continues to be relevant.
The Bank of England decided to keep the base rate at the same level. However, the voting results surprised: 7 members of the Monetary Policy Committee spoke in favour of the invariance of the rate, but two of them voted in favour of a cut. Which, of course, was a negative signal for the pound. However, support for 1.2810 has survived. Accordingly, our recommendation to buy GBPUSD on intraday day basis remains valid. But do not forget about the stops, and it does not make any sense to put them largely- the bears may well seize the initiative and take the pair to the bottom 1.27.
The euro was not lucky yesterday, industrial production in Germany fell by 0.6% (a 0.4% decline was expected). Given the rather strong downward pressure today, we are more likely to sell the euro than to buy it. But today, instead of pairs with the euro, we will work in pairs with the Canadian dollar. Labour market statistics are likely to lead to a volatility jump. Well, recall that for commodity currencies (which include the Canadian dollar is included), progress in trade negotiations is a positive signal. Yesterday it was ignored by the markets, but it is likely to be worked out today.
Get ready for NFP: our expectations and recommendationsThe Japanese yen steadily strengthened yesterday because of the results of the meeting of the Bank of Japan and news from China. When the Bank of Japan expectedly left the rate unchanged, the Chinese quite unexpectedly announced that they doubted the possibility of a long-term trade deal with President Donald Trump.
That is, it is too early to stop worrying about the trade war. Therefore, safe-haven assets, the Japanese yen and gold yesterday were in high demand. Recall that in our review yesterday we recommended buying gold. So congratulations to those readers who follow our recommendations.
It is worth noting data on the Eurozone GDP that came out on Thursday. On the one hand, it came out better than expected (+ 0.2% q / q for the forecast + 0.1% q / q), and on the other hand, the growth rate is still extremely close to zero. So there’s nothing much to rejoice about. Moreover, the unemployment rate was higher than expected, and inflation in the Eurozone continues to be rather weak. Not surprisingly, the euro travelled towards the 1.1160 resistance and hit that.
The dollar was quoted quite mixed yesterday: against the yen, it fell, but against the euro and the pound - it strengthened. However, the most interesting movement will be today.
Recall that data on the US labour market will be published today. Data on unemployment and average hourly wages this Friday will be much less significant.
Our expectations for NFP are generally negative. If we compare the situation on the labour market now and a year ago, we can state its serious deterioration. One year ago, we were talking about the average value of the NFP 200K +, but recently it has been in the region of 150K, and the saddest thing for the US economy in all of this is that the indicator shows a clear downward trend.
In general, expert forecasts confirm our expectations - the average forecast is 85K. This is more than half the average NFP over the past couple of years.
However, the actual data may come out even worse. Over the past 5 months, 3 times the data on the NFP came out worse than forecasts, 1 time the analysts correctly predicted and only 1 time the actual data came out better than the forecast. So the chances are that the data will come out better than forecasts 1 to 5.
We see two trading options: riskier and more profitable and less risky, but less profitable.
The first option is about to start selling the dollar now in anticipation of weak data we have reasons for this. The US economy is slowing down. Which cannot but affect the state of the labour market. Accordingly, weak data will lead to sales of the dollar in the foreign exchange market. An excellent candidate for the sale is USDCAD. Also, gold purchases look very promising.
As for the second option, which is less risky, we are talking about news trading. The bottom line is to work upon the release of the news. Obviously, the movement will be strong and unidirectional. That is, you do not have to guess whether the dollar goes up or down but just get into a position in the direction of movement after the data is released. To do this, we place orders like buy stop and sell stop at 2-3 minutes from the current price at that time 2-3 minutes before the news release. And we are waiting for the news to be published and one of the orders will work out. After that, you just need to be patient and wait. Risks are minimal, and earnings are limited only by your patience and the extent of the reaction of the foreign exchange market to data.
Data from ADP, unstable gold and weak oilThe publication of US employment data from ADP came out yesterday. However, the outcome did not form positions in the markets. The + 135K figure came out almost in line with forecasts (experts expected + 140K), so the markets did not get an answer to the question of what to expect from the NFP figures. Although in general, the vector is unpleasant for the US economy and the US dollar in particular ( a decrease in the number of new jobs and a gradual deterioration in the US labour market). So our position on the dollar today is unchanged - we will continue to look for points for its sales.
QAs for the dynamics of gold. Breakdown 1485-1490 gave the asset a sign to go down. The lows in the region of 1460 are in favour of that. But weak data on the US economy on Tuesday turned the situation upside down. Yesterday’s value of 1290 means the return to the bull market and the end of the correction. But since statistics on the US labour market will make the next batch of corrections already on Friday, we refrain from recommendations on gold this week: we will wait until the markets still decide whether to grow or fall.
As for the oil. The market-determined the basic drivers: a slowdown in the global economy as a negative factor in demand and production restoration by Saudi Arabia as a positive factor for supply. As a result, sellers continued to dominate, and in the evening also intensified amid information about US oil reserves. According to the Ministry of Energy, weekly stocks rose by 3 million barrels, which is a bearish signal. So today we do not see any special reasons for the growth. But on Friday may well be adjustments. So on Thursday, we will continue to look for points for oil sales, but exclusively on the intraday basis. Although we note that oil prices have almost reached the calculated points for the current decline, announced by us on Monday.
As for China and Germany, we do not expect anything special today. Tomorrow we are waiting for statistics on the US labour market, there is every reason to expect a relatively calm day, during which the markets will prepare for NFP data to realize. So today you can try to concentrate on active oscillatory intraday trading. For example, use clock oscillators and sell from the local overbought area and buy from the local oversold area. That is, to work without any obvious preferences.
SELL EURUSD/ LONG USD, DXY: HAWKISH FED GEORGE SPEECH HIGHLIGHTSIMO FOMC George was largely bullish/ Hawkish $ on the margin; surprisingly coming out and stating for one of the first times that "Fed rates are too low" and "Not Raising Rates in June Was Due to Timing Issues" - these two statements imo hint that a hike coUuld be on the cards earlier than perhaps was expected (Dec), in-light of his opinion of them being too low and that the missed June hike was merely due "timing issues".. could these timing issue be corrected in July? Unlikely given the Brexit result (likely if the vote was bremain), but nonetheless this was more than encouraging.
On the wider economy George remained upbeat, highlighting last weeks NFP report as "welcomed news", and in the medium term reaffirming that "pace of job market growth has been notable" and "economy nearing full employment.
The only downers were his comments regarding business investment which he said was "weak" but after went on to assure that "outside of energy, business investment levels were better". Further, he cited that brexit issues were "longer run" uncertainties that the FOMC will watch.
Federal Funds Rate Implied Hike/ Cut Probability curve updates:
On the back of the strong 100k+ beat NFP print last week, going into this week we have seen an aggressive steepening in the Fed Funds implied prob curve across the tenors; Fridays steepening trend has continued into this week, where now a September/ Nov Hike trades at 12%/11.8% vs 5.9%/5.9% on Friday and 0%/0% on Thursday, with a Dec hike trading at 29.6% vs 22.5% Friday.
- This aggressive steepening, especially in the front end (where probabilities have doubled), is likely a function of FOMC member Georges Hawkish comments today, the NFP print and the aggressive recovery in risk across the board in the past few days which have all collectively improved confidence, which in turn has eased sell-side pressure on UST rates - today 10y UST rates have managed to trade 4.4% higher on the day (tnx), with 30y yields also up +0.95% - this is the first real break of downside pressure we have seen in rates for the past month.
Trading strategy:
1. The above combined has helped my broad long $ view with my favourite expressions short term being in NZD$ and AUD$ downside (See attached posts). In the medium term, EUR$ and $JPY dollar upside are my favourite trades for the risk-on element that will readjust the USD higher in the backend of this year (see attached posts); And the Monetary policy divergence + brexit uncertainty that should bring EUR$ to a lower equilibrium in the future also. Alternatively, this view can be aggregated as pictured into a long DXY play, where imo, it trades 3-4% below equilibrium - index should be near 100.
FOMC Member George Speech Highlights :
-Fed's George: June Jobs Data Was 'Welcome News'
-Fed's George: U.S. Economy Has Proved 'Resilient'
-Fed's George: Expects to See 'Fairly Steady Pace of Growth'
-Fed's George: Consumers Strong, But Business Investment Weak
-Fed's George: Outside of Energy, Business Investment Levels Better
-Fed's George: Pace Of Job Market Growth Has Been Noteworthy
-Fed's George: Economy Close to Full Employment
-Fed's George: Labor Market Recovery Not Evenly Shared by Workers
-Fed's George: Labor Pressured by Loss of Middle Skilled Jobs
-Fed's George: Fed Policy Limited in Role For Long Term Labor Trends
-Fed's George: Fed Rates Are 'Too Low'
-Fed's George: Fed Should Raise Rates Gradually
-Fed's George: Not Raising Rates in June Was Due to 'Timing Issues'
-Fed's George: Brexit Issues Are Longer Run Items to Watch