Rampant Insider Selling Signals The End Of The Bubble In Stocks | Jesse Felder
Dec 19, 2024
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Jesse Felder, a macro analyst and founder of The Felder Report, shares his insights on potential market bubbles and economic risks. He discusses alarming insider trading signals that suggest a significant market downturn could be on the horizon in 2025. The conversation delves into the implications of inflation, the disconnect between market optimism and economic reality, and how these factors may impact corporate earnings. Felder emphasizes the need for defensive investment strategies as traders navigate uncertain waters.
Earnings growth in the U.S. has peaked and is declining, signaling potential negative growth and a looming recession ahead.
The high corporate insider sell-to-buy ratio indicates significant caution among insiders regarding future market performance and earnings expectations.
Current deteriorating market breadth and rising Hindenburg omen signals point towards an impending market correction reminiscent of past bubbles.
Deep dives
Earnings Growth and Economic Indicators
Earnings growth in the U.S. has reached its peak and is declining, having fallen from over 10% to approximately 5-6%. Analysts predict that this decline may lead to negative earnings growth by next year. Economic indicators such as rising unemployment rates and a weakening labor market suggest a potential recession. These factors indicate that market expectations may not align with underlying economic realities.
Bubble Risks and Market Sentiment
Insiders are expressing significant concerns about financial asset prices being in bubble territory. Recent data shows that fund managers have reached historically low cash positions while heavily allocating funds to equities, particularly in leveraged ETFs. Given that market participants are predominantly optimistic, a lack of fear may contribute to market vulnerability. This concentration in positions may hinder potential price increases and amplify risks of deleveraging if market fundamentals begin to disappoint.
Corporate Insider Activity and Market Signals
The corporate insider sell-to-buy ratio remains alarmingly high, indicating that insiders are selling more than they are buying. This measure has shown high levels for an extended period, suggesting a cautious outlook for the economy and indicating a potential slowdown in earnings growth. Historically, insiders have proven to have insight into future market performance, and their selling behavior raises red flags regarding upcoming earnings expectations. A downturn in earnings growth is likely, which the market may need to adjust to as reports begin to surface.
Market Breadth and Historical Comparisons
Current market conditions reflect deteriorating market breadth, reminiscent of late-stage bubble periods such as the dot-com boom of 2000. A significant number of stocks are declining even as the S&P 500 remains elevated, suggesting underlying weakness. The frequency of Hindenburg omens, signals of potential market turmoil, has reached unprecedented levels, further confirming concerns about market health. Such patterns indicate a precarious situation, similar to previous market peaks that preceded significant corrections.
Investment Strategies Amid Uncertainty
In light of prevailing economic challenges, diversifying investments beyond the U.S. market and the top-performing stocks is advisable. Considering the over-concentration of investment in a few major tech companies, broader diversification can mitigate risk. Additionally, exploring other asset classes, such as gold, may provide opportunities in the current environment where inflation persists. Adopting systematic strategies for hedging against potential downturns, like buying tail risk insurance, can enhance overall portfolio resilience.
Today's guest expert is the second this week to warn that US financial asset prices appear to be in bubble territory.
Is that truly the case?
And if so, will the bubble burst in 2025? Or inflate further?
Investors have much riding on the answer.
To discuss, we welcome back to the program macro analyst Jesse Felder, founder & Editor of the respected market research firm: The Felder Report.
Jesse has a number of charts of leading indicators that he walks us through that strong suggest stock prices will head lower - perhaps a lot lower - in 2025.
Follow Jesse at his website at https://thefelderreport.com/
Or on X at @jessefelder
WORRIED ABOUT THE MARKET? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com
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