October: Is It Time for Bull?

Lately, the economists re-evaluated their previous estimates and significantly lowered the predictions for the US economic growth this year and in 2012. This fundamental equilibrium reset, as one-time event, coincidentally has combined with a cyclical September-October low market season. A high volatility, remaining macroeconomic risks, and crowd fears persist. A lot of confusions still dominate the stock market. What is next to expect?

Europe troubles might continue to affect the global markets. The unemployment rate and housing market might not improve quickly. However, the US corporate reported earnings continue to exceed the profitability estimates in most cases. A lot of stocks are now cheaper than during the 2008-2009 market calamity. The future expectation is the thing that drives the market, not the past performance. That is why many investors and traders hope for rallies.

October 2010 Stock Market Overview: Fundamentals Not Improving, Technicals Not Worsening

Due to a growing expectation that the US Federal Reserve will ease a credit environment to help the economy recovery, the US dollar dropped to several-month lows against most foreign currencies. More dollars may stimulate the economical growth. On the other hand, if the Federal Reserve pumps more dollars into the economy, a falling dollar can negatively affect consumers, businesses, and investors.

A dollar weakness together with the news that the US federal deficit for the 2010 budget year was estimated around $1.3 trillion add some fear of the instability of the system, Gold hit a new high that may also evidence a weak hope among investors for a decent stock market performance.

The US unemployment stayed at high 9.6% rate for the last couple of months. Adding jobless people who are not actively seeking work and people who are underemployed result more than 17%. Such statistics may indicate that the stimulus measures failed to create jobs as it was initially expected.

Some of technical indicators signal a lasting momentum that may keep the recent uptrend cycle for several weeks ahead. However, the third quarter earnings reports may not be so optimistic to sustain an existing stock market evaluation. In this case, major stock market indexes may have a correction if more negative news add the pressure.



The chart above shows S&P-500 forecast for the period from October 11 to October 22, 2010. The calculation has been performed using Neural Network Stock Trend Predictor NNSTP-2. The forecast is a slight uptrend.

Stock Market Ups and Downs for the Next Three Months

S&P-500 has increased around 5% during the first decade of July. Evidently, the stock market was uplifted by investors' optimism. One of the most important fundamental factors that causes this uptrend was strong second-quarter earnings reports. Also other positive news factors stopped sliding down S&P-500 index.

From the technical point of view, downs and ups follow each other. Any action normally results a reaction. To discover periods and amplitudes of this natural market fluctuations, some investors use a cycle analysis. The cycle analysis also can be used to predict the further fluctuations. The following chart represents S&P-500 forecast for August-September-October, 2010. The calculation has been performed using Stock Market Predictor SMAP-3.



Possible prediction from the current 1078 value of S&P-500 is the following. It can increase in about 3-5% in the middle of August and then decrease below 1000 level in September. Then it can reverse to an uptrend again. However, as always - such technical prediction may change if something fundamental happens.

Nothing in this piece or blog should be construed as investment advice in any way. Always do your own research or/and consult a qualified investment advisor. It is wise to analyze data from multiple sources and draw your own conclusions based on the soundest principles. Be aware of the risks involved in stock investments