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Spooky Season Ends: The Market’s Equilibrium Remains Elusive

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The autumn equinox is known for its promise of balance, but the current state of the market suggests otherwise. Fortunately, as October dawns, we may see an end to this eerie phase.

However, recent developments hint at a different narrative. Last week witnessed a decline in major indices, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 1.9%, the S&P 500 index slipping by 2.9%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slumping by 3.6%. For both the S&P and the Nasdaq, this was the worst weekly performance since March.

The Federal Reserve bears some responsibility for this predicament. While it maintained interest rates at their current level, the accompanying dot-plot revealed a reduction in projected rate cuts for next year. Previously anticipated to implement four cuts, the Fed now foresees only two—an unexpected and more austere stance. In his attempt to reconcile this shift, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s efforts to restore balance proved futile.

These prolonged periods of elevated rates are putting added strain on Treasury bonds, resulting in the 10-year yield reaching a 16-year high of approximately 4.5% before closing at 4.438% on Friday. Consequently, stock performances have suffered. Additionally, the persistence of these higher rates may hinder the Fed’s ability to orchestrate a smooth market landing—a concern acknowledged by Powell himself as he expressed that it is not his primary expectation.

Despite the tantalizing arrival of autumn, the market remains shrouded in uncertainty, with equilibrium yet to be achieved.

Fall in Stock Market Raises Concerns

The recent drop in the S&P 500 has investors on edge, as the market lacks a clear catalyst for a rebound. Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist Advisory Services, warns of potentially choppy trading ahead. Although the index had enjoyed a 17.5% gain prior to the downturn, experts believe there may be further correction needed. Lerner emphasizes that the current situation should be viewed within the context of a volatile trading range, with the S&P trading at around 4330 and testing the 4200 level.

As we approach the end of September, memories of past October selloffs come to mind. Notable events like Black Monday in 1987 and the Great Depression starting in 1929 make investors cautious, despite October historically performing well for stocks. For instance, the S&P 500 has shown an average 1% rise in October since 1950, according to the Stock Trader’s Almanac.

However, there are indications that pessimism may be reaching exaggerated levels. Sentiment on Wall Street is weakening, with bullish sentiment dropping to a 16-week low of 31.3% according to data from the American Association of Individual Investors. Furthermore, nearly one-third of investors believe that stocks are currently overvalued, while 44.4% see a mixed market, with some stocks appearing expensive and others looking cheap.

Contrarian Perspective: Stock Market Bearishness on the Rise

According to Katie Stockton, an expert at Fairlead Strategies, approximately 80% of stocks currently trade below their 50-day moving average. This significant statistic reflects a surge in bearish sentiment, which Stockton and her team interpret from a contrarian perspective.

Contrarian thinking challenges conventional wisdom and often identifies opportunities that others may overlook. In this case, the widespread decline in stock prices could indicate a potential buying opportunity for contrarian investors.

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