TradeSmart:

TradeSmart Monthly Issue #2: September 2024

by | Aug 31, 2024 | Article

We’re in a moment of seismic shifts, with escalating Middle Eastern tensions, shifting U.S. economic signals, and targeted sector rotations. As we navigate these challenges, our strategies remain focused on resilience and growth. This month, we explore how geopolitical events and macroeconomic data are shaping market sentiment, while our Algos pinpoint opportunities in select sectors, stocks, and commodities.

Middle East Tensions and Economic Signals Add Uncertainty to the Markets

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has introduced a new wave of uncertainty. Recent reports suggest that Iran, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is preparing to retaliate for Israel’s recent airstrikes, which severely damaged key military assets and air defenses. Israel’s operation aimed to signal its growing dominance in the region, with Israeli officials openly warning of their ability to “fly freely in Iranian airspace” and of even greater retaliatory capacity should Iran respond.
According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Gen. Hossein Salami, the response to these attacks will be “unimaginable.” Such escalations have stirred volatility in global markets, with energy prices rising sharply on fears of regional disruption. Brent crude jumped 2.7% to $74.75 a barrel, while WTI spiked 2.9% to $71.25. “We will give an unimaginable response to the enemy,” Salami warned—a reminder of the significant threat this conflict poses to global stability and oil supply routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz.

These tensions arise against a backdrop of slowing U.S. job growth, which saw only 12,000 new jobs in October compared to 223,000 in September, pushing gold prices up 0.6% to $2,766 per ounce. As safe-haven demand rises, gold is proving once again to be a critical asset amid both geopolitical and economic pressures.

Early Bird Sector Rotation Algo: Understanding Sector Shifts and Targeted ETF Entries

Our Early Bird Sector Rotation Algo has identified recent opportunities and strategic exits in response to these market dynamics. Sector rotation has become increasingly evident as institutional capital shifts in response to both geopolitical and economic pressures.
Sector Updates
  • Technology: Continuing to attract capital, our XLK position remains strong as the sector benefits from innovations in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing. With volatility in other areas, technology offers stability through increased demand for its transformative solutions.
  • Materials: Our Algo’s recent entry into XLB highlights the demand growth in metals essential for industrial and infrastructure projects. With geopolitical tensions impacting resource security, materials are set to gain relevance in production stability.
  • Communication Services: The recent position in XLC is timed with increased interest in digital media and communications technologies, as growth is driven by data consumption and technological expansion in 5G and streaming platforms.

Early Bird S&P Sector Rotation Portfolio
Stock Algo: Targeted Stock Positions and Strategy Shifts

Our Stock Algo highlights opportunities in resilient industries, especially within technology, communication services, and materials, while strategically exiting positions impacted by economic shifts.
Stock Updates
  • Disney (DIS), Alphabet (GOOG), and Meta (META): New entries reflect our algo’s focus on communication services, with robust demand in digital advertising, AI-driven content, and consumer entertainment. These positions leverage growth in online engagement, AI innovations, and data-driven marketing solutions.
  • NVIDIA (NVDA): Holding steady, NVDA continues to dominate with its advancements in AI processing and accelerated computing, and it remains one of our top-performing positions.
  • AMD (Advanced Micro Devices): Although AMD trails NVDA in market cap and AI progress, its ongoing growth in gaming, industrial, and data centers supports a stable long-term outlook, particularly as corporations diversify AI needs beyond NVDA.
  • Southern Company (SO): SO recently reported a strong Q3 with earnings of $1.40 per share, up from $1.30 per share last year, driven by higher utility revenues. CEO Christopher Womack noted that SO’s response to Hurricane Helene underscored its resilience, while BMO Capital’s forecasted 2025 guidance anticipates further growth in utility revenues. The firm’s secure dividend and its 5%–7% projected annual EPS growth align with our defensive strategy during market volatility.

Stock Algo Position Update
Commodity Algo: Safe Havens and Industrial Demand

The commodities sector has seen robust activity, with safe-haven demand in gold and industrial demand for silver. Our Commodity Algo aligns with these trends to hedge volatility and leverage geopolitical-driven growth.

Commodity Algo Position Update
Crypto Algo: Bitcoin Soars and Stumbles

Bitcoin reached new highs at $72,500 this month, only to see a sudden pullback to just above $69,000, wiping out over $250 million in bullish positions across the market. This rapid price drop coincided with a sentiment peak, as the widely-watched Fear and Greed Index hit “extreme greed” levels, a signal that often precedes market corrections. As of now, the index has moderated to “greed,” suggesting the possibility of further price corrections in the near term.
Our Crypto Algo did not signal a buy during this rapid climb, which kept us positioned to avoid the market’s sharp decline. Despite BTC’s impressive surge, the algo’s restraint proved beneficial. We continue to monitor closely, as the recent correction might create new entry opportunities once this volatility phase subsides.

Final Thoughts

As we close this month’s issue, our focus remains on navigating uncertainty with a balance of defensive and growth-oriented strategies. The rising geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, and the economic shifts in the U.S., highlight the importance of staying nimble. Our sector rotation and stock selection algos are guiding us toward resilient opportunities, while our holdings in gold and silver reflect our cautious stance amid global tensions.
As always, we aim to respond to the Algo’s market cues with data-driven strategies that prioritize resilience. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye on potential signals from our Crypto Algo, which may present timely opportunities as volatility continues.

Using data to provide amazing value,
Brad
Brad Hoppmann
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