Special Risk Capital Management LLC

A Pause or A Correction ? May 3, 2020

May 1, 2020 – “Hooray Hooray, the 1st of May !” So far earnings have been a mixed bag, even in the Technology sector. Some have been pretty good considering, while others poor, with even worse guidance. The big issue is what will happen over the next 2-3 months with the impact of the virus. No one knows. But with states opening up we should get a glimpse into the future over the next 2 weeks. Do the number of cases increase, stay the same or decrease? I think that metric will be key for the next 6-9 months.

In the mean time the long anticipated pause / correction appears to have started on Friday. I show two scenarios on the chart below.

Scenario #1 is a very mild drop to the 8215 support level which I would call a “pause” before a general up trend resumes. Scenario #2 is more severe with a drop to around the 7288 level. I note that the volume on Friday (the last bar) was rather light; “no demand”, but not significant selling either. So far it looks like option #1 is the most likely but be aware that if we get bad news #2 could definitely be in play as well.

So far most indicators remain “bullish”, with Price Strength being “neutral”. We should have a good idea about the strength of this market over the next 2-3 days. I’m watching the price (of course) but also volume; which would confirm price.

The short term sector strength table is shown below.

I’m still wary of the energy sector, but if anything will lead this market high it will probably be Technology in one form or another. Banks and Finance would come in as a second.

I just have this feeling that the complete effects of the Corona Virus have yet to be fully appreciated. Will it be just jump back to the “old normal” or transition into something else? Will everyone get their old jobs back? (I doubt it.) Will restaurants, airlines, cruise ships and casinos pick up where they left off? Very doubtful ! The economy, not to mention the Federal debt load, will feel the effects for years to come. I’m cautious.

Have a good week and watch price and volume (activity). But mostly, Take Care. ………. Tom ………

Price chart by MetaStock; pie chart & table by http://www.HighGrowthStock.com. Used with permission.