The global economy has been on a knife’s edge of late with an economic slowdown in Europe and China sparking global recession fears once again. The U.S-China trade negotiations are dragging on with no real resolve in sight as central bankers prepare to meet at Jackson Hole.

Market sentiment

Looking at the CNNBusiness Fear and Greed Index, we can see that market participants are experiencing extreme levels of fear at the moment. We live in an era where a “Tweet” can change the course of the markets and history in an instant, no wonder why we are experiencing high levels of fear.

President Trump has stated that there is no chance of a U.S recession and that the FED should act and reduce interest rates significantly. The central bankers meeting this weekend at Jackson Hole might deliver some insight to which direction the policymakers are leaning.

The U.S Recession Probability Index from Bloomberg has risen significantly from a week ago and has now crossed into the danger zone. The chances of a U.S recession is on the rise as market participants wait for the FED chair Jerome Powell talks at Jackson Hole for direction. 

Yield Curve

So, what has happened to the Yield Curve you may ask? Since the yields on the U.S 2-year and U.S 10-year Treasury notes inverted for the first time since 2007, the markets have been on edge. Most analysts expect another move lower on the Treasury yields, but the FED meeting minutes might have curbed their enthusiasm. 

One of the other leading economic indicators to watch is Korean exports which remain in a clear downtrend along with the major U.S 10-year Treasury Yields. Korean exports are looked at because they ship to several regions, which allows us to gauge how well the global economy is doing.

FED Meeting Minutes

The July FOMC meeting minutes were released Wednesday evening, and it is clear that most FED officials viewed the rate cut as a mid-cycle adjustment. Federal Reserve officials who voted to lower interest rates three weeks ago agreed that the move shouldn’t be considered as an indication that there is a “pre-set course” for future cuts, according to meeting minutes released Wednesday – CNBC

Just moments after the FED meeting minutes were released the yield on the U.S 10-year Treasury note was just lower at 1.55%, while the yield on the U.S 2-year Treasury note rose about 3 basis points to 1.53%.

The S&P 500

The S&P 500 has been consolidating below the 2942 resistance level for some time now and is looking for direction. If recession fears persist, then the major index might start to move lower from current levels.

We would need to see the price action move higher and close above the 2961 level to negate the downward movement on the S&P 500. 

Sources – CNNBusiness, KOYFIN, Bloomberg 

Disclaimer:

Any opinions, news, research, reports, analyses, prices, or other information contained within this research is provided by Barry Dumas, Market Analyst at GT247 (Pty) Ltd t/a GT247.com (“GT247.com”) as general market commentary, and does not constitute investment advice for the purposes of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002. GT247.com does not warrant the correctness, accuracy, timeliness, reliability or completeness of any information which we receive from third party data providers. You must rely solely upon your own judgment in all aspects of your trading decisions and all trades are made at your own risk. GT247.com and any of its employees will not accept any liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage, including without limitation, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on the market commentary. The content contained within is subject to change at any time without notice.