Friday, January 27, 2012

Stocks opened lower this morning as a result of the nation’s GDP coming in below the consensus expectations. While a growth rate in the fourth quarter of +2.8% is certainly an improvement over the third quarter’s +1.8% rate, it was below the ramped-up expectations for a rate of +3.1%.

There is little doubt that this reading puts a dent in the bullish argument that the economy is improving more than has been expected. However, the bottom line is the U.S. economy is growing at a decent rate.

As for the stock market reaction, remember that a pullback is to be expected after a 24-day joyride to the upside. Therefore, we should expect to see the recent support levels tested. But as long as the important levels such as 1300-05 on the S&P are not violated to any meaningful degree, our indicators tell us to give the bulls the benefit of the doubt here.

Now let’s turn to today’s model readings…

The Weekly Timing Model is the primary driver of our work and attempts to “call” the direction of the market for the week based on the strength of the model’s indicators. The model moved back into the Positive zone this week. This told us to give the bulls the benefit of the doubt this week. So far, this appears to have been a good call.

The Daily Timing Model is dominated by trend and momentum indicators and is designed primarily to keep us in line with the overall trend of the market between weekly signals. Although stocks are pulling back a bit again this morning, our Daily Model reading remains Positive today.

As always, if you have questions about any of our strategies or positions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Have a great day and enjoy the long holiday weekend...

David Moenning
Main: 630-250-4700
Direct: 303-670-9761

HCM's Active Risk Management Model Readings

Our active risk management strategy, which is designed to keep us in tune with the market's primary intermediate-term trends, employs two different models: Weekly and Daily. This multi-model strategy is our primary guide to risk management and exposure decisions.

We start each week with the inputs from our weekly model (which itself is comprised of 7 model-of-models and 3 key trend indicators). From there, we let our Daily Model (which is primarily trend and momentum oriented) keep us alert to changes in the market's trend.

For more on the development of our active risk management system, feel free to consult our Research Report: Developing an Active Management System for the U.S. Stock Market

Weekly Model (Our Guide to Market Exposure for the Week)

Model	Signal	Current Reading	Score
Weekly Timing Model	Buy	Moderately Positive	+4

Note: The range of the weekly timing model is +10 to -10. Buy signals occur at a reading of +3 while sell signals occur at -2.

In an effort to stay alert to changes in the market's primary trend, we monitor the internals of the market on a short-term basis via our Daily Market Model. The Daily Model is designed to keep us in line with the overall trend of the market between weekly signals.

The Daily Model (Our Guide to the Market's Shorter-Term Trend)

Daily Trend & Momentum Indicators	Signal	Rating	Score
Short Term Trend Rating:	Buy	Positive	+1.35
Int. Term Trend Rating:	Buy	Positive	+1.75
Trend/Breadth Confirm Model:	Buy	Positive	+2.00
Momentum Model:	Buy	Positive	+1.67

Daily "Early Warning" Indicators	Signal	Rating	Score
Overbought/Oversold Models:	Sell	Negative	-2.00
Sentiment Rating:	Hold	Neutral	-0.40

	Signal	Rating	Score
Daily Model Score:	Buy	Positive	+5.03
(Please note that the Daily Model Score is weighted and not a summation of the individual model scores)

The opinions and forecasts expressed are those of David Moenning, President of Heritage Capital Management (HCM) and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Moenning’s opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as recommendations of any specific security or Heritage Capital program. No part of this material is intended as an investment recommendation. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any of HCM’s programs. Do NOT ever purchase any security without doing sufficient research. There is no guarantee that investment objectives outlined will actually come to pass. Investors should consult an Investment Professional before investing in any investment program. Neither Mr. Moenning or Heritage Capital Management nor any of their employees shall have any liability for any loss sustained by anyone who has relied on the information contained herein. Mr. Moenning and employees of HCM may at times have positions in the securities referred to and may make purchases or sales of these securities while this publication is in circulation. The analysis contained is based on both technical and fundamental research. Although the information contained is derived from sources which are believed to be reliable, they cannot be guaranteed.

Posted on 1/27/2012 at 3:57 PM