Asset momentum table 2011-06-24

Each week we test major asset classes for the strength of their momentum. We check:

  1. is current price above 20-day moving average?
  2. is current price above 50-day moving average?
  3. is 20-day moving average above the 50-day moving average?
  4. does the 20-day moving average have a positive slope (i.e. is it rising)?
  5. does the 50-day moving average have a positive slope (i.e. is it rising)?

If the answer is yes, we give one point. If all conditions are fulfilled then the asset class has five points. This is considered a very strong momentum. Investors believing in strong trends would invest in assets showing a strong (positive) momentum.

We also track weekly price change (%) and the change in points.

Here is the latest table:

Observations:

  • Most commodities suffered under the oil price decline (triggered by the release of strategic oil reserves announcement from the International Energy Agency).
  • Gold failed to make new all-time-highs and fell below its 20- and 50-day moving average (last week we pointed out how well it was holding up). Gold had the most pronounced decline in momentum of all asset classes (from 5 to 2 points). Gold simply cannot escape its correlation with other inflation-related asset classes (i.e. stocks).
  • Gold- and silver mining stocks tried to stage a break-out during the week but failed.
  • Treasury bonds performed well. The momentum in risky bonds (high-yield and junk) however is horrible, and one would expect further weakness in that area.
  • The Swiss Franc remains one of the strongest currencies in the world. Monentum in the Japanese Yen declined slightly. The Euro is in jeopardy (zero momentum points unchanged).

Conclusions:

  • Avoid risky assets such as stocks, commodities and high yield bonds.
  • Remain long in Treasury bonds.
  • Gold positions should be hedged with short positions in stock markets.
  • Remain long Swiss Franc, short Euros.