⚠️US Continuous Jobless claims ⚠️
(See Orange Area on chart for new movement - PRESS PLAY)
Reported: 1.79m 🚨 INCREASE
Expected: 1.74m
Prev: 1.73m
Summary:
A significant increase in continuous jobless claims which could be a warning of a continuing upward trend.
▫️ Since Sept 2022 Cont. Claims have increased from c.1.3m to 1.79m (an increase of c.490k);
▫️ From the chart below we are aware that historically an increase of 424k is the average increase in cont. claims prior to a recession and we have exceeded that (now at increase of c.490k).
▫️ We are also aware that the historical pre-recession average timeframe of increasing cont. claims is 11.5 months and since we have been increasing since Sept 2022 we have also exceeded the average time frame by 1.5 months.
▫️ The max pre recession increase is 614k over 24 months. We do not need to reach these levels for confirmation of a recession. Recessions are often officially declared 8 months to a year after they have started thus we could be in one or about to fall into one as the cont. claims continue to increase. I am not saying this is the case. I am just saying it is a scenario we need to be aware off as the claims increase.
The Continuous Jobless Claims Chart is one of thee most concerning economic metrics I have under review at present. This chart combined with a confirmed bear trend under The Dow Theory as per the four charts shared on Monday adds weight to the concern. We now have five significantly bearish charts that could be signaling a recession or bear market initiation. As noted on previous posts such a decline could be delayed due to the Halloween effect which could delay the eventual bear trend by 3 to 6 months, amongst other factors that could delay the decline such as fiscal stimulus. The point is we know what is probable in coming months, not guaranteed, so we can prepare for what is probable without being apocalyptic. Just factor it into your plans. Different strategies/tactics you could consider are; tighter stop losses, lower risk tolerances, value stocks, positions in gold or silver or cash, hedging positions, simply being a more nimble trader until the warning signs abate, and there are many other approaches. Bearish indicators don't have to mean the end of market. You just adjust and move with the trend.
Stay Nimble and take care.
PUKA