Here is a pattern I have noticed in the market about 6 or 7 times this year:

1) The market goes on a 3-6 week run.

2) The run usually stalls when we get extended from the moving averages, bullishness increases (based on many sentiment measures), and active investment managers are aggressively long the market (based on the NAAIM survey).

3) Leaders start to break down, the market starts to correct down to (or below) its 50-day moving average, and many market participants begin to wonder if the rally is really over?

4) Just when some fear creeps back in and active managers begin to reduce their exposure, the market stabilizes for a day or two, and the selling abates. Then, we seem to have a non-stop grind to new highs for the next 3-6 weeks. The move higher usually occurs on low volume and without a valid follow-through day, thus further frustrating the longs who are waiting for a signal to get back in, and ALSO frustrating the shorts who don’t see a meaningful downtick.

5) Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Right now, we are somewhere around step 3. Here is the challenge: If you get defensive and raise some cash, the market has conditioned us that this is a mistake, as being cautious has not paid off this year. However, if you stay complacent, one of these days the market will see some nasty, follow-thru selling, and it could possibly destroy some people quickly (especially those who use leverage). Remember that the market is a master manipulator. It conditions us to think one way over and over and over until we are finally convinced of a pattern. Just when we think we have things figured out, the market magically changes character. Keep in mind that a pattern can continue for a while before the market eventually changes.

So what do we do now? It all depends on your timeframe and if you are a trader or an investor. Personally, I always lean towards the defensive side because the best traders I have studied ALWAYS think defense first. Even though I have a very bullish outlook over the next 12-24 months, I have no problem reducing exposure at times because I am nimble enough to get back in if I need to. Whatever you decide, know your timeframe! Don’t follow anyone blindly (including myself). You should have your own plan based on your own financial objectives and risk tolerance. Good luck trading!

I can be reached at: jfahmy@zorcapital.com.

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