The VIX Index, paired with the readings from the TED Spread, can provide interesting insight on stock markets’s strength. This article looks at the chart of both indicators in order to derive a conclusion of what it means for stock markets.
The VIX Chart Shows Lower Volatility is back
After historically low volatility levels in 2017, the VIX came back in full force on February 2018 where a mega spike in the VIX index took everyone by surprise.
Since then, it got rejected at the important resistance area of 27 to go lower from there. We also noted the recent bounce off of the support in the 12.5 area. While we might not see the low volatility levels from 2017 anytime soon, it is possible the pattern of lower lows from 2015 to 2017 might happen again.
The Vix’s current levels and chart leads us to believe that investors sentiment is positive and corroborates our positive outlook for the US Stock market. However, we do not recommend looking into the VIX alone to understand or assess the risk appetite in the Stock market as that could be very misleading for investors. That why we consider the VIX’s level in parallel with other top indicators in our InvestingHaven intermarket analysis. The next indicator we will cover today is TED Spread.
The TED Spread Declining and Approaching an Important Support Area
The Ted spread, around the same time as the VIX, got rejected at a major resistance area around the 0.6 level. And just like the VIX, it is currently in a support area around the 0.4 level. This is very interesting because both got rejected around the same time which is Bullish for stock markets, however, since they are both at or approaching major support areas, we might see a sideways movement which will result in volatility in the US Stock market (and a global ripple effect).
On the other hand, if the support levels we mentioned above fail, this could trigger a massive risk on period with low volatility in which stocks will outperform.
In short, we have an interesting setup in the VIX and Ted Spread where if the both bounce off support simultaneously, we might witness important volatility in the stock market. If both supports fail simultaneously, another strong risk on period with low volatility could follow.
And when it comes to risk on Vs Risk off, our leading indicator remains the Japanese Yen, which is the 3rd indicator we will cover in this article.
The Japanese YEN Remains Well Supported
This is a very important indicators to watch and gauge investors sentiment. With all the media coverage of the North Korean summit and everything happening in the world, it is easy for even seasoned investors to be blurred by the noise. However, with the Yen, it is relatively easy to remain objective by sticking to the chart: Over 100 USD, the overall investors’ sentiment is bearish, Below 100, it’s risk on. As simple as that.
So if investors see a spike in the VIX , an increased Ted Spread along with the YEN crossing above 100 USD, a full blown Risk off period might be ahead. This remains an unlikely scenario for now but still, one to watch for and that would invalidate our positive outlook for US Stocks.
To conclude, when looking at the volatility levels in the US Stock market, the TED spread that indicates the potential for higher / lower financing cost and increased / decreased access to credit as well as the Japanese Yen, which we consider a number one indicator of investors’ fear, we maintain our positive stance on the US stock market but do not exclude volatility ahead.
The price levels we have included in this article are important levels investors need to watch to react quickly to the next market movements. Ideally, smart investors should have their top picks ready to be able to capitalize on whatever movement the market makes.
