As an investor, it’s important to keep a close eye on the stock market indicators. Currently, a few stock market red flags are showing a concerning trend that investors should pay attention to.

The stock market has seen a rally in big tech stocks, driving up major indexes. However, the number of stocks outperforming the broader market has slipped to levels not seen in decades. Some experts consider this weakness as a warning sign of potential economic weakness in the near future.

A Few Technical Warning Signs

One of the indicators of the stock market is the number of stocks that are outperforming the market. This number has been steadily declining over the past several months, and it reached a new low recently. This is concerning because it indicates that investors are not finding many opportunities to make money in the market. This lack of opportunities can be a sign of weakness in the economy as a whole.

Another indicator flashing a warning sign is the number of stocks trading above their 200-day moving average. The declining number is currently at a level unseen in years. This is a bearish sign for the market, as it indicates that the trend is moving downward and may continue.

The Fear Index

Finally, the VIX, also referred to as the “Fear Index,” is a real-time market indicator that reflects investor expectations of market volatility over the next 30 days. It is calculated based on the prices of options on the S&P 500 index, which measures the volatility of the overall stock market. Generally, a high VIX indicates increased market uncertainty, while a low VIX suggests calmer market conditions.

Intuitively, most would conclude that when the VIX is low, it indicates that investors are relatively complacent and have a positive outlook on the market because it implies a sense of stability and confidence, as market participants believe that risks are low and anticipate smooth market conditions.

Yet while a low VIX can indicate a period of stability, it is essential to exercise caution. Unusually prolonged low volatility periods can sometimes precede market downturns or increased volatility. This is known as “complacency risk.” Investors should remain vigilant and monitor other fundamental and technical factors alongside the VIX to make sound investment decisions.

The Other Big Economic Warning Sign

In addition to these indicators, there is another big warning sign that every investor should be aware of – and likely where most of us have the majority of our net worth – housing. The state of housing in many regions around the country is reaching a troubling point, signaling potential economic turmoil. As access to affordable housing becomes increasingly challenging, the consequences ripple throughout society and have a detrimental impact on the overall economy.

Recent data from the National Association of Realtors confirm a not-so-good trend as just last month:

  • Total existing-home sales – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops – fell 2.4% from February.
  • Year-over-year, total existing home sales waned 22.0% from a year ago.
  • The median existing-home price for all housing types in March declined, continuing a trend of the past 6 months.
  • Existing-home sales in the Northeast were down 21.2% from March 2022.
  • In the Midwest, existing-home sales retracted 17.6% from the previous year.
  • Existing-home sales in the South receded 20.4% from the prior year.
  • In the West, existing-home sales declined 30.5% from the prior year.

The residential housing trouble is not confined to the housing sector alone but has a ripple effect on the broader economy. The construction industry suffers as the demand for new housing outweighs the supply, resulting in stalled projects and job losses. Additionally, reduced consumer spending due to high housing costs dampens economic growth. Furthermore, the instability in the housing market can trigger financial instability, leading to a chain reaction that affects banking and lending institutions.

Investors Should Pay Attention

Overall, many of the current stock market indicators are the weakest they have been in quite some time, and there are many warning signs that investors should pay attention to. While big tech stocks may be rallying, the broader market is showing weakness, which may be a sign of potential economic weakness soon. As an investor, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep a close eye on these indicators to make informed investment decisions. Your financial advisor can help.

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