As they add another log, this time from the Norwegian central bank (the 65th
in six months), to the global easing fire now sweeping the globe, it should
come as no surprise that the U.S dollar is the largest benefactor of these
equilibrating monetary pressures. Less we forget, Chairman Bernanke was the
first to reach for the fire hose way back in the dog days of summer in 2007.
And although his beard was darker and his monetary mettle untested at the time
- he basically went on to write the playbook that our European counterparts
have been running their slowdown defenses from.
And while the equity markets have reacted to easing in a similar fashion,
namely they go up every session - gold and silver have exhibited the inverse
dynamic to when the FED opened the spigot in 2007. Why?
While bull market runs, such as the one found in silver and gold, inevitably
come under the influence of various motivators during their reign, I believe
the secular shifts in the euro and the U.S. dollar has become it's primary
influence today. In 2007, when Bernanke started to ease and introduce extraordinary
liquidity measures, the dollar broke down and gold and silver broke out. Today
the inverse is true, with the ECB taking the easing and liquidity baton from
the FED. These relationships are even more lucid today, considering many correlations
have broken down over the past few months in the face of the equity markets
exuberance.
With that said, and with the VIX printing briefly below 14 yesterday, it
is very likely that the exuberance and discounting window is closing across
various markets. History shows us that strange things happen when no one fights
the __________(insert favorite central banker here).
Although I am an active trader, I have always taken a broad perspective when
approaching the markets. I respect the Big Picture and attempt to place each
piece of information within its appropriate context and timeframe. I have found
that without this approach, there is very little understanding of ones expectations
in the market and an endless potential for risk.
I am not a stock picker - but trade the broader market itself in varying timeframes.
I want to know which way the prevailing wind is blowing, where the doldrums
can be expected and where the shoals will likely rise. I will not claim to
know which vessel is the fastest or most comfortable for passage - but I can
read the charts and know the risks.
I am not a salesperson for the market and its many wares. I observe it, contextualize
its moving parts - both visible and discrete - and interpret.
I practice Market Anthropology - Welcome to my notes.
Erik Swarts is not a registered investment advisor. Under no circumstances
should any content be used or interpreted as a recommendation for any investment,
trade or approach to the markets. Trading and investing can be hazardous to
your wealth. Any investment decisions must in all cases be made by the reader
or by his or her registered investment advisor. This is strictly for educational
and informational purposes only. All opinions expressed by Mr. Swarts are subject
to change without notice, and the reader should always obtain current information
and perform their own due diligence before making any investment or trading
decision.