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We began the year examining the 23-month moving averages in all the indices and major market sectors.

It was pretty simple really.

Buy anything that cleared the blue line (2-year business cycle), which we explained was a good reflection of a cycle within a cycle (6-7 year cycles are typical).

After all, after an unusual 2020-2022, from 2022-2024 we thought that any index or sector that broke out was showing signs of an intermediate expansion.

And any index or sector that could not clear the blue line, was not only a warning about how long an expansion could last but also an indication of inherent problems in the economy and market.

The Russell 2000 (IWM) spent one month (July) above the 23-month MA. Then, after a calendar range reset, we warned about “Sell in July and Go Away” once IWM entered August and could not hold those gains.

Now, along with Retail XRT, both IWM and XRT-Granddad and Grandma of the Economic Modern Family have a new story to tell.

The 80-month moving average (green line) is a longer-term business cycle of about 6-7 years.

Besides the blip during COVID, IWM has not BROKE that 80-month MA since 2010.

We can surmise that should IWM fail to hold this MA by the end of October, darker times are coming.

We have time but be on the alert.

For 10 years from 2010-2020, IWM was in good shape although underperforming QQQ, which told us the economy was hanging in there and dips could be bought.

For 2 months IWM closed below the 80-month MA in 2020 (Covid), then came right back above it by May 2020.

Until today.

XRT sits right above the 80-month but remember, it never cleared the 23-month.

So, if our Grandparents struggle, could other areas hold up? Sure.

However, it does tend to stress everyone out.

Buying the dip?

Have more patience.

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