Will the Trump – Pelosi Giveaway Put New Life into the Santa Rally? 23/12/20

Nigel Frith
American Flag and Dollar Bill on top of a cheque with COVID19 written down

Headline writers have seized on Donald Trump’s comments regarding the US Coronavirus Stimulus Bill but are they missing the point?

US Coronavirus Stimulus Bill – Last-minute wobbles?

US President Donald Trump has issued statements threatening to derail the US Coronavirus stimulus bill, but it has failed to stir the markets into action. A more in-depth look into what Mr Trump is calling for explains why his comments are not a cause for concern.

The headlines indicating that Trump might not sign off on the bill are more a sign of it being a quiet news day. His claim that the legislation is “unsuitable” is based on him wanting more fiscal stimulus, not less. Further reasons for the bill not being derailed and if anything ramped up include:

  • He did not threaten to veto the bill
  • Congress has passed the bill with veto-proof majorities
  • Political arch-rival and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi agrees with the President that direct payment should be increased from $600 to $2,000

The matter could be resolved as early as Thursday. Comments from the political corridors of Washington suggest the update and improved spending is likely to be approved “this week”. Some Republican Senators will be relishing the opportunity to play the Grinch but hopes are high or much higher than the initial headlines suggest.

“At last, the President has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!”

Source: Nancy Pelosi / Twitter

SP500 Price Chart

Source: Tickmill

 

The benchmark equity index the S&P 500 is trading near the upper end of a relatively tight channel which took shape on Monday evening. Monday’s high-excitement based on new COVID strains being reported and European trade grinding to a halt ultimately gave way to much calmer price action.

The RSI gives little indication of a break-out, but it’s volumes that could prove the more important indicator in quiet markets.

SP500 Price Chart

Source: Tickmill

With volumes dropping off dramatically in the run-up to the holiday season any further bolstering could be enough to trigger a break of the sideways channel’s upper line.

This note explains why aggressive short-selling is typically put on hold in the run-up to the year-end, which could open up an opportunity to profits from long equity positions.

Could there be a Santa Rally after all?

Scenario 1 – Upward price movement?

 

  • Gap-fill – Half-way through the morning of the European session the S&P500 is trading almost eight points, approximately 20 basis points, below Tuesday’s close of 3694.92. Given the relatively small size of the gap, there is a high probability that it might be filled.
  • The next significant resistance level would be the psychologically important 3,700 big number. But if price were to clear that, that number would provide support – for those looking for prices to drift higher on low-trading volumes on Thursday.

This being 2020, nothing is guaranteed. Light volume markets are not the easiest to trade, and it could be a case of using Demo accounts to follow events and build up trading knowledge rather than trading P&L.

 


Nigel Frith

Latest news

Forex vs Crypto: What’s Better For Beginner Traders?
The crypto and forex markets are two of the world’s most popular among investors and traders. Read more
Three Great Technical Analysis Tools for Forex Trading
You don’t have to be very technical minded to make use of technical analysis in your forex trading. Read more

Safest Forex Brokers 2024

Broker Info Best In Customer Satisfaction Score
#1 Blackbull LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2014 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
BEST SPREADS Visit broker
4.8
#2 AvaTrade LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2006 Globally regulated broker
Number One Broker
BEST CUSTOMER SUPPORT Visit broker
4.9
#3 * 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money Founded: 2008 Global CFD Provider
Number One Broker
Best Trading App Visit broker
5
#4 Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs Founded: 2010 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
Low minimum deposit Visit broker
4.9
#5 Forex Broker eToro Logo76% of CFD traders lose money Founded: 2007 Global CFD & FX Broker
Number One Broker
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRADING PLATFORM Visit broker
4.9
#6 XM LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2009, 2015 and 2017 Global Forex Broker
Number One Broker
Low minimum deposit Visit broker
5
#7 FxPro LogoYour capital is at risk Founded: 2006 CFD and Cryptocurrency Broker
Number One Broker
CFD and Cryptocurrency Visit broker
5

    Forex Fraud Certified Brokers

    BlackBull Logo Small
    XM Logo
    eToro Logo
    FxPro logo
    FXTM Logo
    AvaTrade logo
    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.