So the jobs report out of the U.S this morning is literally “beyond horrible” – yet…..initial reactions across the board have people partying in the streets.
What could possibly be discerned from such an absolutely dismal report that would see equities/risk futures “burst higher” ?
The disconnect from any rational evaluation of fundamental economic principles and this “euphoric bliss” has now truly taken on a life of its own.
I will be fading this action no question, and will be initiating trades “after the dust settles” as suggested previously, in that we cannot be far from a major turn.
This “turn” will have a seriously “long USD / short risk” vibe.
Unreal.
The Perverse Logic of Modern Markets: Why Bad News Equals Rally Fuel
Fed Pivot Dreams Drive the Madness
The market’s euphoric reaction to catastrophic employment data reveals the twisted psychology that now dominates trading floors. Traders aren’t celebrating economic strength – they’re betting on Federal Reserve capitulation. Every missed job creation target, every uptick in unemployment, every sign of labor market weakness gets interpreted as ammunition for dovish policy pivots. This is the definition of a broken market mechanism, where economic deterioration becomes the primary catalyst for risk asset appreciation.
The USD/JPY pair exemplifies this dysfunction perfectly. Logic dictates that weak U.S. fundamentals should pressure the dollar lower, yet we’re seeing periodic strength as carry trade dynamics and Fed expectations create competing forces. Smart money recognizes this divergence between price action and underlying reality cannot persist indefinitely. When the rubber meets the road, fundamental economic weakness will reassert itself with vengeance, regardless of what central bank fairy tales the market chooses to believe.
The Risk Asset Bubble Reaches Peak Absurdity
Equity futures launching higher on employment disaster speaks to a risk appetite that has completely divorced itself from economic reality. This isn’t rational investment behavior – it’s speculative mania fueled by liquidity addiction and central bank dependency. The EUR/USD cross offers a perfect lens through which to view this distortion, as European economic fundamentals remain equally challenged, yet both currencies dance to the tune of monetary policy speculation rather than economic substance.
Professional traders understand that markets built on such flimsy foundations are powder kegs waiting to explode. The current environment rewards momentum chasing and punishes fundamental analysis, creating the perfect setup for a devastating reversal. When sentiment finally shifts, the same leverage that drove markets higher will amplify the destruction on the way down. The AUD/USD and NZD/USD pairs, both heavily dependent on risk sentiment and commodity flows, will likely serve as canaries in the coal mine when this reversal begins.
Strategic Positioning for the Inevitable Correction
Waiting for the dust to settle isn’t passive – it’s strategic patience in an environment where timing is everything. The current market structure resembles a house of cards, and attempting to predict exactly when it collapses is futile. However, positioning for the inevitable correction requires understanding which currency pairs will offer the clearest risk-reward profiles when sentiment finally breaks.
The USD/CHF presents compelling opportunities for patient traders. Swiss franc strength during global uncertainty is as reliable as sunrise, and current levels offer attractive entry points for those willing to wait for the right moment. Similarly, cable (GBP/USD) remains vulnerable to both U.S. dollar strength and ongoing UK economic challenges, creating a dual catalyst scenario that could produce explosive moves when market sentiment reverses.
Macro Reality Versus Market Fantasy
The fundamental disconnect extends beyond employment data into broader macro trends that markets continue to ignore. Inflation pressures haven’t disappeared despite central bank wishful thinking, and the economic foundation supporting current asset valuations grows more unstable by the day. Currency markets, being zero-sum and less manipulable than equity markets, will likely lead the eventual reality check.
Dollar strength during the coming correction won’t be temporary or technical – it will reflect genuine safe-haven demand and relative economic positioning. The DXY has been consolidating in preparation for this move, and when it breaks higher, the impact on risk assets and commodity currencies will be swift and severe. Emerging market currencies, already under pressure, will face additional headwinds as dollar strength combines with risk-off sentiment to create perfect storm conditions.
The tragedy of current market dynamics is how they punish rational analysis while rewarding speculative excess. However, this creates opportunity for disciplined traders willing to position against the crowd and wait for fundamental reality to reassert itself. The jobs report reaction isn’t an anomaly – it’s a symptom of a market structure that has lost touch with economic reality. When that touch is inevitably restored, the correction will be both swift and severe, rewarding those who positioned for reality over fantasy.
I hope you are wrong, and that this shitty piece of novo ordo seclorum piece of crap gets killed and people rush on gold.
It takes like “a day” for the dust to settle guys.
I’m targeting anything that “ripped” here this morning , and will look to place orders “under / over” current market action – allowing the market to come to me.
If you’ve already initiated trades “thinking” you’ll pick this off…..you’re about 12 – 20 hours too soon.
It didn’t happen
Did you see the unbelievable statement from Goldman (published on Zerohedge) about how nothing could go wrong today?
“Any positive number will be discounted because it came before the DC theatrics and if it’s weak it confirms that tapering should be put off longer.”
#crazy
Did you see the unbelievable statement from Goldman (published on Zerohedge) about today’s data?
“Any positive number will be discounted because it came before the DC theatrics and if it’s weak it confirms that tapering should be put off longer.”
#crazy
Crazy no doubt……
I’m just back in from the gym etc…..and will re evaluate / post pronto.
Ya this move is looking blow-offy and now it looks like people are using the move to unload. Wouldn’t be surprised if closing is much much lower than HOD. I held my small long USD position against NZD and the ES short from Friday. Obviously they are offside but at this point I don’t have much to worry about. I”ll keep the ES short and later today or tomorrow I will get more serious about USD longs and Yen longs
You’ve got a cool head JSKogs – perfect plan if you ask me.
I’ve got a couple feelers out there, but for the most part an sitting in a fantastic position to take advantage “when” this does indeed blow off.
If I was thinking AUD / risk may have been overbought 24 hours ago – well……..that idea just got stronger.
Small orders over time in pretty much every pair outlined in previous post – looking good to me!
Thanks for the feedback, Kong. Seems your blog is gaining mass. You deserve it. It’s a great place to pick up knowledge and share. Enjoy the day.
Power too you man.
The blog takes alot more time and effort than I originally imagined….coming up on the 1 year anniversary end of Oct.
It’s great to see we’ve got some seriously educated and talented investors / traders here now. I hope everyone has opportunity to learn from each other.
Keep up the great work / trading man!
Hi there. Firstly, love the blog, it’s becoming a staple read – insightful and contrarian amongst the nonsense and insanity. I have gone in quite heavy long EURAUD and short SPX tonight (in Australia). My analysis points to weakness in risk assets ahead and so far so good (as I’m writing this). It will be quite telling if the market has a bearish close/reversal after these poor numbers (BTFD etc). If I am stopped I will be watching to re-enter, as this market is just ridiculously over-extended.
Now here is a man with his head screwed on right!
Note to other readers: ” If I am stopped I will be watching to re-enter, as this market is just ridiculously over-extended.”
The man has a plan……a “vision” as to “what might happen” and plans for the outcome either way!
With a plan in mind ( weather it is successful or not ) a trader is able to “live to trade another day”.
Fantastic Alex! Great having you onboard!
Absolutely “plan your trade and trade your plan”. Interesting times ahead, many opportunities.