IS MARCH 15 2017 "D" Day For The Stock Market?

[Phoenix7]

It is almost a 100% certainty that on March 15th at 2 PM the FED will raise interest rates for the 3rd consecutive time, and according to one stock service being touted .you could make an absolute fortune on this date by buying "PUTS" on the "weakest" companies.
Apparently the author of this service says that this 3rd consecutive rate increase will be the kiss of death for the stock market, that is of course if past history is any indication of future events.
Any one agree?

[mimo_100]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-ides-of-march-could-be-a-critical-turning-point-for-the-stock-market-2017-03-11

The Ides of March could be a critical turning point for the stock market

By Sue Chang
Published: Mar 13, 2017 4:48 a.m. ET

Stocks have fallen an average of 2.2% on the third rate hike

“Everything centers around the Ides of March.”
As much as Julius Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March signaled an inflection point in Roman history, March 15 may also mark a watershed moment for the U.S. stock market with the Federal Reserve poised to seek closure to its loose monetary policy regime.

“The coming week has the potential to be huge for trading opportunities,” said Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at CMC Markets, in a note. “Everything centers around the Ides of March…with a number of key developments coming out both on [March] 15 and 16.”

The Fed’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday will take center stage with markets nearly 100% certain of a rate increase following solid February jobs data. The focus will be on the Fed’s statement rather than the decision itself.

“The commentary will help determine how many more hikes the market has to get used to and then when it has to start preparing,” said Bob Pavlik, chief market strategist at Boston Private Wealth.

If the central bank strikes a hawkish tone, it could trigger a selloff in the market although Pavlik expects Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen to keep her comments positive to avoid upsetting the market.

Still, investors should keep in mind is that this is the third hike in the current tightening cycle, and history is working against the market.

Since 1971, stocks have fallen an average of 2.2% on the third hike over the following three months, said Tom Lee, a managing partner at Fundstrat Global Advisors.

To be sure, there are always exceptions. Stocks rose sharply in the following three months after the Fed hiked for a third time in both June 1984 and September 2004, he said.

Most analysts agree that stocks have largely priced in a rate hike of 25 basis points. But there are still bargains to be found in automobile, semiconductors, consumer finance and insurance sectors, which are cheap but benefit from a hawkish Fed, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Aside from the Fed, eight other central banks are scheduled to meet next week, including the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England, providing a quick insight into whether other countries will adjust their policies in response to the Fed.

[Phoenix7]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the...ket-2017-03-11

The Ides of March could be a critical turning point for the stock market

By Sue Chang
Published: Mar 13, 2017 4:48 a.m. ET

Stocks have fallen an average of 2.2% on the third rate hike

“Everything centers around the Ides of March.”
As much as Julius Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March signaled an inflection point in Roman history, March 15 may also mark a watershed moment for the U.S. stock market with the Federal Reserve poised to seek closure to its loose monetary policy regime.

“The coming week has the potential to be huge for trading opportunities,” said Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at CMC Markets, in a note. “Everything centers around the Ides of March…with a number of key developments coming out both on [March] 15 and 16.”

The Fed’s monetary policy decision on Wednesday will take center stage with markets nearly 100% certain of a rate increase following solid February jobs data. The focus will be on the Fed’s statement rather than the decision itself.

“The commentary will help determine how many more hikes the market has to get used to and then when it has to start preparing,” said Bob Pavlik, chief market strategist at Boston Private Wealth.

If the central bank strikes a hawkish tone, it could trigger a selloff in the market although Pavlik expects Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen to keep her comments positive to avoid upsetting the market.

Still, investors should keep in mind is that this is the third hike in the current tightening cycle, and history is working against the market.

Since 1971, stocks have fallen an average of 2.2% on the third hike over the following three months, said Tom Lee, a managing partner at Fundstrat Global Advisors.

To be sure, there are always exceptions. Stocks rose sharply in the following three months after the Fed hiked for a third time in both June 1984 and September 2004, he said.

Most analysts agree that stocks have largely priced in a rate hike of 25 basis points. But there are still bargains to be found in automobile, semiconductors, consumer finance and insurance sectors, which are cheap but benefit from a hawkish Fed, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Aside from the Fed, eight other central banks are scheduled to meet next week, including the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England, providing a quick insight into whether other countries will adjust their policies in response to the Fed.

MIMO many thanks for the article ........but an average 2.2 % drop would be no big deal. Perhaps I should consult with Madam Sara a Psychic who has been in business in my town for years .......perhaps she would know with absolute certainty what the the Ides Of March , March 15 will have in store for the stock market?
Once again we will have to wait and see!