Job Openings Are VANISHING – And Stocks Always Crash After This!
By Steven Van Metre
Key Concepts
- Job Openings (JOLTS): The number of job vacancies available in the US, tracked by the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
- Lead-Lag Relationship: The tendency of job openings to decline before a corresponding decline in the stock market.
- Market Correction: A decline in stock prices, typically 10% or more, after a period of gains.
- Portfolio Positioning: Adjusting investment holdings to prepare for anticipated market conditions.
Decline in Job Openings & Historical Market Correlation
The primary focus of this analysis is the recent, significant drop in US job openings to 6.54 million, representing the most substantial decrease observed in recent months. This decline is presented as a critical warning sign for the stock market, based on historical correlations. Specifically, the speaker highlights a consistent “lead-lag” relationship between JOLTS data and stock market performance.
The speaker references three prior instances – 2001, 2008, and 2022 – where a decline in job openings (a “rollover” in JOLTS data) preceded a substantial downturn in the stock market. The data from these periods, sourced from the JOLTS survey, demonstrates this pattern. Currently, the speaker asserts that the same pattern is unfolding: job openings are falling while stock prices remain relatively high, suggesting a market correction is imminent.
Economic Consequences of Reduced Job Availability
The analysis extends beyond the stock market, outlining the broader economic consequences expected from fewer job opportunities. A reduction in available jobs is predicted to lead to reduced work hours for employed individuals. This, in turn, is expected to result in decreased consumer spending. The ultimate outcome of these factors, according to the speaker, will be a “crushing” of corporate profits.
The core argument is that the current stock market valuations are unsustainable given the weakening labor market and anticipate a necessary adjustment – a “catch down to reality” – in stock prices.
Call to Action & Further Information
The speaker directs viewers to a 12-minute extended video (link provided in the description) offering a more comprehensive analysis of the “labor market to stock chain reaction” and strategies for “positioning your portfolio for max profit.” However, this resource is presented as valuable only for those with the time to dedicate to the full 12-minute explanation.
Synthesis
The central takeaway is a cautionary message regarding the current state of the stock market. The speaker argues that the recent decline in job openings, historically a reliable leading indicator, signals an impending market correction. This correction is expected to be driven by reduced consumer spending and declining corporate profits resulting from a weakening labor market. The analysis emphasizes the importance of proactive portfolio adjustments in anticipation of this downturn, with further details available in a linked extended video.
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