“So why was Caterpillar up today if it just got seriously downgraded?” asked our crazy-smart, inquisitive, CCO (Chief Compliance Officer) Jeannette this afternoon. I said “well, could be because there’s evidence out there that maybe global construction isn’t about to go rolling off into the abyss after all. In fact, copper, (that ubiquitous construction input) is painting an altogether different picture.”
Five minutes later I presented her with the following 5-year look at copper along with Caterpillar (top and bottom panels respectively):
Yep, intermarket relationships are key to deciphering what’s going on out there.
Here’s year-to-date: