With the Fed meeting finally out of the way, traders can now turn their attention to other things happening in the markets such as rising interest rates, the wild action in the currency markets (if you haven't seen it recently, be sure to check out symbol UUP - PowerShares U.S. Dollar Index), the question of where commodities are going, China's stimulus plans, that hot new IPO, the ongoing geopolitical issues, and of course the fundamentals of the stock market.

One of the big debates going on in the stock market at the present time has to do with valuations. Some argue that stocks are wildly overvalued, while a great many traditional indicators suggest stocks are no worse than fairly valued. However, there are some lesser-known valuation indicators as well as some sentiment indicators that should give even the most ardent bull pause.

The Price-to-Sales Ratio is Through the Roof

Exhibit B for those who believe valuations are a problem (Exhibit A is the Shiller valuation model) is the Median Price-to-Sales ratio for the S&P 500. Over the past 50 years, the norm for the median P/S ratio has been 0.88. However, take a peek at the chart below...

                             Median Price-to-Sales Ratio - Monthly from 1965

With the median price-to-sales ratio at 2.08, the word you are likely looking for is "Yikes!"

Even if one accepts the argument that today's valuation metrics have to be viewed in a different light than they did prior to the 1990's, the current P/S ratio is still, well, "way out of whack" with even the recent past. In fact, the current 2.08 reading represents an all-time record high.

While the all-time high really says it all, it is worth noting that the current median P/S ratio is higher than it was in 2007, much, much higher than 2000, and nearly 2.5 times the level seen in 1987.

Here's the important part. History shows that when the median P/S ratio has been above 1.5ish, the S&P 500 has gained ground at a rate of less than 0.1 percent per year. Yikes, indeed!

Of course, the problem with valuation indicators is they have almost NO bearing on the short- and intermediate-term moves in the stock market. So, while this indicator may be a reason to raise an eyebrow, it is probably best to put such concerns as valuations on the back burner. However, it is probably a good idea not to forget about this chart forever either. Remember, in the stock market, things like this don't matter until they do - and then then matter a lot.

Another Reason to Worry: Sentiment Becoming Lopsided

With all the excitement about the Alibaba IPO, which is slated to be the biggest in U.S. history, a fair amount of attention is being paid to emotions and market sentiment. Although the current bull market remains one of the most hated and/or distrusted ever, some the sentiment indicators are also reaching levels that may make you go, hmmmm.

For example, Investors Intelligence takes the temperature of investors on a weekly basis. Respondents are asked to place themselves in either the "bull," "bear," or "expecting a correction" camp. Savvy investors know to be wary of the crowd at extremes and thus, this is one of the surveys that is closely watched each week. And through the years, paying attention to the crowd at extremes has been quite profitable at times.

The problem is that the current number of "bears" fell to 13.3 percent last week - which is the lowest level since... wait for it... the summer of 1987. Another way to put this is that bearish sentiment is presently at a 27-year low.

Not a Sell Signal, But...

Like valuation indicators, it is vital to recognize that excessive sentiment can remain intact for quite some time. As such, this indicator is not, in and of itself, a reason to run out and sell everything.

However, it is also very important to understand that these types of indicators CAN tell us a thing or two about what to expect from the market in the future.

For those expecting to see predictions of doom and gloom here next, I'm sorry to say that it's just not gonna happen. But... here's something the bears out there can sink their teeth into. You see, history DOES show that when sentiment reaches the type of extreme level we are seeing now, future returns in the stock market are well below average.

Sparing you the details of the specific indicator, when the number of outright bears in the Investors Intelligence survey has been at or below 13.5, returns over the next 3, 6, 9, and 12 months have been subpar.

For example, in the past, three months after the number of bears in the II survey hit 13.5 or below, the S&P 500 has produced an average gain of just +0.11 percent. While not a negative number, this is a far cry from the average gain of +1.89 percent for all 3-month periods. And then, twelve months later the story is MUCH worse. Since 1965, the S&P; saw total returns of -0.81 percent after this signal, versus +7.81 percent for all 12-month periods. Ouch.

The key takeaway here is that valuation and/or sentiment "issues" are not reasons to buy or sell because those "issues" can (and often do) stay in place for incredibly long periods of time (hence the famous phrase, "the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent"). However, it is definitely worth noting that when extremes in sentiment and/or valuation are reached, future returns tend to be on the disappointing side.

So, while it IS okay to stay long and strong in this type of market, it is probably a good idea to recognize that risk is elevated and that historically, accidents have happened in this type of environment. So, let's all be careful out there!

Turning To This Morning

The big news overnight was Scotland's vote to stay in the U.K. Scottish voters rejected independence from the U.K. by a margin of 55% to 45%. Reports indicate the "No" vote was supported by late push from three main UK political parties to give Scotland more control over the country's taxes, spending and welfare. British Prime Minister Cameron said he will ensure these commitments are honored and called for England, Wales and Northern Ireland to have more control over own affairs. Global markets are mostly higher on the news although there is talk of France's credit rating being cut by Moody's today. Here at home, futures are off their best levels but still point to a moderately higher open on Wall Street.

Pre-Game Indicators

Here are the Pre-Market indicators we review each morning before the opening bell...

Major Foreign Markets:
    - Japan: +1.58%
    - Hong Kong: +0.57%
    - Shanghai: +0.56%
    - London: +0.57%
    - Germany: +0.30%
    - France: -0.15%
    - Italy: -0.81%
    - Spain: +0.35%

Crude Oil Futures: -$0.34 to $92.73

Gold: -$3.50 at $1223.40

Dollar: lower against the yen, higher vs. euro, and pound.

10-Year Bond Yield: Currently trading at 2.611%

Stock Indices in U.S. (relative to fair value):
- S&P 500: +5.69
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: +45
- NASDAQ Composite: +14.73

Thought For The Day:

It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies. -Arthur Calwell

Important Reminder: In order to keep pace with our growth, better serve our advisors and clients, and to provide scale for future growth, Heritage is teaming up with CONCERT Global - an SEC Registered Investment Advisor with more than $2 Billion in assets under management. CONCERT will provide more robust back-office, compliance, technology, and trading infrastructure. Client packets to make the transition will be arriving in the coming weeks.

Positions in securities mentioned: None

Wishing you green screens and all the best for a great day,

David D. Moenning
President, Chief Investment Officer
Heritage Capital Research
Check Out the NEW Website!

Investment Advisory Services Offered Through CONCERT Wealth Management, Inc. An SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are those of Mr. David Moenning and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Moenning’s opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as recommendations. The analysis and information in this report is for informational purposes only. No part of the material presented in this report is intended as an investment recommendation or investment advice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed nor any Portfolio constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any investment program.

Any investment decisions must in all cases be made by the reader or by his or her investment adviser. Do NOT ever purchase any security without doing sufficient research. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives outlined will actually come to pass. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Neither the editor, employees, nor any of their affiliates shall have any liability for any loss sustained by anyone who has relied on the information provided.

The analysis provided is based on both technical and fundamental research and is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Although the information contained is derived from sources which are believed to be reliable, they cannot be guaranteed.

David D. Moenning, an advisor representative of CONCERT Wealth Management Inc. (CONCERT), is founder of Heritage Capital Advisors LLC, a legal business entity doing business as Heritage Capital Research (Heritage). Advisory services are offered through CONCERT Wealth Management, Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor. For a complete description of investment risks, fees and services review the CONCERT firm brochure (ADV Part 2) which is available from your Investment Representative or by contacting Heritage or CONCERT.

Mr. Moenning is also the owner of Heritage Capital Management (HCM) a state-registered investment adviser. HCM also serves as a sub-advisor to other investment advisory firms. Neither HCM, Heritage, or CONCERT is registered as a broker-dealer.

Employees and affiliates of Heritage and HCM may at times have positions in the securities referred to and may make purchases or sales of these securities while publications are in circulation. Editors will indicate whether they or Heritage/HCM has a position in stocks or other securities mentioned in any publication. The disclosures will be accurate as of the time of publication and may change thereafter without notice.

Investments in equities carry an inherent element of risk including the potential for significant loss of principal. Past performance is not an indication of future results.