My last two posts focused on bearish divergences in the equity markets, but there are several fundamental factors that are equally bearish. The following article focuses on global trade. 

Global Trade

In Mark Magnier's recent column, he reported that

"China's trade with the rest of the world continued to shrink in November, in the latest negative sign for growth in the world's second-largest economy. China's exports fell in November for the fifth consecutive month, as weak global demand continued to weigh on the world's largest manufacturing nation."

This is particularly troubling given China's export driven economy. But China is far from alone.

Jeffry Bartash's recent column unveiled similar problems in the U.S. economy, despite the fact that many economists continue to view the U.S. economy and U.S. equity market with rose-colored glasses:

"Exports dropped 1.4% to $184.1 billion, hitting the lowest level since October 2012. A strong dollar has made it more expensive for U.S. companies such as manufacturers to sell goods and services to foreign customers. A weak global economy has also made it harder for customers outside the U.S. to buy American goods."

While the U.S. and China have the two largest economies in the world, it is also instructive to look at global trade as a whole. Jim Bouldon's recent column did just that:

"Growth rates of global trade observed so far in 2015, have, in the past, been associated with global recession," the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said Monday.

Imports into emerging markets are falling sharply, with China accounting for nearly one third of the drop, the OECD said in its outlook for the global economy. "This is deeply concerning. Robust trade and global growth go hand in hand," it said.

Conclusion

Exports in China have dropped for the fifth consecutive month and U.S. exports are at their lowest level in over three years. When taken in aggregate, "Growth rates of global trade observed so far in 2015, have, in the past, been associated with global recession," according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The evidence for the bearish case continues to mount.

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