On the Correlation Between S&P 500 and CRB Commodity Index

When the S&P 500 index rises commodities usually follow. Commodities, as represented by the CRB Commodity Index and the S&P 500 run generally higher based on economic growth expectations.

From the lows of 2009, S&P’s strong rebound coincided with a run up of commodities. However after 2012 the S&p 500 and CRB commodity Index started to diverge in their performance. While the S&P 500 has continued to rise higher commodities have declined for almost two years in a row.

However CIBC is optimistic on commodities and the mining sector in particular moving forward.

 

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SP500-vs-CRB Commodity Index

Source: A Look to the Future – 2014 Edition, CIBC  World Markets

From CIBC’s “A Look to the Future – 2014 Edition” report:

The big divergence in the late 90’s saw the bursting of the Tech Bubble but the current run in the S&P could be pointing to commodities being priced too low. Alternatively, commodities, and hence mining shares may well offer a very good investment hedge against a possible pullback in the S&P. This view is further backed by very clear evidence across the mining space of sharp reductions in capital expenditure and aggressive reductions in future output growth.

Related ETFs:

  • SPDR S&P 500 (SPY)
  •  Jefferies CRB Global Commodity ETF (CRBQ)

Disclosure: No Positions

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