RUT2K Short-Term Selloff Likely After Fed Rate Cut Decision

14 Sep

If you haven’t seen my RUT 2000 prediction for 2024:

Now you need to know that as the Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision looms, speculation is rising that we may see a larger-than-expected 50 basis point cut instead of the anticipated 25. While rate cuts are typically a positive for equities, this aggressive move could lead to a short-term selloff, particularly in smaller-cap stocks, represented by the RUT Russell 2000.

The reasoning is tied to the market's well-known "buy the rumor, sell the news" behavior. With expectations already priced in for a 25 bps cut, a surprise 50 bps cut could trigger concerns over economic health, prompting investors to de-risk. This would likely lead to a temporary selloff in riskier, smaller-cap stocks, with RUT2K potentially taking a hit in the near term.

Given this outlook, I’m considering the $204 strike price puts expiring on October 18, 2024. These options could provide a solid hedge or a potential profit opportunity if the market reacts negatively to the Fed’s decision in the short term, as I expect smaller-cap stocks to feel the pressure more acutely than large-cap counterparts.

Despite this expected volatility, the broader market should recover before the end of the month, once investors fully digest the news. By November 5th, on U.S. election day, we could even see new all-time highs in major indices like the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq 100 (NDX). Small caps, however, may take longer to rebound, adding further value to a short-term put position in IWM.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell appears motivated to support a strong market ahead of the elections, which could benefit Democrats. Former President Donald Trump has indicated he would not reappoint Powell if he returns to office, potentially giving Powell incentive to maintain market stability leading up to November.

In summary, while a larger-than-expected rate cut could cause IWM ( Russell 2000 ETF ) to face short-term turbulence, the market will likely stabilize by the end of September. The $204 strike price puts expiring on October 18, 2024, offer a timely opportunity for traders seeking to capitalize on this brief volatility.