The death cross is one of the few analysis items that the mainstream financial media cites which is actually an objective and empirically calculated series. Usually, they cite subjective and anecdotally based analysis ( based on "sentiment", chart patterns, support resistance levels, Fibonacci levels, loose / imprecise valuation metrics, sentient opinion, etc ) .
As the death cross has produced low probability outcomes over time, the "pure" price cross of the S&P 500 vs. monthly basis moving averages has produced alpha vs. buy and hold *.
* http://www.advisorperspectives.com/...ook-back-at-the-performance-of-the-holy-grail
James
Director Quantitative Research
XOXOX
Boulder, CO
I feel like there is a death cross every year or two. Apparently they are usually false alarms. If they were predictive, it would be very easy to lever up and down in order to make 20-30% per annum by sitting back and rarely trading.
The sample is too small.TOS screenshot