The most important chart stock bulls want to keep a close eye on is the ratio of stocks to bonds. When rising, investors willing to accept risk, want to be heavily invested in stocks. When falling, bonds are the place to be as they are providing the best comparative returns.

As you can see, the ratio peaked in 2016 and in the process of changing character. Changing from an uptrend where higher highs and higher lows were the norm to one where lower highs and lower lows are occurring. All is not completely lost for stock bulls as the ratio is in a sideways consolidation and has held its key horizontal support level. Watch out though, if that level gives way that would be a strong argument it’s time to hunker down into less risky assets.