U.S. Unemployment crossing 20 month MA is usually very bearish

Historically, when unemployment crosses the 20 month moving average, a spike in unemployment follows in the next 12 months. These spikes in unemployment usually correspond with market downside in the S&P 500. The majority of the losses in the S&P usually happen early within the rise of unemployment. The recent rise of unemployment from 3.6 to 3.8 reported Friday September 1 2023 has put unemployment above the 20 month moving average.

This is an early warning sign for a possible recession in the next 12 months.