Key Takeaways Historically stocks go higher after the first Fed rate cut. Not all fed rate cuts are created equal. For the stock market, the state of the economy when the Fed begins to cut rates is key to its success. While stock markets have set...
Read moreMaking Sense of the Fed’s Latest Decision
Making Sense of the Fed’s Latest Decision The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) left interest rates unchanged Wednesday but signaled it is ready to cut interest rates in the future to address rising global uncertainty. The last time the Fed cut interest...
Read moreKeeping Your Portfolio Cool in the Summer Head
Keeping Your Portfolio Cool in the Summer Heat U.S. stock market fell during the month of May as trade tensions and fears of global growth slowdown took center stage. The bond markets also continue to send warning signals as yields on short term...
Read moreDeal or No Deal – The Trade War Continues
Deal or No Deal – The Trade War Continues Tariffs once again took center stage last week after taking a back seat since the fourth quarter of 2018. Market volatility resurfaced, on concerns of the potential negative impact on the U.S. economy...
Read moreThe Latest U.S. GDP Reading Deserves a Closer Look
The Latest U.S. GDP Reading Deserves a Closer Look To the surprise of investors and economists alike, the U.S. economy, as measured by the GDP, grew by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2019, blowing past consensus estimates of 2.3% growth. While the...
Read moreMixed Signals on the Economy from Stocks and Bonds
Mixed Signals on the Economy from Stocks and Bonds The stock market kicked off 2019 with a bang as investor confidence in the U.S. economy rose, due to an accommodative fed, higher corporate earnings and a truce on the trade war with China. At...
Read moreIs the U.S. Economy Still the Greatest?
Is the U.S. Economy Still the Greatest? The U.S. GDP increased by 2.9% crossing $20.5 trillion in 2018. On the surface, the data of 2.9% growth may hardly seem encouraging, perhaps even meager compared to the 6% growth China has experienced, but...
Read moreIs the Bond Market Signaling a Recession?
Is the Bond Market Signaling a Recession? The bond market has once again captured headlines, with concerns focused on a potential inversion in the yield curve. An inverted yield curve, defined broadly as short-term bonds paying more than...
Read moreBreaking Down Brexit
Breaking Down Brexit The news of Brexit has captured multiple headlines recently, and it is a topic that is still likely a source of widespread confusion. Many investors may find themselves wondering why and how it matters. This week’s...
Read moreImportant Lessons From the Bull Market’s 10th Anniversary
Important Lessons From the Bull Market’s 10th Anniversary March 9, 2019 marked the 10-year anniversary of the S&P 500 beginning its climb from the bear-market lows of March 2009. The index has delivered a whopping 400% cumulative total return...
Read moreThe Rally in 2019 – A Tale of Two Assets
The Rally in 2019 – A Tale of Two Assets So far, 2019 has proven to be a very different year in markets compared to 2018. Prospects of a U.S./China trade deal and a “patient” Federal Reserve (Fed) have led to a sharp rally, reversing the losses...
Read moreBrexit, Fed & Trade – The List to Watch in Q1 2019
Brexit, Fed & Trade – The List to Watch in Q1 2019 Brexit, U.S./China trade and the Federal Reserve’s (Fed’s) monetary policy decision are some of the key events shaping markets so far in the first quarter of 2019. This week, a “patient” Fed...
Read more