Weekly jobless claims fell for the sixth consecutive week, the longest stretch of declines since 2022. The number of claims was also lower than any estimate. Treasuries sold off on the news as it again alters the odds of any immediate change in monetary policy with the market now discounting less than two reductions in … Read more
Bloomberg writes Fed Funds Futures traders are increasing the odds that the Fed will cut interest rates more aggressively next year as speculation mounts that an eventual change of leadership may deliver easier monetary policy that the President is demanding. Based upon several market gauges traders are now price 76 bps of cuts next year … Read more
Equites were bifurcated yesterday. The NASDAQ “slipped” about 0.5% while the Dow rose about 0.25%. Bloomberg writes about 400 members of the S & P 500 rose as the Magnificent Seven mega caps halted a nine-day surge before the release of TSLA’s and GOOG’s results. Tariffs are still front, and center and the Treasury Secretary … Read more
Earnings season moves into full swing this week. Some have stated that guidance will be more important than usual to support current and future gains. At casual glance, the above statement about guidance has been echoed in almost every other earnings season. However, can companies post forward looking statements given the uncertainty in so many … Read more
The yield curve steepened as shorter rates fell as Fed Governor Christopher Waller reiterated his case for a July rate cut, while the data showed an improvement in consumer expectations for inflation. Treasuries trade on current and future inflationary expectations and according to the University Michigan Confidence Survey, consumers expect inflation to increase at an … Read more
The unexpected is continuing to occur. Retail sales rose by 0.6% after declines in the prior two months, exceeding all estimates. The 0.6% increase greatly exceeded the 0.1% estimate. Moreover, weekly jobless claims declined versus rising and import prices declined year over year as opposed to increasing. Furthermore, export prices rose versus remaining flat and … Read more
Equites were whipsawed on the rumor that the President floated the idea of firing FRB Chair Powell in a closed-door meeting with congressional Republicans. The President later denied that such occurred stating “No, we are not planning in doing anything,” when Trump was asked about if he wanted to fire Powell. The rumor originated from … Read more
Underlying inflation rose in June by less than expected for a fifth consecutive month. June also marks the fifth month since tariffs were imposed. What gives? As previously noted, companies have been able to shield customers by stocking up on inventories ahead of levies, as well as companies and countries alike have been absorbing increased … Read more
An emerging narrative is that monetary policy will take a backseat as the primary focus of the sovereign debt markets. It is perhaps beginning to be replaced by what is happening with budgets and national debts. Yesterday long dated Japanese debt sold off in dramatic fashion as the yield on its 30-year obligation almost broached … Read more
The six biggest banks are scheduled to release second quarter results this week. The trading operations are expected to stand out. Will there be any comments about the impact of the tariffs on their customers’ margins which will in turn will impact debt service requirements? Will there be increases in loan loss reserves in anticipation … Read more
