Equites climbed on hopes of interest rate reductions, the result of tariffs. Cleveland Fed Bank President Beth Hammack stated that officials could move on rates as early as June “if it has clear evidence of the economy’s direction.” Fed Governor Chrisopher Waller said “firms may begin laying off more workers if aggressive tariff levels are … Read more
Equites were volatile with different assessments of progress in trade talks. At one time the S & P 500 and NASDAQ were up over 3% following comments made by Treasury Secretary Bessent that the tariff standoff with China is unsustainable, expecting the situation to de-escalate. Treasuries and the dollar posted smaller moves after Monday’s volatile … Read more
Markets fell on thin holiday trading, the accepted catalyst were concerns that the President will fire FRB Chair Powell, perhaps ending the perceived perception of central bank independence. It is widely accepted the Administration has already instilled ever higher levels of uncertainty into the economic outlook with many stating yesterday’s global trade structure as dead. … Read more
Markets were mixed. Energy again led the market as oil approached $65/barrel as the Administration stated its intents to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. Iran is a major exporter to both India and China. Health insurers, however, declined following the shocking profit report and outlook from industry leader United HealthCare. Shares of UMH were … Read more
Equites were bifurcated yesterday as the NASDAQ fell about 3.1% on a combination of disappointing revenue outlooks and the trade war as well from remarks from FRB Chair Powell which broke no new ground, confirming that a “Fed Put” is not likely. The Dow fell about 1.6%. The selling sent 10 of the 11 S … Read more
The volatility in the bond market is extreme. The term premium—the extra return investors require to hold long notes over short ones—is at a level last seen in September 2014 according to the Federal Reserve Bank of NY. The 10-year Treasury is currently yielding around 4.39%, about 40 bps lower than its apex reached in … Read more
The only certainty to write is that uncertainty is at levels not experienced in many years. This too shall pass; perhaps however the ultimate outcome is unquantified. But despite all the uncertainty, the vast majority of Wall Street expect the S & P 500 to rally though the remainder of 2025. This level of optimism … Read more
The velocity and volatility are beyond insane. Equites surged the most since 2008 as the President stated he will pause some tariffs on dozens of countries for 90 days while at the same time levying even a greater rate on China. The S & P 500 surged 9.5% and the NASDAQ 100 an incredible 12% … Read more
Early yesterday equites surged at the fastest pace since 2022 and bonds fell after Treasury Secretary Bessent fueled hopes of trade deals. Treasuries dropped again in price following the most wildest day since March 2020. Currency fluctuations are the highest in over four years. Midafternoon, equities reversed all of the gains, with some indices falling … Read more
Life is stranger than fiction. All markets opened sharply lower only to stage a massive rebound erasing almost a 5% decline and posting a 3% gain on the erroneous headlines that the President had suspended all tariffs for 90 days. The news was carried on all major news outlets and within seven minutes, the S … Read more
