In my view the Beige Book offered little surprise. The statistical compilation utilized at the upcoming Fed meeting stated the economy expanded at a modest pace across most the country since mid-April causing the labor market to tighten as employers continued adding jobs and nudging...
OPEC meets June 2 following the longest run of monthly gains in five years that boosted prices by 85% in four months to over $50 barrel. The potential outcome from this meeting is varied with some suggesting an unexpected cut to an increase in production...
FRB Chair Yellen spoke Friday. In my view little new ground was broken however as written previously any Fed address can be of significance given their potential influence upon the financial markets....
Markets were quiet yesterday leading into the three day weekend and an anticipated speech by FRB Chair Yellen. Crude surpassed $50 yesterday for the first time since October and is now up over 80% from its early winter lows. The reason—strong demand, greater than expected...
Several high profile firms are suggesting the indices may decline between 5% and 15% in the forthcoming months. Their rationale is as follows. Great uncertainty emanating from several areas. First the upcoming Presidential election, a primary season few had remotely suggested would unfold....
Equity markets are still reconciling the April Fed Minutes, Minutes that shocked many into a different reality. Large cap momentum growth stocks fell about 1%, the dollar advanced and the bond market became paralyzed. Crude was essentially unchanged on gasoline demand which is at a...
Treasuries fell yesterday on speculation interest rates may rise at least twice this year. As noted many times, there is a massive disconnect as to what the market thinks the direction of monetary policy will be in 2016 and the direction the Federal Reserve is...
Equites fell as the Treasury curve continued to flatten to the narrowest since 2007 amid speculation that the Federal Reserve see firm enough economic activity to raise rates as soon as June....
Equities—led by energy—advanced yesterday. As widely noted long time oil bear Goldman surprised all with its reversal regarding oil stating demand is now higher than input. It cited numerous reasons including the massive reduction in capital spending outside OPEC, supply disruptions in Nigeria, Libya and...
What gives? Retail sales climbed in April by the most in 13 months, abruptly ending an early year letdown in spending that cause a first quarter down shift in the economy. The gains were broad based....