Only Fools
Last week’s equity market trading was dominated by trade/tariffs, economic data, and the Fed. The trade/tariffs narrative was arguably the most significant of the three in that it bled so […]
Employment
On your mark, get set, go?
Last week’s continuation of the US equity market reversal that has defined our post-Christmas rally has been most recently fueled by the shift in monetary policy outlook and guidance by […]
December’s Employment Report and Powell’s “patience” thread the needle
US equity futures trade higher in the overnight. Last Friday was a significant day for markets for obvious reasons (a monthly gain of +312K in the employment report), but also […]
Quarter end, manufacturing and the Fed dominate this week’s trading
This week’s economic calendar will be dominated by the FOMC meeting announcement, forecasts, and press conference on Wednesday. Nearly unanimously, strategists are expecting the FOMC to raise rates by .25 […]
Investors focus on economic data and look past trade tariffs – for the time being
Friday’s constructive equity market performance was triggered primarily by a significantly stronger-than-expected June Employment Report. Non-farm payrolls came in at +213K versus Econoday consensus that was calling for +190K. May’s […]
The first half of the year wraps this week with trade storm clouds on the horizon
Last week’s OPEC meeting provided for some interesting trading in energy markets, particularly on Friday. The production deal signed off on by OPEC on Friday allows for a nominal boost […]
pivotal FOMC Meeting
Q1 earnings last week provided a much-needed counterbalance to the recent months-long move lower in equity prices. The results posted by large-cap technology shares–Amazon, and Facebook, in particular–offered significant relief […]
Employment Report Emboldens the Bulls
February’s Employment Report provided investors with confirmation that though we have continued to see robust employment growth thus far in 2018, inflation has remained in check. That combination fueled enthusiasm […]
Is There a Second Shutdown on the Horizon?
Shutdown 2.0 Though US legislators did agree to reopen the Federal government after a three-day shutdown last week, nothing of any long-term legislative consequence was accomplished. In fact, the sticking […]
The disconnect between the ADP Report and the Employment Report
Last Friday the final monthly Employment Report of 2017 was released. It was widely interpreted as being a disappointment given the topline miss. For the month of December employment gains […]