The phrase quantitative easing elicits diverse reaction. For some, QE was what saved the U.S. economy post 2007/2008 crisis and boosted both housing and stocks. For others, all it did was create this huge asset inflation, and further widen the … Continued
The euro has been in an incessant rally mode since July 2012, and particularly since July 2013. This has surprised a lot of observers as this has come in the face of what in ordinary circumstances could/should have resulted in … Continued
The 1Q14 GDP print was a shocker, to say the least! Real GDP inched up a mere 0.1 percent SAAR, versus consensus expectations of 1.2-percent expansion. Sure, it is the advance estimate, with two more still to come. Sure it … Continued
The release of February’s commercial and industrial loan data ensued a lot of excitement. ‘Finally!’ was the typical reaction. The $36bn increase (to $1.67tn) was the largest month-over-month rise since October 2008. March data just came out, and we learn … Continued
One of the common themes that we so often hear is that there is a lot of dry powder still left to push stocks higher. Bulls have been steadfast in holding on to their gains. Yes, there were sell-offs in … Continued
After having flashed decent enough of a signal last week that volatility was ready to move lower – hence higher odds of higher equity prices – the VIX has indeed pulled back. Equities are rallying; volume could be better, but … Continued
There was a lot of excitement early this week after U.S. retail-sales data were released. At 1.14 percent, month/month change in retail and food services was the highest since September 2012. ‘Motor vehicles & parts dealers’ helped a great deal … Continued
Are we there yet? Have we yet reached the escape velocity? You know the 6.96 miles-per-second speed needed to break free from the gravitational pull of the earth. I am of course figuratively referring to the prevalent expectations that the … Continued