What is causing divergence between momo in U.S. jobs and other data points?

posted in: Economy | 0

Divergence between jobs momentum and other macro data points Annual growth in productivity past four years mere 0.68 percent Infrastructure, both structures and equipment, is rapidly aging It has been more or less an enigma.  The divergence between various U.S. … Continued

Capex hopefuls cannot catch a break

posted in: Credit, Currency, Economy | 0

Setback in orders for business-capex proxy; down four consecutive months Inventory-to-order ratios, nowhere near previous peaks, trending higher Zero-bound suppressed rates probably impacting incentive to borrow The much-anticipated capex boom in the U.S. will just have to wait a while … Continued

WTI slices through 16-year support

True to ‘when it rains, it pours,’ Goldman turns bearish on oil Sustained low price will reverberate through oil earnings, jobs, capex Technicals have probably already spoken; WTI unable to save 16-year support Remember Arjun Murti?  He was a Goldman … Continued

Markit expects Dec U.S. private payroll growth of sub-200k; oil to blame?

posted in: Economy | 0

Markit forecast of sub-200k private payroll growth this month a surprise U.S. unemployment claims, near historical lows, need catalyst to begin to move up Oil-heavy states are yet to see jobs impact of drop in crude, but only a matter … Continued

VIX spike-buy signal in the making near-term?

posted in: Derivatives, Equities, Technicals | 0

Sellers take advantage of early-morning strength to sell more stocks Amidst this, transports, high-yields draw buyers; panic noticed in VIX:VXV action Trade could be developing, but given developments in energy space, sustained rally not probable Another ugly day!  Could have … Continued

Offensives’ performance last wk trend change or passing Dec phenomenon?

Inability of offensives to take the lead has been a thorn in the side of rally since Oct 15th low Outperformance last week of XLY vs. XLP and HYG vs. LQD sign of trend change? Duel on between seasonally favorable … Continued

2015 S&P 500 earnings estimates far from reflect oil reality

posted in: Economy, Equities | 0

Facing lower earnings, several oil companies already plan to cut 2015 capex U.S. energy sector accounts for whopping one-third of S&P 500 capex Given drop in oil price, ‘15 S&P 500 EPS estimates too optimistic Oil’s sharp drop can reverberate … Continued

Persistent lack of wage gains can ultimately have repercussions for economy

posted in: Economy | 0

Steep drop in unemployment rate typically would suggest upward wage pressure Shrinkage in labor force takes bargaining power away from employees Corporations taking increasing share of national income vs labor It has been a while National Federation of Independent Business … Continued