The Russell 2000 just made a three-year round trip but fell slightly short of posting a new high. The economy continues to perform well – a plus – but long rates have diverged with short rates, which cannot be a … Continued
The 10-year T-yield just poked its head out of 4.30s resistance. Economic data in recent weeks have come in much stronger than expected. Although it is hard to argue the rally in rates will have staying power – unless, of … Continued
NIPA profits are now down three quarters in a row. The downward momentum likely continues in an environment in which the fed funds rate has gone up by 500 basis points over 14 months. This will force the sell-side to … Continued
As S&P 500 earnings staged massive recovery from post-pandemic lows, buybacks are back in fashion. Thus far in 4Q, the index is already up north of nine percent, pricing in a lot of seasonality optimism. As things stand, the index … Continued
Reversing the prior week’s weakness, major US equity indices put up strong performance last week. The S&P 500, for instance, defended a rising trend line from last March. VIX collapsed, landing on low-20s, a breach of which opens the door … Continued
As the FOMC winds up its two-day meeting today, one cannot help but think of the Fed put that has led investors to take on risk and go up the risk curve, driving one after another metric into uncharted territory. … Continued
The sell-side, as well as equity bulls, have high hopes for S&P 500 earnings next year. Even if they come through, the gap between GAAP and non-GAAP will persist. US corporate profits adjusted for inventory valuation and capital consumption snapped … Continued
US reliance on debt is growing. Having already just about used up the conventional monetary tool and a massive balance sheet, the Fed is looking for new tools – a la Japan. Stocks’ reaction function to Japanification is key. At … Continued
Debt addiction is pervasive among consumers, corporations as well as the federal government. Several debt-related metrics are in uncharted territories. The craving is built into the system and can continue until markets rebel. In December, U.S. consumer credit grew 4.7 … Continued
Global trade is on the back foot. US-China trade tensions can be partly blamed for this, but as far as US exports are concerned, the US dollar plays a role. The US dollar index has trended higher for nearly a … Continued