This week’s edition of the WIP raises questions on the “true” unemployment rate, highlights renewed Brexit risk in the U.K., puts the recent tech sell-off in context, and examines underlying trends in some components of the CPI basket…and more. Drop in Rents Keeps a Lid on CPI Alternative Unemployment Data Vanishing Hopes for More Fiscal …
(BLOG) Week in Pictures: Sept. 8, 2020
Here is the latest Week in PIctures, covering the recent equity run-up to the highs and the subsequent hiccup. Last week saw the first wound inflicted in the lop-sided battle between valuations and liquidity. What’s next? 1. Mixed Picture in Unemployment Data 2. Reversal in Market Euphoria 3. Liquidity Everywhere 4. Equal Weight Indices Lag Market Cap Weight 5. S&P …
(BLOG) Week in Pictures: Aug 31, 2020
With Jackson Hole out of the way, global markets can get back to business, pricing in higher inflation and bidding up risk assets. What will cause a crack in momentum and valuations? It won’t be the Fed.
(BLOG) Week in Pictures: Aug. 24, 2020
Looking to discern between news and noise in the financial markets? The Week in Pictures might help. The latest edition contains charts and commentary on the following: 1. G20 FX Performance 2. S&P 500 Volatility Surface Steepens 3. Downside Equity Protection Remains Expensive 4. Lumber Prices Hit New High 5. Upside Surprises in Economic Data …
(BLOG) Week in Pictures: Aug 17, 2020
This week’s edition includes charts and commentary on the following: 1. Household Debt Paradox 2. Canada Consumer Insolvencies Plummet 3. U.S. Banks Tighten Lending Standards 4. Retail Sector Makes a Comeback 5. Correction in Silver 6. Silver/Gold Volatility Ratio Explodes 7. Financial Sector Slow to Recover 8. Active Treasury Investors Not Net Long 9. Elevated …
(BLOG) Tweet, Tweet. Bye, Bye Market.
That was a Friday to remember. The day was supposed to be dominated by Jay Powell’s much-anticipated talk in Jackson Hole. Investors were looking for clues on the timing and direction of the next Fed policy move. Powell’s speech ended up satisfying markets, but not the President. Trump wants a 100 bp ease, and he wants it …
(BLOG) 30-Year Rates at 2%? Really?
Well, you can’t say the markets were quiet last week. While the stock market plunge of 3% on Monday may have dominated the news, the big story for bond and credit folks like us was the dramatic drop in rates, especially the 30-year sector. There was too much going on to fit everything into the …
(BLOG) Global Equities Summary
Volatility in the equity market has picked up again. Here is a brief summary of some of the major developments. It includes chaerts and commnentary on the following: Investment Factor Returns Factor Volatility Minimum Volatility Factor Low Vol vs. Min Vol: Performance Low Vol vs. Min Vol: Allocations Sector Returns Sector Valuations Global Equities Performance Global …
(BLOG) Macro Charts of the Week- Sept. 11, 2018
1. Italian BTPs BTPs gained on the back of comments made by Finance Minister Giovanni Tria. He pledged fiscal prudence with respect to the Italian budget. Lower BTP yields, especially in the front end of the yield curve, take the stress of the banking community and European financial markets in general. 2. Crypto Meltdown The year-to-date change in …
(BLOG) Morning Brief- Thursday, Sept 6th
1. EM FX The weakness in EM seems to be moving from idiosyncratic situations to contagion. The huge currency losses in some EM markets are not without historical precedent. Losses in 2008 and 2015 exceeded 15%. Bottom line: it feels bad, but it could easily get worse. Why it Matters Emerging markets had another rough day …
