Category Archive

It has been the primary downside risk confronting financial markets for the last few years: the persistent threat of a renewed rise in inflation.  The kindling continues to be placed to reignite a new inflationary blaze.  Only time will reveal how high the flames will reach if and when the next fire starts to burn. “Often is the case of … Read More

Another storm rolled across capital markets to start this week.  This time, it was the shock headlines over the weekend that the United States would be instituting tariffs against its close neighbor trade partners Canada and Mexico, which cast doubt on the sustainability of economic growth across the region as well as the potential inflationary impact of such measures.  But … Read More

A storm thundered through the U.S. stock market on Monday.

In this week’s Economic & Market Report, winter has come early this year.

Early Market Weakness in December
❄️ The U.S. stock market posted a rare December decline, marking only the fifth negative performance for the month since 2000.
❄️ Stocks faced a long-overdue pullback after a linear climb since late 2023.
❄️ U.S. Treasury yields surged over the past four months, driven by persistent inflation concerns.

Uncertainty in Market Recovery
☃️ Despite Wednesday’s strong market response, key resistance levels in equities remain unbroken, leaving recovery uncertain.
☃️ Sustained declines in Treasury yields are needed to improve equity risk premiums.
☃️ Inflation risks linger due to seasonal data noise, rebuilding efforts from Los Angeles fire damage, and elevated 5-year breakeven rates above 2.50%.

2024 Stock Market Review video with Chief Market Strategist Eric Parnell.

The New Year is officially underway. Following an exceptional 2024 for stocks that ended with an oof and included a surprise election sweep along with lingering inflation concerns that just won’t quit as evidenced by the uneven year for bonds, what are the key indicators to watch for what to expect as we move freshly into 2025. The following are five indicators to watch for 2025.

It is a debate that has confounded investors in capital markets for the last few decades now. What is the true identity of this market? Is it really the strong and confident marketplace reflected by the S&P 500 streaking boldly to new all-time highs as 2024 draws to a close?

It has been a phenomenal year for the U.S. stock market in 2024. The S&P 500 was still trading below 4800 emerging from what had been a strong 2023, and while a good year ahead was anticipated, the idea of the benchmark index cresting 6000 to close out 2024 seemed a long shot at best.

The time of year has come once again for families to gather around the table and give thanks for the good fortunes of life, friends, and health.

Move over Grover Cleveland (22 and 24).  The epic grade school social studies question must now be rewritten, as we are now on the brink of having our second President in U.S. history in Donald Trump (45 and soon to be 47) with the distinction of serving two non-consecutive terms.  But far more important than revisions to our trivia books … Read More