The U.S. dollar has surged in recent months, gaining more than 6% relative to the currencies of other major trading partners since mid-July. The rally has reversed the dollar’s decline from the start of the year and ran contrary to consensus expectations. Figure 1: The dollar has risen in recent months. Chart shows the Bloomberg Dollar Spot […]

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As expected, and with unanimity, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) opted to keep rates steady, with the fed funds rate remaining in a range of 5.25 – 5.5%, a 22-year high. In a nod to the recent surge in longer-term Treasury yields, the statement had the addition of the word “financial” in the statement […]

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Key Takeaways As U.S. EV sales hit a quarterly record, reports say Tesla’s price cuts aren’t protecting its domestic market share—investors will want to hear more  As UAW strikes spread, EV vehicle and battery production talks are sharing equal spotlight with pay and benefits—what that could mean for all EV pricing  How ‘instant’ EV tax […]

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Key Takeaways Tough Q3 puts info tech sector earnings focus back on cloud, phones as results approach China’s economic softness and trade conflict with United States remain possible rough spots The info tech sector’s earnings growth expected to rise, but valuations remain high versus other major sectors Info tech sizzled in the first half of […]

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Key Takeaways Welcome to the post-pandemic shopping era—savings rates are lower, consumer debt is higher, and student loan payments are back Discretionary spending moved downward by the end of Q3—what that could mean for holiday results  What to listen for during top retailers’ earnings calls As retailers face a consumer economy that’s starting to look […]

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Key Takeaways Housing in focus next week, along with GDP and key inflation reading Japan’s inflation grew more than expected in October, helping send U.S. yields higher  Major indexes on track for fourth straight week of gains, but light holiday volume expected (Friday market open) Black Friday dawns with major U.S. stock indexes on track for […]

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Key Takeaways It’s PCE week—Fed’s favorite inflation measure arrives Thursday Potential positives for China in ’24, but Asian shares down on weak China industrial profits Two Fed governors on tomorrow’s calendar, preceded today by several Treasury auctions (Monday market open) Calmness prevails Monday as volatility recently dipped to its lowest levels since January 2020, but major […]

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Key Takeaways December on pace to open with major indexes near recent highs as soft landing hopes grow Dollar and 10-year yields remain possible drivers for December, with Fed seen remaining on pause OpenAI storm raged in late November and keeps chips, AI in focus as year comes to close A lot can change in […]

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As expected, the Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, or a quarter percent, to 5.25% to 5.50%. It was a unanimous decision. The upper bound of the range now stands at the highest level since 2001. In addition, the Fed will continue to reduce its balance […]

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In a surprise move August 1, credit rating agency Fitch Ratings downgraded U.S. Treasuries to AA+ from AAA.1 Fitch’s explanation for the downgrade was that it “reflects the expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years, a high and growing general government debt burden, and the erosion of governance relative to AA and AAA rated […]

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