Financial News for the Week of July 7, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Global bond yields moved higher this week following cautiously hawkish statements by central bankers last week. Above-trend economic growth in advanced economies is expected to persist. But, inflation is expected to lag owing…
Financial News for the Week of June 30, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Bond markets sold off sharply this week on remarks from monetary policymakers. Bond yields rose by 20 to 25 basis points in Germany and the UK, respectively. Yields on Treasuries also rose, but markedly less as U.S. data has…
Financial News for the Week of June 23, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Equity markets started off the week on a positive note. But the advance proved transitory as oil prices slid into bear territory, sending energy stocks and the main indices lower. With little in the way of economic data, Fed…
Financial News for the Week of June 2, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK The U.S. job machine slowed in May (+138k jobs) as the unemployment fell to a sixteen year low of 4.3%. A pullback in the participation rate contributed to the fall in the unemployment rate. The Federal Reserve’s preferred…
Financial News for the Week of May 26, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Despite the upward revision to first-quarter GDP growth, with the second estimate indicating a 1.2% annualized gain on stronger consumption and investment, market reaction was relatively subdued given that the overall story…
Financial News for the Week of May 19, 2017
FINANCIAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Investors perceived this week’s political developments in the U.S. as likely to delay the implementation of pro-growth policies. As a result, they risk assets sold off midweek in favor of gold and treasuries.…
Financial News for the Week of May 12, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Markets started the week off on a good note on French presidential election results and fairly constructive earnings and economic data. The S&P 500 flirted with record highs, and the VIX fell to its lowest level in more…
Financial News for the Week of May 5, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK The past week was action packed with economic data and events in Washington. Data largely supported the view that the U.S. economy will bounce back from its winter weakness. The job market sprang back into action in April,…
Financial News for the Week of April 28, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK First quarter GDP growth came in at just 0.7% (annualized) - slightly weaker than consensus. The main culprit behind the slowdown was consumer spending, which barely grew. Much of the drag on growth appears to be temporary…
Financial News for the Week of April 21, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Investor sentiment remained relatively upbeat this week on constructive economic data, positive earnings reports, and hopes for near-term pro-growth policies. Still, safe-haven assets remained in demand, supported by rising…