Posts Tagged ‘The Pulse’

To Summarize: Global equities have been outperforming, driven by a weaker dollar and increased diversification. Credit spreads remain tight, signaling stability and comfort with economic risk. However, investors remain vigilant amid recent surprise bankruptcies. In response to a resilient economy, CEOs are ramping up capital spending as they place bets on future growth and productivity.…

To Summarize: Stocks, bonds, and bitcoin delivered strong returns, with international markets outperforming the U.S. year-to-date and revived IPO activity fueling investors. The Federal Reserve’s initial rate cut, and expectations for more, have spurred investors to consider riskier investments. However, rate cuts reflect weakening economic conditions with consumer spending slowing since July, as tariffs have…

To Summarize: The markets seem priced for perfection, with investors anticipating multiple Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts even as inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s comfort zone. The economic landscape is divided: AI vs. everything else. While AI-focused companies are powering market and economic gains, most of the real economy shows signs of deceleration, and…

To Summarize: Despite cooling momentum, stock markets remain resilient, reflecting a surprising upside in economic data. Consumer and business sentiment are holding up better than expected. Although hiring has slowed, real-time data signals that businesses are interested in hiring more employees again. Meanwhile, inflation is becoming sticky, particularly in goods, as tariff-driven price pressures start…

To Summarize: U.S. markets have taken a hit in March, with stocks and bonds underperforming, while international markets have held up better. Meanwhile, high-yield bond spreads are widening, signaling rising credit risk and caution. Higher-income consumer sentiment is weakening, which is leading to lower discretionary spending. And, trade policy uncertainty hit a 40-year high, leading…