Fed Rate Cuts and Stock Market Performance – November 6, 2019
As expected, the Fed reduced its key lending rate for the third time this year. As we discussed last week, the Fed signaled we probably…
Three for Three—An Economic Hat Trick – November 4, 2019
Three big economic events landed at the feet of investors last week. For all practical purposes, they were favorable. Let’s start with the preliminary number…
Three and Done – October 30, 2019
The Federal Reserve concludes its two-day meeting on Wednesday. There is a 97% chance of a ¼% reduction in the fed funds rate to 1.50-1.75%,…
Kickoff to Q3 Earnings Season – October 16, 2019
Q3 earnings season unofficially began on Tuesday with a slew of big bank and big-name reports. The early read is favorable, as companies top low…
Headline Volatility – October 9, 2019
The economic fundamentals have taken a backseat to headlines for much of the year, much more than has historically been the case. Trade headlines helped…
A 50-Year Low for Unemployment – October 7, 2019
The unemployment rate fell to a 50-year low in September, dropping 0.2% to 3.5% per the U.S. BLS. It ties the low last reached in…
Impeachment, History, and Stock Market Reaction – October 2, 2019
We’ve had two instances in the modern era when a president was threatened with impeachment or was impeached—President Nixon (1974) and President Clinton (1998). Investor…
Political Drama and Stocks – September 30, 2019
Political drama in the nation’s capital hit a fevered pitch last week, as House Speaker Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry of President Trump. You…
Chugging Along – September 25, 2019
Much has been written about the faltering economy and a recession. Despite the pessimistic sentiment, the U.S. economy continues to chug along. The Chicago Fed’s…
Seven-Two-One – September 23, 2019
The Federal Reserve slashed its key lending rate, the fed funds rate, by 0.25% to a range of 1.75-2.00%. The decision came as no surprise,…