Brexit and What Comes After

Brexit is grinding closer, and no political solution enjoys enough support to find its way to implementation.  For what it’s worth, the consensus of analysts is that UK’s Prime Minister Teresa May will eke out agreement on a deal, one that possibly includes pushing out more difficult negotiations to the Read more…

Potential Trouble Spots?

Market Summary U.S. and World Outlook:  Pivotal Influence Is the Value of the U.S. Dollar The U.S. dollar continues to be strong and this continues to disincentivize U.S. investors putting money into commodities, non-U.S. stock and bond markets.  Simultaneously, the strong U.S. dollar incentivizes foreign investors to put money in Read more…

Global Divergence?  The U.S. Steams Ahead

After further trade-war saber-rattling, U.S. markets have again regained a semblance of calm.  Further unexpected developments and accompanying volatility undoubtedly lie ahead, but thus far, markets have greeted the potential of escalating trade conflicts without panic. The financial, economic, and sentiment backdrop in the United States remains strong.  Investor and Read more…

Summer Outlook for U.S. and Global Markets

Let’s start with a review of U.S. and global economic, trade, finance, and banking outlooks. • The U.S.: Bullish economics, very strong.  Trade negotiations not a lasting problem. • Europe:  Neutral.  Avoid. • Asia:  Growth companies are attractive.  The U.S. dollar is strong; this is neutral for Asian commodity exporters.  If and when the Read more…