Markets This Week

Geopolitics At the Fore As we write, the news coming across the wire is about an attack conducted by unknown actors which has killed more than a hundred Iranians gathered for a memorial at the grave of Qasem Soleimani — a prominent Iranian military leader who was himself killed in Read more…

Last week, we described briefly some longer-term economic and political dynamics that render China problematic as an investment destination for us.  As we noted, while Chinese equities may sometimes make an attractive tactical trade for investors who are so inclined, we think that’s all they should be, and that the Read more…

A few significant events and data releases helped propel a relief rally yesterday.  First, the release of Q3 GDP for the U.S., which was revised up to 2.9%.  Second, JOLTS jobs data, which showed that the Fed’s tightening is having some impact on the labor market, but far from a Read more…

As we enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and the usually quiet half-day of trading that follows on Friday, a few notes on current events of potential significance that we are watching. First, China.  Due to China’s central role as an engine of global commodity demand, sentiment in world stock markets can Read more…

More Evidence the Inflation Spike Is In the Rear View Mirror PPI (producer price inflation) data yesterday showed slowing inflation impulses, as we have discussed.  Even our own index of basic essential needs (representing food, clothing, shelter, and energy components) reflect a sharp slow down in price increases from this Read more…