Posts On Economic and Geopolitical News

November 21, 2018 |

Any Day Now

Coins and Watch

The gold market is trading slightly higher to kick off the new trading week. This week will likely see lighter trading volumes due to the Thanksgiving holiday, with many investors taking off Friday as well. The gold market appears to be in consolidation mode and could be getting ready for a significant upside breakout. The market has passed an important test in recent sessions, as the recent dip down to the $1200 level found willing buyers. The catalyst for the next major move higher could... Continue Reading

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November 19, 2018 |

Are Hikes Beginning to Hurt?

The subject of the Fed and its plans to continue with gradual rate hikes has been the topic of considerable debate in recent months. Thus far, the central bank has stuck to its guns and moved ahead with more hikes. In fact, the central bank has another hike planned before the end of the year and currently has three more penciled in for next year. It’s no secret that the Fed has drawn some criticism. Even President Trump has weighed in on the issue. The... Continue Reading

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November 15, 2018 |

Stocks or the Dollar

Polar Bear

The last several weeks have seen a resurgence of market volatility, and many investors are wondering if there is more to come. Through a very bumpy October for equities, gold made some solid strides higher as risk aversion increased. Markets have been a bit calmer in recent sessions, and the yellow metal has seen some declines taking it back to the $1200 level. The recent pullback is not due to the possibility of stocks stabilizing, however, but rather is due to a stronger dollar. The... Continue Reading

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November 13, 2018 |

What is Oil Telling the Markets?

The last several weeks have seen renewed stock market volatility as investors contend with the ongoing trade war with China, rising rates and the highly anticipated midterm elections. The elections have now come and gone, however, the other factors remain a source of concern for investors. With so many potential distractions, it is easy to see why recent price action in the oil market has not gotten too much attention. Although the market’s recent slide has been mentioned here or there, the recent declines could... Continue Reading

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November 7, 2018 |

Big Week

The week ahead could potentially see some market volatility as there are numerous key issues that could fuel price action. The ongoing trade talks with China, the Fed meeting and of course the midterm elections could all impact market sentiment. The highly anticipated midterm elections are quickly approaching, and recent reports suggest that the democrats have a significant lead. The election is of significant importance, as a flipping of the House from republicans to democrats could have a huge effect on the Trump administration’s agenda... Continue Reading

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November 1, 2018 |

What Does Dr. Copper Say?

The copper market is often viewed as a barometer of overall economic activity. This makes complete sense, given its widespread industrial use. Copper has not performed well this year, however, and is poised to see its first annual decline since 2015. After rising by some 32 percent last year, prices have already declined by roughly 17 percent year-to-date. Of note, copper actually was higher over the first six months of the year before dropping by a whopping 20 percent in a period of just two... Continue Reading

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October 30, 2018 |

Don’t Fight the Fed, but Don’t Ignore It Either

Federal Reserve

There is an old saying that says “Don’t fight the Fed.” This saying is typically directed at stock market bears that remain bearish equities even as the central bank lowers rates or maintains ultra-low levels of rates that encourage risk taking. The phrase happens to make a great deal of sense, as the Fed is essentially the most powerful financial institution that there is. The Fed has the power to control the money supply, and to “create” new money out of thin air. If the... Continue Reading

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October 26, 2018 |

Heed the Warnings

Yuan

The last couple of weeks have seen rising stock market volatility as numerous issues weigh on markets and investor sentiment. The declines seen in Chinese markets cannot, and should not, be ignored. The Shanghai Composite is off some 25 percent since the beginning of the year, and more downside could potentially be in store. The Chinese economy has already shown some key signs of slowing, and if it does in fact slow further the effects may be felt all over the globe. Chinese officials have... Continue Reading

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October 24, 2018 |

Are Stocks Ready to Really Roll Over?

Gold stock

It was supposed to be a bright day for U.S. stock markets. Both China and Europe were higher in previous sessions and U.S. markets appeared early on ready to follow suit. The gains in U.S. equities evaporated quickly, however, and markets are now trading decidedly lower. Chinese markets have been a major topic of speculation and concern in recent months. The benchmark Shanghai Composite index has lost around a quarter of its value since the beginning of the year. Worries over slowing growth in China... Continue Reading

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October 22, 2018 |

Who Cares if the Fed is Hawkish?

The gold market is up again today, and appears to now be in consolidation mode following strong gains last week. Some sideways price action this week should not only come as no surprise, but should also be viewed as healthy. The bulls may simply be gearing up for the next major push higher. Recent price action in gold has certainly been constructive. The market has covered almost $50 per ounce in upside, and could just be getting started. The recent rally and improving technical posture... Continue Reading

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