September 28, 2018 |

Has the Dollar Gotten Ahead of Itself?

Interest Rate Block

The latest meeting of the FOMC has now come and gone. As expected, the Fed continued on its recent course of policy normalization, hiking the Fed Funds rate by another 25 basis points. The central bank still expects to hike rates again before the end of the year, likely in December. There were some key changes in the policy statement, with the central bank electing to drop the term “accommodative” from its statement. Rate expectations going forward also changed as well, and it seems overall... Continue Reading

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September 26, 2018 |

Buy the Rumor Sell the Fact?

Federal Reserve

This week, the scheduled Federal Reserve policy meeting is likely to dominate much of the financial headlines. The Fed will be meeting Tuesday and Wednesday, and is expected to hike interest rates again by another 25 bps. Investors will likely be far more focused on the central bank’s plans going forward, however. Right now, the Fed has another 25 bps hike penciled in for November. Although traders are widely expecting action again before the end of the year, there is also a possibility that the... Continue Reading

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September 24, 2018 |

A Win-Win Situation

sign of strength

The recent surge higher in both stocks and economic growth may very well be unsustainable. In fact, it seems that an increasing number of analysts and prominent investors are now sounding the alarm bells about what could be seen economically next year or the year after. This could potentially put gold into a win-win scenario. Here’s why: Slowing Growth and/or Recession: The economy is, without question, humming along at what is arguably an excellent pace. Jobless claims are the lowest in nearly half a century,... Continue Reading

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September 20, 2018 |

Two Major Factors

The gold market remains relatively quiet in recent action as the metal tries to hold support around the $1200 level. The bulls have not had much to cheer about in recent weeks, as higher stocks and a stronger dollar have taken a toll on sentiment. When it comes to financial markets, however, things can and do change in a hurry. That said, there are two potential events on the horizon that have the potential to drastically change the outlook for not only gold but other... Continue Reading

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September 18, 2018 |

Liquidity Could Be an Issue

It seems that with each passing day, more and more analysts are jumping on the bear bandwagon. There have already been numerous calls from well-respected firms highlighting the risks that the economy and stock market are facing, and some have even suggested that the next major downturn could be far more significant and longer than the last. There are numerous potential issues that could drive the next major downturn: Higher interest rates, weakening stimulus effects, geopolitics and higher inflation to name a few. Regardless of... Continue Reading

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September 14, 2018 |

Things May Look Very Different

Investing is an art rather than a science. Keeping the big picture in mind is critically important when it comes to achieving financial objectives. That being said, the time to consider the big picture is now. Forget record-high stock markets and a rebound in real estate values for a moment and consider what the financial landscape could look like in 20, 30 or even 50 years. With a stock market that has been moving higher for a decade now, some might suggest those getting long... Continue Reading

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September 12, 2018 |

Let the Coiling Continue

Coins Interest Rate Hike

The last several months have unquestionably been challenging for the gold market. Higher stocks, a stronger dollar and overall robust appetite for risk have all played a role in the metal’s lack of upside. Although it is unclear of the market has yet found a long-term bottom, recent price action would seem to suggest that a bottom is at hand, or very close. The market has been consolidating in recent days as it tries to hold the psychologically important $1200 level. The selling pressure appears... Continue Reading

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September 10, 2018 |

Like a Fueling Rocket

The gold market has without a doubt had a disappointing summer to say the least. The market has yet to build upon any rallies, and eager short-sellers have pounced on the opportunity to sell any moves higher. Things may be about to change, however. The gold market is showing more signs of bottoming action, and although it is not yet clear if a bottom has been reached, the market could potentially see some fireworks in the weeks and months ahead. There is certainly no shortage... Continue Reading

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September 6, 2018 |

Back to Business

Volatility Spike

With the Labor Day Holiday weekend now in the rear-view mirror, investors will likely look to get back down to business as the month of September gets under way. With increasing trade volumes may also come an increase in market volatility. Investors appear to have gotten quite complacent in recent months as stocks have treaded water not far from previous all-time highs. This complacency, however, could lead to a significant market decline if a bearish catalyst gets the ball rolling. A primary area of concern... Continue Reading

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August 31, 2018 |

Remember the VIX?

highs near

There has been little in the way of market volatility in recent months, and investors appear to be growing increasingly complacent as the markets look to make fresh, all-time highs. Although markets spent some time in correction territory, they have not seen any significant declines for fresh buyers to enter. This could lead to a large amount of FOMO-or fear of missing out. This fear of missing out could take the market to some significant new heights before the bottom falls out. There has been... Continue Reading

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