May 10, 2018 |

Why You Should Be Watching Oil

Just Another

The crude oil market has been working its way back higher for some time now. Nymex crude is trading for over $70 per barrel, the highest level since 2014. Brent crude has its eyes on the $76 level. The oil trade could, however, see some exploding volatility in the days and weeks ahead. President Trump has announced that he will make a decision on the Iran nuclear deal made in 2015 this week. Although many have urged the President to remain in the deal, the... Continue Reading

Category |

May 4, 2018 |

Is Inflation Becoming a Cause for Concern?

Close to the Fed

At the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s two day meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the central bank kept rates at current levels in a move that was expected. The central bank did, however, take note of rising prices and said it now expects inflation to run near its 2% target “over the medium term.” The central bank’s commentary will be very closely scrutinized by investors, and at first glance appears to contain a more hawkish tone. The Fed could in fact be setting the stage to... Continue Reading

Category |

May 2, 2018 |

Is the Fed Behind the Curve?

Interest Rate Block

Inflation has been a topic of discussion for some time now as the Fed seeks to normalize monetary policy. The Commerce Department reported today that the PCE (personal consumption expenditures price index) jumped to 2% year-over-year in March. That 2% is the Fed’s desired annual target for inflation. Inflation is gaining further traction due to a tightening labor market as well as recent tax cuts that are providing economic stimulus. Just last week, the government reported that wages and salaries saw their biggest increase in... Continue Reading

Category |

April 26, 2018 |

Has the Tipping Point Finally Arrived?

the dips

Stocks have seen some pressure in recent days, as more and more investors believe that the bear market in bonds has finally run its course. With the 10 year note yield currently right around the 3% level, investors seem to be getting increasingly anxious. The 3% level in yields represents an important psychological barrier that, if broken, could see a sharp and rapid rise even higher in rates. Some analysts have already hiked their year-end predictions for the benchmark 10 year note, calling for yields... Continue Reading

Category |

April 22, 2018 |

Global Debt Has Reached a New High

Itll Keep Going

According to the IMF, global debt has reached a new peak. Not only that, but according to the fund, there are three countries responsible: The U.S., China and Japan. These nations account for over 50% of total global debt, and China alone is responsible for about 75% of new private debt since the financial crisis. The numbers are nothing short of staggering: The IMF’s fiscal monitor reportedly stated that total debt reached $164 trillion in 2016. That figure, incidentally, represents 225% of global gross domestic... Continue Reading

Category |

April 20, 2018 |

Is the Next Major Commodity Cycle Getting Started?

Global equity markets have dominated much of the financial media in recent years. The ascension of stocks following the major crash of 2008-2009 is certainly a story worth telling. Many investors who bought in heavily around those lows have likely amassed a small fortune as the market has continued to climb. Nearly a decade into the bull market, however, the market is finally showing some significant signs of topping. Recent volatility could be a good indicator of a topping process already underway. Bull markets do... Continue Reading

Category |

April 18, 2018 |

3 Important Questions to Ask

just the beginning

There is without question a very strong case to be made about why you need to have physical gold as part of your portfolio. This asset class can not only potentially see significant appreciation in value, but may also provide an important hedge against numerous economic and geopolitical issues such as inflation, deflation, a weaker dollar and more. Perhaps the more important question to be asking is not if you should incorporate gold into your investment strategy, but rather how much gold should you buy... Continue Reading

Category |

April 16, 2018 |

Is It Really a Dollar Rally?

Economic Indicators

Gold prices have been moving higher in recent weeks, and showing some signs of underlying strength. As can be expected, the market has seen some buying interest come in as geopolitical tensions escalate. Last weekend’s chemical weapons attack in Syria had investors seeking out the perceived safety of gold and caused some selling in equities. A recent comment from President Trump, however, has stocks rallying today as risk appetite has returned. As stocks move higher today, gold is moving lower. Although such a move should... Continue Reading

Category |

April 12, 2018 |

The Fed May be the Biggest Risk to the Stock Market

US Treasury, Debt Ceiling

The stock market has a number of issues to contend with currently if it is to keep moving higher and continue the bull market that began nearly a decade ago. Geopolitical risks-including a potential trade war and even armed conflicts in more than one location-are weighing on market sentiment. Of all of the current risks the stock market may face, however, the biggest potential threat to the equities market could be the Fed. The central bank has already begun to take steps to normalize monetary... Continue Reading

Category |

April 10, 2018 |

Forget Price for a Moment

don't wait any longer

Although the potential for higher prices is certainly a reason to buy and hold gold, there are several other reasons, perhaps even more important reasons, to buy and keep the metal. While most investors have been fixated on the stock market for the last decade, the gold market potentially represents an excellent value at current price levels. Not only that, but the current state of the economy and geopolitical landscape may also warrant a significant allocation in gold. Below are three primary issues that should... Continue Reading

Category |