March 9, 2018 |

Did the U.S. Just Get One Step Closer to an All-Out Trade War?

Trade Talks

Recently, we discussed some of the potential implications of a global trade war following the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum. Regardless of what side of the aisle you may be on, investors are still trying to decide just how significant an impact such tariffs may have on companies and financial markets. Following the decision, economic advisor Gary Cohn submitted his resignation yesterday. Cohn was considered to be a strong supporter of free trade, and apparently did not feel he could... Continue Reading

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March 7, 2018 |

Could a Trade War Send Gold Higher?

Markets have a lot on their plate right now, including the notion of higher interest rates, overstretched valuations and accelerating inflation. If that is not enough for stock market bulls to contend with, how about adding the potential for a global trade war. Stocks are set to open lower again on Monday, as the threat of a trade war begins to sink into investor psyche. Last week, President Donald Trump made waves as he discussed heavy tariffs on steel and aluminum products. The 25 percent... Continue Reading

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March 6, 2018 |

Is Further Downside in the Dollar on the Way?

cake and eat

It’s no secret that the dollar has been under pressure in recent months. The idea of rising deficits, ongoing relatively low interest rates and more aggressive monetary policies in other parts of the world have all played a role in the greenback’s slide. The dollar recently tried to rally as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has not eased fears of three rate hikes this year and possibly a fourth. Higher rates could boost the dollar, as it could mean potentially higher returns for those holding dollars.... Continue Reading

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March 1, 2018 |

No Easy Way Out

More Trouble Ahead

Now that new Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has taken the reigns, investors seem to be getting a sense that the central bank is not likely to deviate from its previous course under Janet Yellen. The central bank is still sticking with three possible rate hikes for this year, and the possibility of a fourth or perhaps larger hike are also on the table. The central bank now finds itself in a very difficult, if not impossible, situation. It has to attempt to control accelerating inflation... Continue Reading

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February 27, 2018 |

Why Paper Money Fails

Life Preserver Cash

There’s nothing like the feel of cold, hard cash in your hands. Holding a wad of bills may provide a sense of empowerment, as you feel the texture and weight of the money in your hands. For a moment now, however, try to take a different view. Imagine that in your hands is not money, or cash, but rather a stack of IOUs or promises. Doesn’t have quite the same ring to it now does it? The fact is, paper money is exactly that: IOUs... Continue Reading

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February 23, 2018 |

More Fed Minutes – Same Story

FOMC

Wednesday’s release of the highly anticipated Fed meeting minutes were essentially a non-event. Although no action is expected from the central bank until, next month, some investors did seem to be a bit nervous as the new Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, takes the reigns. The central bank did stick with some similar language, as it suggested that it would on a path of gradual rate hikes. Of particular note, the Fed did raise its inflation expectations and stated that core personal consumption expenditures would rise... Continue Reading

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February 21, 2018 |

There’s Few Good Options

Gold umbrella

Alternative asset classes are more important than ever, and investors have never had so many vehicles with which to diversify their portfolios. This would seem to be especially important in the current environment, where neither stocks nor bonds may offer investors a good value. The stock market has been on the rise for the last decade. Although it is impossible to say exactly when the bull market may finally come to an end, history would seemingly indicate that the current bull could run out of... Continue Reading

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February 17, 2018 |

Inflation Running Hotter

This week, investors anxiously awaited the release of key inflation data that has the potential to be market-moving. On Wednesday, markets saw the most recent data on CPI. The month-over-month reading came in at .5%, above consensus estimates of a .3 or .4% rise. The core CPI reading, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, seemingly confirmed the higher month-over-month data with a rise of .3%. Today saw the release of the latest data on PPI, which also points to increasing price pressures. Month-over-month PPI... Continue Reading

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February 15, 2018 |

Are Markets Headed Back to Earth?

Polar Bear

The recent volatility seen in global stock markets has largely dominated headlines in the financial media recently, and many investors are likely wondering why the sudden sharp increase in price swings. Regardless of what the reason may be-whether it is overaggressive betting against volatility, the idea of rising rates, accelerating inflationary pressures or the current state of geopolitics-there may be a simpler, albeit unpopular answer: Stocks and risk assets are seeing a return to valuations more in line with historical norms. That’s right: Stocks have... Continue Reading

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February 13, 2018 |

Another Reason to Diversify Away From Stocks

This week has certainly been one for the books. Massive swings in stocks, coupled with the largest spike in volatility ever recorded have likely put more than a few investors out of business over the last several sessions. It may get worse. The fear of inflation and rising bond yields have definitely weighed on stocks. There are other forces at work as well, however, that may be adding fuel to the fire. It’s no secret that some investors may have been making money off of... Continue Reading

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