Join our upcoming webinar for a comprehensive review of ROBO Global's flagship indices and their standout performers from the past quarter.
In February, home values rose for the 23rd consecutive month, reaching a new all-time high, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. However, after adjusting for inflation, real home values declined for the 10th straight month, hitting their lowest level since May 2021.
When we think of the U.S. government's finances, we often focus on the massive debt. But what about the assets? What does Uncle Sam actually own, and which asset is the largest?
Nvidia Corp. aims to spend several hundred billion dollars to procure US-made chips and electronics over the next four years, the Financial Times reported.
EQT AB will return $5.4 billion to investors this week after completing the sale of a stake in Nord Anglia Education Ltd., marking one of the most profitable recent private equity exits in Asia, people familiar with the matter said.
Elon Musk’s social network X has raised close to $1 billion in new equity from investors, according to people with knowledge of the matter — a deal that gives the company a valuation in line with when Musk took it private in 2022.
Existing home sales rebounded in February with their largest monthly increase in a year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales rose 4.2% from January, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million units in February.
After years of poor decision-making, the federal government’s $1.64 trillion student loan program is in critical condition. Congress needs to stanch the bleeding — and give serious thought to overhauling this flawed system for the longer term.
On the predictable side, the Fed kept policy rates in a range of 4.25%-4.5%, and the rate-setting committee pledged to slow the pace at which it’s allowing securities to roll off its balance sheet.
The latest Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index showed continued expansion though activity declined. In March, the index fell to 12.5 from 18.1 in February, the second consecutive monthly drop. The latest reading was higher than the forecast of 8.8.
Human stupidity is the one thing you can rely on in financial markets. I recently read a great piece by Joe Wiggins at Behavioral Investment, which discusses why “Investing is hard.”
In the understatement of 2025 thus far, the headlines emanating from Washington, D.C., have been fast and furious. Whether they be tariff-related, involving federal government cuts or geopolitical in nature, there has been a headline for many facets that investors could think of.
Recession fears have risen sharply of late as economic soft data have rolled over, upping the risk that hard data start to catch down.
European equities have started 2025 on a positive note. Several factors could help support the market overcome challenging conditions.
GMO has posted a new 7-Year asset class forecast as of February 28, 2025.
Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.
A creative look at the parallels between March Madness and the bond market.
On March 11, Russell Investments hosted a webinar examining the challenges and opportunities presented by alternative diversifiers, including strategies for incorporating these solutions into portfolios.
In this week’s edition, we shift our focus to another critical segment of the ABS market: those tied to consumer loans, such as credit cards and auto loans.
Since our last update of our ‘Three Tactical Rules’ on February 4, equity markets have been under pressure as the S&P 500 has retraced more than 23% of the rally that started October 2023.
The Federal Reserve concluded its second meeting of the year by keeping the federal funds rate (FFR) at 4.25-4.50%, as expected.
Most growth-focused advisors crave the next big marketing tactic, content platform, event idea, or growth “hack.” But after a decade of consulting RIAs on organic growth, I’ve seen firsthand that the biggest barriers to success aren’t what most people expect.
I’ve spent much of my career coaching and providing learning opportunities for those professionals who want to improve. This week I had an experience that moved me to write a column about the difficulty in opening one’s self up to being willing to be coached, and of making behavioral change.
Microsoft Corp., the biggest backer of Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and BlackRock Inc., which has an executive on the artificial intelligence startup’s board, are joining forces with one of its chief rivals.
Private equity firms are called that because they own stakes in the companies they buy. Today, this assumption is looking ever more outdated.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management LLC is cutting its stake in Meta Platforms Inc. for the first time in around a year, the latest sign of a downturn in fortunes for big US tech stocks.
Bond investors will look for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to hit just the right notes in his Wednesday remarks to keep up the momentum behind a rally in the $29 trillion Treasury market.
It’s not often you see big tech firms getting pushed around. Upstart Wiz Inc. has just squeezed Google owner Alphabet Inc. to pony up $32 billion for a privately owned five-year-old cybersecurity firm.
The Trump administration isn’t satisfied with the mayhem it has already inflicted on global trade and investment.
Value investing and emerging markets are not often associated with one another. Conventional wisdom says that emerging markets, with their rapidly developing economies and rising consumer classes, are naturally the hunting ground of growth-oriented investors.
Times have changed. Emails used to be read because information was valued. Now emails are ignored and even seen as a nuisance. Free information is everywhere, and it’s no longer trusted.
Two Sessions, or Lianghui, is the popular name for the annual meeting of China’s top legislative and consultative bodies. These gatherings are closely watched by overseas observers as they provide key insight into China’s political landscape, economic priorities and overall policy direction.
Customization is an integral part of direct indexing. The technology behind it can make or break the experience for clients and advisors alike. We dive into the features and functions that make the best tools.
As of the end of trading on Thursday, March 13, the S&P 500 closed down 10 percent from its all-time high, marking an official correction. It was the first correction since October 2023—17 months ago.
The Defined Outcome investment landscape is rapidly evolving, offering new opportunities for managing risk and return with greater precision.
One of the textbook drivers of alpha is an information edge. Having more information, advanced ways to use that information, and the ability to react to it before anyone else has been a massive advantage throughout the history of markets.
I recently celebrated another trip around the sun, which meant I couldn’t let the occasion pass without enjoying some birthday cake.
Several indicators used by fixed income investors to measure value have recently taken a positive turn, potentially flashing an entry-point opportunity for investors with money to put to work.
What does a "correction" mean, what's likely to happen next, and what can investors do now?
A time-honored belief holds that inflation is bad for stocks, but recent developments may be challenging this view.
The U.S. housing market has been a critical factor in the broader economic landscape, and its trends have profound implications.
Gas prices were down for a fourth straight week, hitting their lowest level in two months. As of March 17th, the price of regular and premium gas were down 1 and 2 cents from the previous week, respectively. The WTIC end-of-day spot price for crude oil closed at $67.373, up 2.0% from last week.
Although annuities can offer a guaranteed income stream in retirement, they come with significant risks and complexities. It's essential to thoroughly understand these products and consider whether they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Banks needed the right version of Donald Trump to justify their high-flying stock prices. They got the wrong one. The US president’s chaotic and aggressive performance during his first few weeks in the White House has shocked companies, put investment plans and deals on hold and threatens to drag the economy into recession.
Google parent Alphabet Inc. agreed to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz Inc. for $32 billion in cash, reaching a deal less than a year after initial negotiations fell apart because the cloud-computing startup wanted to stay independent.
For years, Federal Reserve meetings have been the main event on Wall Street as the central bank fought to contain runaway inflation.
US investment firms are rushing to grab a greater chunk of Europe’s market for active exchange-traded funds, an industry projected to grow to $1 trillion in assets over the coming years.
US housing starts rose in February by more than forecast after a weather-related plunge, led by a pickup in single-family home construction underpinned by builder incentives.
The share of US workers making a direct transition from one employer to another has slid near a four-year low, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, pointing to a weakening labor market.
I often encounter individuals struggling with financial stress – whether it's saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or paying down debt. To better understand these concerns, Barnum conducted a comprehensive study on the financial wellness of working Americans.
There’s nothing like a good sale to get people excited—unless that sale happens in the stock market. Instead of celebrating a chance to buy at a discount, investors panic, dump stocks, and brace for economic doom.
The wealth industry could be headed into an era of accelerated innovation, as advisory firms shift from zero to full speed ahead with artificial intelligence.
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, building permits fell for a third straight month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.456 million in February. This marks a 1.2% decrease from January and a 6.9% decline compared to one year ago.
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, housing starts jumped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.501 million in February. This marks an 11.2% increase from January but a 2.9% decline compared to one year ago.
Last week’s economic data was plagued by uncertainty. A brief respite in inflation pressures was overshadowed by sentiment concerns.
With market uncertainty abound in today's macro and geopolitical climate, Berkshire Hathaway hasn't been immune to the volatility.
Every so often we hear a theory that makes sense superficially but on closer examination doesn’t add up. The most recent one is that the Trump Administration wants a recession (or at least wouldn’t mind one) because interest rates would drop, making it easier to service the national debt.
Policies to support mainstream crypto adoption are underway.
The recent sell-off has certainly sparked concerns with investors but the NYSE advance-decline line is an important technical measure to watch. However, what is it, and why does it matter?
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director and Senior Investment Strategist Alex Cousley discussed recent developments in the trade war and the impact on markets. He also dug into the latest U.S. economic data and provided an update on investor sentiment.
Keep calm and carry on. Recent weeks have seen financial markets rattled by swirling news headlines, tariff whiplash, and rising economic uncertainty.
Unpredictable U.S. tariff policy has heightened concerns about a potential U.S. economic recession.
This morning’s retail sales report is a bit of relief. The economy, as of the end February, is not in free fall as the control group increase of 1.0% offset the same decline in January. Nevertheless, the underlying concerns that emerged over the last few days cannot be ignored.
The economy stands upon the edge of a knife as gold hits new highs. Plus, we review our predictions for gold and silver last year and provide our price predictions for 2025.
Five of the nine indexes on our world watch list have posted gains through March 17, 2025. Hong Kong's Hang Seng is in the top spot with a year to date gain of 23.05%. Germany's DAXK is in second with a year to date gain of 15.29% while France's CAC 40 is in third with a year to date gain of 9.20%.
One of the biggest challenges investors face today is navigating the most concentrated U.S. stock market in history, where the largest stocks represent a record share of total market value.
No matter how conversant one is with global security issues, it’s hard to fully grasp what that abyss would look like; Jacobsen accomplishes this formidable task by spending more than a decade with the dramatis personae in the history of nuclear weaponry.
Prices can continue to rise, until they don’t. Have we reached the point where they don’t?
Nominal retail sales in February were up 0.20% month-over-month (MoM) and 3.11% year-over-year (YoY). However, after adjusting for inflation, real retail sales were down 0.02% MoM and up 0.38% YoY.
Builder confidence fell for a second straight month as economic uncertainty, tariff threats, and elevated construction costs continue to weigh on sentiment. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) dropped to 39 this month, down 3 points from February and the lowest level since August. The latest reading was below the 42 forecast.
Digital tokenization of assets, made possible by the crypto-blockchain construct, can boost efficiency in the capital markets, thus greasing the wheels that drive the economy.
Manufacturing activity dropped significantly in New York State, according to the Empire State Manufacturing March survey. The diffusion index for General Business Conditions fell 25.7 points to -20.0, the lowest level since January 2024. The latest reading was worse than the forecast of -1.9.
Markets have been overwhelmed lately by the administration’s fast-paced and, many times, highly uncertain tariff measures.
Banks’ retreat is creating opportunity for investors.
Disappointing retail sales last month added to concerns of a pullback in consumer spending in the US, while a pair of business surveys suggested growing caution.
Richard Perry ran a hedge fund for almost three decades before closing it in 2016. Now he has decided it’s time for a comeback.
A decade after being engulfed by a controversy that culminated in multiple enforcement actions and a regulator clampdown, these off-exchange trading platforms are touting a way to buy and sell stocks that’s even more opaque.
Gen Z is right to have negative feelings about the economy. Not only were its oldest members entering the workforce as the pandemic struck, but those in their early to mid-20s are also now bearing the brunt of a labor market that’s largely been frozen in place for the past two years.
The tendency of stocks to produce all their gains at night, when markets are closed, and systematically lose money during the daylight hours, has baffled researchers for four decades and potentially put retail investors at a disadvantage.
The weekly leading economic index (WLEI) is a composite for the U.S economy that draws from over 20 time-series and groups them into the following six broad categories which are then used to construct an equally weighted average. As of March 7th, the index was at 14.416, down 3.785 from the previous week, with 5 of the 6 components in expansion territory.
When breakthroughs occur, researchers get the lion’s share of the credit. But they owe a big debt of gratitude to those who collect and organize the data with which insight is manufactured.
Understanding actual inflation – instead of what the media’s narrative tells you it should be – is critical to your investment planning. It is one thing for a pundit to say this or that, but it is another to look at the actual data for yourself.
The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for February showed a moderate rebound last month, with headline sales rising 0.2%. Meanwhile, January's figure was revised downward to a 1.2% loss. The latest data came in weaker than the anticipated 0.6% growth in consumer spending.
Recent economic data has been all over the map. Consumer confidence sank this month to the lowest level since November 2022, yet the labor market remains strong, with historically low unemployment and rising wages.
One thing we have seen underscored in 2025 is that the bond market can change its mind very quickly, particularly as it relates to policy emanating from Washington, D.C. Following President Trump’s election win, the dominant theme in the U.S. Treasury (UST) arena was that his Administration’s policies would lead to higher budget deficits, increasing UST supply and, ultimately, higher rates for maturities like the 10-Year yield.
Stocks rebounded on Wednesday as core inflation in the United States came in below consensus expectations and news of a possible 30-day truce in the Russia-Ukraine war emerged. Big tech stocks also recovered after flirting with bear-market territory earlier this week.
During the onset of the COVID crisis, I made a note to myself to write an update in five years to discuss what happened to the markets since that trying period of time. This week, I received a task alert in Salesforce reminding me to write that update.
News headlines this week have been dominated by recession fears in the U.S., with the S&P 500 and the Magnificent 7 shedding value. Yet, amid this rising uncertainty, a positive story is emerging—the performance of European markets.
The yield on the 10-year note ended March 14, 2025 at 4.31%. Meanwhile, the 2-year note ended at 4.02% and the 30-year note ended at 4.62%.
Cinthia Murphy, TMX VettaFi Investment Strategist interviews retirement expert and author of "Your Best Financial Life," Anne Lester. Anne will be hosting "Retirement: Communicating with (B)oomers to Gen(Z)," an engaging and exciting workshop at the Exchange conference in Las Vegas.
Global Markets
Market Insights: Q1 Performance and Innovation
Join our upcoming webinar for a comprehensive review of ROBO Global's flagship indices and their standout performers from the past quarter.
Zillow Home Value Index: "Real" Home Values Hit Lowest Level Since May 2021
In February, home values rose for the 23rd consecutive month, reaching a new all-time high, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. However, after adjusting for inflation, real home values declined for the 10th straight month, hitting their lowest level since May 2021.
The Fed's Financial Accounts: What Are Uncle Sam's Largest Assets?
When we think of the U.S. government's finances, we often focus on the massive debt. But what about the assets? What does Uncle Sam actually own, and which asset is the largest?
Nvidia Plans Massive Outlay on US-Made Electronics, FT Says
Nvidia Corp. aims to spend several hundred billion dollars to procure US-made chips and electronics over the next four years, the Financial Times reported.
EQT Returns $5.4 Billion to Investors After Education Bet Soars
EQT AB will return $5.4 billion to investors this week after completing the sale of a stake in Nord Anglia Education Ltd., marking one of the most profitable recent private equity exits in Asia, people familiar with the matter said.
Elon Musk’s X Raises Almost $1 Billion in New Equity Funding
Elon Musk’s social network X has raised close to $1 billion in new equity from investors, according to people with knowledge of the matter — a deal that gives the company a valuation in line with when Musk took it private in 2022.
Existing Home Sales Rebound 4.2% in February
Existing home sales rebounded in February with their largest monthly increase in a year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales rose 4.2% from January, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million units in February.
The Student Lending Mess Needs to Be Fixed
After years of poor decision-making, the federal government’s $1.64 trillion student loan program is in critical condition. Congress needs to stanch the bleeding — and give serious thought to overhauling this flawed system for the longer term.
The Federal Reserve Is Driving Blind
On the predictable side, the Fed kept policy rates in a range of 4.25%-4.5%, and the rate-setting committee pledged to slow the pace at which it’s allowing securities to roll off its balance sheet.
Philly Fed Manufacturing Index: Activity Continued to Expand in March
The latest Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index showed continued expansion though activity declined. In March, the index fell to 12.5 from 18.1 in February, the second consecutive monthly drop. The latest reading was higher than the forecast of 8.8.
Stupidity And The 5-Laws Not To Follow
Human stupidity is the one thing you can rely on in financial markets. I recently read a great piece by Joe Wiggins at Behavioral Investment, which discusses why “Investing is hard.”
From the Beltway to Main St.: Certain Uncertainty
In the understatement of 2025 thus far, the headlines emanating from Washington, D.C., have been fast and furious. Whether they be tariff-related, involving federal government cuts or geopolitical in nature, there has been a headline for many facets that investors could think of.
A Future Uncertain: Recession Coming?
Recession fears have risen sharply of late as economic soft data have rolled over, upping the risk that hard data start to catch down.
Can European Equities Regain Footing amid Global Adversity?
European equities have started 2025 on a positive note. Several factors could help support the market overcome challenging conditions.
GMO 7-Year Asset Class Forecast: February 2025
GMO has posted a new 7-Year asset class forecast as of February 28, 2025.
Your Ship Finally Came In. Now What?
Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.
March Madness in the Bond Market
A creative look at the parallels between March Madness and the bond market.
Rethinking Diversification – Alternative Downside Risk Management
On March 11, Russell Investments hosted a webinar examining the challenges and opportunities presented by alternative diversifiers, including strategies for incorporating these solutions into portfolios.
Peering Under the Hood of Auto and Credit Card ABS: Insights into US Consumer Resilience
In this week’s edition, we shift our focus to another critical segment of the ABS market: those tied to consumer loans, such as credit cards and auto loans.
Tactical Rules Turn More Bullish
Since our last update of our ‘Three Tactical Rules’ on February 4, equity markets have been under pressure as the S&P 500 has retraced more than 23% of the rally that started October 2023.
Fed’s Interest Rate Decision: March 19, 2025
The Federal Reserve concluded its second meeting of the year by keeping the federal funds rate (FFR) at 4.25-4.50%, as expected.
The No. 1 Growth Mistake Advisors Keep Making
Most growth-focused advisors crave the next big marketing tactic, content platform, event idea, or growth “hack.” But after a decade of consulting RIAs on organic growth, I’ve seen firsthand that the biggest barriers to success aren’t what most people expect.
The Painful Experience of Being Coached
I’ve spent much of my career coaching and providing learning opportunities for those professionals who want to improve. This week I had an experience that moved me to write a column about the difficulty in opening one’s self up to being willing to be coached, and of making behavioral change.
Musk’s xAI Startup Joins Microsoft-BlackRock $30 Billion AI Fund
Microsoft Corp., the biggest backer of Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and BlackRock Inc., which has an executive on the artificial intelligence startup’s board, are joining forces with one of its chief rivals.
Private Equity Firms Are Getting Rid of Their Equity
Private equity firms are called that because they own stakes in the companies they buy. Today, this assumption is looking ever more outdated.
Cathie Wood Sells Meta Shares for First Time in Nearly a Year
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management LLC is cutting its stake in Meta Platforms Inc. for the first time in around a year, the latest sign of a downturn in fortunes for big US tech stocks.
Investors Look for Fed’s Take on Growth After US Bond Rally
Bond investors will look for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to hit just the right notes in his Wednesday remarks to keep up the momentum behind a rally in the $29 trillion Treasury market.
Google's $32 Billion for Cloud Upstart Is a Leap of Faith
It’s not often you see big tech firms getting pushed around. Upstart Wiz Inc. has just squeezed Google owner Alphabet Inc. to pony up $32 billion for a privately owned five-year-old cybersecurity firm.
Europe’s VAT Hurts the US? Retaliate With a VAT
The Trump administration isn’t satisfied with the mayhem it has already inflicted on global trade and investment.
Revisiting Seven Sources of Value in Emerging Markets
Value investing and emerging markets are not often associated with one another. Conventional wisdom says that emerging markets, with their rapidly developing economies and rising consumer classes, are naturally the hunting ground of growth-oriented investors.
Email – Where Your Sale Goes to Die
Times have changed. Emails used to be read because information was valued. Now emails are ignored and even seen as a nuisance. Free information is everywhere, and it’s no longer trusted.
China Stimulus: Better Luck Next Year
Two Sessions, or Lianghui, is the popular name for the annual meeting of China’s top legislative and consultative bodies. These gatherings are closely watched by overseas observers as they provide key insight into China’s political landscape, economic priorities and overall policy direction.
How to Put the Power of Direct Indexing at Your Fingertips
Customization is an integral part of direct indexing. The technology behind it can make or break the experience for clients and advisors alike. We dive into the features and functions that make the best tools.
The Market Has Corrected: What’s Ahead?
As of the end of trading on Thursday, March 13, the S&P 500 closed down 10 percent from its all-time high, marking an official correction. It was the first correction since October 2023—17 months ago.
A Deep Dive into Buffered ETFs
The Defined Outcome investment landscape is rapidly evolving, offering new opportunities for managing risk and return with greater precision.
How To Invest with Clarity Through Market Volatility
One of the textbook drivers of alpha is an information edge. Having more information, advanced ways to use that information, and the ability to react to it before anyone else has been a massive advantage throughout the history of markets.
Doing More With the Same: The Power of OCIO
I recently celebrated another trip around the sun, which meant I couldn’t let the occasion pass without enjoying some birthday cake.
Relative Value Metrics
Several indicators used by fixed income investors to measure value have recently taken a positive turn, potentially flashing an entry-point opportunity for investors with money to put to work.
Market Correction: What Does It Mean?
What does a "correction" mean, what's likely to happen next, and what can investors do now?
Equities as an Inflation Hedge?
A time-honored belief holds that inflation is bad for stocks, but recent developments may be challenging this view.
The U.S. Housing Market: Risks, Realities, and the Road Ahead
The U.S. housing market has been a critical factor in the broader economic landscape, and its trends have profound implications.
Gasoline Prices Down for Fourth Straight Week
Gas prices were down for a fourth straight week, hitting their lowest level in two months. As of March 17th, the price of regular and premium gas were down 1 and 2 cents from the previous week, respectively. The WTIC end-of-day spot price for crude oil closed at $67.373, up 2.0% from last week.
Are Annuities Right for Retirement?
Although annuities can offer a guaranteed income stream in retirement, they come with significant risks and complexities. It's essential to thoroughly understand these products and consider whether they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Investment Bankers Finally Start to Take Trump Literally
Banks needed the right version of Donald Trump to justify their high-flying stock prices. They got the wrong one. The US president’s chaotic and aggressive performance during his first few weeks in the White House has shocked companies, put investment plans and deals on hold and threatens to drag the economy into recession.
Google Agrees to Buy Cloud Security Firm Wiz for $32 Billion
Google parent Alphabet Inc. agreed to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz Inc. for $32 billion in cash, reaching a deal less than a year after initial negotiations fell apart because the cloud-computing startup wanted to stay independent.
Fed Day Takes on New Meaning in Stock Market Transfixed by Trump
For years, Federal Reserve meetings have been the main event on Wall Street as the central bank fought to contain runaway inflation.
Wall Street Firms Plunge Into Europe’s Booming Active ETF Market
US investment firms are rushing to grab a greater chunk of Europe’s market for active exchange-traded funds, an industry projected to grow to $1 trillion in assets over the coming years.
New US Home Construction Rebounds After Storm-Ridden Month
US housing starts rose in February by more than forecast after a weather-related plunge, led by a pickup in single-family home construction underpinned by builder incentives.
Direct Job Switches Near Four-Year Low in Sign of Weak US Market
The share of US workers making a direct transition from one employer to another has slid near a four-year low, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, pointing to a weakening labor market.
Empowering Clients Through Financial Guidance
I often encounter individuals struggling with financial stress – whether it's saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or paying down debt. To better understand these concerns, Barnum conducted a comprehensive study on the financial wellness of working Americans.
Tariffs and the Stock Market: Resist Panic, Reach for Patience
There’s nothing like a good sale to get people excited—unless that sale happens in the stock market. Instead of celebrating a chance to buy at a discount, investors panic, dump stocks, and brace for economic doom.
The AI Race in Wealth Management is About to Speed Up
The wealth industry could be headed into an era of accelerated innovation, as advisory firms shift from zero to full speed ahead with artificial intelligence.
Building Permits Fall 1.2% in February
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, building permits fell for a third straight month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.456 million in February. This marks a 1.2% decrease from January and a 6.9% decline compared to one year ago.
Housing Starts Jump 11.2% in February
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, housing starts jumped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.501 million in February. This marks an 11.2% increase from January but a 2.9% decline compared to one year ago.
Weekly Economic Snapshot: Inflation Relief Tempered by Sentiment Concerns
Last week’s economic data was plagued by uncertainty. A brief respite in inflation pressures was overshadowed by sentiment concerns.
Bulls & Bears Weigh in On Berkshire Hathaway
With market uncertainty abound in today's macro and geopolitical climate, Berkshire Hathaway hasn't been immune to the volatility.
A Recession Wouldn't Help the Budget
Every so often we hear a theory that makes sense superficially but on closer examination doesn’t add up. The most recent one is that the Trump Administration wants a recession (or at least wouldn’t mind one) because interest rates would drop, making it easier to service the national debt.
Spreading Stablecoins
Policies to support mainstream crypto adoption are underway.
NYSE A/D Line: A Topping Process In Progress?
The recent sell-off has certainly sparked concerns with investors but the NYSE advance-decline line is an important technical measure to watch. However, what is it, and why does it matter?
Volatility Returns With a Vengeance
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director and Senior Investment Strategist Alex Cousley discussed recent developments in the trade war and the impact on markets. He also dug into the latest U.S. economic data and provided an update on investor sentiment.
Putting the Recent Volatility Into Perspective
Keep calm and carry on. Recent weeks have seen financial markets rattled by swirling news headlines, tariff whiplash, and rising economic uncertainty.
Schwab Market Perspective: Recession Risk Rising?
Unpredictable U.S. tariff policy has heightened concerns about a potential U.S. economic recession.
Tariffs Shake Markets as Sentiment Plummets
This morning’s retail sales report is a bit of relief. The economy, as of the end February, is not in free fall as the control group increase of 1.0% offset the same decline in January. Nevertheless, the underlying concerns that emerged over the last few days cannot be ignored.
Gold Outlook 2025 Brief
The economy stands upon the edge of a knife as gold hits new highs. Plus, we review our predictions for gold and silver last year and provide our price predictions for 2025.
World Markets Watchlist: March 17, 2025
Five of the nine indexes on our world watch list have posted gains through March 17, 2025. Hong Kong's Hang Seng is in the top spot with a year to date gain of 23.05%. Germany's DAXK is in second with a year to date gain of 15.29% while France's CAC 40 is in third with a year to date gain of 9.20%.
How To Survive Falling Markets
One of the biggest challenges investors face today is navigating the most concentrated U.S. stock market in history, where the largest stocks represent a record share of total market value.
Oracle of the Apocalypse
No matter how conversant one is with global security issues, it’s hard to fully grasp what that abyss would look like; Jacobsen accomplishes this formidable task by spending more than a decade with the dramatis personae in the history of nuclear weaponry.
The Math Behind Earnings Growth Does Not Support High Stock Prices
Prices can continue to rise, until they don’t. Have we reached the point where they don’t?
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Retail Sales Flat in February
Nominal retail sales in February were up 0.20% month-over-month (MoM) and 3.11% year-over-year (YoY). However, after adjusting for inflation, real retail sales were down 0.02% MoM and up 0.38% YoY.
NAHB Housing Market Index: Uncertainty Drags Builder Confidence to 7-Month Low
Builder confidence fell for a second straight month as economic uncertainty, tariff threats, and elevated construction costs continue to weigh on sentiment. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) dropped to 39 this month, down 3 points from February and the lowest level since August. The latest reading was below the 42 forecast.
Tokenization: The New Frontier for Capital Markets
Digital tokenization of assets, made possible by the crypto-blockchain construct, can boost efficiency in the capital markets, thus greasing the wheels that drive the economy.
Empire State Manufacturing Survey: Activity Dropped Significantly in March
Manufacturing activity dropped significantly in New York State, according to the Empire State Manufacturing March survey. The diffusion index for General Business Conditions fell 25.7 points to -20.0, the lowest level since January 2024. The latest reading was worse than the forecast of -1.9.
Tariffs Noise Hides Positive Inflation Developments
Markets have been overwhelmed lately by the administration’s fast-paced and, many times, highly uncertain tariff measures.
Europe: The Next Frontier in Asset-Based Finance
Banks’ retreat is creating opportunity for investors.
Disappointing Retail Sales Add to Concerns About US Outlook
Disappointing retail sales last month added to concerns of a pullback in consumer spending in the US, while a pair of business surveys suggested growing caution.
Richard Perry Returns to Hedge Funds After a Nine-Year Hiatus
Richard Perry ran a hedge fund for almost three decades before closing it in 2016. Now he has decided it’s time for a comeback.
Darker Than a Dark Pool? Welcome to Wall Street’s ‘Private Rooms’
A decade after being engulfed by a controversy that culminated in multiple enforcement actions and a regulator clampdown, these off-exchange trading platforms are touting a way to buy and sell stocks that’s even more opaque.
Gen Z’s Job Recession Needs Urgent Attention
Gen Z is right to have negative feelings about the economy. Not only were its oldest members entering the workforce as the pandemic struck, but those in their early to mid-20s are also now bearing the brunt of a labor market that’s largely been frozen in place for the past two years.
We Still Need to Find Out Why Stocks Gains Come at Night
The tendency of stocks to produce all their gains at night, when markets are closed, and systematically lose money during the daylight hours, has baffled researchers for four decades and potentially put retail investors at a disadvantage.
RecessionAlert Weekly Leading Economic Index
The weekly leading economic index (WLEI) is a composite for the U.S economy that draws from over 20 time-series and groups them into the following six broad categories which are then used to construct an equally weighted average. As of March 7th, the index was at 14.416, down 3.785 from the previous week, with 5 of the 6 components in expansion territory.
Sustaining Economic Statistics
When breakthroughs occur, researchers get the lion’s share of the credit. But they owe a big debt of gratitude to those who collect and organize the data with which insight is manufactured.
The Inflationista Illuminati
Understanding actual inflation – instead of what the media’s narrative tells you it should be – is critical to your investment planning. It is one thing for a pundit to say this or that, but it is another to look at the actual data for yourself.
Retail Sales Rise 0.2% in February, Weaker Than Expected
The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for February showed a moderate rebound last month, with headline sales rising 0.2%. Meanwhile, January's figure was revised downward to a 1.2% loss. The latest data came in weaker than the anticipated 0.6% growth in consumer spending.
Gold Smashes Through $3,000 as Recession Fears Mount
Recent economic data has been all over the map. Consumer confidence sank this month to the lowest level since November 2022, yet the labor market remains strong, with historically low unemployment and rising wages.
Discounting the D.C. Effect in the Bond Market
One thing we have seen underscored in 2025 is that the bond market can change its mind very quickly, particularly as it relates to policy emanating from Washington, D.C. Following President Trump’s election win, the dominant theme in the U.S. Treasury (UST) arena was that his Administration’s policies would lead to higher budget deficits, increasing UST supply and, ultimately, higher rates for maturities like the 10-Year yield.
Economic Vitals Stay Strong Amid Trade Dustup
Stocks rebounded on Wednesday as core inflation in the United States came in below consensus expectations and news of a possible 30-day truce in the Russia-Ukraine war emerged. Big tech stocks also recovered after flirting with bear-market territory earlier this week.
One of Those Times
During the onset of the COVID crisis, I made a note to myself to write an update in five years to discuss what happened to the markets since that trying period of time. This week, I received a task alert in Salesforce reminding me to write that update.
Europe – A Bright Spot Amid Market Uncertainty
News headlines this week have been dominated by recession fears in the U.S., with the S&P 500 and the Magnificent 7 shedding value. Yet, amid this rising uncertainty, a positive story is emerging—the performance of European markets.
Treasury Yields Snapshot: March 14, 2025
The yield on the 10-year note ended March 14, 2025 at 4.31%. Meanwhile, the 2-year note ended at 4.02% and the 30-year note ended at 4.62%.
The Road to Exchange: Featuring Anne Lester
Cinthia Murphy, TMX VettaFi Investment Strategist interviews retirement expert and author of "Your Best Financial Life," Anne Lester. Anne will be hosting "Retirement: Communicating with (B)oomers to Gen(Z)," an engaging and exciting workshop at the Exchange conference in Las Vegas.