Should stock investors be concerned about the signals coming from the bond market? Trade tensions were the biggest reason stocks suffered their first down month of 2019 in May, but worrisome signals from the bond market contributed. This week we look at what the bond market signals mean for the stock market and examine the disconnect between the bond market and economic and stock market fundamentals
Ben had a hunch. One day, he set out to prove it. How glad we are that he ignored any detractors – how glad we are that he flew that kite that stormy June day! For in a flash of inspiration, Ben Franklin confirmed that indeed, lightning is electricity. . .
Our favorite leading indicators are signaling that futher economic growth and stock market gain may lie ahead. With the economic cycle celebrating a record tenth birthday this summer, the big question is how much longer can the expansion go? This week, we will look at our Five Forecasters for late-cycle warnings. Historically, these indicators—which are summarized in our Recession Watch Dashboard—have collectively signaled a transition to the later stages of the economic cycle and an increased potential of an oncoming recession and bear market.
Earnings season delivered as expected. With 92% of results for S&P 500 Index companies in the books, first quarter 2019 earnings are tracking to roughly flat with the prior year [Figure 1]. While flat earnings don’t sound impressive, we consider it a victory given consensus estimates were calling for a 4–5% decline when earnings season began (source: FactSet). Here, we recap the numbers and provide some key takeaways from earnings season. . .
After months of relative quiet, the trade war between the U.S. and China has erupted again in a big way. The markets are the most immediate casualty, with the Dow plunging over 600 points on Monday alone.1 In all likelihood, you’re probably more focused on things like spring cleaning, your upcoming summer plans, and the end of Game of Thrones. My job in this letter is to briefly explain what’s going on, what matters, what doesn’t, and why you can go back to focusing on those other things.
U.S.-China trade tensions escalated last week. President Trump increased tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports to the United States from 10% to 25% and has threatened to put 25% tariffs on an additional $325 billion of Chinese goods—a process that could begin this week, though it would take a couple of months to implement.
