Markets on pause, expectations in motion
Week of August 18–22 The third week of August was marked by a modest flow of economic data, yet key signals began to shape the global monetary outlook. In the U.S., housing starts and building permits posted moderate gains, while the Fed minutes revealed ongoing concerns about inflation. Powell’s latest remarks hinted that conditions may […]
Market eyes Jackson Hole amid mixed inflation data.
The U.S. inflation report for July showed mixed signals. Headline CPI held steady at 2.7% year-over-year, while core inflation rose to 3.1%, up from 2.9% the previous month. This shift reinforces market focus on the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium and the Fed’s September decision. Other relevant highlights: The Fed continues to monitor the impact of […]
Trade tensions and mixed signals dominate the economic landscape
Week of August 11–15 This week, global markets reacted to a series of mixed developments. In the U.S., President Trump extended by 90 days the implementation of new tariffs on China, keeping the current 30% and 10% levels unchanged. July’s inflation came in slightly below expectations at 2.7%, driven by housing costs. In Europe, German […]
Between tariffs, rates, and inflation, August begins with divided signals in the markets.
Week of August 4–8 The month kicks off with trade tensions and monetary policy adjustments. The first week of August brings key monetary policy decisions, new tariffs, and mixed signals from major economies. Here’s a country-by-country recap: “The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.” […]
Why does August tend to be a challenging month for markets?
Investors often focus on corporate earnings reports, inflation, or central bank decisions, but there is another factor that also influences markets: seasonality. Historically, August has been one of the weakest months for financial performance. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged near-zero or negative returns. In pre-election years or after a strong summer, the pattern […]
Solid growth in the U.S. and Mexico, while key tariff truces remain in place.
Week of July 28 to August 1 Tariff truces, steady rates, and solid growth in the U.S. and Mexico Global markets start the week with mixed but constructive signals. Below is a brief country-by-country summary: “It’s not whether you’re right or wrong that matters, but how much money you make when you’re right and how […]
Fed’s July Meeting: No Changes, but Signs of Slowdown
July Fed Monetary Policy Statement As markets anticipated, the Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, maintaining the target range at 4.25%–4.50%. Unlike the more optimistic tone in June, this time the Fed acknowledged a slowdown in economic activity during the first half of the year. While the labor market remains strong and unemployment […]
Trade and Mixed Data: Signs of Stability in the U.S. and China
Solid U.S. labor market, trade deals with Asia, and monetary pauses in Europe and China. Week of July 21–25 Global Outlook: Stability Amid Mixed Signals Recent data and key announcements from both developed and emerging markets reveal a landscape of resilience with a few areas of concern. Here are the most relevant highlights from the week: […]
Although President Trump has criticized the Fed, the legal basis for dismissal appears weak
Despite recent criticisms from former President Donald Trump toward the Federal Reserve (Fed), the possibility of an early removal of Fed Chair Jerome Powell seems limited. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 does not grant the Executive Branch the authority to dismiss its officials due to disagreements over monetary policy. In addition, a recent Supreme […]
Inflation edges up, solid earnings reports, and signs of economic resilience
Week of July 14–18 A key week for markets, marked by economic data, fiscal decisions, and mixed signals across the globe. Investors closely monitored inflation, consumption, and growth figures. Here are some of the most relevant developments: “ Far more money has been lost by investors trying to anticipate corrections, than lost in the corrections […]
