Economic Insights

My 50-Cents – Fed Analysis from Leland Abrams of Wynkoop, LLC

The Federal Reserve Board cut their benchmark rate this week by 50 bps to a new range of 4.75% - 5.00%.  They indicated this...

A Summer Surge: August 2024 HANDLS Monthly Report

After a challenging July that saw investors sell off high-flying technology stocks, buyers returned to the market in August, bidding up risk assets across the board.

Where are the Hidden Risks in Your Portfolio Currently? Plus, an idea.

Allocators add new exposures for a variety of reasons; diversification, returns, risk mitigation, etc. Understanding this, what is the most over-owned and expensive sector today?

Consumer Spending: Are Consumers Tapped Out or Pushing Back?

Consumer Spending: Are Consumers Tapped Out or Pushing Back?  Key Summary: Sentiment towards the consumer and spending is about as negative as I’ve seen. Assets...

Knocked Down Inflation: July 2024 HANDLS Monthly Report

After a red-hot June built on expectations that the Federal Reserve may succeed at killing inflation without killing the economy, July saw investors begin to question the soft-landing narrative.

Carry Traders Get Carried Out

It looks like a big margin call started in Japan. The Japanese Yen has become a funding currency in recent years, a source of cheap financing with the proceeds reinvested in better returning assets – such as US$ listed AI stocks.

Small Cap Catch-Up: Market Reset?

This week marks the beginning of a significant earnings season, with reports expected from several major companies including NFLX, ASML, JNJ, BA, MS, UNH, TSM, and GS.

June Retail Sales Report Leads to More Questions

Today's retail sales release has us scratching our heads. The posted number showed strong retail sales for the month of June (ex-autos) with the control...

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The Ripple Effect: How Smart Money Uses the VIX to Beat Market Panic

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The Volatility Trader’s Reality Check: Markets Do What Markets Do

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Navigating Trade Winds: HANDLS Indexes Showcase Resiliency in May 2025

The HANDLS Indexes Monthly Income Report for May 2025 underscores notable recoveries across sectors, propelled by easing tariff and trade uncertainties.

Navigating Multi-Factor Market Volatility: A Portfolio Manager’s Guide

Current market conditions present a complex web of interconnected risks that demand careful analysis and strategic positioning.

Markets Gone Wild: April 2025 HANDLS Monthly Report

April 2025 delivered a dramatic episode in what has already been a year marked by heightened volatility.