Economic Insights

Catalyst/Rational Instant Reaction: Fed Raises Rates 50 Bps; Takes 75 bp Hike Off Table for June

Catalyst and Rational investment teams initial reaction to today’s 50 bps rate hike from the Federal Reserve and the subsequent Q&A session.

Buying Stocks Is Easy, Selling Is The Hard: 7 Rules to Manage Risk

Buying stocks is easy; the hard part is knowing when to sell. I read an excellent article recently by Michael Batnick on his trials and tribulations in owning a stock. To wit:

Buying Stocks Is Easy, Selling Is The Hard: 7 Rules to Manage Risk

Buying stocks is easy; the hard part is knowing when to sell. I read an excellent article recently by Michael Batnick on his trials and tribulations in owning a stock. To wit:

Is Mining the Next Shale?

Before there were Saudis – there were Texans. In 1948, U.S. oil production and reserves accounted for 64 percent and 34 percent of the global total. Texas was the largest U.S. producer by far, accounting for 45 percent of total U.S. production.

The Gray Rhinos: The Long-Term Investment that Hedges Tactical Volatility Opportunities

Last week inflation reached its highest level since 1981 (CPI MoM = 8.5%), aligning with the whirlwind of macro, policy, geopolitical, and social uncertainty, putting downside pressure across asset classes throughout 2022.

The Gray Rhinos: The Long-Term Investment that Hedges Tactical Volatility Opportunities

Last week inflation reached its highest level since 1981 (CPI MoM = 8.5%), aligning with the whirlwind of macro, policy, geopolitical, and social uncertainty, putting downside pressure across asset classes throughout 2022.

Don’t Fight the Fed

Investors concerned about the prospect of future interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve may find it beneficial to review the historical performance of balanced portfolios during previous periods of rising interest rates.

Don’t Fight the Fed

Investors concerned about the prospect of future interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve may find it beneficial to review the historical performance of balanced portfolios during previous periods of rising interest rates.

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Can Markets Keep Their Cool? July 2025 HANDLS Monthly Report

Politics Trumps the Numbers, Can Markets Keep Their Cool?

The Calm Before the Storm: A Volatility Pro’s Reflection on Markets at All-Time Highs

We’ve lived this movie before. Last August, AAII bullish sentiment struck a 52-week high right before the Fed launched its September rate cutting cycle.

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

An options trader’s perspective on why the “fear index” is actually your portfolio’s best friend

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

For those curious about how a volatility trader who also manages portfolios thinks, let me cut through the noise.

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.