Economic Insights

Geopolitical Risk Could Sideline The Fed

“Geopolitical Risk” could well be a reason for the Fed to slow-roll tightening monetary policy in March. With Russia invading Ukraine, such would not be the first time that the Fed used “geopolitical risk” to remain cautious on changes to monetary policy.

Russia Boosts US Energy Sector

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a stylized pyramid with food and shelter at the base and self-actualization at the top. Maslow wasn’t around to contemplate where ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) aspirations sit on his pyramid, but he would likely have placed them near the summit. The people and institutions most sensitive to ESG have already satisfied the other needs on the pyramid.

Russia Boosts US Energy Sector

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a stylized pyramid with food and shelter at the base and self-actualization at the top. Maslow wasn’t around to contemplate where ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) aspirations sit on his pyramid, but he would likely have placed them near the summit. The people and institutions most sensitive to ESG have already satisfied the other needs on the pyramid.

Earnings Estimates Will Disappoint As Fed Tightens Policy

Earnings estimates are more deviated from long-term growth trends than at any point in history. As a result, analysts and Wall Street are overly optimistic as the Fed tightens monetary policy against a potentially disinflationary environment.

Earnings Estimates Will Disappoint As Fed Tightens Policy

Earnings estimates are more deviated from long-term growth trends than at any point in history. As a result, analysts and Wall Street are overly optimistic as the Fed tightens monetary policy against a potentially disinflationary environment.

Economic Stagnation Arrives As “Sugar Rush” Fades

Economic stagnation arrives as expected as the "Sugar Rush" of liquidity continues to fade from the system.

“Climanomics”: How Retail Investors Can Make an Impact on Climate Change

The year 2022 has started off painfully with equities selling off amid slowing growth prospects, Federal Reserve hinting at rate hikes, persistent inflation, and looming COVID dislocations. Even though US growth rates for 2021 were the highest since 1984, the broader equity market continues to sell off with the S&P 500 Index approaching correction territory (YTD). In tangent, the broader bond market continues to feel the convexity pains of increasing interest rates while commodity prices hit some of the highest levels since 2014. Market volatility remains at the forefront as markets continue to quest for equilibrium.

Why Iron Ore Prices Mean More Than You Think

If you were a commodities-focused investor and had success over the last decade, iron probably had something to do with your performance. Indeed, according to this chart from S&P Global Platts below, iron ore futures "drastically" outperformed most other metals and mining equities since 2015.

Newsletter

Don't miss

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.

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.