Featured

While addressing a room full of bankers and so-called financial engineers in the aftermath of the 2007 financial crisis, Paul Volcker stated that the biggest innovation in finance in the last 20 years was the humble yet extremely convenient ATM.

As we start to decipher what 2021 entails, there are increasing variances to the dynamics experienced in 2020. The positively correlated economic recovery remains in focus as coronavirus vaccine roll outs and inoculations are set to rise throughout 2021.

As we start to decipher what 2021 entails, there are increasing variances to the dynamics experienced in 2020. The positively correlated economic recovery remains in focus as coronavirus vaccine roll outs and inoculations are set to rise throughout 2021.

On an absolute basis, many markets and financial assets seem expensive relative to historic levels. However, as Barclays Capital notes, “Valuations may be detached from fundamentals but not reality.” Cash levels are enormous and numerous investors undoubtedly are sheltering in “safe” assets.

To put it lightly, the stock market this week was unforgettable. The “short interest” revolt traced back to the wallstreetbets thread on Reddit caused companies like GameStop, Nokia, AMC Entertainment, Naked Brands, and Blackberry shares to rise steeply.

To put it lightly, the stock market this week was unforgettable. The “short interest” revolt traced back to the wallstreetbets thread on Reddit caused companies like GameStop, Nokia, AMC Entertainment, Naked Brands, and Blackberry shares to rise steeply.

During the past couple of weeks, I have discussed the rising levels of exuberance in the markets. Importantly, that exuberance combined with surging margin debt levels warns of an impending correction.

During the past couple of weeks, I have discussed the rising levels of exuberance in the markets. Importantly, that exuberance combined with surging margin debt levels warns of an impending correction.