Category: Commentary

Bank of Japan and U.S. GDP disappoint. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) held interest rates steady, surprising markets that had expected a cut deeper into negative territory. The yen rose sharply and the Nikkei Index sank on the news. China’s … Continue reading →

As was expected, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policymaking arm, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), decided to keep rates unchanged at the conclusion of their two-day meeting. With no press conference from Fed Chair Janet Yellen and no new set … Continue reading →

The Japanese economy has often been referred to as “Japan Inc.” due to the dominance of large industrial conglomerates, known in as the keiretsu, and the influence of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). That agency, called “Mighty” … Continue reading →

Nasdaq futures lead markets lower after little change yesterday. Stocks were near flat on Tuesday, as energy and materials were the only significant movers, both boosted by a 2.9% advance in the price of WTI crude oil. Nasdaq futures are … Continue reading →

Earnings season isn’t setting the world on fire, but overall, it seems to be coming in about where most analysts expected. Here is what our earnings expert and market strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder had to say about earnings season so far: … Continue reading →

Markets begin week with mild losses. Equities finished Monday’s session slightly lower as investors await Wednesday’s Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) decision and any comments pertaining to the potential path toward rate normalization. Energy stocks, which closed down 1.1%, were further … Continue reading →

A recent Gallup poll showed that the percentage of U.S. adults invested in the stock market was at a 19-year low. With the S&P 500 2% away from a new all-time high (and already at a new high on a … Continue reading →

Major averages split as Nasdaq underperforms. A series of disappointing quarterly reports from some of the technology sector’s largest companies led the Nasdaq lower on Friday, even as the S&P 500 and Dow finished with nominal gains. Financials and energy … Continue reading →

Since the February lows, equities have been in a very impressive bullish trend. As we noted in our Weekly Market Commentary, “Taking Stock After the Rally,” this week, the S&P 500 gained more than 14% in 9 weeks. This is … Continue reading →

Markets post first negative close of the week. Equities broke a short winning streak on Thursday, as investors turned cautious after a dip in oil and mixed earnings reports. High dividend stocks were hammered again, as utilities and telecom both … Continue reading →