CPI

“There is an inevitable divergence, attributed to the imperfections of the human mind, between the world as it is and the world as men perceive it.”

Stimulus remains ample, and Mr. Powell was more dovish than even the most strident risk asset bulls anticipated. Government activism in the economy and capital market and economy remain and are accelerating.
The performance of the U.S. equity and credit markets is excellent, and they are aggressively testing the Fed, which doesn’t see the threat unless, of course, they see something that we don’t. Three cuts are still expected in 2024. Stocks should remain encouraged but for how long?

“There is an inevitable divergence, attributed to the imperfections of the human mind, between the world as it is and the world as men perceive it.” Read More »

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many…”

75% of the Perry Capital Portfolio remains AAA-rated, very short maturity, and very liquid securities.
I remain underweight in the equity market because the valuation metrics of risk assets are not discounting for
persistent inflation, higher funding rates, and a slowing economy to the degree necessary to be attractive.

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many…” Read More »

“If not for you, my sky would fall. Rain would gather, too. Without your love…”

75% of the Perry Capital Portfolio remains in AAA-rated, very short maturity, and very liquid securities.
I remain extremely underweight the equity market because the valuation metrics of risk assets are not
discounting for persistent inflation and a slowing economy to the degree necessary to be attractive.

“If not for you, my sky would fall. Rain would gather, too. Without your love…” Read More »

“Equity fund managers always tell you what’s going to go right, but what risk managers want to know…

The Perry Capital Portfolio remains unchanged (75% cash.) 50% of the portfolio is in the money market. The
T-Bill position remains at 25% of portfolio assets. Long Treasuries represent 10% of the portfolio. The
S&P 500 is also a 10% position. So far, everything is up. My small Silver and Bitcoin positions have been good
performers for the start of the year. Lower long-term funding rates are the key to the whole puzzle. We’ll
know more about that on February 1st.

“Equity fund managers always tell you what’s going to go right, but what risk managers want to know… Read More »

“Everything we see hides another thing; we always want to see what is hidden…”

An old axiom in finance posits that averages hide more than they reveal. It’s true and supported by history,
as is the view that consensus forecasts will be wrong. The above quote (“Everything we see hides another
thing; we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.”), from the great Belgian artist Rene Magritte,
captures that axiom. Magritte’s art challenges the observer’s preconditioned perceptions of reality, as do
markets and large swaths of market strategy.

“Everything we see hides another thing; we always want to see what is hidden…” Read More »