Dollar strength

“Grub first, then ethics.”

The Democratic Party lost the election because of deteriorating economic conditions. The majority of voters are not better off than they were four years ago.
The electorate understood that policies implemented by the previous administration were slowing growth and inflating the economy. Voters knew their personal economic prospects were deteriorating and that increased indebtedness, aggressive government spending, and the money printed to pay for it were the cause of their livelihoods’ destruction. They also knew that another four years of the same policies would inevitably result in higher taxation.

“Grub first, then ethics.” Read More »

“The greatest threat facing humanity is a radical Islamist regime meeting up with nuclear weapons.”

The S&P 500 traded to yet another all-time high last week: $5,878. The benchmark closed Friday at $5,865, up 0.9% on the week, while the Dow rose 1%, and the NASDAQ was up 0.8%. The U.S. equity market performance marked the 6th straight week of gains––the longest winning streak of the year.
This should surprise no one. This is an unsurpassed, debt-fueled, inflationary growth cycle.
Gold, too, is at another all-time high ($2,749.)
70% of S&P 500 companies reported earnings, and 75% beat expectations, which (truthfully) were marked down over the last month––so, essentially, coming in close to expectations (+6%).
Treasury yields continue to climb and have done so since Powell cut the Fed funds rate on September 18th. This confirms that the financial system, the economy, and markets do not require more stimulus at a time when debt and deficits, along with robust consumer spending and a growing labor force, are providing ample liquidity. 10y Treasuries were bought at 3.595% the day before (3.595%) and have risen to 4.217%. That’s a yield increase of +0.62%.

“The greatest threat facing humanity is a radical Islamist regime meeting up with nuclear weapons.” Read More »