Daily Insights

China posts its slowest growth in 27 years. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.2% year over year in the second quarter, the slowest pace since 1992 and 0.2% below the first quarter growth rate. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

27,000 comes before 3,000. The Dow closed above 27,000 for the first time ever, while the S&P 500 Index missed 3,000 by a fraction of a point on Thursday, although both made new all-time highs yet again. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Dovish Fed comments support global equity markets. Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress yesterday and the release of the minutes from the Fed’s June policy meeting confirmed that the Fed is eyeing a potential rate cut in July to insulate the economy against shocks from trade and slowing global growth. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Stocks reverse earlier losses after Powell testimony. Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jay Powell testifies on Capitol Hill today, starting with the House followed by the Senate tomorrow. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Global indexes pause ahead of a busy week. U.S. stocks and global indexes are down modestly this morning as markets await a busy week of Federal Reserve (Fed) speakers. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will give his semi-annual testimony before House and Senate committees tomorrow and Thursday, respectively. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Stocks opened slightly lower. Market participants are digesting the implications of the strong June jobs report again today as many return from vacations. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Payrolls bounce back. The U.S. job market bounced back last month after a weak May. Nonfarm payrolls rose 224K in June, beating consensus estimates for a 160K gain. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Shortened market session today, U.S. markets closed tomorrow for July 4 holiday. Trading is expected to be light when markets reopen on Friday, both a summer Friday and a bridge day from the holiday to the weekend. The U.S. jobs report for June will be released on Friday, and any large surprise may create more volatility than it usually would due to light volume. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Stocks pause after rally. Asian and European shares were modestly higher overnight and S&P 500 Index futures sit around flat pre-market as market participants evaluate the potential for more concrete developments on trade. Continue reading →

Daily Insights

Stocks surge on trade news. The S&P 500 Index opened sharply higher this morning on the good trade news from the G20 summit (more on that below). Oil touched the $60 level after OPEC and Russia agreed to extend output curbs by 6 to 9 months. Continue reading →