Tag Archives: economic data

Market Tanks – Great news for some.

I haven’t published for some time now.  Why bother?  The economy was tanking, and the market was rallying.  Made no sense to someone who’s been managing money for 30+ years, so better to say nothing.  However today’s headlines are providing … Continue reading

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Decrease in Consumer Spending Alarm Goes Off.

I’ve hinted many times over the years that the most robust leading indicator is the ISM (Institute for Supply Management) manufacturing index.  Last Friday, the report was – not surprisingly – dismal.  May is likely to be even worse. We’re … Continue reading

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Consumer Sentiment – down but still not down enough.

Over many years I’ve marveled at how reliable consumer sentiment has been as a contrarian indicator.  When it reaches rock bottom then the markets, followed by the economy begin to recover from a crisis – whether a recession or financial.  … Continue reading

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Corporate Bonds not out of the woods yet!

We’ve watched a bit of a bear market rally in stocks, but also saw the same short term narrowing of corporate bond spreads (the difference between the yield offered by corporate bonds versus the virtually risk-free government bonds or treasuries).  … Continue reading

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Beware a Confident Consumer – bound to be disappointed!

I’ve written before (many times) about the fact that strong consumer confidence is not at all good for the markets.  You must have heard the news: “The Consumer Confidence Index increased in November and is now at its highest level in more … Continue reading

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