Tag Archives: interest rates

Credit Shock due to COVID-19 Unprecedented

This quote is the latest from Moody’s: The credit shock created by the coronavirus pandemic is completely unprecedented, given the number of geographies and industries affected, and the lack of clarity as to when the economic implications of the pandemic … Continue reading

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How long before this bear market hibernates again?

Most of what I read suggests we’re experiencing a Bear Market rally, and that it will be short-lived.  A very respected strategist friend of mind put it this way: It remains our view that stock markets will return to test … Continue reading

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Optimism markets will rebound fast is just wrong!

Apparently Goldman strategists expect profits for companies in the S&P 500 will decline 33% this year, and rebound 55% next year.  It implies a V-shaped recovery.  Let’s forget that 2021 is a long way off and that their guess is … Continue reading

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REIT’s may not be a bargain; distributions depend on rent being paid.

The Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has had a marvelous decade as property values just kept rising.  It inspired large institutional investors (pension funds for e.g.) to get directly involved.  The Canada Pension Plan has 12.1% invested in real estate.  … Continue reading

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Dear Government: The banks won’t help you! Witness rising mortgage rates.

It seems the U.S. and Canadian governments are counting on the banking industry to help them distribute aid to those most hurt by the coronavirus lock-down.  DON’T! Despite the central banks lowering interest rates to historically low levels, the mortgage … Continue reading

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Housing Market – Boom or Bust?

The last recession was unequivocally a housing bust.  Home sales plummeted and housing starts hit the skids.  But then, the recession was indeed caused by a housing crisis:  The mortgage-backed security scam  ultimately destroyed the housing market.  Today, we’re confronted … Continue reading

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Hot off the presses – more rate cuts and liquidity from U.S. Federal Reserve.

FED Just announced interest rates near zero: The Federal Reserve encourages depository institutions to turn to the discount window to help meet demands for credit from households and businesses at this time. In support of this goal, the Board today … Continue reading

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I was the bearer of bad stock market news early on – now here’s some more.

My original estimate (February 3rd) was simply a P/E multiple for the S&P 500 of 20X zero growth in 2020 of earnings. I expected the coronavirus to have a devastating impact on the global economy (oil prices, supply chains etc.) … Continue reading

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The psychology of Market Meltdowns

Why would I want panic in markets?  It’s the first step towards recovery (but not the last). A true market meltdown (if this is one) starts with panic – and we’re not there yet. The following is a direct quote … Continue reading

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Your lower mortgage PYMT or the Next Financial Crisis.

Mirroring the U.S. effort to fight the economic disaster expected from the coronavirus, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates by 1/2% as well – to “get out ahead” of the storm.  Governor Stephen Powell said “the downside risks to … Continue reading

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