Category Wednesday

Good morning.  With a slight decline in the markets over the past few weeks, one trend is getting overlooked: Corporate America’s performance.  So far, about 80 percent of S&P 500 companies now reporting have beaten earnings estimates.  That’s a 2.5…

Good morning.  After a rough week last week, Monday’s rally may be a sign that the strong earnings season can shrug off a downgrade of America’s credit rating.  After all, corporate performance isn’t the same as government performance.  And investors…

Good morning.  Over the weekend, regulators at the FDIC closed Heartland Tri-State Bank.  While not the headline collapse of Silicon Valley Bank or First Republic Bank, it’s a reminder that the banking sector still has some issues that need to…

Good morning. The rate of inflation has slowed by two-thirds over the past year.  But getting back down to a pre-Covid level may prove more painful than the bear market of 2022.  One reason?  The strong labor market. Some sections…

Good morning. While investors may focus on stocks or trading options, big changes in the markets can often be first seen in the credit markets.  That’s where cautious money goes.  And right now, credit markets are becoming more convinced about…

Good morning. Investors largely expect inflation to continue lower in the months ahead.  While the most recent headline number was at 4 percent, expectations are for 3.8 percent in the coming month.  That’s a good sign overall.  However, investors expect…

Good morning. With gas prices down about 30 percent compared to this time last year, Americans are hitting the open road.  However, gas prices may not stay down forever.  Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia and Russia announced an extension of…