Weekly Commentary

Following the widely-anticipated  European Central Bank rate cut last Thursday, virtually every member of the decision-making body will be giving speeches this week, some of which might even usefully explain what they are doing and why. Everyone's

The US housing market is increasingly a focus of attention, with falling mortgage rates raising expectations for increased sales activity. Specifically, it is hoped that falling rates will free up the log jam, blocking entry-level buyers from moving

This week largely will be about last week. After numerous Federal Reserve officials (as expected)  tamped down expectations for 50 bps rate cuts as the “new normal,” Friday’s boffo nonfarm payrolls report for September put to bed the notion that more

Lots of speeches by lots of Federal Reserve officials this week — far more speeches than relevant data on the US economy.  That, of course, all changes at the end of the week when the nonfarm payrolls for September are released, along with the

Following on from the surprising, significantly sized rate cut by the US Federal Reserve last week, investors are highly focused on any data relating to economic activity. Purchasing managers indices offer probably the most reliable and comprehensive

Considerable data on the late-summer US economy will be released this week, though nothing that stands as a critical factoid forcing the hand of the Federal Open Market Committee on interest rates. Instead, the decision on whether to boldly lower

Economic data in August and early September has consistently painted a picture of slowing growth in developed economies, with central banks now prepared to act against further deterioration. Despite the disarray in US markets as a result of

Several pieces of data being reported this week are of considerable importance to investors, who continue to scrutinize the tea leaves for confirmation of an economic soft landing (or, alternatively, for portents of a recession.) Manufacturing sector

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech last Friday at the annual Jackson Hole Federal Reserve conference was what it needed to be: a clear statement about the impending changes in monetary policy. The hope for a 50-bps cut in the Fed Funds rate in

Once again, the long-sought soft landing seems to be coming together  “just as planned!” Last week’s data trove showing moderating inflation and continued solid economic activity will continue to buoy investor expectations this week, albeit with a