Markets and Economy

Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions

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Stocks: Less Comfortably Numb

After a gangbuster stock market rally since the early-April lows, many of the prior highfliers have taken a breather amid AI bubble and valuation concerns.

The Confidence Map: Navigating Investor Sentiment (With Peter Atwater)

Liz Ann Sonders and Peter Atwater delve into how investor confidence, market narratives, and the "K-shaped economy" are influencing the current market cycle.

Company Earnings

Q3 Retail Earnings Preview: Consumer Mood Darkens

Consumers are in a sour mood over inflation and jobs as major retailers prepare to report earnings and offer their outlooks for the holiday shopping period.

Desert Song: Relying on Alt Data for Economic Pulse

While we wait for federal data to come back online, private sector gauges continue to underscore still-weak manufacturing, resilient services, and mediocre job growth.

International

What Happened to Germany's Spending Boom?

German officials announced a massive stimulus program in early 2025. The results have been underwhelming so far, but we believe the economic boost to Germany and Europe is still coming.

Markets and Economy

How to Effectively Read the Fed's Beige Book

Effectively reading the Federal Reserve's Beige Book can help investors spot economic, industry, and consumer trends that could potentially impact investment portfolios.

Better Days (for Earnings)

Still-healthy demand and disciplined cost control are central themes for earnings, which continue to suggest a mostly resilient economy in light of government data darkness.

International

Is It a Good Time to Consider Japanese Stocks?

Earnings growth and attractive valuations for Japanese companies, reforms to corporate governance, and other shifts in the Japanese economy may create opportunities for investors.

Alternative Candidate(s) for Data During Shutdown

With official data halted by the U.S. government shutdown, investors turn to private and high-frequency indicators to track jobs, spending, and growth in real time.

Markets and Economy

How to decipher the Federal Reserve's Dot Plot

What does the “dot plot” indicate about the direction of interest rates?

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