Markets and Economy

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

market volatility government policy international sectors us

2Q Earnings: The Beat Goes On?

The earnings bar is fairly low for the second quarter, setting companies up for a potential easy jump—but there will likely be more focus on forward guidance.

Markets and Economy

Easy Money? Rate Cuts May Not Ease Borrowing Costs

Though some urge rate cuts, doing that won't necessarily reduce borrowing costs if the market doesn't agree with the timing. It could raise inflation fears, hurting Treasuries.

International

Energy: Global Excess or Shortage of Power?

Israel-Iran hostilities brought a short-term market focus on oil. Longer term, artificial intelligence (AI) electricity needs could create a power shortage, as well as opportunities and risks for investors.

Technical Analysis

Breadth Check: Strength and Weakness Trend Tracker

Market breadth can help gauge strength or weakness. Methods include tracking the number of stocks trading above or below moving averages or making new highs or lows.

What's Going On…With Inflation

Inflation's trend has been favorable this year, but a growing conflict in Iran—combined with already-imposed tariffs—might put upward pressure in prices later this year.

Markets and Economy

IPO Market Starts to Warm After Slow Start to 2025

After a long dry spell, there are signs of life in the initial public offerings space. An increase in offerings can sometimes suggest an improvement in overall market sentiment.

Markets and Economy

"Yen-Carry" Anniversary Nears, but Worries Fade

Summer re-runs are popular on TV, but a repeat of last August's "yen-carry" market upheaval isn't likely on the schedule. A shift in positioning by investors is one reason.

2025 Mid-Year Outlook: U.S. Stocks and Economy

The U.S. economy and stock market face a confluence of challenges in the second half of the year, keeping the bar relatively (but not restrictively) high for outperformance.

Government Policy

What Is the Debt Ceiling and Why Does It Matter?

What's the debt ceiling? Learn how the debt ceiling works and how a default on federal debt could impact the U.S. stock market and economy.

Markets and Economy

How Will Tariffs & Debt Affect the Economy?

How could ongoing tariffs and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” impact the US economy?

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