Too much information

Too much information.  Stocks slipped slightly yesterday as investors took in mixed messages on the health of the US economy.  Signs that the consumer may be tightening up overshadowed solid earnings.   MY TWO CENTS    Which way is up?  Now that we are knee-deep in earnings season, I feel compelled to say a word…

A Different Story

A different story.  Yesterday, for the first time in quite a while, markets were not focused on trade woes, instead rallying on strong earnings.  Positive signs emerged from Brexit discussions, adding to the market’s jubilance.   MY TWO CENTS    On the banks.  Third quarter earnings season officially kicked off yesterday with the big banks and…

Undercooked

Undercooked.  Stocks fell slightly yesterday as traders were underwhelmed with the mini trade deal announced on Friday.  Traders were looking for something positive to follow Friday’s rally but came up short because whatever details exist on the Phase 1 deal seem fragile.   MY TWO CENTS    What is a bank to do?  Today is…

Deal or no deal

Deal or no deal.  In a news filled day, stocks rallied on Friday driven by an interim agreement between the US and China.  Consumers remain confident and the Fed wants us to know that they still have our backs.   MY TWO CENTS    Yuan a deal?  On Friday, President Trump announced a “phase one”…

All quiet on the Eastern front

All quiet on the Eastern front.  Stocks rose yesterday as trade talks between US and China kicked off in Washington.  Positive tweets and good body language have investors feeling like this might be the one.   MY TWO CENTS    Great expectations.  In case you haven’t noticed, there is a lot of built up tension…

One Bumpy Ride

One bumpy ride.  Stocks climbed yesterday on renewed hope for a trade deal as China sent positive signals.  High hopes for high level talks which begin today drove yesterday’s rally.   MY TWO CENTS   A long strange trip.  Writing about the trade conflict would seem repetitive and almost a waste of ink… if it…

Nervous Habit

Nervous habit.  Stocks fell sharply yesterday as the US sanctioned Chinese companies for human rights violations raising investor concerns that a trade deal might be far off.  Even Chairman Powell’s calming words were not enough to turn stocks around.   MY TWO CENTS   On again?  As if caught in some sort of loop, or…

Stuck in the mud

Stuck in the mud.  Last week’s comeback in stocks stalled yesterday as investors turned their attention back to trade talks with China.  Mixed signals about potential progress between the US and China kept bulls on the sidelines.   MY TWO CENTS    Nothing but net.  Trade talks between the US and China are expected to…

Getting to work

Getting to work.  Stocks traded sharply higher on Friday on good employment figures.  Friday’s market moves topped off a week of volatility on mixed signals from the US economy giving both bulls and bears some hope.   MY TWO CENTS   Good is good again, for now.  Last week was one heck of a ride…

The Cavalry Approaches

The cavalry approaches.  Scary economic data was not going to push markets down yesterday because the Fed will come to the rescue… so goes the theory.  Stocks fell on bad economic data but recovered and closed in the black on high hopes of more rate cuts.   MY TWO CENTS    Broken logic.  2019 has been…