Analysis of capital flows, investment trends, and financial market positioning.
Stocks
Stock markets around the world fell sharply after European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that investors are being too optimistic about the economic outlook. The Nasdaq officially entered correction territory, down more than 10% from its recent peak. European markets dropped 2.8%. Asian stocks fell across the board.
Investments
Mexico's central bank, known as Banxico, shocked markets on March 27 by cutting interest rates 25 basis points to 6.75%, even though inflation is running at 4.63%, well above the 3% target. The decision was highly controversial within the bank itself. The vote was 3 to
Investments
US Treasury bonds, long considered the safest investment in the world, just got a scary warning. Iran's parliament speaker said that US treasury bonds are "soaked in Iranians' blood" and suggested that bond holders could become targets in the escalating conflict. The comments sent shockwaves
Personal Finance
Australian drivers are feeling real pain at the pump. Petrol prices jumped from $1.69 per liter to $2.38 per liter in just one month. That's a 70 cent increase, or about 40% more than what people were paying in February. Fill up a 60 liter tank
Personal Finance
Mortgage rates just hit 6.22% for a 30 year fixed rate loan, the highest level in more than three months. That's up from 6.11% just a week ago and 5.87% in February. For anyone trying to buy a home, this is painful timing. Freddie Mac
Investments
President Donald Trump just issued a 48 hour ultimatum to Iran, and oil markets responded by spiking to $113 a barrel. The White House warned that if Iran doesn't fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days, the US will escalate military action significantly.
Stocks
The Russell 2000 index officially entered correction territory this week, falling more than 10% from its recent peak. Small cap stocks are now the first major US index to hit this painful milestone, and it's a warning sign for the broader market. The Russell 2000 closed at 2,
Investments
Gold just had its worst week in over four decades. The precious metal crashed more than 10% in just five trading days, falling from a high of $5,626 per ounce to around $4,500. That's a loss of over $1,100 per ounce in less than a
Stocks
JPMorgan just delivered a stark warning to investors. The bank's equity strategist team cut their year end target for the S&P 500 and said the index could fall to 6,000 in the near term if current pressures intensify. That would be another 8% drop from
Stocks
Wall Street's mood just turned dark. Bank of America's latest global fund manager survey shows sentiment at a six month low, and investors are doing something they only do when they're really scared. They're selling stocks and holding cash. Cash levels in
Stocks
The S&P 500 just closed its fourth straight week of losses, and Wall Street is getting nervous. The index closed at 6,507 on Friday, March 20, down 1.5% for the day and down 5.1% for the year. That might not sound catastrophic, but the trend
Money & Markets
Gas isn't the only thing getting more expensive. It's groceries, clothes, electronics, furniture, and basically anything that needs to be moved from one place to another. The cost of living is rising again after a year of progress, and people are starting to panic. Here'