FUNDAMENTALLY DRIVE Strong market returns this year have raised questions about their quality. Are they just due to easy money and fiscal profligacy? Earnings this year have handily exceeded investor expectations due to strong operating leverage, and the regional performance has tracked relative earnings growth. As...
PASSING THE BATON The stock and bond markets look ahead at least six months, discounting what investors think are the most likely outcomes for growth, inflation and other key inputs. So it is critical to differentiate between what is likely behind us, what is the current...
BOTTLENECKS The long-anticipated jump in U.S. inflation appeared this month, and with a vengeance. Core consumer price inflation increased nearly 3%, double the prior rate, while the month-on-month increase of 0.9% was roughly triple expectations. Prices in reopening-related areas showed the greatest increase, with lodging up...