Category: Whitepapers

This is a question that flares up every so often—at least once a year, it seems. It revolves around whether the dollar may lose its role as the preferred go-to medium for global payments and beneficiary of asset flows under times of global financial stress. In short, according to opinions…

This is a key question of the past few weeks and months, with a variety of data pointing to economic slowing. But the answer is far from conclusive. A common assumption is that recessions are based on two consecutive negative quarters of GDP growth (which, based on Q1 and Q2,…

Bonds were pummeled in the first half of 2022, to say the least. No doubt, these are trying times for bond owners and conservative investors generally, since fixed income hasn’t typically experienced that type of price movement in many years. In fact, was one of the most volatile 6-month periods…

After peaking on Jan. 3, the S&P 500 fell by -13% to a first wave low on Mar. 8. This was followed by a quick 11% upward rally to reach a new lower high point on Mar. 29. Since then, stocks have again fallen, by -16%, resulting in a full-cycle…

Market corrections are challenging for investors of all types. This is due to their speed, unpredictability, and typically, the fact that underlying catalysts are somewhat unique with each episode. Also, easy answers to these dynamics are often difficult to come by at the moment. Related volatility, with schizophrenic up and…

An I bond is a type of savings bond issued directly by the U.S. government to consumers. In contrast to well-known EE savings bonds with a form of fixed coupon, I bond yields are inflation-linked. They’re an interesting vehicle, with a few caveats. Purchases have to be made directly through…

Aside from the substantial and devastating human suffering, there are several other ways the impact has been or could be further felt abroad. ‘Indirect warfare’. This encompasses supply of arms, necessities, and intelligence to Ukraine from the West and other regions. While it’s been made clear that U.S. forces will…

At the January 2022 meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) chairman Jerome Powell announced their “intention” to end its quantitative easing (QE) program that they launched back in March of 2020 in reaction to the Covid pandemic and its potential impact on our economy. This program…

The short answer is better than many would expect, but it depends on the regime and other events happening at the time. Where does the fear of rates originate? Aside from the more restrictive financing costs for businesses and consumers, rising rates and/or changing Fed policy can provide a shorter-term…