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Fund ManagersRay Dalio Says This Key Risk Could Affect Market Movement
Although Ray Dalio said at the World Economic Forum that this market rally will continue in the near term, he believes there are some risks that could affect market (SPX-INDEX) movement.
Fund ManagersWhy Pimco Thinks It’s Time for Investors to Be Cautious
On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Pimco, one of the world’s largest asset management firms, said that investors should be cautious in the current market scenario.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Non-Farm Payroll Results Miss Expectations
US non-farm payroll data in December December non-farm payroll data indicated a slowdown in the US labor market (SPY) (VFINX) after a strong rise in November 2017. Non-farm payrolls stood at 148,000 in December, compared with 252,000 in November 2017. However, this figure didn’t meet the market expectation of 190,000. December highlights of the jobs report […]
Fund ManagersCooperman on How Trump Administration Could Affect Markets
Many market participants are expecting that the market (SPY) (QQQ) could show a strong pullback if tax reform doesn’t happen.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Non-Farm Payroll Dropped for the First Time in 7 Years
The September non-farm payroll report indicated a fall in the US labor market (SPY) (VFINX) compared to August 2017.
Fund ManagersWhy Ray Dalio Is Concerned about the Next Downturn
In the previous part of this series, we saw that Ray Dalio is comfortable with the steps central banks have taken.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Services PMI Saw Strong Improvement in August
According to the report from Markit Economics, the August US Services PMI (purchasing managers’ index) report showed a strong improvement in the US (SPY) (QQQ) (VFINX) business climate.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Retail Sales Posted Strong Growth
According to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, US retail sales rose 0.6% in July 2017, which beat the market’s expectations of a 0.4% rise.
Fund ManagersHoward Marks Warns Investors to Be Cautious on the Markets
Marks advised investors to be cautious and look at low-risk investments to safeguard their returns from possible future losses.
Fund ManagersHoward Marks Says No Asset Looks Cheap in Present Scenario
In an interview with CNBC’s Halftime Report on August 10, Howard Marks shared his views on market valuation, risk in the market, and FANG stocks.
Macroeconomic AnalysisIs Rising US Inflation Driving the S&P 500 Index?
The US Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% in July 2017, compared with no change in June 2017, falling short of the market’s expectations of a 0.20% rise.
Fund ManagersGundlach on Higher Yield: Watching the Copper-to-Gold Ratio
Billionaire investor and bond guru Jeffrey Gundlach also shared his view on bond yields in an interview with CNBC.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Manufacturing PMI Picks Up after Gradual Decline
The July US manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) report indicates a strong improvement in the US (SPY) (QQQ) (VFINX) business climate after a gradual decline.
Fund ManagersBill Gross: Central Bank Policy Distorts Capitalism
Bill Gross said in his July 2017 Investment Outlook that central banks in major developed nations maintained an ultra-low monetary policy for nearly a decade.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat the Gradual Fall in US Consumer Sentiment Could Mean
Consumer sentiment dropped to 93.1 in July from 95.1 in June 2017.
Fund ManagersGoldman Sachs on Marriott: Annual Sales Growth to Improve 15.6%
Marriott International has provided a return of 22.5% so far in this year.
Fund ManagersHow the Fed’s Rate Hike and the S&P 500 Index Correlate
The Federal Reserve started its gradual rate hike process back at the end of December 2015. Between December 2015 and June 2017, the Fed hiked its key interest rate four times.
Macroeconomic Analysis Will a US Manufacturing Decline Impact Business Conditions?
The June 2017 final manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) report indicates a weaker environment in US business conditions (VFINX)(IWM).
Macroeconomic AnalysisImproving US Services PMI, Stronger US Business Climate
The June US Services PMI report indicates an improvement in the US business climate. It was 54.2 in June compared to 53.6 in May 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisLower US Inflation Could Impact the S&P 500 Index
According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US consumer price index, or inflation index, fell 0.1% in May 2017.
Fund ManagersWill George Soros’s Position in IWM Provide a Strong Return?
According to the recent 13F filings, Soros Fund Management has increased its position in the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) by 36% in 1Q17 compared to the previous quarter.
Fund ManagersWhy Jeffrey Gundlach Believes Passive Investing Doesn’t Exist
Jeffrey Gundlach said at the 2017 Sohn Investment Conference that funds flowing into active and passive investment management are deciding market valuations.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy US Consumer Sentiment Is Important for Markets
According to a report from the University of Michigan, the US Consumer Sentiment Index rose slightly in April 2017.
Fund ManagersMorgan Stanley on Facebook: Innovation Could Drive Its Revenues
Morgan Stanley expects a target price of $165 for Facebook (FB) and is overweighting the stock.
Fund ManagersWill the Market See a Correction in 2017?
In a recent interview with CNBC, Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer shared his views on equity markets, corporate earnings, and Europe (VGK) (IEV).
MiscellaneousHow Oil Is Disappointing Wall Street Bulls
From April 13–20, 2017, the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) fell 1.7%. It was the largest loser among the sector-based SPDR ETFs we’re comparing.
Fund ManagersIs Bill Gross Doubting a 3% Growth under Trump?
In his investment outlook for April, Gross questioned whether Trump’s economic agenda could create a 3.0% growth in the economy.
MiscellaneousWhy Was Energy Sector a Drag for Investors despite Rise in Oil?
Between April 6 and April 13, 2017, the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) fell 1.9%.
Fund ManagersJack Bogle Discussed President Trump’s Tax Reform Program
After the failure of the healthcare bill, investors’ eyes are on the phenomenal tax reform bill. Tax reforms could boost employment in the economy.
Fund ManagersLarry Fink: Active Management Showing Good Returns
Larry Fink shared his view on investment management strategy in a recent interview.
Fund ManagersCooperman on Trump: The Market Is Being Run by a Capitalist (Finally)
Cooperman believes that this market rally reflects a government that is being run by a capitalist.
Fund ManagersCooperman on the Fed: Slowpoke Central?
Some economists believe a gradual rate hike is appropriate in an economy that’s showing strength. But Cooperman thinks the Fed isn’t moving quickly enough.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Consumer Confidence Rose Sharply in March
The US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index showed a massive improvement in March 2017.
MiscellaneousWill the S&P 500 Index Change Direction in April 2017?
On March 1, 2017, the S&P 500 Index (SPY) (IVV), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA), and the NASDAQ Index made new highs and closed at nearly 2,396, 21,115, and 5,904 levels, respectively.
MiscellaneousHow the Energy Sector Fared Last Week
Last week, US crude oil (USO) (OIIL) (USL) (SCO) May futures rose 5.5%.
Fund ManagersWhy Einhorn Believes Consumers’ Personal Incomes Will Rise
According to a report provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in January and February 2017, non-farm payrolls saw stronger improvements.
MiscellaneousHow the Energy Sector Performed Compared to Broader Market
Between March 23, 2017, and March 30, 2017, the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) rose 1.9%.
Fund ManagersWhy Byron Wien Believes the Market Is Overvalued
Byron Wien discussed market valuations in a recent CNBC interview.
Fund ManagersBlackstone’s Byron Wien: The Market Was Due for a Correction
In a recent CNBC interview, Byron Wien, a prominent investment strategist and the vice chair of Blackstone Advisory Partners, shared his views on market correction and US economic growth.
Company & Industry OverviewsBP’s Beta: Is the Stock Less Volatile than Peers?
In this part of our series, we’ll compare BP’s (BP) beta with its peers. We considered 90-day beta, which shows how much a stock moves for a given move in the market each day for 90 days.
MiscellaneousWhat’s Making Wall Street Weak?
Last week, US crude oil May futures fell 2.7%, and natural gas April futures rose 4.3%. The broad market S&P 500 Index fell 1.3%.
Macroeconomic AnalysisFebruary US Services PMI: Have US Business Conditions Softened?
The February US services PMI (purchasing managers’ index) report, released on March 3, 2017, indicated softness in US (SPY) (SPX-INDEX) (QQQ) (VFINX) business conditions.
Fund ManagersGross on Cost of Credit: The Role of Control
Gross believes that credit creation and the cost of credit should be monitored more properly.
Fund ManagersGross on Rising US Credit Level: Lehman Brothers, Anyone?
The rising credit level is a warning sign for the economy, and Gross believes this situation may trigger a crisis like the 2008 global debt crisis.
Fund ManagersWhy Gross Is More Worried about the Return of Money than the Return on Money
Gross is a big critic of the Fed’s prolonged lower interest rate, believing that the leveraged based financial system is a major problem for the economy.
Company & Industry OverviewsDoes the Fed’s Rate Hike Indicate a Stronger Economy?
On March 15, 2017, the Fed announced its much-awaited interest rate hike—the first increase this year. It’s the third rate hike in the past decade.
Fund ManagersBuffett: Productivity and Innovation Could Drive Economic Growth
In 4Q16, US (SPY) (QQQ) (VFINX) real GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.9% compared to a 3.5% rise in 3Q16.
Fund ManagersWarren Buffett’s Top 4 Investment Strategies
Warren Buffett’s first piece of investment advice is “don’t try to time the markets.”
Macroeconomic AnalysisFlash US Services PMI Slowed: Will It Impact the Economy?
The February flash US services PMI (purchasing managers’ index) report indicates a slower improvement in US (SPY) (QQQ) (VFINX) business conditions this month as compared to last month.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Consumer Sentiment Index Slowed
According to a report from the University of Michigan, the US consumer sentiment index has risen slowly in February 2017.
Fund ManagersWhat Does Jack Bogle Predict for US Real GDP?
In 4Q16, US (SPY) (QQQ) (IVV) (VFINX) real GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.9% compared to a 3.5% rise in 3Q16.
Fund ManagersJack Bogle Advises Investors to Focus on Long-Term Investments
The broad market S&P 500 Index (SPY) has risen nearly 221% since the 2008 subprime crisis as of February 20, 2017.
Fund ManagersHow Jim Grant Thinks Trump Presidency Could Affect Markets
According to Jim Grant, Donald Trump will either be very positive for the market or very negative for the market (VOO) (IWM) (SPY) (QQQ).
Fund ManagersJim Grant: Will the Fed Be Dovish or Hawkish in the Coming Year?
When the Fed maintained a dovish stance at various meetings in 2016, Grant said that market participants were gradually losing confidence in central banks.
Fund ManagersBill Gross: US Economic Growth Depends on Productivity
Bill Gross said the economic environment is showing momentum. Inflation figures are also improving.
Fund ManagersDoes Ray Dalio Think the US Is a Good Place to Do Business?
In a recent interview with CNBC, activist investor Ray Dalio said that he believes business sentiment in the US is improving.
Fund ManagersWhat Does Ray Dalio Think about Populism?
In an interview with CNBC, Ray Dalio said he believes that populism is a great market concern in the current environment.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat’s the Correlation Between XOM and WTI?
Integrated energy companies such as ExxonMobil are affected to varying degrees by volatility in crude oil prices. XOM’s correlation coefficient with WTI stands at 0.56.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Does the Rising US Consumer Sentiment Index Mean for the Economy?
The US Consumer Sentiment Index improved in January 2017. It stood at 98.1 in January 2017 compared to 98.2 in December 2016.
Fund ManagersMario Gabelli Says Capitalism, Innovation, and Law Drive the US
Billionaire investor Mario Gabelli discussed the outlook for the US economy in his recent CNBC interview.
Fund ManagersNasdaq CEO: Expect Robust Earnings Growth in 2017
According to Bob Greifeld, chief executive officer of Nasdaq, we may see a robust earnings growth in 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Consumer Sentiment Index Rose: What It Means for the Economy
According to a report from the University of Michigan, the US consumer sentiment index has improved in December 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Industrial Production Fell: What It Means for the Economy
According to a report provided by the Federal Reserve, US industrial production fell 0.4% in November 2016, compared to its upwardly revised rise of 0.1% in October 2016.
Fund ManagersCarl Icahn: Market Has Run Ahead of Itself
On December 9, Carl Icahn discussed his views on the markets and Trump’s potential impact on various sectors in an interview with CNBC.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Consumer Price Index Improved: Will It Affect the Fed’s Decision?
According to a report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, US CPI (consumer price index) rose 0.4% in October 2016 compared to a 0.3% rise in September 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisCrude Oil Inventories Rose: What Does It Mean for Crude Prices?
US crude oil inventories rose 5.3 MMbbls (million barrels) in the week ended November 11, 2016.
Fund ManagersCarl Icahn: Low Interest Rates Are Hurting the Economy
Icahn believes that the economy needs the help of both monetary and fiscal stimulus. He thinks the economy can’t run with a zero interest-rate policy.
Fund ManagersJim Chanos on Valeant Pharmaceuticals: Is More Pain Ahead?
Valeant is currently trading at $23.86. On a year-to-date basis, the stock returned -77%.
Fund ManagersWhat Are Jim Chanos’s Views on the Market?
In an interview on October 25, Jim Chanos, founder and managing partner of Kynikos Associates, discussed his investment decisions in the current market environment.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS GDP Growth Sped Up in Q3: How Will It Impact Fed’s Decision?
According to a preliminary estimate from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, US GDP showed a huge improvement in 3Q16.
Fund ManagersHow Do Active and Passive Management Strategies Compare?
Jamie Dinan spoke about the performance of the hedge fund industry in an interview with CNBC.
Fund ManagersDoes Jamie Dinan Think the Market Is Fairly Valued?
In a CNBC interview on October 18, Jamie Dinan and Marc Lasry discussed their views on the current market environment.
Fund ManagersDavid Einhorn Included CIT Group on His Cheap Stock List
CIT Group is currently trading at $36.10. Its 52-week high is $44.95, and its 52-week low is $25.19.
Fund ManagersDavid Einhorn: What’s Driving Investment Sentiment?
David Einhorn, president of Greenlight Capital, spoke about investment strategies, stock selection, and monetary policy at the Great Investors’ Best Ideas Investment Symposium on October 18, 2016.
MiscellaneousFalling Crude Oil Prices Impact Wall Street Investors
On October 28, 2016, at 1:42 AM EST, US crude oil (UWTI) (OIIL) was trading at $49.71 per barrel—a 2.2% fall compared to its closing price on October 21.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWill September Rise in CPI Affect Fed’s Rate Hike Decision?
According to a report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, US CPI (consumer price index) rose 0.3% in September 2016 compared to a 0.2% rise in August 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWill Increased US Industrial Production Drive Economic Growth?
The rise in industrial production is a positive sign that signifies that the major backbones of the economy like manufacturing, mining, and utilities are driving economic growth.
Fund ManagersCarl Icahn: The Fed Has Created a ‘False Market’
According to Carl Icahn, if the Fed doesn’t raise rates, it will indicate that we’re in a great bubble. He said the Fed has created a “false market” by not hiking the rates.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWill September US Retail Sales Improve Consumer Confidence?
US retail sales showed a strong performance in September 2016, rising 0.6%, as compared to the 0.2% fall in August 2016.
Fund ManagersCarson Block Recommends Shorting Tutor Perini
Carson Block advised investors to short Tutor Perini (TPC). It’s a building construction company with market capitalization of $1.02 billion.
Fund ManagersWhat’s J.P. Morgan’s View on the Central Bank?
Samantha Azzarello thinks that the central bank’s monetary stimulus is the major reason behind the economy (IWM) (QQQ) and market movement.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Consumer Confidence Improved: Will It Support Growth?
The US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index gave a strong performance in September 2016.
Fund ManagersWhat Does Morgan Stanley’s ‘Fallen Angels’ Strategy Entail?
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is currently trading at $156 with a price-to-earnings multiple of -60.17x.
Fund ManagersJim Grant: Market Is Losing Confidence in Central Banks
After the Fed decided to leave the interest rate unchanged in September, Grant thinks that market participants are gradually losing confidence in central banks.
Fund ManagersCarl Icahn: Either Way, the Market Will Face a Serious Problem
According to Carl Icahn, whether or not the Fed raises interest rates, the current market environment is showing dangerous signs.
Fund ManagersIcahn at the Delivering Alpha Conference: Market Looks ‘Dangerous’
Carl Icahn discussed his current stance on the market (SPY) (QQQ) at the Delivering Alpha Conference. He discussed the warning signs in the market.
Macroeconomic AnalysisUS Dollar Index: How It Impacted the S&P 500 Index’s Earnings
After speeches from three Fed officials on September 12, 2016, the US Dollar Index (UUP) fell 0.16% on that day. It’s more sensitive to the Fed’s decisions.
ConsumerBill Ackman’s Stances on Valeant Pharmaceuticals and Herbalife
Valeant Pharmaceuticals has remained in the top five holdings of Ackman’s company, Pershing Square Capital Management.
Fund ManagersDavid Rubenstein: Why US Business Investment Is Declining
David Rubenstein discussed the US business environment in the interview. He said that US (QQQ) (SPY) (IVV) business spending is declining.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWill the August Jobs Report Soften the Fed’s Rate Hike Urgency?
During the Jackson Hole Symposium, the Federal Reserve chair, Janet Yellen, already hinted that if the August jobs report provided a strong performance, there was a chance for a rate hike during its September 2016 meeting.
MiscellaneousHow Will the US Job Report Affect Oil Prices?
US (VFINX) (VOO) non-farm payrolls rose 151,000 in August 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released on September 2, 2016.
Macroeconomic AnalysisConsumer Sentiment Index Rose: What It Means for the Economy
According to a report from the University of Michigan, the US consumer sentiment index has improved in August 2016.
Energy & UtilitiesThe Impact of US Job Data on Crude Oil
The Market’s expectation of a rate hike following improved economic data could boost the US Dollar Index (UUP), which could negatively affect crude oil prices.
MiscellaneousIn Retrospect: How the 2008 Crisis Affected SPY’s Valuation
When the 2008 credit crisis affected the S&P 500 Index (SPY), we saw a large shift in valuations and the index level.
MiscellaneousEquity Valuation Fell by 47% When the Dot-Com Bubble Burst
The major event of the mid-1990s was the dot-com bubble, when Internet businesses experienced exponential growth. However, this wasn’t earnings growth.
FinancialsWhat’s Next for Valeant after Its Former CEO Sold His Holdings?
When asked about the recent sale of Valent shares by former Valeant CEO Pearson, Ackman said that Pearson was forced to sell the share due to tax issues.
Macroeconomic AnalysisJune Manufacturing PMI: Why Germany’s Business Climate Is Better
The final Markit Germany manufacturing PMI stood at 54.5 in June compared to 52.1 in May. It was above the initial estimate of 54.4 and the highest gain since February 2014.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhich Fund Strategy Rose Steeply Despite Market Uncertainty?
In June 2016, volatility spiked in global markets (VXUS) (VTI). Many fund strategies outperformed the global market with heightened market volatility.
Fund ManagersWhat’s John Schlifske’s Take on the US Dollar?
The negative interest rates in major developed markets (EFA) such as Europe (VGK) (EZU) and Japan (EWJ) (DXJ) make US government debt more attractive.
Company & Industry OverviewsMore Volatility Ahead—Can It Help Hedge Funds?
Asset managers and hedge funds have made gains from Brexit. Macro strategies and shorting the pound or a rush to safe-haven gold have reaped gains for hedge funds.