How and Why The French Election Could Impact Markets

What’s in Today’s Report: How and Why The French Election Could Impact Markets.

FOMC Minutes/Bernanke Preview

The Fed remains critical to the market, so today’s Fed events today will be front-and-center like they always are. But, whatever the immediate “reaction” to the FOMC minutes and Bernanke, keep in mind that the very broad consensus is that the Fed will begin “tapering” at the September meeting. That is the baseline expectation.

Was Friday’s Rally A Game changer for the Market?

Friday’s jobs report capped what was a good week for domestic economic data, and the main takeaway was that Fed “tapering” expectations in September were further cemented by the data.

It’s a Holiday Shortened Week, but the Economic Data Will be Market Moving

Last week was a mixed week of generally “second tier” economic data. Positively, housing data continues to confirm the recovery in the housing market is still accelerating. New home sales, Case-Shiller and pending home sales all beat expectations, although again…

Three Scenarios that Could Result in a Big Bond Rally

It’s obvious to anyone reading this report over the past several weeks that I’m a big long-bond bear, that I think we’ve seen the “top” in Treasuries, and that a long decline in bond prices and a higher move in bond yields has begun.

We Didn’t Need This: Greek Dysfunction Returns!

We’ve got to keep an eye on Greece again now that yesterday’s closure of the public broadcasting company by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has ignited a political crisis. This has significantly increased the chances of a “no-confidence” vote and snap (or, early) elections. (Everyone remember how markets reacted the last time it happened in May of last year?)

Why The Plunge In the South African Rand Matters to You

Away from the yen, the other focus in the currency markets was on the implosion we’re seeing in emerging market currencies. The Indian rupee hit another all-time low vs. the dollar. The Brazilian real and South African rand hit four-year lows vs. the dollar, and even…