The Fed and FOMC's take on economic outlook, another miss by the the U.S. federal budget, and concerns about lenders easing their standards and net interest spending increasing. Will any of these factors "spook" the markets this Friday the 13th?
1. The Fed's current thinking has removed concern about deflation. This is positive and we hope they're correct.
Source: WSJ Daily Shot, FOMC; Bloomberg, Federal Reserve Board of Governors; As of 4/12/18
2. The last sentence in this FOMC excerpt is paramount. They also must give previous rate hikes and QE reversal time to work.
Source: WSJ Daily Shot, FOMC; As of 4/12/18
3. Fears of a trade war have already made it onto the FED's list of issues they must worry about.
Source: WSJ Daily Shot, FOMC; As of 4/12/18
4. Core CPI has reached the FED's target. Will 4 rate increases in 2018 be too much? Usually the FED is trying to reduce inflation from a higher number...
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
5. A great chart outlining the components of CPI:
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
6. The politicians in Washington are only fooling themselves!
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
7. Perhaps the most important chart this year!
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
8. Did they learn nothing from the last financial crisis?
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
9. Another tariff and trade war "gift"?
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
10. Where does it end?
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/12/18
11. Is the smart money exiting or is this the retail investor panicking?
Source: WSJ Daily Shot; As of 4/13/18
For even more market highlights, be sure to check out our market commentary for the first quarter of 2018.
Disclosure: The charts and info-graphics contained in this blog are typically based on data obtained from 3rd parties and are believed to be accurate. The commentary included is the opinion of the author and subject to change at any time. Any reference to specific securities or investments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as investment advice nor are a recommendation to take any action. Individual securities mentioned may be held in client accounts.
