Black Eye
Tea and Crumpets
In the first half, we examine the (rumored) literal fisticuffs in D.C., and the implications of the proposed “Big, Beautiful Bill” on taxes, spending, the deficit, interest rates, and the dollar. We discuss the timing of tax cuts versus spending cuts, especially in light of the employment data we have seen since 2022, wherein: Private sector job growth -> a little over 1% cumulatively. Public sector job growth -> over 7% cumulatively. In the second half, we discuss the market’s rapid rebound from its April nadir and juxtapose returns (and valuations) for different parts of the...
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The Swamp Always Wins
Tea and Crumpets
In this episode, we have a no-holds-barred conversation featuring Kalee Kreider, a seasoned political strategist and expert in climate policy. Together, we dig into the uncomfortable truths about markets, politics, and the economic pressures facing everyday Americans. From election forecasts and the appeal of government gridlock to the harsh realities of student debt, the conversation is unscripted, unfiltered, and unexpectedly funny. We explore why investors often prefer a slow-moving Congress, how middle-income families are still reeling from financial burdens nobody talks about, and why...
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Face Off
Tea and Crumpets
In the first half, we discuss the showdown between the U.S. and China on tariffs. While the headlines have been stolen by who is calling whom first, we look into the effect the tariffs are already having on container ship volumes, and what implications that has for the rest of the supply chain, and the economy. Tariffs are just starting to hit consumers as they look to buy online, with the tariff exceeding the purchase price in some cases. While there is optimism over a resolution, historically trade agreements have involved lengthy negotiations, and we are weeks away from the initial impact...
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Winging It
Tea and Crumpets
In the first half, we discuss Liberation Day, the violent reaction of, initially, the stock market and, subsequently, the bond market. In terms of the bond market, we look at the frantic trading from last week that ultimately forced the administration to announce a 90-day pause on most tariffs. Who holds U.S. debt? The answer might surprise you: Total debt - $34 trillion Domestic holders - $26 trillion Japan - $1.1 trillion China - $820 billion (though may be understated as offshore entities, i.e., other countries, are likely being used as well) Other countries - $5.3 trillion In the second...
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Liberation Day
Tea and Crumpets
In the first half, we discuss the imminent arrival of “Liberation Day”, and why uncertainty over tariffs is causing consternation to consumer, business, and investor confidence. We look at the most recent inflation data from the government and examine the widely divergent inflation expectations based on political affiliation. We also tie this to the likelihood of further rate cuts and the necessity to drive rates lower as sizable government debt is due to be refinanced in 2025. In the second half, we (finally) discuss what has been a challenging quarter for stocks, especially the...
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Canadian, Judge, and Jury
Tea and Crumpets
In the first half, Will and Adam discuss the rapid deterioration in consumer sentiment and how it is cutting across both economic and political divides, albeit to differing degrees. Some sentiment indicators, especially concerns over job loss, are at levels normally seen during a recession, in part due to the uncertainty over tariffs with large trading partners like Canada. Another concern is spending cuts. We look past the headlines to see that cuts have not yet taken hold, though with 85% of job growth in 2024 attributable to government spending, we could be in for a volatile transition...
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The Rest is Geography
Tea and Crumpets
With headlines versus earnings moving markets, we look at the perceptions and realities influencing investors (and speculators). In the first half, we discuss the sharp decline in consumer confidence and spike in inflation expectations, both of which represent challenges to continued equity market strength. We also look at how the bond market (and the Federal Reserve) are responding, and how the continued on again/off again/on again tariff headlines are causing consternation to consumers and investors. In the second half, we delve into the perception versus reality of government efforts...
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Trump Tariff Tourette’s Threats
Tea and Crumpets
With tariffs in the news, we sift through the torrent of headlines coming from both sides of the border and beyond. In the first half, we look at the breaking news on tariffs, with an 11th hour agreement with Mexico giving a pause to the proposed 25% duty on imports. We also look at why Canada may be more reticent to strike a deal, and what the bigger objectives may be. Is it all about oil and inflation, or are we looking at a 21st century version of the Monroe Doctrine aimed at China? We also break down how the Fed is assessing the situation. In the second half, we...
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I Can Hear You Clowns
Tea and Crumpets
After a holiday hiatus, we welcome 2025 with a look at what worked in 2024 and what that may mean for this year. One thing that did not work: forecasts. The Fed cut rates fewer times than predicted, and we discuss the recent pivot toward a more hawkish tone, which is part of the reason for the increase in yields on longer bonds. Those higher yields are stressing consumers and businesses, not to mention grinding mortgage activity to a halt. We look at the implications of higher rates and compare some of the small business stress we are seeing in our community versus the strong jobs data...
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Defiling Gravity
Tea and Crumpets
We take a wicked look upward, where both unidentified drones and market valuations reside. We also discuss the upcoming Fed meeting, investor sentiment, and the outlook for corporate margins (and employment) as AI gains greater adoption. Learn more about Formidable Asset Management, Will Brown, and Adam Eagleston by visiting .
info_outlineIn the first half, we discuss the showdown between the U.S. and China on tariffs. While the headlines have been stolen by who is calling whom first, we look into the effect the tariffs are already having on container ship volumes, and what implications that has for the rest of the supply chain, and the economy. Tariffs are just starting to hit consumers as they look to buy online, with the tariff exceeding the purchase price in some cases. While there is optimism over a resolution, historically trade agreements have involved lengthy negotiations, and we are weeks away from the initial impact of being felt, making this akin to a slow moving shipwreck. We also discuss the impact of student loan payments turning back on after years of forbearance.
In the second half, we discuss the rebound in U.S. equities, which are anticipating a quick and painless resolution to the trade war, along with three or four cuts by the Federal Reserve during the rest of this year. In our opinion, that number of cuts would only occur if we saw the onset of a recession, which has significant market implications.
- Since World War II, the average recession sees gross domestic product (GDP) decline 2.3%.
- The average earnings decline for the S&P 500 is 11% during a recession
- However, around 1/3 of the time, earnings decline 5% or less.
Many market strategists are celebrating the recent equity rebound, which has been broad based and triggered a number of positive market breadth signals. While these are normally positive portents, valuation is not part of the calculation, and any disappointment in terms of the current earnings estimates leaves little room for error, making us mindful of seeking opportunities outside of the index, which continues to be dominated by a handful of stocks.
Learn more about Formidable Asset Management, Will Brown, and Adam Eagleston by visiting www.formidableam.com.