The biggest news for the bond markets was the release of the U.S. December manufacturing report as indicated by the ISM Manufacturing Index: It plunged to a five month low — the lowest level in a decade. Continue reading
Leaders of federal administrations always take credit for roaring econonomies, but the reality is more complex Continue reading
The all-important 10-year T-note at 1.92 percent today is flirting with the highs since the big drop in early August and has risen steadily since the September low. However, with the Fed on hold, we have little risk of the kind of big run upward that w… Continue reading
Normal Decembers are often void of substantial news, and markets stay steady. This December is packed with news, but markets remain unperturbed. That begs the question — what really matters? Continue reading
The latest jobs report is good; most other factors are stable. The economic wild card is the uncertain prospects for the outcome of the trade talks with China. Continue reading
The greatest threat to the global economy is trade friction with China, says regular Inman columnist Lou Barnes. Continue reading
The information technology revolution continues to break old assumptions behind economic modeling. We’re in uncharted waters — though the leaders at the Federal Reserve have some theories and data. Continue reading
The trade war damage in the U.S. outside of manufacturing and farms has been undetectable. Continue reading
Just like the ’62 Mets, everywhere columnist Lou Barnes looks in our economy today, global as well as U.S., he sees that the team is terrific, focused and productive, but the top leadership — irrespective of party or philosophy — can’t field, hit or pi… Continue reading
Long-term rates have stayed in a narrow range for anther week, mortgages still close to 4.00 percent. However, two developing patterns suggest changes ahead, although information wars make it increasingly hard to understand anything. Continue reading