Not So Fast, Please image

Not So Fast, Please

By: David Moenning

To be sure, what I like to call "Fed Expectations" has been the primary driver of the market action for some time now. You know the drill. When economic data or Fedspeak supports the idea of rate cuts in the near future, stocks rise. And vice versa. Simple, right? From my seat, this and t…
Not If, But When image

Not If, But When

By: David Moenning

The stock market's latest joyride to the upside appears to have hit a snag. Well, for now at least, anyway. Up until last week, the bulls were large and in charge based on the idea that (a) the economy and in turn, earnings, were doing just fine, thank you and (b) the Fed was about to cut…
The Cycle Roadmap for 2024 image

The Cycle Roadmap for 2024

By: David Moenning

The drivers of the stock market at this point in the game are fairly clear. The Fed's next move, the state of the economy, and whether or not 2024 earnings can hold up to the rather lofty expectations appear to be the top factors on investors' minds these days. So far at least, th…
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Making It Official

By: David Moenning

It took a while (as in over 500 days), but the S&P 500 and DJIA finally managed to close at fresh all-time highs on Friday. While the bears may argue that the so-called "breakout" must prove itself in the coming days/weeks (Martin Pring was famous for suggesting an additional 3% was n…
Happy Holidays Indeed image

Happy Holidays Indeed

By: David Moenning

Long-time readers know that I am a card-carrying member of The-glass-is-at-least-half-full club. As such, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I have maintained a fairly upbeat view throughout this year. On the economy. On earnings. On the stock market. On the consumer. And, of course, on in…
Words Matter image

Words Matter

By: David Moenning

Stop me if you've heard this one before. Pullbacks in the markets end quickly when some Fed official, or better yet, a couple FOMC members say something "dovish." You know, something like, "We see signs of progress on inflation." Or "Policy is appropriate given the current data." Or, well…
All About Rates image

All About Rates

By: David Moenning

In case you've been out on the golf course frantically trying to squeeze in those last few rounds before the weather turns, it is safe to say that the direction of interest rates remains the primary driver of the action in the stock market. From a near-term perspective, anyway. To…
Time For A Rally? image

Time For A Rally?

By: David Moenning

Perhaps one of the most important qualities necessary to survive long-term in this business is an open mind. As I've lamented a time or two hundred over the years, too many investors are focused on making market predictions and/or about "being right." Yet, as more than forty years of prof…
The Bears Have an Earnings Problem image

The Bears Have an Earnings Problem

By: David Moenning

You really have to give the bear camp credit these days. Despite being just plain wrong about the economy, earnings, and the state of the stock market, our furry friends are sticking to their guns. Yes, uber-bear Mike Wilson kinda/sorta did a mea culpa a couple months back. But li…
Sticking To The Script? image

Sticking To The Script?

By: David Moenning

Good morning and Happy Friday. After enjoying a strong run higher from mid-March through the end of July, the bulls then took a much deserved and highly anticipated break. And in following the seasonal script, the major indices proceeded to pull back in August. Although it wasn't fun, the…