Societe Generale’s Chart of Swan Risks

Societe Generale’s Chart of Swan Risks This chart shows the downside and upside risks to the growth outlook. Biggest risks (black swan): protectionism/trade wars (25%), and European policy uncertainty (20%) Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research

Lower Returns for Stocks in the Next 12 Months?

Lower Returns for Stocks in the Next 12 Months? Morgan Stanley’s cyclical indicator is flagging “downturn.” The yield curve’s slope, debt issuance, consumer confidence, economic and financial markets data are aggregated in Morgan Stanley’s cyclical indicator. The entry into the “downturn” phase suggests lower returns for stocks and risky assets in the next 12 months. Image:…

Can The U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Fall Further?

Can The U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Fall Further? Well, according to this chart, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield could fall further. The chart suggests that G4 central bank assets as percentage of GDP (1-year change) lead U.S. 10-year Treasury yield (1-year change) by one year. Image: Macrobond

Money-Market Funds Flows

Money-Market Funds Flows Over the last 4 weeks, money-market funds have seen a significant inflow of nearly $95 billion. That’s much more larger than in previous years. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation

Should Investors Be Concerned About Rising Oil Prices?

Should Investors Be Concerned About Rising Oil Prices? Because the U.S. becomes entirely self-sufficient, it helps to contain oil prices in the long-term. Cheap oil is good for global economic growth, business and consumers. Image: J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Total Debt by Sector for Developed & Emerging Economies

Total Debt by Sector for Developed & Emerging Economies Argentina is the least indebted market in terms of GDP, while Japan is the most indebted market in terms of GDP. The United States’ total debt is 252% of GDP. Image: Pictet Asset Management

Why Are U.S. Banks Healthier Than Ever?

Why Are U.S. Banks Healthier Than Ever? U.S. banks are much stronger than ever. They have more capital and should withstand the next recession. See Fed’s annual stress test (Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests): “The capital levels of the firms after the hypothetical severe global recession are higher than the actual capital levels of large banks…

Why Lower Bond Yields Influence the S&P 500?

Why Lower Bond Yields Influence the S&P 500? Because lower interest rates push stock market multiples higher.  If interest rates are lower, then the value of future cash flows increases, because future cash flows are discounted back at a lower interest rate. So, lower U.S. 10-year yields influence the stock market equity risk premium. On the other…