Peak Profits & Margins? One of the biggest questions facing the market today is whether we are approaching peak profits. Capital expenditures have remained robust, and they continue to be a primary focus for investors. However, the prospect of peak profits could present an even greater challenge for the markets moving forward. Peak Profits and Margins Have To Be Top Of Mind Earnings season is in full swing, and expectations for profit growth continue to move higher. Consensus earnings… View More
Stocks Major U.S. indices finished the week lower in a tech-driven pullback. The S&P 500 declined ~1.5%, the Dow Jones fell ~0.8–0.9%, and the Nasdaq dropped ~2.5–2.9%. Semiconductors and AI-related stocks faced pressure amid concerns over high capital spending, Chinese competition in open-source models, and questions about near-term returns on massive data center investments. Broader rotation favored value, energy, and defensive sectors. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East added … View More
In 1852, Karl Marx said "Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered and transmitted from the past." He obviously knew about the Magna Carta (1215) and the English Parliament’s Bill of Rights (1689), which created a separation of powers between the King and elected representatives. What he didn’t pay much attention to was how the United States broke with history… View More
However, it is a bit challenging due to increased regulations and interest rates. This year’s Homebuyer Insights Report survey data reveals meaningful changes in attitudes toward homeownership. The study finds that for the first time since 2023, more Americans favor buying a home (53%) over renting or moving in with family (47%). Even as attitudes shift, prospective buyers increasingly point to affordability as the top barrier to homeownership, with expensive home prices (58%, … View More
A deal to extend the ceasefire in the Middle East has finally been agreed, allowing energy prices to decline further and risk-asset markets to resume their pre-war bull run. The history of the Middle East points to inevitable bumps ahead. A lasting peace has not been achieved, and some of the players are not agreeing to stop at this juncture. Should investors expect setbacks ahead? Summary Equities were higher last week with the DJIA and Russell 2000 hitting record highs, while the S&P… View More