HEDGED.BIZ

A look at economics, markets, finance and the irrational human being

How High/Low/Long Can You Go?

Can US equities sustain a bull market or even current levels without central bank support? Prior to unconventional monetary policy, the last 2 bull markets lasted from 1995 – 2000, and 2002 – 2007, or roughly 5 years in each case. What is not so easy to explain is why equities and corporate bonds have
Read more
No Comments

Europe. Growth, Value and Slightly More Stability (well, relatively)

Europe is in steady recovery mode, benefiting from the delayed effects of QE. Eurozone Purchasing Manager Indices (PMIs) have been rising across manufacturing and service industries for the last 6 months. Industrial production is growing at a steady 1.9%. Inflation has risen to 1.9% headline and 1.2% core. GDP is forecast to rise at 1.70%
Read more
No Comments

OPEC Is Managing The Oil Market Poorly. Oil Prices Likely To Rise.

OPEC is doing a terrible job of managing the oil price. The oil price prognosis depends on the time frame. In the very long run, oil will no longer be a viable fuel for a planet facing global warming. In the very long run, demand will disappear as cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy are
Read more
No Comments

Why Is Volatility So Low? Is It Complacency? No Its Not.

VIX, an indicator of implied volatility for the US stock market, has been chronically low, and surprisingly low given the geopolitical and economic concerns in the economy. Market consensus is that the US stock market is expensive and that growth may not be as strong as expected, especially if the expected fiscal stimulus policies of
Read more
No Comments

Leveraged Loans. Asian Private Banks’ Latest Blockbuster Product. Late To The Party… With Leverage.

Fears of rising interest rates have motivated Asian investors to buy leveraged loans. The first real demand from Asia for leveraged loans came around the Taper Tantrum in 2013. The asset class did as it was intended and protected capital while delivering a rather unexciting return (as it was supposed to do.) Over-investment in the
Read more
No Comments
TOP

DISCLAIMER / DISCLOSURE

The information, articles and content on www.hedged.biz are written by an industry professional who is currently in the investment industry working for a professional institution. By viewing or participating in discussion on this site, you understand that the opinions expressed here do not reflect the opinions or recommendations of such professional institution but is the author’s personal opinion.

 

The information in this site is believed to be reliable, however, no representation is made that it is complete or reliable. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information and opinions contained in this site and no representation, warranty or undertaking, express or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained here.

 

Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other instrument. Before investing, consider your investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses. Any purchase or sale activity in any securities instrument should be based upon your own analysis and conclusions. Past performance is not indicative of future results