European Markets: Intact or In Tatters?

12 May 2022 In my 2022 Strategy blog entitled "Avoiding Stagflation?" (published 1 December 2021), I suggested global financial market volatility was poised to rise, and equity and bond returns would be negative. On a relative basis, however, I made the case for an outperformance of European markets. Much has happened during the past six [...]

USA: Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?

At the 16 March FOMC meeting, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasised the central bank's determination to lower inflation towards the 2% target. To this end, the FOMC raised the Federal Funds rate by 25bp, and Chairman Powell indicated similar rate hikes should be expected at future meetings. Further, he warned the FOMC was [...]

Bitcoin: What it Is, and What It’s Not!

20 May 2021 In the next few weeks, I will consider the future of money. In particular, I will evaluate the evolution of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), as well as the potential role crypto-currencies may play in the future monetary system. Today, let's deal with the elephant in the room: Bitcoin! The world's largest [...]

Global Fiscal Policy: Keep the Pedal to the Metal

16 March 2021 In the past week, the Biden Adminstration passed its historic American Rescue Plan (ARP) and UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his budgetary program for the coming years. The message from both is clear, the immediate priority is to provide Covid-related relief to household and businesses. Concerns about rising public sector debt would [...]