Research & News
Bi-Weekly Geopolitical Report – Middle East: Land of Fault Lines (May 6, 2024)
by Daniel Ortwerth, CFA | PDF Conflict in the Middle East is one of the most persistent themes in current events. Not only is this true today, but Middle Eastern discord has dominated the news flow throughout most of our lives. At Confluence, we recognize that this enduring pattern of strife reveals the presence of… Read More »
Daily Comment (May 6, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Our Comment today opens with some notes on the China/Russia bloc’s military buildup and increasingly aggressive military operations. We next review several other international and US developments that could affect the financial markets today, including Chinese General Secretary Xi’s visit to Europe… Read More »
Daily Comment (May 3, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Good morning! Equity futures are higher as a relatively weak jobs report has reaffirmed hopes for Fed easing. In sports news, the New York Knicks edged out the Philadelphia 76ers in a thrilling playoff victory! Today’s Comment dissects how big tech companies… Read More »
Daily Comment (May 2, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Good morning! Equity futures are up today as investors embrace a less hawkish Fed. In sports news, Borussia Dortmund edged out PSG with a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead in the Champions League. In today’s Comment, we delve into the FOMC’s decision to… Read More »
Daily Comment (May 1, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Good morning! Equities are down as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. In sports news, Real Madrid showed their fighting spirit again, securing a draw against Bayern Munich in a thrilling Champions League match. Today’s Comment examines our views on monetary… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 30, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Our Comment today opens with growing concern among top Israeli officials that they could be indicted for war crimes over their conduct of the war against Hamas. We next review a wide range of other international and US developments with the potential… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 29, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Our Comment today opens with a discussion of the latest US bank to be seized and sold by regulators as a result of today’s high interest rates. We next review a range of other international and US developments with the potential to… Read More »
Asset Allocation Bi-Weekly – The Peace Dividend, Government Debt, and Yield Curve Control (April 29, 2024)
by the Asset Allocation Committee | PDF Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently castigated the European governments that slashed their defense spending at the end of the Cold War and then remained far too complacent about the growing threat from Russia in recent years. According to Frederiksen, hiking their defense budgets as is now necessary… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 26, 2024)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM EDT] | PDF Good morning! Equities are off to a slow start today as inflation concerns linger for investors. But on a brighter note, the Florida Panthers are surging ahead with a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Today’s Comment explores the… Read More »