Highlight of the Week
Bank Earnings Give Economic Outlook
-Recent earnings have given some additional insights regarding consumer spending and the possibility of a looming recession.
-Earnings for some illustrated a considerable loss in profit; Bank of America’s profit was down 33%, and Goldman Sachs’s by 55%.
-Not all was bad, though, some banks released better-than-expected earnings, and some analysts found that consumers were still spending and borrowing at a high rate, offering a positive outlook on the economy’s near future.
Rate Curves
Rapid Report:
ECB Is Set To Fight More Than Just Inflation
-Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, will not only have to fight inflation but will also need to balance slowing economic growth and political instability in the Eurozone. As the ECB is set to raise interest rates for the first time in over a decade, President Lagarde will have to keep an eye on making sure borrowing costs don’t spiral out of control which could put countries such as Spain and Italy under extreme pressure.
-Compared to other central banks, the ECB is behind in fighting surging inflation. The Federal Reserve is set to introduce a second .75% rate hike bringing its policy rate between 2.25% and 2.5%; the ECB’s policy rate sits at minus .5%. The ECB’s slow response has forced the Euro into a 20-year low against the dollar – raising the costs of European imports and hurting its attempt to slow inflation.
Retail Sales Show Strong Consumer Balance Sheets
-According to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday, retail sales rose 1%, beating expectations. Consumer spending grew despite surges in prices, signifying strong finances and job prospects as the economy recovers from the lingering effects of Covid-19.
-Economic data in recent weeks have shown a mixed outlook on the U.S. economy – inflation is at a 40-year high, manufacturing output fell for the second straight month, and home construction also slowed.
-On the other hand, the biggest driver of the U.S. economy, consumer spending, is still growing, and unemployment is still at historic lows. Perhaps the positive numbers concerning the U.S. economy aren’t sustainable, but economists have realized that solid consumer balance sheets will soften the blow of a possible recession.
Highlight of the Week
Federal Reserve clears big banks for a wave of dividends and stock buybacks likely to boost bank stocks
- All 18 banks passed the stress tests and received approval under the CCAR program for proposed capital distributions
- JPMorgan was approved to boost share buybacks by $9b to $29.4b
Rate Curves
Rapid Report:
Illusion of Trade Truce
- Although Trump says China and US talks are “on track,” lingering unknown remains dangerous for business sentiment amid looming economic slowdown
- “No real progress, downside risks to economy and market still remain” Chetan Ahya, Morgan Stanley chief economist says
Transit Cards, Driver’s Licenses Moving Mobile
- New York Metro Authority currently prints 80 million MetroCards per year, they are targeting zero by 2023 as mobile tap-to-pay options become available
- ID-Tech company Idemia has partnered with 35 states to develop mobile driver’s licenses, bringing more of your wallet to your smartphone
- Strong focus on secure encryption, offering scannable barcodes only showing pertinent information, and developing good bandwidth with law enforcement
USWNT Advances
- USWNT defeated home country France 2-1 – they face England in the semifinal on Tuesday
Highlight of the Week
Federal Reserve clears big banks for a wave of dividends and stock buybacks likely to boost bank stocks
- All 18 banks passed the stress tests and received approval under the CCAR program for proposed capital distributions
- JPMorgan was approved to boost share buybacks by $9b to $29.4b
Rate Curves
Rapid Report:
Illusion of Trade Truce
- Although Trump says China and US talks are “on track,” lingering unknown remains dangerous for business sentiment amid looming economic slowdown
- “No real progress, downside risks to economy and market still remain” Chetan Ahya, Morgan Stanley chief economist says
Transit Cards, Driver’s Licenses Moving Mobile
- New York Metro Authority currently prints 80 million MetroCards per year, they are targeting zero by 2023 as mobile tap-to-pay options become available
- ID-Tech company Idemia has partnered with 35 states to develop mobile driver’s licenses, bringing more of your wallet to your smartphone
- Strong focus on secure encryption, offering scannable barcodes only showing pertinent information, and developing good bandwidth with law enforcement
USWNT Advances
- USWNT defeated home country France 2-1 – they face England in the semifinal on Tuesday
