BlackRock Cautions Against Long-Term Bonds

Leading asset management firm, BlackRock, warns that longer-term U.S. Treasury bonds may face risks if the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cuts clash with persistent inflation. Despite the Fed's dovish stance, expecting three rate cuts this year amidst stronger economic growth, stubborn inflation could challenge this outlook. According to David Rogal of BlackRock's Fundamental Fixed Income Group, the current bond prices for intermediate and long-term maturities don't adequately account for the possibility of the Fed maintaining higher interest rates for an extended period

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Dollar Climbs Higher as Global Interest Rate Policies Diverge

The dollar is on track for its second consecutive week of gains, showcasing its resilience and strength in the global currency market. This week has witnessed a significant shift in global monetary policy, with various major central banks adjusting their interest rate policies. Notably, even Japan's rate hike and Switzerland's unexpected rate cut have not slowed the dollar's ascent. These developments underscore the widening disparity in interest rate strategies between the Federal Reserve and other global central banks, further bolstering the dollar's position.

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Kazakhstan Bolsters Its Economy with a Gold-Heavy Reserve Strategy

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has significantly altered the composition of its gold and foreign exchange reserves, according to a report by LS. As of February 2024, the National Bank of Kazakhstan reported the country's total reserves at $36.1 billion, a 38.6% increase from $26.05 billion in 2014. This growth is characterized by a decrease in foreign currency assets by $4 billion and a remarkable increase in gold reserves by 3.2 times—from $6.3 billion in February 2014 to $20.01 billion in 2024.

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ZeroHedge: Price Inflation Accelerates for Second Month as Biden Blames "Greed"

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a continued increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, marking a 3.2% rise year over year in February. This marks the 36th consecutive month where inflation has surpassed the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Contrary to earlier predictions, the recent data suggests that the inflationary trend is not as temporary as previously thought.

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S&P 500 Hits 20th Record Record High in 2024

The S&P 500 marked its 20th record high of the year, propelled by a surge in risk appetite among investors. Despite experiencing declines in major technology firms like Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc., the index's overall momentum remained robust. Concurrently, the Nasdaq 100 achieved a new peak, partly thanks to a positive outlook from Micron Technology Inc. Moreover, Reddit Inc. experienced a notable surge in its market debut. This market enthusiasm comes in the wake of encouraging data across housing, manufacturing, and the labor market, suggesting a sturdy economy.

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