S&P 500 Climbs 2% on Economic and Trade Optimism…
What Does It Mean – U.S. equity futures rose as optimism grew over potential EU trade resolutions, reducing fears of tariff-related disruptions. The S&P 500 futures advanced 0.3%, reflecting positive sentiment, while European markets showed mixed responses, with the Stoxx 600 slightly up. Treasury yields stabilized, and the dollar weakened against major currencies amid expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Bitcoin surged to $111,000, driven by hopes for clearer crypto regulations under the Trump administration. Despite Brazil’s budget concerns impacting emerging markets, global equities remained resilient, supported by consumer strength and trade progress. Read more.
Japanese Bonds Surge on Bets That Government May Tweak Issuance…
What Does It Mean – Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) conducted an unusual outreach to market participants to assess appropriate issuance amounts for super-long government bonds following a market slump. The initiative, involving a questionnaire on market conditions, led to a sharp decline in super-long bond yields, with 40-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields dropping approximately 25 basis points. This move signaled potential adjustments in debt issuance to stabilize the JGB market, influencing global bond yields, weakening the yen by 0.7% to 143.86, and boosting U.S. equity futures. Japan’s Finance Minister Kato emphasized monitoring bond market dynamics. Read more.
Long-Bond Revolt Pressures 60/40 Comeback in Chaotic Market…
What Does It Mean – A sharp decline in U.S. long-term Treasury bonds, with 30-year yields surpassing 5% for the first time since November 2023, is challenging the traditional 60/40 portfolio strategy. Rising yields, driven by weak foreign demand at Treasury auctions and concerns over escalating U.S. debt and deficits, are reducing the appeal of long-term bonds as a safe asset. This shift disrupts the balance of the 60/40 model, which relies on bonds for stability against equity volatility. Investors face increased risks, prompting a reevaluation of portfolio allocations in a volatile 2025 market. Read more.
US and EU Race for Trade Deal With Six Weeks Left Until Truce Expires…
What Does It Mean – The European Union is accelerating trade negotiations with the United States to avert President Trump’s threatened 50% tariffs, set for July 9, 2025. The EU aims to prioritize critical sectors — steel, aluminum, autos, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and civilian aircraft—to secure exemptions or favorable terms. This strategy follows a temporary tariff postponement after talks between Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU, the US’s largest trade partner, faces challenges in aligning all 27 member states for a cohesive deal. Success hinges on rapid consensus and concessions on US goods. Read more.
Liam and Olivia dominate — again — with top baby names for a sixth year in a row…
The two names have, for a sixth year together, topped the list of names for babies born in the U.S. in 2024.
The Social Security Administration annually tracks the names given to girls and boys in each state, with names dating back to 1880. In time for Mother’s Day, the agency on Friday released the most popular names from applications for Social Security cards.
Liam has reigned for eight years in a row for boys, while Olivia has topped the girls’ list for six. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys.
The girls’ name Luna slipped out of the Top 10 and was replaced by Sofia, which enters at number 10 for the first time.
After Liam, the most common names for boys are, in order: Noah, Oliver, Theodore, James, Henry, Mateo, Elijah, Lucas and William.
After Olivia, the most common names for girls are Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Mia, Sophia, Isabella, Evelyn, Ava and Sofia.
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Relative strength measures the price performance of a stock against a market average, a selected universe of stocks or a single alternative holding. Relative strength improves if it rises faster in an uptrend, or falls less in a downtrend. It is easily applied to individual positions in your portfolio and to sectors and asset classes.
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