Basis Points

The Fed has done what was widely expected−it cut the federal funds target range by a quarter-point. And while you could say the Fed is back in data-dependent mode, it appears as if monetary policy is still leaning toward another rate cut this year. Kevin Flanagan discusses.

Through the first six months of the year, the global fixed income markets have certainly put in a surprising performance. However, the odds do not seem to favor this type of performance in 2H 2019. Against this backdrop, Kevin Flanagan offers three solutions for investors to consider as we close out 2019.

One overarching question that many investors ask is, Why is the Fed so intent on cutting rates? If judging solely on low unemployment and an impressive June jobs report, many wouldn’t think we should be having a rate-cut discussion. Kevin Flanagan explains why a July rate cut is still likely.

The much better-than-expected June jobs report has the money and bond markets—and probably the Federal Reserve as well—in a dither. Kevin Flanagan analyzes the data to bring you back to a post-July 4 reality!

When looking at the money and bond markets, they almost seem to be saying to the Federal Reserve (Fed), “Would you please cut rates already?” Against this backdrop, we continue to advocate for a solution designed to help fixed income investors navigate the waters that loom ahead without making a high conviction bet on where rates are headed: the barbell strategy.

After a Federal Reserve meeting like the one last week, it’s always prudent to take a step back and let the dust settle. Kevin Flanagan analyzes the U.S. Treasury (UST) 10-Year yield and poses the question: Where do we go from here?

To watch the money and bond markets of late, there is one development that stands out quite clearly: the Federal Reserve has to cut interest rates. Kevin Flanagan explains why the markets think trade uncertainty plus economic weakness might just equal three rate cuts in the future.

Last week, we heard a narrative regarding the movement in the stock and bond markets—specifically, that the decline in U.S. equities resulted from the drop in the U.S. Treasury 10-Year yield. Typically, the bond market reacts to developments in the stock market, not the other way around. Kevin Flanagan investigates a possible shift in the paradigm.

The current landscape for the fixed income arena can be defined by two key factors: the yield curve and household cash positions. These two forces have placed a premium on short-term government investments in bond-land. Instead of going into products that are fixed in nature, Kevin Flanagan examines why investors should look to floating rate strategies instead.

It’s time for your final in “Curve”ology 101. Does the UST 3-Month/10-Year curve signal an upcoming recession? Kevin Flanagan explains.