Author name: Steve

Inflation expectations have taken a noticeable dip in the latest consumer surveys, signaling a shift in how people view the economic landscape ahead. This change is important because what consumers expect about inflation can influence their spending habits, wage demands, and even how businesses price goods and services. Recent data from various surveys paint a […]

When it comes to gauging the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector and, by extension, the broader economy, few indicators are as telling as durable goods orders. These orders represent requests for products designed to last at least three years—think machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Recently, this key economic barometer delivered a surprising jolt: durable

China’s recent stimulus package has sparked a noticeable uplift in global risk sentiment, sending ripples of optimism through markets worldwide. This move comes at a crucial time when the global economy is navigating uncertainties, and China’s proactive measures are helping to stabilize not just its own economy but also boosting confidence internationally. At the heart

Global LNG prices have been on a noticeable rise recently, largely driven by increasing demand from Asia, which remains the powerhouse of global LNG consumption. This trend is shaping energy markets worldwide and reflects a complex interplay of supply dynamics, regional economic growth, and shifting geopolitical factors. Asia’s appetite for liquefied natural gas is substantial

The tech sector is once again grabbing the spotlight in the S&P 500, driven largely by a surge in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. As AI technologies become more integrated into everyday business operations and consumer products, investors are increasingly betting on tech companies to lead market gains. At its core, this momentum stems from how

Gasoline prices have been climbing recently, and a big part of the story lies in refinery outages across the Gulf states. These disruptions are shaking up supply chains just as summer travel heats up, putting upward pressure on what drivers pay at the pump. The Gulf Coast is home to nearly half of U.S. refining

Electric vehicle (EV) subsidies are reshaping the landscape of metals demand in a big way. As governments worldwide push for cleaner transportation, these financial incentives are accelerating EV adoption, which in turn is driving a surge in the need for key battery metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. At its core, EV subsidies lower

When we talk about the U.S. trade deficit narrowing, it’s essentially about the gap between what America imports and exports getting smaller. Recently, this has been happening thanks to a boost in exports combined with a notable drop in imports—a dynamic that’s catching the attention of economists and businesses alike. Exports have been on an

Luxury stocks recently took a hit following disappointing sales data from China, highlighting the delicate balance between global luxury markets and China’s economic health. This development has caught the attention of investors and industry watchers alike, given China’s outsized role in driving luxury consumption worldwide. China is on track to become the world’s largest luxury

When capital requirements tighten, financial institutions—especially banks—often find themselves navigating a tricky landscape that can lead to underperformance. To understand why this happens, it helps to break down what capital requirements are and how they impact banks’ operations and profitability. **Capital requirements** are regulatory standards that mandate banks hold a certain amount of capital relative