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Mortgage Rates Hit 15-Year High as Oil Giants Snub Production and Tech Faces EU Scrutiny; Comparisons to '29 Crash Spook Markets

  • The 30-year mortgage rate is nearing 8%, the highest in decades, signaling economic troubles ahead.

  • Oil companies like Exxon are not increasing production despite high prices, instead rewarding shareholders, to the administration's frustration.

  • Microsoft and other tech giants like Google face anti-trust scrutiny in the EU for unfair practices that hurt consumers and competition.

  • Shorting stocks like Budweiser and Disney can reward savvy investors during volatile markets.

  • Comparisons to the 1929 crash suggest the markets could be on the brink of another historic downturn.

seekingalpha.com
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### Summary The US economy and markets appear to be in good shape, with a strong stock market, low inflation, and low unemployment. However, there are potential risks on the horizon, including the impact of the Federal Reserve's monetary tightening, supply and labor shocks from the pandemic, political polarization, and the possibility of another government shutdown. While the overall outlook for investing remains uncertain, it's important for investors to prepare for any eventuality. ### Facts - The US stock market is close to its 2022 peak, inflation is less severe than a year ago, and the economy remains strong with low unemployment. - The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 5 percentage points, which could lead to economic growth faltering. - The US economy is facing supply and labor shocks from the pandemic and commodity shortages caused by Russia's war with Ukraine. - Falling prices in China could contribute to disinflation in the US and elsewhere. - Political polarization in the US and the possibility of another government shutdown could negatively impact the economy and markets. - Despite the resilience and stability of the economy and markets, there are still risks to consider, including a crisis in commercial real estate and the potential for inflation to flare up again. - Some economists and surveys predict a 50% probability of a recession occurring within the next 12 months. - Investing should be based on a long-term outlook and a diversified portfolio, with cash on hand to cover expenses. Note: Due to the nature of the text provided, some of the facts may be subjective or based on the author's opinion.
A stock market rally is likely to occur in the near future, as recent data indicates that a bounce is expected after a period of selling pressure, with several sectors and markets reaching oversold levels and trading below their normal risk ranges. Additionally, analysis suggests that sectors such as Utilities, Consumer Staples, Real Estate, Financials, and Bonds, which have been underperforming, could provide upside potential in 2024 if there is a decline in interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve.
Despite recent market gains, investors are concerned that the current rally may be the last hurrah before an economic contraction, especially after the Federal Reserve indicated that it could hike interest rates twice more this year.
The U.S. housing market is facing dire consequences due to high mortgage rates, a housing supply shortage, and a lack of confidence in the Federal Reserve's actions, according to market expert James Iuorio.
Tech stocks led a rally in the stock market, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.6% and the S&P 500 ending a four-day losing streak, despite the rise in Treasury yields; investors will be looking for clues about the US consumer spending and the economy as retailers' earnings reports are expected, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium is anticipated for indications on interest rates.
The US housing market may be broken due to the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes, which have driven up mortgage rates and negatively impacted both supply and demand, according to economist Mohamed El-Erian.
Concerns of a stock market crash are growing as economists await the release of the second-quarter GDP report, which could provide insight into the impact of the Federal Reserve's rate-hike campaign and future monetary policy changes. The report may have a significant effect on equity markets, which have been sensitive to economic data releases this year.
Stocks rally as job openings decline in July, bonds rally on softening job market and odds of interest rate pause, court rules SEC needs more reasoning to block Grayscale's Bitcoin ETF, and other market movements.
Wall Street is experiencing small gains and losses as investors await economic news, including an inflation indicator and more jobs data; markets rallied after consumer confidence dropped in August and job openings fell, potentially reducing inflation and deterring the Fed from raising interest rates.
The housing market has experienced significant changes, with high mortgage rates and low inventory leading to slower sales and longer time on the market, but experts predict that mortgage rates will eventually decrease and home prices will continue to appreciate, with no imminent crash expected; the market is expected to shift towards a more balanced state in the next five years, and the suburban market is predicted to remain strong, particularly in areas with rising populations.
U.S. stock investors are closely watching next week's inflation data, which may determine the future of the equity rally, as signs of a soft landing for the U.S. economy have contributed to the S&P 500's gains, but too high inflation could lead to fears of higher interest rates and stock sell-offs.
Real estate investor Sean Terry predicts a "Black Swan" event in the US housing market within the next year due to affordability pressures caused by high interest rates and housing prices, which could lead to a market crash. However, experts argue that a crash like the one in 2008 is unlikely due to the current housing shortage and limited supply of homes. The future of the housing market will depend on factors such as economic stability, mortgage rates, and homebuilders' ability to increase supply.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to panic over the recent surge in consumer prices, driven by a rise in fuel costs, as it considers further interest rate hikes, but if the rate hikes weaken the job market it could have negative consequences for consumers and President Biden ahead of the 2024 election.
The US sectoral flows for August 2023 have shown a significant decrease in financial balances, which is expected to negatively impact asset markets heading into September and potentially October, with a potential turnaround in markets expected in October. The upcoming mid-September federal corporate tax collections are likely to further decrease financial balances in the private domestic sector. The federal government's spending and credit creation, along with bank credit creation, will play a role in the future trends of asset markets. The real estate market is also showing signs of slowing down due to rising interest rates. Overall, the macroeconomic indicators suggest a strong Xmas/New Year rally and a positive first quarter of 2024 for asset markets.
Markets on Wall Street are expected to open with losses after the Federal Reserve suggests it may not cut interest rates next year by as much as previously thought, leading to a decline in futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average; uncertainty surrounding inflationary indicators and high rates is a major concern for traders moving forward.
The Federal Reserve has paused its campaign of increasing interest rates, indicating that they may stabilize in the coming months; however, this offers little relief to home buyers in a challenging housing market.
Investors are selling and bringing the market down due to reasons like interest rates, macroeconomic weakness, fear of giving up on gains, the Federal Reserve, the political climate, and potential strikes, according to CNBC's Jim Cramer.
Wall Street struggles as the Federal Reserve's interest rate strategy and imminent government shutdown cause uncertainty, while oil price rally raises concerns about inflation and potential rate cuts.
Investors at the Delivering Alpha conference express concerns about the economy and stock market, with the potential for a coming recession and the need for conservative investments; the Federal Reserve is unlikely to raise rates in 2024 due to the presidential election; private credit returns are seen as attractive; one-third of office real estate is expected to disappear from the market; artificial intelligence still has room for growth; investors are cautious about further stock market pullbacks; there are opportunities for investors in international markets; Wall Street's relationship with China is criticized; private equity valuations are expected to decline; and Bill Ackman's speech at the conference could impact market sentiment.
Investors attempt a risk-on rally as Treasury yields and oil prices stabilize, but concerns over higher interest rates continue to impact sentiment in European and global markets.
The Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates elevated through 2024 is causing damage to the economy, resulting in falling stock prices, soaring debt costs, and negative impacts on sectors such as housing and commercial real estate. This poses a potential challenge for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, as the economy struggles to handle the highest borrowing costs in two decades.
The recent two-week selloff in the stock market confirms a weak market and raises the possibility of new lows, indicating that the so-called bull market was just a rebound and the next bull market will be driven by different factors. Investors should focus on traditional fundamentals and cash reserves rather than poor investments.
The commercial real estate market is facing a severe collapse driven by high interest rates, declining property values, and looming debt defaults, with investors predicting a recovery only after a crash.
Market veteran Ed Yardeni predicts a year-end rally in the stock market, driven by strong corporate earnings and resilient economic growth, despite potential risks from higher interest rates.
The market is experiencing a gradual decline after a summer rally, as inflation remains above the target range and there are concerns about a forced correction of the economy due to the higher for longer rate environment; the overvalued nature of equity valuations also contributes to the risk of a broader market crash.
The stock market is expected to experience a temporary rally before exhausting itself, according to technical strategist Tom DeMark, who predicts a retracement of the recent decline and a potential 62% replacement of the entire decline.
Financial markets face a problem as Kevin McCarthy is ousted as House Speaker.
The chaos in Washington and uncertainty surrounding a possible government shutdown could make it less likely for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again this year, as the economy and inflation appear to be cooling off.
The political dysfunction within the House GOP, including the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is causing concerns for financial markets and adding new risks at a time of heightened fears about inflation, bond yields, and oil markets. The potential for a government shutdown and the delay in electing a new Speaker further compound the worries and could impact consumer confidence and economic data needed by the Federal Reserve to make decisions on interest rates.
The chaos in the bond market is largely attributed to the Federal Reserve, as panic over higher interest rates has led to a selloff in long-dated Treasurys, although some market experts believe this panic is disconnected from market fundamentals and that interest rates are unlikely to remain high for long.
The stock and bond markets are struggling due to a lack of leadership in the House and concerns over a government shutdown, following the removal of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a downgrade of U.S. credit by Fitch Ratings.
The bond sell-off that is currently occurring in global markets is raising concerns of a potential market crash similar to the one that happened in 1987, with experts noting worrying parallels between the two eras, due to the crashing bond markets, increasing debts, overstretched equity markets, and the end of a bull market, albeit with no fiscal room for policy makers to respond this time, raising the potential for a more catastrophic event, including soaring interest rates and increased national debt servicing costs.
The Treasury bond market sell-off has led to a significant crash, causing high yields that are impacting stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, housing, and foreign currencies.
The housing market is currently considered overvalued, with homes selling above their long-term prices in most major markets, but experts disagree on whether this indicates a housing bubble or if high prices are justified due to the housing shortage and strong demand. The fear of buying at the peak of the market and concerns about rising mortgage rates are factors influencing buyer decisions, but if rates come down, it could lead to an increase in prices. While there is a possibility of a price correction, most experts do not expect another housing crash like the one experienced during the Great Recession.
The housing market is experiencing an unsustainable bubble with surging home prices and a shortage of supply, raising concerns about a potential crash, according to Sheila Bair, former federal regulator during the subprime mortgage crisis. While some experts believe housing prices will continue to rise, others, including Bair and investor Jeremy Grantham, warn of a significant downturn in the market. However, stricter lending standards and homeowners with more equity make a repeat of the subprime crisis less likely.
Investors are closely monitoring the bond market and September CPI data to determine the Fed's stance on interest rates, with Seema Shah of Principal Asset Management highlighting the circular nature of market reactions to yield spikes and their subsequent declines. She suggests that while there are concerns about upward momentum, the equity market will find comfort in a continued drop in yields and could remain range-bound for the rest of the year. Diversification is recommended as the market narrative remains unclear, and investors may consider waiting until early 2024 for greater clarity on the economy and the Fed's actions.
The US Treasury market experienced its biggest single-day rally since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March, as investors sought the safety of US bonds amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing expectations that the Federal Reserve may pause its rate hike campaign.
The housing market is currently in a bubble with high prices detached from demand, but it is unlikely to burst and a gradual deflation of the bubble would be beneficial, according to former regulator Sheila Bair.
Despite recent tremors in the financial markets, experts are divided on whether a stock market crash similar to Black Monday in 1987 is imminent, with some citing the strength of the US economy and the diversity of assets as potential safeguards against a major downturn.
Market veteran Ed Yardeni believes that the wobbling commercial real estate market will lead the Federal Reserve to halt interest rate hikes, as rising bond yields and office vacancies worsen the credit squeeze in the sector.
The crash of the U.S. Treasuries market, with many bonds trading at 50% of their face value, has sparked concerns about inflation and government spending and is being seen as a warning about a potential financial crisis.
As the anniversary of "Black Monday" approaches, some on Wall Street are speculating that a market crash similar to the one in 1987 might occur, despite the differences in today's market conditions and the strengthening of circuit-breaker mechanisms.
As the anniversary of "Black Monday" approaches, some on Wall Street are speculating that a terrifying market crash similar to 1987 could occur, despite the differences in the current market landscape.
The stock market rally faces further losses as volatility increases and the 10-year Treasury yield reaches almost 5%, but there is hope for a bounce as market fear gauges rise; Tesla plunges in volume due to weak earnings and a lack of growth, while stocks like Adobe, Arista Networks, Microsoft, Palantir Technologies, and Meta Platforms are worth watching for potential buying opportunities.
The bond markets are going through a volatile period, with collapsing bond prices and rising yields, as investors dump US treasuries due to factors such as fears of conflict in the Middle East and concerns about President Joe Biden's high-spending approach, leading to higher interest rates and impacting mortgages and debt.
A crash in the bond market has led to panic on Wall Street, with Treasury prices plummeting and 10-year yields surpassing 5% for the first time in 16 years, which has significant implications for stocks, the economy, and everyday individuals.
The stock market's inability to sustain a rally is a troubling sign as the selloff intensifies.