Featured Insights
Tariffs and Inflation: Not Particularly Worrisome
The bond market will be looking for any indirect impacts from the tariffs, which could stem from changes in financial conditions or changes to the global growth outlook.
Commercial real estate
The Rise of the Sun Belt
Growing economic opportunity, a lower cost of living, and retirement in a warm and sunny climate are driving population growth and investment opportunities in the West and South.
Around the Curve
Why Kudlow Might Be Right
The willingness of U.S. consumers to spend is a crucial driver of interest rates – and global growth.
Markets Now: Review and Outlook
Our short-term economic outlook improved to neutral in April and we continue to believe U.S. stocks are positioned to outperform U.S. bonds as well as international developed market stocks in the near-term.
U.S. - China Trade Conflict Update
Last-minute issues have complicated the negotiations taking place in Washington and Beijing.
Chart of the Week
Chart courtesy of Royce & Associates. Source: Factset, as of 12/31/18. Analysis based on monthly rolling average annual return periods from the Index Inception (5/31/94) through 12/31/18. "International Large-Cap” (blue bar in chart) is represented by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Large Cap and “International Small-Cap” (green bar) by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Small Cap. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are unmanaged, and not available for direct investment. Index returns do not include fees or sales charges. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the performance of an actual investment.
International stocks: Think small
Chart of the Week
Market Snapshot
U.S. – China: Tariff Tumult
Negotiations on a U.S. - China trade agreement hit a snag; U.S. inflation continued its sluggish pace in April; South Africa's election was a qualified victory for the ruling ANC.
Featured Insights
China targets U.S. farmers
China’s latest tariffs focus on U.S. agricultural exports; financial markets are pricing in at least one Fed rate cut this year; U.S. consumers’ debt load reached $13.67 trillion, with student debt outstripping auto loans.
Mid Week Bond Update
U.S. Consumers: The Debt Debate
Are newly cautious U.S. consumers behind the world's low interest rates?
U.S. – China: Tariff Tumult
Negotiations on a U.S. - China trade agreement hit a snag; U.S. inflation continued its sluggish pace in April; South Africa's election was a qualified victory for the ruling ANC.
Recession Indicators Update
Lessons from 1998-2002
There are many parallels between today and 1998-2002, but the current environment lacks that period's overvaluation and cyclical excesses.
Mid Week Bond Update
U.S. Growth: Lower-flation and the Fed
Inflation expectations in the U.S. remain stubbornly low.
Putting International Small-Caps on the Map
The case for a strategic allocation to international small cap is well supported by historical data.
ESG: From Fringe to Mainstream
Enthusiasm for ESG has notably accelerated over the past two years, as more and more investors embrace the promise of a future that is not only wealthier but also healthier and cleaner.
Around the Curve
The Fed's Inflation Problem
With inflation expectations plumbing new lows, the Fed may be reconsidering longstanding assumptions about monetary policy.
Q2 Market & Strategy Update
Central Banks: 'Extend the expansion'
While the global growth rate has moderated and is still very modest, we expect it to be slightly better than 3.5% for the year. We view the recent inversion of a portion of the yield curve as a yellow warning sign rather than a flashing red signal of imminent recession.
U.S. economy
Still Room to Run
Credit conditions remain healthy at present, leaving ClearBridge optimistic about the economy over the balance of the year.
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