In early 2019, the Federal Reserve’s decision to halt interest rate increases is largely credited with reversing the stock market’s downturn following a significant drop in late 2018. However, recent increases in the Effective Federal Funds rate (EFF) indicate that the central bank may still be tightening its monetary policy, potentially setting the stage for another rate hike.
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Will the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Census impact elections? NY Times
ISIS claims responsibility for the bombings in Sri Lanka: New Yorker
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un meets with Putin in Russia: BBC
The Fed’s key interest rate continues to climb: CNBC
UK reportedly set to exclude China’s Huawei from its core 5G network: Reuters
New US home sales surged to a 1.5-year high in March: CNBC
Home prices in the US increased by 4.9% year-over-year in February: HousingWire
Manufacturing activity in the Fed’s Fifth District slowed in April: Richmond Fed
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs: WSJ
This week’s initial estimates for US gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter are expected to reflect a slight slowdown, according to predictions compiled by The Capital Spectator. Although several forecasts indicate an uptick in growth, it remains premature to dismiss the prospect of stability in Q1. Nonetheless, some estimates suggest that the slowdown may persist, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the final figures until the Bureau of Economic Analysis releases its “advance” GDP report on Friday, April 26.
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Social Security’s trust funds are projected to run dry by 2035: CNN
Democratic presidential candidates are split on the issue of Trump’s impeachment: Reuters
The Fed may be willing to accept bubble risks to maintain economic expansion: Bloomberg
Oil prices have risen to a six-month high following the end of waivers for Iran’s crude: WSJ
Herman Cain withdraws his name from consideration for a Federal Reserve board position: USA Today
US economic growth continued to decelerate in March: Chicago Fed Nat’l Activity Index (3-month average):
Last week, real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the US experienced a significant downturn, marking the largest decline for major asset classes during the shortened trading week ending April 18. This loss, the steepest for this market segment since a downturn late last year, comes after a strong performance by REITs earlier in 2019.
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The death toll from the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka has reached 290: CNN
The Trump administration is planning to end oil import waivers for various nations: Reuters
Oil prices have increased as markets brace for the termination of Iranian import waivers: CNBC
Comedian Zelensky wins the presidency in Ukraine: BBC
House Oversight Committee Chairman anticipates impeachment hearings: WE
US housing starts fell by 14.2% in March compared to the previous year—a significant drop over 8 years:
By Gerald C. Kane, et al.
Q&A with authors via publisher (MIT Press)
Q: The extensive data you gathered over four years included feedback from over 16,000 individuals who encountered digital disruption. What insights did you gain regarding why certain organizations struggle to adapt?
A: Our survey revealed that many organizations identified their internal dynamics—such as a lack of agility, complacency, and rigid culture—as significant barriers to effective digital transformation. This aligns with our book’s central thesis that while technology is essential, it is the adaptation of culture, strategy, leadership, and talent that truly dictates success in a digital landscape.
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Searching through ETFs to find funds that seem undervalued compared to fair value continues to reveal a list dominated by commodities. Valuing commodities can be challenging (as they lack cash flows for analysis), but using historical five-year return rates provides a valid proxy for assessing this asset class.
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The Mueller report exposes dysfunction within the Trump White House: Politico
Wall Street largely dismisses the Mueller report: WE
Democrats are deliberating their next steps following the Mueller report: WSJ
Turkey seeks President Trump’s support to avoid US sanctions related to a deal with Russia: Reuters
A report indicates that the new NAFTA will bring modest growth to the US economy: CNBC
US retail sales in March marked the strongest monthly gain in 18 months: MW
Jobless claims in the US fell to a new 50-year low: CNBC
Philly Fed Index shows slower growth in April, with outlook at a three-year low: MW
The US Composite PMI drops to a 31-month low in April, indicating sluggish growth: IHS Markit
Health care stocks are currently facing significant challenges. What has changed? In a word, politics.
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