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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501107933/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1501107933&linkCode=as2&tag=thecapitalspe-20&linkId=05b51df8aece30b58e6d6e0e02c7b78b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<img decoding="async" class="alignleft" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1501107933&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=thecapitalspe-20" border="0"/>
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<img decoding="async" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thecapitalspe-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1501107933" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501107933/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1501107933&linkCode=as2&tag=thecapitalspe-20&linkId=84b5c41ad57e9e7525df6832dd759f10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America’s Power</a>
<img decoding="async" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thecapitalspe-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1501107933" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0"/><br/>
By Meghan L. O’Sullivan<br/>
<strong><a href="http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Windfall/Meghan-L-OSullivan/9781501107931">Summary</a> via publisher (Simon & Schuster)</strong><br/>
*Windfall* presents a compelling examination of global energy resources, reminiscent of Daniel Yergin’s influential work, *The Quest*. Through her insights, Harvard professor and former policymaker Meghan L. O’Sullivan reveals the shift from anxiety about energy scarcity to the realization of energy abundance. This newfound wealth is reshaping the geopolitical landscape and strengthening America's influence. With a focus on enhanced energy production by the current administration, *Windfall* explores the profound impact that new energy dynamics have on international relations and security. The advent of new technologies has resulted in oversupplied oil markets and a burgeoning natural gas surplus. These developments not only lower prices but also reshape market structures and influence the diplomatic strategies of numerous countries.
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/book-bits-16-september-2017/#more-9199" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/book-bits-16-september-2017/" title="5:59 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-16T05:59:02-04:00">September 16, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
<a href="https://www.aqr.com/library/aqr-publications/asset-allocation-in-a-low-yield-environment">Asset Allocation in a Low Yield Environment</a><br/>
<strong>John Huss (AQR Capital Mgt.), et al.</strong><br/>
<em>August 17, 2017</em><br/>
In 2016, bond yields plummeted to record lows in major developed markets, with nominal yields on 10-year German and Japanese government bonds even dipping below zero. Although yields have risen somewhat in 2017, the low-rate environment persists. This scenario does not necessarily demand drastic measures from investors, including those who usually uphold a strategic allocation to global bonds. On the contrary, it emphasizes the significance of diversifying across various return sources.
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/research-review-15-september-2017-portfolio-management/#more-9214" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/research-review-15-september-2017-portfolio-management/" title="7:08 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-15T07:08:47-04:00">September 15, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>N. Korea fires second missile over Japan:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/14/world/asia/north-korea-missile.html">NY Times</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US annual consumer inflation ticks up to 1.9% in August:</strong></span>
<a href="https://stats.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">BLS</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US jobless claims drop sharply after previous week’s rise:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-14/unexpected-drop-in-u-s-jobless-claims-shows-sturdy-job-market">Bloomberg</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Revised US Q3 GDP growth estimate holds steady at 3.2%:</strong></span>
<a href="https://now-casting.com/home">Now-casting.com</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US Consumer Comfort Index dips for second week:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-14/u-s-consumer-comfort-falls-for-second-week-on-buying-climate">Bloomberg</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Ross says N. Korea problem won’t stop US trade reform with China:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/14/north-korea-china-trade-wilbur-ross-242720?lo=ap_e1">Politico</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US 2-year Treasury yield rises to highest since July:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/treasury-yields-tick-higher-as-consumer-inflation-data-looms-2017-09-14">MarketWatch</a>
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<p>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/us.2yr.15sep2017.png">
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9213" src="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/us.2yr.15sep2017.png" alt="" width="700" height="312" />
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/macro-briefing-15-september-2017/" title="5:09 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-15T05:09:41-04:00">September 15, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
The S&P 500 Index climbed to a new <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-set-to-lose-grip-on-all-time-highs-2017-09-13">record high</a> yesterday (September 13), prompting questions about its sustainability. While no one can predict the future with certainty, reflecting on historical trends can provide valuable insights into how this bull market compares to its predecessors.<br/>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/ranking-us-equity-bull-markets-during-economic-expansions/#more-9209" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/ranking-us-equity-bull-markets-during-economic-expansions/" title="7:10 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-14T07:10:48-04:00">September 14, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Trump blocks sale of US tech company to Chinese firm, citing security:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41258351">BBC</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Russia’s Kaspersky Lab’s software banned from US government computers:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/13/us/politics/kaspersky-lab-antivirus-federal-government.html">NY Times</a><br/>
<strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Trump's outreach to Democrats on tax reform is dividing GOP:</span></strong>
<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/13/trump-democrats-republicans-tax-reform-242677">Politico</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US producer prices in August rise at fastest rate since January:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-inflation/higher-gasoline-prices-boost-u-s-producer-inflation-idUSKCN1BO1JG?il=0">Reuters</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Another record high for the US stock market:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-set-to-lose-grip-on-all-time-highs-2017-09-13">MarketWatch</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Brazil’s main stock market index hits record for third session:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.rttnews.com/2814548/brazil-ibovespa-hits-record-for-third-session-despite-political-turmoil.aspx?type=gleco">RTT</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US 2017 hurricane costs to date estimated at highest level since 2005:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/85b39c84-97bb-11e7-a652-cde3f882dd7b">FT</a>
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<p>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hurricanes.14sep2017.png">
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9205" src="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hurricanes.14sep2017.png" alt="" width="700" height="500" />
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/macro-briefing-14-september-2017/" title="5:28 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-14T05:28:46-04:00">September 14, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
According to last week’s <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BUSLOANS">update</a> from the Federal Reserve, the year-on-year growth rate for commercial and industrial loans fell to 1.6% in July. This slowdown is the most significant since April 2011 and raises concerns among some analysts.<br/>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/annual-growth-rate-for-us-business-lending-slips-to-six-year-low/#more-9203" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/annual-growth-rate-for-us-business-lending-slips-to-six-year-low/" title="6:43 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-13T06:43:29-04:00">September 13, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US household incomes increased to record in 2016:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-household-incomes-rose-in-2016-to-new-record-1505226727">WSJ</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>President Trump: New N. Korea sanctions are only the first step:</strong></span>
<a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/northkorea-missiles-un/north-korea-sanctions-nothing-compared-to-what-will-have-to-happen-trump-idINKCN1BM2SE">Reuters</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>N. Korea vows faster development of nukes after new sanctions:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-12/north-korea-vows-to-accelerate-nuclear-push-after-un-sanctions">Bloomberg</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Global oil market demand set to rise faster than expected:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/13/global-oil-demand-to-exceed-expectations-in-2017-says-iea-opec-cuts-supply.html">CNBC</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>US small business optimism edges higher in August:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/small-business-capital-spending-plans-jump-to-post-recession-high-2017-09-12">MarketWatch</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>The era of no-retirement age is near:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/09/13/age-no-retirement-looms-one-four-want-work-beyond-70-claims/">Telegraph</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Another record high for US stocks as Treasuries prices fall:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/6e924ca2-974e-11e7-b83c-9588e51488a0">FT</a>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sp500.13sep2017.png">
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9202" src="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sp500.13sep2017.png" alt="" width="700" height="312" />
</a>
</p>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/macro-briefing-13-september-2017/" title="5:12 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-13T05:12:15-04:00">September 13, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
Economists predict that US inflation will remain below the Federal Reserve's target of 2.0% in Thursday’s upcoming update on August consumer prices. If this forecast holds true, it could fuel expectations that the central bank will postpone the next interest rate hike until the following year.<br/>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/consumer-inflation-data-is-expected-to-downplay-rate-hike-odds/#more-9195" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/consumer-inflation-data-is-expected-to-downplay-rate-hike-odds/" title="7:44 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-12T07:44:01-04:00">September 12, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Hurricane damage will temporarily slow US economic growth:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-09-11/harvey-and-irma-to-slow-us-growth-but-rebound-should-follow">AP</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Irma’s damage expected to be less than forecast:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-11/-150-billion-misfire-how-forecasters-got-irma-damage-so-wrong">Bloomberg</a><br/>
<strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Consumer inflation outlook for year ahead holds steady at 2.5%:</span></strong>
<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/newsevents/news/research/2017/an170911">NY Fed</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>UN Security Council tightens sanctions on North Korea:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/11/world/asia/us-security-council-north-korea.html">NY Times</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Trump considers more aggressive Iran strategy:</strong></span>
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-iran-exclusive/exclusive-trump-to-weigh-more-aggressive-u-s-strategy-on-iran-sources-idUSKCN1BM2WJ">Reuters</a><br/>
<span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>MSCI All Country World stock index touches record high:</strong></span>
<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-markets/world-stocks-hit-record-highs-as-irma-weakens-idUSKCN1BN02R">Reuters</a><br/>
<strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">US stocks (S&P 500) close at record high:</span></strong>
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-stocks/sp-500-chalks-up-record-high-as-fear-gives-way-idUSKCN1BM1BH">Reuters</a>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sp500.12sep2017.png">
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9194" src="https://www.capitalspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sp500.12sep2017.png" alt="" width="700" height="312" />
</a>
</p>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/macro-briefing-12-september-2017/" title="5:22 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-12T05:22:19-04:00">September 12, 2017</time></a>
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<p>
Last week, the US Dollar Index fell to its lowest point in over two-and-a-half years, enhancing returns in foreign bonds. Corporations outside the dollar market dominated the performance list among the <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/major-asset-classes-august-2017-performance-review/">major asset classes</a> measured through various exchange-traded products. Notably, the top four performers last week were offshore fixed-income funds.<br/>
<a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/us-dollars-decline-fueled-gains-in-foreign-bonds-last-week/#more-9189" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a>
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By James Picerno | <a href="https://www.capitalspectator.com/us-dollars-decline-fueled-gains-in-foreign-bonds-last-week/" title="6:27 am" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date" datetime="2017-09-11T06:27:45-04:00">September 11, 2017</time></a>
</footer><!-- .entry-meta -->In this restructured article, the content has been modified for clarity and flow while maintaining the original HTML elements. Each section is clearly delineated for ease of navigation. The article presented various insights into economic trends and geopolitical issues, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in finance and global politics.
