Markets and Economy, Page 2
Anton's Weekly UPdate on markets, the consumer, jobs, housing, and the Fed
More in Markets and Economy
Markets and EconomyWhy Does the Stock Market Keep Going Up?Clients have recently been asking why we rebalanced our model portfolios on April 1 to invest the large cash position back into equities that included gold miners. This rebalance was timely as global and US stock marketsMarkets and EconomyBuilding and Preserving WealthFrom October 13, 2022, U.S. equities embarked on a powerful rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq outperforming most global indices through January 29, 2026. However, as reports of a potential conflict with Iran began to suMarkets and EconomyDiffering Moods of Investors and ConsumersBefore the war with Iran, both investors and consumers were already facing significant uncertainty about the outlook for their finances and the broader U.S. economy. Investors were focused on several key issues, includinMarkets and EconomyStocks Need to Rebuild New UptrendAn uptrend can lose momentum for many reasons. Sometimes, unexpected political, economic, or global events disrupt the market and reverse direction. Other times, a rally simply becomes overextended, with investors searchMarkets and EconomyInvestors Not PanickingOn June 12–13 of last year, Israel carried out large-scale airstrikes against Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and senior commanders and scientists. Dozens of sites were neutralized, and several top IrMarkets and EconomyHow Productive are Countries?The United States, while ranking third in population, generates nearly twice the annual GDP of both China and the Eurozone.Markets and EconomyThe Bipolar Stock MarketAs a lifelong investor and portfolio manager for the past 28 years, I can confidently say the stock market has bipolar disorder.Markets and EconomySmall Business Owners and Consumers Slow Sentiment ImprovementOver the past three days, we’ve received reports on the state of consumer sentiment and small business confidence. The results show that both groups are slowly becoming more optimistic about the future, though improvemenMarkets and EconomySanta Claus Happy with Wall StreetSeveral years ago, Simon Maierhofer, editor and founder of iSpy ETF Newsletter, introduced me to a combination of three barometers that have had interesting results in predicting the future S&P 500 performance of the newMarkets and EconomyConsumers Depressed But Still SpendingSince 1972, the University of Michigan has surveyed approximately 1,000 households each month to produce its Consumer Sentiment Index. The index ranges from 0, representing extreme pessimism, to 110, reflecting peak optiMarkets and EconomyGold and SilverLast year, we began adding gold and silver mining companies to the Up Capital Model portfolios. I give credit to the client, Annie Alexander, who first introduced the idea of miner stocks to me early in 2025 as a developMarkets and EconomySanta Claus Barometer for 2026Many years ago, Simon Maierhofer, founder and editor of the iSpy ETF Newsletter, introduced me to a powerful market framework. Simon is one of the most analytically rigorous market observers I’ve ever met, with a unique Markets and EconomyWhy Venezuela Doesn’t Matter YetIt is only six days into the new year, and already the holidays feel like a distant memory. Our family welcomed the New Year on the Texas coast near Port Aransas. Forecasts warned of dangerous cold as an Arctic blast pusMarkets and EconomyMarket Pauses and Investors PanicThe predictability of investor behavior can feel almost tedious to anyone who closely follows market activity. Major U.S. indices are wrapping up a third consecutive calendar year of double-digit annual gains, with the SMarkets and EconomyInnovation in Search of a Problem, From Restrooms to Corporate AIEngineers are remarkably gifted at creating solutions to problems no one knew existed—at least, not the average person. Take the humble public restroom. Once upon a time, we all managed just fine with the trusty twisty-kMarkets and EconomyDid You Miss the Gold Rush?If you missed the market rotation mid-last year to gold and precious metal miners, you may be asking if it’s too late to jump on. Recognizing the precious metal positive trend, we started adding gold and silver miners inMarkets and EconomySignals of a Stock Market CrashInvestors are enjoying a robust stock market rally with NASDAQ and possibly the S&P 500 completing three consecutive years of 20%+ annual gains. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway has amassed a record-breaking cash reserve, rMarkets and EconomyThe Uneasy Rebound and Why Small Business Optimism Remains FragileSmall business owners have endured a difficult four years. Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, many were benefiting from economic growth between 2017 and 2020. But when the pandemic struck, supply chains became strainedMarkets and EconomyHousing Boom or BustMy selection of economic topics to write about is getting narrowed as multiple reporting Federal agencies have stopped releasing economic data due to the Federal government shutdown. However, just before the government sMarkets and EconomyConsumers Depressed But Still SpendingUnlike most other countries, the US GDP of economic activity is predominantly driven by consumer spending. Consumer sentiment levels should provide a forecast of rising or falling future spending if the theory that disco
For general education only, not individualized tax or investment advice. Up Capital Management is a Registered Investment Adviser.