What is the bond market trying to tell us about the economy?

Jun 30, 2017
Many investors focus on the stock market. But the bond market’s been doing some interesting things lately, things that are getting investors’ and economists’ attention. Since the beginning of this year, there’s been a decided flattening of the yield curve on Treasuries — the difference between the interest rates on short-term bonds and those that […]

What kind of banking risks are lurking in the shadows?

Jun 29, 2017
The nation’s biggest banks all passed their annual stress tests and bank stocks today took off. Earlier in the week, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen offered additional reassurance about the financial sector, saying she doesn’t think there will be another massive financial crisis in her lifetime. But traditional banks are only part of the picture […]

Attacks on currency have real economic consequences

Jun 29, 2017
The recession of 2008 was prolonged and worsened by China's currency manipulation.
STR/AFP/Getty Images

Activist investors can drive change if they have the reputation and ideas to win over others

Jun 26, 2017
Activist investor Daniel Loeb announced over the weekend that his hedge fund, Third Point, has taken a $3.5 billion stake in the Swiss food conglomerate Nestle, and he wants some changes at the company. That may sound like a lot of money, but the investment represents just over a 1 percent stake in the company. […]