Fisher Investments MarketMinder

MarketMinder is an online magazine bringing you economic and financial news analysis daily. Fisher Investments analysts scour hundreds of news sources to bring you the most pertinent and influential news of the day, providing insight and analysis to help you discern the 'noise' from the 'news' and ultimately make better investing decisions. MarketMinder opinions and analysis are based on the core philosophy of Fisher Investments.

Cover Stories

Fisher Investments Editorial Staff
Politics

The Return of the Debt Ceiling

By, 05/20/2013

If no calamity or even remotely negative consequence ensued from suspending the debt ceiling for three months, why should it return?

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Fisher Investments Editorial Staff
Others

Waiting for Shinzo-man

By, 05/17/2013

Japanese equity markets and growth surged in Q1, but absent necessary structural and economic reforms, is it sustainable?

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Research Analysis

Scott Botterman
Into Perspective

What to Expect From Italy’s New Government

By, 05/01/2013

A look at Italy’s new government and its likely policy agenda.

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Book Reviews

Michael Hanson

Coolidge

By, 03/14/2013

An austere president in budget—and persona.

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Today's News Round-Up

Sensible Stories
By , The Wall Street Journal, 05/17/2013

MarketMinder's View: Fiscal and monetary stimulus gave Japan a boost in Q1, but sustained growth likely requires deep structural reform—and this piece highlights many of the most glaring needs. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may have the rare political capital to pull off meaningful change, but whether he can seize the opportunity remains to be seen.

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Market Misperceptions
By , Bloomberg, 05/17/2013

MarketMinder's View: Actually, in our view, there’s ample data showing stocks’ recent rally isn’t a Fed bubble or otherwise driven by credit. Most of the money printed by the world’s central banks is sitting as excess bank reserves, and bank lending hasn’t meaningfully increased. Yes, margin debt has risen on an absolute level, but the ratio of margin debt to cash is well below historical levels, suggesting claims of a market rally built on fragile leverage are unfounded.

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Global Market Update

Market Wrap-Up, Fri 17 May 2013

Below is a market summary (as of market close Friday, 05/17/2013):

  • Global Equities: MSCI World (+0.3%)
  • US Equities: S&P 500 (+1.0%)
  • UK Equities: FTSE 100 (GBP) (+0.5%)
  • Best Country: Canada (+1.0%)
  • Worst Country:  Australia (-1.0%)
  • Best Sector: Energy (+1.0%)
  • Worst Sector: Telecommunications (-0.6%)
  • Bond Yields: 10-year US Treasurys rose 0.07 to 1.95%.