It’s a mighty confusing market out there. Is the US headed for recession or boom? Is the AI bubble going to inflate or pop? Is the IMF about to be buried in bail-out requests? How do you follow the narrative, trade and invest into the news flow. Or is it time for a new approach – follow the money, less the story.
If there is one thing we Brits are really, really good at its making things difficult for ourselves. We talk ourselves down and fall into doom and gloom, despite knowing for certain is the sun will come up tomorrow… “Things are never as bad as we fear, but seldom as good as we hope!”
Argentina’s financial crises are legendary – a 10th default is now in prospect. President Milei’s efforts to turn the nation around through austerity, government cuts, and economic shock therapy made him a poster boy for the Libertarian Project 2025. Surprisingly, they appeared to be working, till suddenly they aren’t. Now the USA looks set to bail out the nation.
October is coming. It is the scariest month for markets. And there is much to be scared about in Q4; unsustainable narratives driving bubbles, inflation and stagflationary threats, political uncertainty, and a market priced for perfection. I yell “correction”, but in the dying phases of a euphoric market – no one can hear you scream!
Earlier this week the US Fed eased interest rates under pressure from President Trump. There are host of confusing signals around employment and price stability, but the Fed jumped anyway. The bond market sold-off – a polite growl that was just enough to warn it’s not happy about political interference and potential policy mistakes. When it barks.. it will be for good reason.
King Charles played a blinder in Windsor last night, making Trump feel regal. But the reality is Europe and the UK have difficult decisions to make. Do they remain aligned with a post-hegemonic USA slipping into autocratic polarisation, or do they seek closer Asian connections, including China? There are massive Economic and Geopolitical risks ahead.
This will be the last FOMC as we knew them. From here on, a politicised Fed will be dancing to the President’s tune. That may be a good thing – but probably not. It may prove great news for markets, but a route to economic stagnation. It may also trigger a correction.
Sir Tim Berner-Lee’s autobiography, “This Is For Everyone” is a delight. In a world that is increasingly riven and polarised - largely through the deliberate misuse of the tools his web protocols enabled - his calls for a polite reset will likely fall on deaf ears… There is simply too much money to be made monetising the passions and addictions that drive social media – which is why we ultimately may need to regulate Big Tech and the Web.
Huh! Some Nervous Nellies think the US stock market is rallying hard on thin air. Nonsense. What’s not to like about a big Fed Ease, a strong economy, and empowered companies! Nothing to worry about in terms of inflation or trade – ignore the doomsters trying to undermine confidence in the President and America. Buy, buy, and buy…
The assassination of Charlie Kirk in the USA is a stark warning of rabid political polarisation. Here in the UK the marginalisation of the Tories, and Labour’s caution, has opened the door for Nigel Farage’s new populist Reform Party. How are markets likely to price a Reform Win in the run-up to the next UK election in 2029? To win without destabilising markets, Farage has much to do to establish its’ political credentials, competency and policy – and show that he has evolved.
Disclaimer
This publication is protected by US, UK and International Copyright laws. All rights reserved. No License is granted except for the subscriber’s personal use. Rights will be pursued.
The Morning Porridge is not investment advice. It is market commentary based on discussions and information gathered from multiple sources believed to be reliable. No guarantee is given for its accuracy or completeness. It is not an offer to buy, sell or solicit investments or securities. The author may have a position in companies or institutions discussed in this commentary.
If you want to know what’s really happening and why.. welcome to the Porridge.
Financial Market Insights for Thinkers!
© Morning Porridge | All Rights Reserved | Website Design & Support by Orange Pixel
