I don't see any major surprises the next week. I suppose that is good news on the indicator front.

Right now the market seems to be sharing the assumption that current inflationary prices can be passed on to the consumer. This is aided by the fact the US benefits somewhat from higher oil prices, however, this only goes so far and won't help with the trade war with China. We will see how the US does as higher prices and inflation gradually move up from here.

A very good and straightforward article and synopsis. I suggest that people read it. A main issue is as efficiency, automation, and logistics increasingly improve, how do we increase salaries and income for a majority of people so that consumption can increase. Lower interest on credit only goes so far. Inevitably wages and income must improve to sustain strong economic growth.

On the flip side, it is fortunate the Federal Reserve has been able to do some QT this late in the cycle without causing major ramifications. The simple fact is this is good because it gives the Federal Reserve the ability to have leeway if the market weakens. Higher rates and QE pay down equals more security and health for the economy, not less unless it causes a economic meltdown. The slow rate hike isn't liable to cause a economic collapse in and of itself nor will the QE reversal.

The real issue is inflation for the economy right now. That is what is driving rates up not just for Treasuries but all debt. It may become critical if oil price spike (most likely due to mid-east issues) or inflation spikes caused international trade wars. This is where we should be keeping a close eye on right now.

The Canada plus idea is the best way forward for them if they wish to be separate. I think tat they realized that there is a cost to pay to leaving the EU and are willing to pay it if there is a way to still engage the EU in trade and business. The EU has morphed into much more than a union for business and trade and does badly with keeping governments abiding by the most simple rules in fiscal budgeting.

It is too bad for the EU that Britain is leaving them and not Greece and Italy.

The market seems more in a stable and slightly rising environment more due to the fact of increased flows to it than anything else. Tech has been bullish but sectors are weakening, semiconductors especially. Be careful with "tech" because the tech they talk about is liable to be different than before with big names moving into other sector descriptions. Make sure you aren't losing out by not offsetting your portfolio to buy what the indexes you may be in get rid of.

Today one must be much more careful, especially if you buy Indexes and funds. They change over time but with their holdings, their management, their performance, and their costs.

For the time being they will just suffer higher rates and debates over their fiscal policies that hopefully will teach them to get in line. If not, they are indeed headed the way of Greece and the EU needs to do something before everyone plays the fiscally irresponsible bail out game. It is unfair to the rest of the EU.

Given Trumps comments they basically had no choice to prove their independence. Also with strong jobs reports it only solidified the vote to move rates up as scheduled. We will see maybe if they hold back on the next raise. So far these minuscule raises haven't affected the market adversely yet.

It is best to read an options book to go over the various risks with options. They vary based upon the position. Although they can be used to lower risk, a lot of people don't use them for such positioning. The biggest risk is time risk and increased capital risk if the market moves against your position.

One should be happy with the gains in home sales and prices up to now. I don't think people in this market expect it to rise significantly from here and inflation is going to be a giant headwind which is likely to pull it down some. The message here right now is don't try to make money on home buying right now. If you buy, do it for your standard of life not as an investment you thing will get whopping returns because it most likely won't.