SFM Market Commentary: 1/30/26
In the last two weeks, key economic data showed the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge at 2.8%, signaling persistent inflationary pressures above target while consumer spending and economic growth demonstrated solid momentum. Meanwhile, significant geopolitical and policy developments have emerged, including a major US-Taiwan trade agreement and new legislative proposals to secure critical minerals. Let’s […]
SFM Market Commentary: 2/13/26
In the last two weeks, the tech sector experienced significant turbulence as AI-driven disruption fears led to sharp declines in stocks heavily exposed to private credit, while the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75%. Geopolitical developments also unfolded, with initial U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and strategic moves to reduce dependence on critical minerals from […]
SFM Market Commentary: 2/27/26
In the last two weeks, US economic data showed a mixed picture with consumer prices rising less than expected and mortgage rates falling to a three-year low. Geopolitically, tensions mount in the Middle East as US military presence intensifies and significant trade developments occur with Taiwan and on tariffs. Let’s dive in! Over the next […]
SFM Market Commentary: 3/13/26
In the last two weeks, the U.S. labor market showed unexpected weakness with a significant drop in payrolls and a rise in unemployment, prompting discussions of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Concurrently, geopolitical tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with expanding conflict involving Iran and concerns over global shipping routes through […]
SFM Market Commentary: 3/27/26
In the last two weeks, US economic data showed mixed signals with rising producer inflation and unexpected jobless claims declines amid the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Iran war. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, though one policymaker signaled a potential hike, reflecting uncertainty fueled by geopolitical risks. Let’s dive in! Over the […]
SFM Market Commentary: 4/10/26
In the last two weeks, the Federal Reserve signaled a patient approach to policy despite inflation pressures tied to the Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, mortgage rates hit recent highs, slowing housing demand as consumer sentiment declined. Let’s dive in! Over the next two weeks, attention will turn to upcoming […]
SFM Market Commentary: 4/24/26
In the last two weeks, despite geopolitical tensions around Iran, financial markets have shown resilience with stock indexes hitting new records and positive signals from major U.S. bank earnings. Inflation concerns continue as consumer prices surged in March, while defense spending debates and energy sector developments add complexity to the economic landscape. Let’s dive in! […]
SFM Market Commentary: 5/8/26
In the last two weeks, markets experienced notable gains with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting their largest monthly increases in years, amid robust earnings from major tech companies. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East contributed to record U.S. crude oil exports, while the Federal Reserve maintained its interest rate stance with a historically high […]
SFM Market Commentary: 5/22/26
In the last two weeks, inflation pressures intensified as the Consumer Price Index rose notably, driven by higher shelter and gasoline costs, while the 30-year Treasury yield reached levels not seen in nearly two decades. Geopolitical tensions and trade developments, including U.S.-China tariff adjustments and concerns about oil supply disruptions, also shaped market sentiment. Let’s […]
SFM Market Commentary: 6/5/26
In the last two weeks, U.S. economic indicators showed mixed signals with core inflation steady at 3.3% and manufacturing activity reaching a four-year high, while jobless claims edged slightly higher. Geopolitical developments included progress on a UAE pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and optimism around U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks impacting oil prices. Let’s dive in! […]