In the US and euro area a number of global bourses hit all-time highs
In the US and euro area a number of global bourses hit all-time highs in the first quarter. Europe led the pack, as sovereign quantitative easing (QE) was a catalyst to unlock value. Not only are euro area equities (particularly export and real estate related sectors) finally responding to a cheapened euro and zero interest […]
Federal Reserve officials anticipate economic contraction
Federal Reserve officials anticipate economic contraction in the first half of 2008. Recently, Chairman Bernanke invoked rarely used authority to provide emergency financing for investment banks. Fed officials sought to limit the broad economic impact of what former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan terms the worst credit crisis in 50 years. Central bankers cut the benchmark […]
Concerns about economic weakness and credit turmoil
Concerns about economic weakness and turmoil in the credit markets are likely to weigh on high yield and convertible bond closed-end funds (CEFs) over the next several months. Since late-2007 dislocations in the credit markets have contributed to tighter financial conditions which may push the US economy into recession. Similarly, credit strategists believe we have […]