To The Moon

As of closing on May 31, The $S&P 500(.SPX)$ closed up 0.25% in May to 4179.83 points; $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ closed up 5.8% to 12935.28. $DJIA(.DJI)$ closed down 3.49% to 32908.27.Judging from the industry standard of the $S&P 500(.SPX)$ index in May, three sectors closed up: technology stocks rose 9.12%, followed by the Communication Services sector, which closed up 6.25%. Then there is the Conumer Cyclical section.Data:https://finviz.com/Data:https://finviz.com/Specifically, the month-to-month increases in the technology sector include: $Alphabet(GOOGL)$

By Business and Tech Writer Sofiya Merenych &Marina Chernish at Clockwise SoftwareMichael Warrilow, research vice president at Gartner, in this article, we take a look at some of the current SaaS statistics, and highlight a few SaaS trends that are moving the industry right now.Businesses should consider the rapidly changing SaaS industry trends to adjust to them as quickly as possible. We offer you the most current SaaS statistics in 2023 that can be game-changing for your business.key saas statistics affecting the industryWe have analyzed the most recent SaaS reports and have chosen the most relevant statistics on the SaaS market, SaaS businesses, and the status of the SaaS distribution model across th

$Gold - main 2308(GCmain)$ $SPDR Gold Shares(GLD)$ Gold prices have dropped $100 over the past month, correcting from $2,056 an ounce in early May to a low of $1,940 last week.For the third time since 2020, $Gold - main 2308(GCmain)$ prices climbed above $2,000 an ounce before retreating.The price of precious metals has still risen sharply in the past six months. Tigers may want to know what caused the correction of gold prices and what will happen to gold prices next?Overall, leading factors includes a calming banking crisis, progress in U.S. debt-ceiling talks, a stronger U.S. dollar, and a recent pick-up in inflation indicators.Below are several key fac

Summary"Whenever the market is going up on bearish news, you better be sure to have a long position".If one agrees with this statement, which I personally do, then there is overwhelming evidence on why stocks will continue to rally.The S&P 500 is not expensive, priced at a 2024 FWD P/E of about x16, implying a 6.3% earnings yield.The FED's hiking campaign has likely come to an end, and striking pessimism among investors implies more outstanding buying pressure.I am buying 105/115 %-moneyness call spreads with a December 10th expiration date, with the potential for a 5:1 payoff.Huge green glass bull confronts red glass bear $E-mini S&P 500 - main 2306(ESmain)$ There are undoubtedly some super smart arguments to be made on why the s

Global debt: $305 trillion:• Corporations: $161.7 trillion• Government: $85.7 trillion• Individuals: US$57.6 trillionWhich countries have the most debt?• US $30.11T• China $14T• Japan $10.17• France $3.14T• Italy $2.87T• India $2.7TWhich countries have enough money to pay back debts?Any value greater than 100 percent indicates a country is spending more than it is making.Debt to GDP ratio:• Japan 239.1%• Greece 197%• Singapore 165.1%• Italy 134.8%• US 116.1%Singapore is in a unique position: $Straits Times Index(STI.SI)$ • When a bank receives a deposit from a saver, this is recorded as a liability on its books as it is considered as a "loan" from the saver. When the bank lends out the money, this is recorded in its books as an "asset" because

SummaryChinese tech equities remain vulnerable to US-China uncertainties, erasing Alibaba's gains from spinoff hype.Using the term state capitalism to describe China's economic model is inaccurate. Like every other nation, China has a mixed economy that blends capitalism.Alibaba's Cloud segment operating independently enhances its agility, allowing it to pursue growth initiatives and respond.Shareholders can anticipate a significant capital return through the stock dividend distribution resulting from the spin-off, depending on the valuation and future performance of the Cloud arm.Hong Kong Street Scene, Mongkok District with bussesInvestment ThesisChina's reopening surge collapsed at the end of January, and Chinese equities have slowly lost popularity, contradicting Wall Street analysts'

SummaryWe look back at three different analyst consensus earnings estimates for the S&P 500 published in October of 2022 and compare them to the actual earnings reported.We then look at the earnings these same three estimates are predicting for 2023 earnings and the P/E ratios today's S&P 500 price would generate using them.We then look at how these P/E ratios compare to the ratios that were historically typical of four different kinds of markets to determine whether the S&P 500 is now well-valued.We provide a table showing what prices of VOO, VTI, and SPY would generate historically significant P/E ratios based on the current S&P 500 price using some conversion ratios we have found helpful.S&P 500 $E-mini S&P 500 - main 23

SummaryI view it as an understatement to say that the current overall market, approximated by the SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF (SPY), is expensive.It is more expensive, much more, than what appears on the surface.Benchmarked against risk-free rates, my estimate is that the current SPY valuation is among the top 4% percentile.The valuation gap between SPY and value stocks, approximated by the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is off the chart.I see overwhelming odds for SCHD to outperform in the years to come.Identify the risk assessment matrix at "High" level.Thesis $E-mini S&P 500 - main 2306(ESmain)$ Back in July 2021, 

SummaryS&P 500 sector trends are in better shape than most believe, with noticeable improvement in Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, and Consumer Staples.Consumer Discretionary XLY is in a position to possibly contribute in a more positive manner, and Information Technology XLK is not the only source of strength.Bearish wild cards include the potential liquidity drain from the U.S. government issuing new bonds and the possibility of a credit crunch and economic recession if the Fed continues to raise interest rates due to inflation.Growth arrow up and progress success business skill increase improvement graphIs It Really All Tech?There is no question Information Technology (XLK) is the strongest sector of the market. Tech is being driven by numerous factors i

For many years, the stock market was the only realistic location to invest your money for a decent return. With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, now there are other options.Throw in the debt ceiling crisis, and even treasuries are looking attractive.A short-term, risk-free return above 5%, what’s not to love?Brief Background on the Debt Ceiling CrisisBefore getting into Treasury bills, it’s helpful to understand the ramification of the debt ceiling crisis.So much of the world’s trade is done in US dollars; there are many reasons, but one is the trust in the dollar, especially since the US has never defaulted on its debt. If it were to do so, there would be terrible consequences.Because of the United States’ history of always paying back its debt, it is regarded as a risk-free in

Sir John Templeton said: “Bull markets are born on pessimism, grown on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.” My latest article explained it all.Pessimism:Following the 2008 crisis, the global economy was engulfed in a cloud of pessimism. Investors were gripped by fear and uncertainty as financial institutions crumbled, economies contracted, and unemployment soared. Stock markets experienced significant declines, and investors became cautious, bracing themselves for further turbulence. This initial stage of pessimism laid the foundation for the birth of a new bull market.Skepticism:As the dust settled and economies started to stabilize, skepticism took hold. Investors remained cautious, wary of another downturn and skeptical about the sustainability of the recovery. However,

In May 2022, after large U.S. technology stocks announced their results one after another, U.S. stocks experienced the largest sell-off in 21 years. The $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ index fell for 7 consecutive weeks, the longest decline in 21 years. A sell-off unlike anything tech stocks have ever seen.However, in May this year, contrary to last year, almost all large-scale technology stocks performed surprisingly, and the $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ rose steadily. Analysts believe that the rising trend of technology stocks will continue, and it is expected to usher in a bull market for U.S. stocks.Monthly Chart, as of 30 MayGood profitability against inflationThe pandemic is gradually receding, countries around the world all

The stock market to surge after the White House and House Republicans reached a tentative deal to raise the debt ceiling? But markets may have other plans.Buy on anticipation, sell on fact?If markets get what they ultimately want — no debt default — they’ll have to buckle up for a potentially rough ride immediately after a deal is signed.• Immediate market impact of a debt ceiling deal:That’s because the Treasury will instantly need to replenish the cash it burned through during the period of extraordinary measures when it could not borrow more money.This will create more competition for equity from investors. After weighing their options, many investors may find the returns from investing in US Treasuries better than stocks. That will temporarily suck some liquidity out of the stock marke

Citigroup ( C ) strategists raised their ratings on U.S. stocks to neutral and put an overweight rating on technology stocks, citing booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and the expected end of the Federal Reserve's rate hike cycle.Citi's global strategy and macro team said on Friday, "Given that AI has not advanced to the point where it will disappoint, it may continue to be a driving force. Since AI is mainly the subject of hype in U.S. mega-cap stocks, this should also reduce The risk of U.S. equities underperforming."Dirk Willer, strategist at Citigroup's global asset allocation team, and others said in a report that once the Fed ends its tightening cycle, the investment theme of artificial intelligence (AI) will help U.S. stock technology stocks, as well as the overall U.S.

Do people actually think the market just climbs all day every day? 😂 Been doing this 22 consecutive years and I enjoy watching the sharps sell into the numb money. All sharps are short here $SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(SPY)$ $S&P 500(.SPX)$ MARKET MUST drawdown 8-10%.Super ugly start to the day with the big black candle 🕯 at the open followed by a red candle 🕯 Now hitting the 400 SMA @ 412.86 >> this is a major support level >> After filling the Gap between yesterday and today the 400 SMA needs to hold >> A drop below signals more consolidation putting EMA 4 @ 412.38 on deck >> has to hold EMA 4 to remain bullish.The 300 SMA @ 413.80 is the key 🔑 level to break above >> mor

Regained the 20 DMA (middle BB), but lost the 10 and 200 shortly before close. $SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(SPY)$ regained 200 and 20, and missed the 10 by a few cents. Seems like a reversal candle based on the moving average reclamations, but I'm not convinced. PCE tomorrow morning could snap it in the other direction with ease. I kind of expect it could hard reverse at open if numbers come at or above Cleveland feds forecast, even with a continued move upward after 8:30 a.m. to produce a longer upper wick. This is obviously just speculation. Such an inflation outcome would naturally lead to a 100% expectation of a 25bps June hike, up from 50% currently. As a result of prudent risk management, I'm holding minimal short volatility positioning overn

Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia export most of their goods and services to China. Therefore, China's consumer power has become a new norm for many countries in Asia.Conversely, China also needs to maintain its position as the world's manufacturing hub in order to continue importing goods and services from its trading partners.How are Chinese firms responding to the situation where foreign buyers no longer want anything made in China?"“American clients have pushed us to go to Vietnam, and since they are very committed to placing orders there, we are going there.”In my recent article, we discussed the reasons China’s clamp down on its industries during 2021 and 2022, the global inflation pressure we are all facing starting in 2022 and its silver lining.

$Global X Southeast Asia ETF(ASEA)$ Recently, we have seen that some listed companies are continuing to strengthen their business penetration in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia. Then the theme of this article is the economic observation of Southeast Asian countries.The 10 ASEAN countries include: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, with an area of about 4.49 million square kilometers and a population of about 660 million.Viewed as a single entity, the 10 ASEAN countries are the third largest economy in Asia and fifth globally, after the United States, China, Japan and Germany.However, the income levels of ASEAN member states are very varied. The GDP per cap

Biden posted plan to reduce the deficit by $3 trillion cut spending…… According to an analysis report released by the US Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) in May, the short-term debt default will cause 500,000 people to lose their jobs, the unemployment rate will increase by 0.3%, and the annual GDP will decrease by 0.6%. The White House estimates that if the debt default persists through the fiscal quarter, the stock market $S&P 500(.SPX)$ would plunge 45%, GDP would drop 6.1%, and the unemployment rate would rise by 5 percentage points.The CEA report states:"With governments unable to enact countercyclical measures in a default-induced recession, policy options to help cushion the impact on households and businesses will be limited."The war

By Sean Ryan  |  May 22, 2023What We’re WatchingKey upcoming data points. A few key things we are watching in the upcoming week:Sometime this week: FDIC 1Q23 Quarterly Banking Profile, featuring updated industry aggregate dataMay 22: JP Morgan Chase’s investor day, which promises to offer useful read-throughs across the financial sector, in addition to incremental detail on the First Republic integration.May 25: Canadian G-SIB earnings; Royal Bank of Canada (6am release, 8:30am call) and Toronto Dominion (6:30am release, 1:30pm call).May 25: Fed H.4.1. release, ICI money market fund assetsMay 26: Fed H.8. releaseThis Week’s Additions to the FinReg LibraryNow available for download. Our compilation of bank crisis data from wide-ranging government sources, including links

As of closing on May 31, The $S&P 500(.SPX)$ closed up 0.25% in May to 4179.83 points; $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ closed up 5.8% to 12935.28. $DJIA(.DJI)$ closed down 3.49% to 32908.27.Judging from the industry standard of the $S&P 500(.SPX)$ index in May, three sectors closed up: technology stocks rose 9.12%, followed by the Communication Services sector, which closed up 6.25%. Then there is the Conumer Cyclical section.Data:https://finviz.com/Data:https://finviz.com/Specifically, the month-to-month increases in the technology sector include: $Alphabet(GOOGL)$

By Business and Tech Writer Sofiya Merenych &Marina Chernish at Clockwise SoftwareMichael Warrilow, research vice president at Gartner, in this article, we take a look at some of the current SaaS statistics, and highlight a few SaaS trends that are moving the industry right now.Businesses should consider the rapidly changing SaaS industry trends to adjust to them as quickly as possible. We offer you the most current SaaS statistics in 2023 that can be game-changing for your business.key saas statistics affecting the industryWe have analyzed the most recent SaaS reports and have chosen the most relevant statistics on the SaaS market, SaaS businesses, and the status of the SaaS distribution model across th

Summary"Whenever the market is going up on bearish news, you better be sure to have a long position".If one agrees with this statement, which I personally do, then there is overwhelming evidence on why stocks will continue to rally.The S&P 500 is not expensive, priced at a 2024 FWD P/E of about x16, implying a 6.3% earnings yield.The FED's hiking campaign has likely come to an end, and striking pessimism among investors implies more outstanding buying pressure.I am buying 105/115 %-moneyness call spreads with a December 10th expiration date, with the potential for a 5:1 payoff.Huge green glass bull confronts red glass bear $E-mini S&P 500 - main 2306(ESmain)$ There are undoubtedly some super smart arguments to be made on why the s

$Gold - main 2308(GCmain)$ $SPDR Gold Shares(GLD)$ Gold prices have dropped $100 over the past month, correcting from $2,056 an ounce in early May to a low of $1,940 last week.For the third time since 2020, $Gold - main 2308(GCmain)$ prices climbed above $2,000 an ounce before retreating.The price of precious metals has still risen sharply in the past six months. Tigers may want to know what caused the correction of gold prices and what will happen to gold prices next?Overall, leading factors includes a calming banking crisis, progress in U.S. debt-ceiling talks, a stronger U.S. dollar, and a recent pick-up in inflation indicators.Below are several key fac

SummaryI view it as an understatement to say that the current overall market, approximated by the SPDR S&P 500 Trust ETF (SPY), is expensive.It is more expensive, much more, than what appears on the surface.Benchmarked against risk-free rates, my estimate is that the current SPY valuation is among the top 4% percentile.The valuation gap between SPY and value stocks, approximated by the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is off the chart.I see overwhelming odds for SCHD to outperform in the years to come.Identify the risk assessment matrix at "High" level.Thesis $E-mini S&P 500 - main 2306(ESmain)$ Back in July 2021, 

Global debt: $305 trillion:• Corporations: $161.7 trillion• Government: $85.7 trillion• Individuals: US$57.6 trillionWhich countries have the most debt?• US $30.11T• China $14T• Japan $10.17• France $3.14T• Italy $2.87T• India $2.7TWhich countries have enough money to pay back debts?Any value greater than 100 percent indicates a country is spending more than it is making.Debt to GDP ratio:• Japan 239.1%• Greece 197%• Singapore 165.1%• Italy 134.8%• US 116.1%Singapore is in a unique position: $Straits Times Index(STI.SI)$ • When a bank receives a deposit from a saver, this is recorded as a liability on its books as it is considered as a "loan" from the saver. When the bank lends out the money, this is recorded in its books as an "asset" because

SummaryS&P 500 sector trends are in better shape than most believe, with noticeable improvement in Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, and Consumer Staples.Consumer Discretionary XLY is in a position to possibly contribute in a more positive manner, and Information Technology XLK is not the only source of strength.Bearish wild cards include the potential liquidity drain from the U.S. government issuing new bonds and the possibility of a credit crunch and economic recession if the Fed continues to raise interest rates due to inflation.Growth arrow up and progress success business skill increase improvement graphIs It Really All Tech?There is no question Information Technology (XLK) is the strongest sector of the market. Tech is being driven by numerous factors i

SummaryChinese tech equities remain vulnerable to US-China uncertainties, erasing Alibaba's gains from spinoff hype.Using the term state capitalism to describe China's economic model is inaccurate. Like every other nation, China has a mixed economy that blends capitalism.Alibaba's Cloud segment operating independently enhances its agility, allowing it to pursue growth initiatives and respond.Shareholders can anticipate a significant capital return through the stock dividend distribution resulting from the spin-off, depending on the valuation and future performance of the Cloud arm.Hong Kong Street Scene, Mongkok District with bussesInvestment ThesisChina's reopening surge collapsed at the end of January, and Chinese equities have slowly lost popularity, contradicting Wall Street analysts'

SummaryWe look back at three different analyst consensus earnings estimates for the S&P 500 published in October of 2022 and compare them to the actual earnings reported.We then look at the earnings these same three estimates are predicting for 2023 earnings and the P/E ratios today's S&P 500 price would generate using them.We then look at how these P/E ratios compare to the ratios that were historically typical of four different kinds of markets to determine whether the S&P 500 is now well-valued.We provide a table showing what prices of VOO, VTI, and SPY would generate historically significant P/E ratios based on the current S&P 500 price using some conversion ratios we have found helpful.S&P 500 $E-mini S&P 500 - main 23

In May 2022, after large U.S. technology stocks announced their results one after another, U.S. stocks experienced the largest sell-off in 21 years. The $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ index fell for 7 consecutive weeks, the longest decline in 21 years. A sell-off unlike anything tech stocks have ever seen.However, in May this year, contrary to last year, almost all large-scale technology stocks performed surprisingly, and the $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ rose steadily. Analysts believe that the rising trend of technology stocks will continue, and it is expected to usher in a bull market for U.S. stocks.Monthly Chart, as of 30 MayGood profitability against inflationThe pandemic is gradually receding, countries around the world all

For many years, the stock market was the only realistic location to invest your money for a decent return. With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, now there are other options.Throw in the debt ceiling crisis, and even treasuries are looking attractive.A short-term, risk-free return above 5%, what’s not to love?Brief Background on the Debt Ceiling CrisisBefore getting into Treasury bills, it’s helpful to understand the ramification of the debt ceiling crisis.So much of the world’s trade is done in US dollars; there are many reasons, but one is the trust in the dollar, especially since the US has never defaulted on its debt. If it were to do so, there would be terrible consequences.Because of the United States’ history of always paying back its debt, it is regarded as a risk-free in

Sir John Templeton said: “Bull markets are born on pessimism, grown on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria.” My latest article explained it all.Pessimism:Following the 2008 crisis, the global economy was engulfed in a cloud of pessimism. Investors were gripped by fear and uncertainty as financial institutions crumbled, economies contracted, and unemployment soared. Stock markets experienced significant declines, and investors became cautious, bracing themselves for further turbulence. This initial stage of pessimism laid the foundation for the birth of a new bull market.Skepticism:As the dust settled and economies started to stabilize, skepticism took hold. Investors remained cautious, wary of another downturn and skeptical about the sustainability of the recovery. However,

Citigroup ( C ) strategists raised their ratings on U.S. stocks to neutral and put an overweight rating on technology stocks, citing booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and the expected end of the Federal Reserve's rate hike cycle.Citi's global strategy and macro team said on Friday, "Given that AI has not advanced to the point where it will disappoint, it may continue to be a driving force. Since AI is mainly the subject of hype in U.S. mega-cap stocks, this should also reduce The risk of U.S. equities underperforming."Dirk Willer, strategist at Citigroup's global asset allocation team, and others said in a report that once the Fed ends its tightening cycle, the investment theme of artificial intelligence (AI) will help U.S. stock technology stocks, as well as the overall U.S.

The stock market to surge after the White House and House Republicans reached a tentative deal to raise the debt ceiling? But markets may have other plans.Buy on anticipation, sell on fact?If markets get what they ultimately want — no debt default — they’ll have to buckle up for a potentially rough ride immediately after a deal is signed.• Immediate market impact of a debt ceiling deal:That’s because the Treasury will instantly need to replenish the cash it burned through during the period of extraordinary measures when it could not borrow more money.This will create more competition for equity from investors. After weighing their options, many investors may find the returns from investing in US Treasuries better than stocks. That will temporarily suck some liquidity out of the stock marke

Do people actually think the market just climbs all day every day? 😂 Been doing this 22 consecutive years and I enjoy watching the sharps sell into the numb money. All sharps are short here $SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(SPY)$ $S&P 500(.SPX)$ MARKET MUST drawdown 8-10%.Super ugly start to the day with the big black candle 🕯 at the open followed by a red candle 🕯 Now hitting the 400 SMA @ 412.86 >> this is a major support level >> After filling the Gap between yesterday and today the 400 SMA needs to hold >> A drop below signals more consolidation putting EMA 4 @ 412.38 on deck >> has to hold EMA 4 to remain bullish.The 300 SMA @ 413.80 is the key 🔑 level to break above >> mor

Regained the 20 DMA (middle BB), but lost the 10 and 200 shortly before close. $SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(SPY)$ regained 200 and 20, and missed the 10 by a few cents. Seems like a reversal candle based on the moving average reclamations, but I'm not convinced. PCE tomorrow morning could snap it in the other direction with ease. I kind of expect it could hard reverse at open if numbers come at or above Cleveland feds forecast, even with a continued move upward after 8:30 a.m. to produce a longer upper wick. This is obviously just speculation. Such an inflation outcome would naturally lead to a 100% expectation of a 25bps June hike, up from 50% currently. As a result of prudent risk management, I'm holding minimal short volatility positioning overn

By Sean Ryan  |  May 22, 2023What We’re WatchingKey upcoming data points. A few key things we are watching in the upcoming week:Sometime this week: FDIC 1Q23 Quarterly Banking Profile, featuring updated industry aggregate dataMay 22: JP Morgan Chase’s investor day, which promises to offer useful read-throughs across the financial sector, in addition to incremental detail on the First Republic integration.May 25: Canadian G-SIB earnings; Royal Bank of Canada (6am release, 8:30am call) and Toronto Dominion (6:30am release, 1:30pm call).May 25: Fed H.4.1. release, ICI money market fund assetsMay 26: Fed H.8. releaseThis Week’s Additions to the FinReg LibraryNow available for download. Our compilation of bank crisis data from wide-ranging government sources, including links

$Global X Southeast Asia ETF(ASEA)$ Recently, we have seen that some listed companies are continuing to strengthen their business penetration in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia. Then the theme of this article is the economic observation of Southeast Asian countries.The 10 ASEAN countries include: Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, with an area of about 4.49 million square kilometers and a population of about 660 million.Viewed as a single entity, the 10 ASEAN countries are the third largest economy in Asia and fifth globally, after the United States, China, Japan and Germany.However, the income levels of ASEAN member states are very varied. The GDP per cap

China’s record trade surplus mirrors the surge in deposits and M2. It is a testament of China’s manufacturing prowess. But such comparative advantage also means that Chinese exports have been the key to cope with the slowdown during the pandemic. The US demand is now being tampered with by the Fed, hampering China’s manufacturing and exports strength. As such, commodities, energy, and Chinese stocks are frail despite China’s reopen.Chinese households are overextended during the pandemic, and are not in a strong position to borrow more. This is why lending lags money growth, and “revenge consumption” is fleeting. Further, consumption is a much smaller part of the Chinese economy, and thus the foreign recovery experience won’t easily apply – contrary to consensus belief.If the US avoids a re

The speech by Mr Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, on Friday, 19 May 2023, was closely watched by investors and analysts who were looking for clues on the future direction of US monetary policy. Below are 5 key points that I derived after watching the discussion sessions on Youtube: On whether US interest rates will need to rise further, Mr Powell said that it is still unclear and the Fed team will have to monitor official data - month by month to determine. Recent bank-run debacle and the stresses it had brought to the banking sector could mean that “our policy rate may not need to rise as much as it would have otherwise to achieve our goals”, so said the Fed chairman. Although inflation is far above the objective of 2% and still poses significant hardships, Fed is strongly committed t