Author: Wes Dennis

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff Consumer confidence experienced its largest monthly increase in over four years this May, with Advisor Perspectives attributing the rebound to optimism about a potential trade truce and a stable job market. This positive shift, reflected in both current conditions and future expectations, could influence consumer spending and investment, a key […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff Wealthy UK families are increasingly turning to arbitration for divorce disputes, valuing its privacy and speed, according to the Financial Times. This trend requires wealth managers to adapt strategies for asset division among high-net-worth clients. It highlights a broader shift toward discreet, efficient solutions for complex family wealth issues. The […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff The U.S. labor market demonstrated continued strength by adding 263,000 jobs in November, a figure that suggests resilience in the economy and will likely be a key consideration for upcoming Federal Reserve policy decisions. This robust performance, reported by the Financial Times, indicates that hiring remains solid despite broader economic […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff U.S. stocks saw modest gains as Federal Reserve minutes indicated interest rates will likely remain elevated until policymakers gain more “confidence” that inflation is moving towards their 2% target, influencing investor sentiment and suggesting a cautious approach to rate cuts, as reported by the Financial Times. Bitcoin has reportedly surged […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff Bitcoin’s rally has traders targeting a $300,000 record high, driven by institutional interest and market momentum, according to Advisor Perspectives. This surge underscores growing client curiosity about cryptocurrencies, pushing wealth managers to evaluate their role in portfolios. Advisors must balance potential returns against the asset’s volatility to meet client expectations. […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff US stocks experienced modest gains on Tuesday as investors awaited key inflation data, which will be pivotal in assessing the Federal Reserve’s next moves on monetary policy. This cautious trading environment, as noted by the Financial Times, reflects a market keen for indications of easing price pressures. The global economic […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff According to Advisor Perspectives, the S&P 500 surged to a record high, driven by big tech strength and optimism over U.S.-China trade talks, with investors anticipating reduced tariffs could boost corporate earnings. The index gained 1.2% as Nvidia and other chipmakers led the rally. Wealth managers may see opportunities in […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff U.S. consumer sentiment declined sharply in May, nearing historic lows as inflation expectations rose. According to Advisor Perspectives, the University of Michigan’s sentiment index dropped to 67.4, with long-term inflation expectations hitting 3.5%, the highest in over a decade. Consumers cite ongoing concerns about price pressures, even as the Fed […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff Retail sales in the U.S. rose 0.4% in April, outpacing expectations and signaling continued resilience in consumer spending despite lingering inflationary pressures. According to Advisor Perspectives, the gains were broad-based, with increases in discretionary categories such as electronics and furniture, underscoring a still-strong consumer sector that could influence future Fed […]

By Asset Allocator Journal Staff The Financial Times reveals that China’s April consumer inflation hit 0.9%, exceeding forecasts due to higher food and energy prices, while producer prices fell 2.5%, signaling factory deflation. This split could sway commodity markets like oil and grains, prompting advisors to adjust client exposures in Asian equities or resources to […]