(New York)

Another day, another round of bad news on the economy. In what comes as another round of disappointing data, GDP for the fourth quarter was just revised downward from 2.6% to 2.2%, showing the economy finished the year on a softer note than expected. The data adds to the list of poor numbers—labor, housing etc—that have been hitting investors.

FINSUM: Weak economic and housing data have been flowing like a hose lately, and today is no different. This will only add to the downward momentum in yields.

(New York)

Tell us an investment that does well when inflation is rising AND when rates are falling? Most investments are sensitive to one or the other, but gold can benefit from both. Rising inflation (and rates) can lead to gold-buying as a hedge, helping prices, while falling rates make the metal’s zero yield look more attractive (and make it easier for overseas buyers). Yet, conditions in the middle of those two extremes—which have prevailed since the Crisis—are usually bearish for the metal, as it does not have a natural place in the portfolio in such conditions. That said, gold’s outlook is now the best it has been in years, as the economy is weakening and rates look likely to fall, weakening the Dollar and clearing the path for appreciation.

FINSUM: Gold is in the most interesting position we have seen for some time and we are inclined to think it might start to rise out the doldrums.

(Washington)

Yield curves are widely known to be the best indicator of forthcoming recessions, hence why the market is spooked. However, a lesser known fact is that they are also good indicators of presidential elections. Looking historically, whenever the yield curve is inverted at the time on an election, the incumbent loses. This occurred in 1980 in Reagan’s victory, as well as in the 2008 election of Obama. Both times, the yield curves were inverted and the economy in recession. That said, flat yield curves don’t seem to have much effect at all and hold little advantage for either party.

FINSUM: Given that recessions usually take 12 to 18 months to start once the curve inverts, it is entirely possible that one could begin just before the 2020 election.

(New York)

The general understanding of markets is that bond investors are signaling that there is going to be a recession. Treasury yields have tumbled, and the Treasury yield curve has inverted, both signs of a coming downturn. However, the corporate bond market is sending a different signal, and it is worth paying attention to. The big sign of economic worry in the corporate bond markets is widening spreads between investment grade bonds and junk, but that is exactly the opposite of what is happening. The market is sanguine, and showing little of the concern that Treasury markets are. “Corporate spreads are extraordinarily narrow”, says Dan Fuss, vice chairman of Loomis Sayles.

FINSUM: This is a very good sign in our opinion. While it could turn out to be wrong, we do think this signals that Treasury investors may simply be overreacting.

(Atlanta)

In what may come as a worrying sing for older Americans, anecdotal evidence is showing that it may be luxury real estate that is hit hardest as the property market slows. The reason why is that there is a glut of huge houses that no longer suit buyers. In particular, Sun Belt areas are replete with years worth of high end inventory that just isn’t moving. In the early 2000s, Baby Boomers built many large five and six bedroom homes where they planned to live out their golden years, yet tastes have changed, as have living conditions, and few want those kind of homes now.

FINSUM: It is not just the size and expense of upkeep that are problems, but many of these are built 15-20 minutes outside of town, which is not nearly as appealing to buyers as it was 15 years ago.