Insights

Rising optimism suggests the market is overbought, but momentum suggests that any pullback may prove short-lived.

Democratic tax proposals might hurt everyone if they pull the U.S. into recession.

The Fed is supporting the market. Might China be next?

Retail sales were solid in October and November; what happened in December?

A look at economic and political stress in Britain, Italy and ... well ... really the entire EU.

The brutal end-of-year sell-off in risk assets didn't change the reasons why small-cap stocks should still be an option for risk-oriented long-term investors.

Yes, we’re forecasting a 32% rally from Christmas Eve 2018 to New Year’s Eve 2019.

The next few weeks could prove significant as the market awaits signs of progress on U.S.-China trade and the global economy.

A Fed on pause, an easing of trade worries and the pricing in of most geopolitical worries make for EM tailwinds.

Portfolio Manager Steve Chiavarone discusses why he believes we’re in the midst of another industrial revolution and how millennials fit in to this changing economic landscape.

January's rally was particularly strong across fixed-income credit sectors. With spreads narrowing, momentum could ease in the months ahead. But the outlook remains positive.

Client Portfolio Manager Jordan Stuart describes where he's seeing opportunities in the market.

The Fed adds to reasons to believe in this rally, making inevitable pullbacks potential buying opportunities.

But expect sharp revisions in coming months as it fades.

Fed Chair Powell should have let the statement do the talking.

The Fed kept rates steady, making markets happy with a dovish pause.

China and the unwinding of post-crisis policies likely will weigh on markets for some time. But short of a recession, it's still a bullish story for stocks.

A conversational shift by midyear from "synchronized global slowdown" to "synchronized global stimulus" heads the list.

The White House and Congress must come to terms on full immigration reform to avoid another shutdown.

Liquidity products offer access, stability and, now, return.

The dawn of the fifth generation of wireless technology suggests a bright future for U.S. economic investment and growth.

There's a lot of pessimism as earnings season is set to go full bore. That may be a good thing.

Because growth strategies aren't necessarily dependent on the economy, late 2018's sell-off could provide the potential for some upside this year.

The Fed, China and earnings appear set to break the bulls' way, but the bears should still have their moments in coming months.

No one really knows the reason for Q4's falloff. What we do know is if this is just a soft patch, then there should be more upside for investors.

The "January Barometer" suggests 2019 could be a strong year.

It was a no good, very bad fourth quarter for the credit bond markets, too. It's hard to see the first quarter being the same.

The majority of BBB-rated debt is issued deliberately by healthy companies, not those on the brink.

Yes, the economy is slowing but an outright recession just doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Will the robust labor report keep the Fed actively engaged in tightening monetary policy?

There are a lot of scary economic and market headlines out there. They don't always reflect reality.

Look for cash to be key, if not king, in 2019.

December’s steep sell-off suggested markets were pricing in a U.S. economic recession sometime this year. The only problem is, the macro fundamentals indicate it’s just a slowing, nothing worse.

Trade friction, political instability and contrarian opportunities could shape the global investing environment in the new year.

Equity market behavior is strongly correlated with high yield performance.

3 factors may dictate how bonds do in 2019: the Fed (is it close to neutral?), the economy (how slow will it grow?) and inflation (will it remain muted?).

Cash markets will not be affected if President Trump forces a partial government shutdown.

Concerns about liquidity, recession and a trade war are certain to weigh on markets next year.

Phil Orlando is keeping a close eye on equity market technicals and potential Fed policy changes.

Portfolio Manager Ann Ferentino outlines the reasons why muni bonds are attractive now.

Policymakers hike rates and signal two more in 2019.

How did 2018 tax reform impact the municipal bond market? Portfolio Manager Ann Ferentino explains.

Senior Portfolio Manager Ryan Bend discusses risks and opportunities in a volatile market.

There are many parallels between the markets and economy today and in 2015-16. For those fearing recession, that's a good thing.

We won't know for certain until January, but think consumer spending may trump market volatility.

Stocks must work through headwinds to accomplish the typical end-of-year rally.

Once 2018's messiness subsides, the market and economy should take a turn for the better, with the S&P 500 eventually hitting new highs in 2019.

Algorithmic-driven trading associated with massive passive investing is abetting volatility in the market.

It's possible a Fed rate hike this month could be its last in this cycle.

Several factors that drove yields lower have turned more favorable, but a lack of clarity still clouds the outlook.

Fed, Trump-Xi and OPEC line up for a potentially bullish finish to the year.

It’s fair to say 2018 didn’t go as planned. But there are reasons to believe 2019 will be different and better.

Fed Chair Powell shifts his view on interest-rate levels.

We see a year-end Santa Claus rally taking stocks up to their September high.

If Trump and Xi just kick the can down the road, the markets should be fine with that.

Fed chair signals that policymakers will go slowly on further rate increases.

An anticipated surge in retail sales and seasonal hiring look to boost spirits and the economy.

There are reasons to be optimistic.

It's a little messy for the markets right now but the longer-term outlook remains bright.

Immigration reform should be a "common-ground" item for our political parties.

The longer-term outlook remains positive but there are some stones in the road along the way.

We expect OPEC will reverse its recent increase in production at its meeting in December.

That's where Presidents Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet, and what happens there may well determine what happens here with the market.

Promising new technologies, and new applications of existing technologies, are creating a wealth of opportunities.

Volatile period doesn't change solid fundamentals, indicating potential upside if markets settle down as expected.

Gridlock? If history is a guide, the stock market will be fine with that.

A split Congress might find common ground on several key issues.

The FOMC left policy rates and most language of its policy statement unchanged.

Results provide three good reasons why we think investors should remain bullish on stocks.

Federated's trio of CIOs thinks a split Congress won't undo Trumponomics but won't build on it, either.

A quantitative approach that seeks to eliminate behavioral influences is at the heart of this diversified stock-selection strategy.

The labor market posted terrific job gains despite extreme weather.

Federated's base case is there's still a good amount of upside in stocks but it could be sloppy for awhile.

Chief Equity Strategist Phil Orlando outlines three important swing factors that could help decide the outcome of the midterm elections.

In October, the cash sector watched the market volatility from solid ground.

Personal consumption expenditures rose stronger-than-expected in the third quarter.

It may not be clear why the market is selling off and when it may end, but in the Big Apple, this is not even a topic of discussion at the dinner table.

Technical damage and time may prevent breach of longstanding target this year.

The digital revolution is impacting inflation, interest rates and the economy in ways that have yet to be appreciated fully by the markets.

The growing use of data-driven technology and the increasing numbers of millennials in their prime years are converging to play a vital role in reshaping the U.S. and global economy. A primary beneficiary? The stock market.

Senior Portfolio Manager John Ettinger discusses long-term technology trends and where he's finding investment opportunities within the sector.

Portfolio Manager Tom Banks outlines the reasons why the outlook for international equities is improving despite Brexit and trade war concerns.

Portfolio Manager Tom Banks explores two secular growth themes for international investors.

Chief Equity Market Strategist Phil Orlando discusses what impact the 2018 elections may have on the markets and identifies two important swing factors investors should watch for in the midterms.

Chief Investment Officer of Equities Steve Auth outlines the reasons why he's sticking to his call of 3,100 on the S&P by year-end and 3,400 or higher in 2019.

Ten years later, many investors have yet to shake their financial crisis jitters.

Political outcomes aside, markets historically have rallied strongly once the elections end.

Our year-end S&P 500 target of 3,100 has not changed despite the turbulence.

Worries behind the latest are likely to fade, prompting Federated to raise the equity overweight in its PRISM&reg stock-bond model.

Contrary to their reputation BBB-rated corporate debt has much to recommend itself.

Mean reversion, valuations and a prolonged economic cycle provide favorable arguments for small caps.

Economy is strong, despite recent market volatility.

It was all systems go everywhere I went this week in the dairy state.

Federated seeks to lessen potential fixed-income volatility amid rising rates, midterm election uncertainty and a Fed that's trying to stick the landing.

Sweat about the spike in Treasury yields if you must, but the reasons for it are very bullish.

Recent sell-off has driven valuations down to potentially attractive levels among selected securities.

The press is finally realizing that money funds are again "attractive."

Fed chair Powell voiced considerable optimism at the policy-setting meeting.

The fund combines a focus on investment-grade bonds with a strategic high-yield allocation.

Video games market is booming

An uneventful meeting followed expectations with a rate hike to a range of 2-2.25%.

Expect the Fed to fade and value to return to mortgage market.

Growth stocks continue to benefit from a robust earnings, a solid economy, tax reform and IPOs.

Advisors are turning defensive even as stocks flirt with new highs.

Confident market is not impressed by the litany of near-term risks.

Portfolio Manager Jason DeVito offers insights on how tariffs and trade talks are affecting global and fixed income currency investments and where he's finding investing opportunities now.

Senior Portfolio Manager Daniel Peris outlines the reasons why investors should consider dividend investing even as rates rise and other income sources become attractive.

The market could hem and haw for awhile but fundamentals and valuations continue to suggest longer-term upside.

Confident market is not impressed by the litany of near-term risks.

Macro pressures are exacerbating problem pockets, not spreading them.

If you listen to the bears, the list of worries is long. It's also wrong.

Why we need more governors than regional presidents on the FOMC.

Today's dividend stocks are all about the 'new' economy.

A trifecta of rising share prices, strong balance sheets and tax reform spurs U.S. companies to make deals, deals, deals.

Inflation and rates may rise, but a surge is unlikely.

History suggests Trump's troubles won't necessarily carry over to the market.

The Fed leader stood his ground, saying 'gradual' rate normalization remains the strategy.

Global trade isn't going away and may even grow between emerging countries if a trade war breaks out between the U.S., China and Europe.

Students may not be thrilled but retailers love the back-to-school season.

The market seems to be brushing Turkey aside as it wrestles over what to worry about.

There are several options to shore up its diminishing reserves.