Mutual Funds Embrace Leverage, Pushing Treasury Futures Holdings to Record Highs

Mutual funds are increasingly turning to Treasury futures to gain exposure to rising interest rates and boost returns, according to a research note published by the Federal Reserve last week. The study reveals a surge in mutual funds’ net long positions in Treasury futures in recent months, reaching record high
Mutual Funds Embrace Leverage, Pushing Treasury Futures Holdings to Record Highs

Private Credit Growth Not Cannibalizing High Yield Market: JPMorgan

Despite the impressive expansion of private credit, which has seen assets under management soar to $1.2 trillion in the U.S., JPMorgan argues this growth is not coming at the expense of the high yield market. A note published by the bank on Friday acknowledges a 25% contraction in

Nikkei's Long-Term Uptrend Intact Despite April Setbacks: Nikko Asset Management

The Nikkei Stock Average has retreated from its record high above 40,000, closing April down 4.86% as the TOPIX also fell 0.91%. While the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its monetary policy offered some support, the Japanese equity market faced headwinds from multiple fronts.

China Turns to Ultralong Bonds to Boost Economy Amid Slowing Credit Growth

China will begin selling a series of long-term special treasury bonds this week, signaling Beijing's commitment to supporting its slowing economy, as reported by Nikkei Asia. The issuance, totaling 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion), will include 20-, 30-, and 50-year bonds, with the first batch of 30-year bonds

Japan's Stock Market Rally Shows Staying Power: Fidelity

Japan's stock market continues its upward trajectory in 2024, building on its bull run in 2023. According to a report published by Fidelity on Friday, the rally is driven by a combination of technical factors, improving economic fundamentals, and ongoing corporate governance reforms. However, sustained gains will likely
Japan's Stock Market Rally Shows Staying Power: Fidelity

Favorable Fundamentals Keep Equities on Track, UBS Says

US equities continued their upward trajectory last week, bolstered by signs of a cooling labor market, including higher-than-expected jobless claims, which fueled optimism for Fed rate cuts later this year. The S&P 500 has now recovered most of April's losses and sits just 0.8% below

Delayed Fed Rate Cuts Raise Credit Risks and Spillover Concerns, S&P Global Warns

S&P Global has pushed back its forecast for the first Federal Reserve rate cut to December 2024, citing persistent inflation and unexpectedly strong economic data. This delay in easing monetary policy raises concerns about elevated credit risks in the US and potential spillover effects on other economies, particularly
Delayed Fed Rate Cuts Raise Credit Risks and Spillover Concerns, S&P Global Warns

US Consumer Borrowing Growth Slows Amidst High Interest Rates

The pace of consumer borrowing in the United States has slowed dramatically after a period of rapid growth in the wake of the pandemic, according to a report by Moody's Analytics published last week. Several factors are contributing to this trend, including high interest rates, tightening lending standards,
US Consumer Borrowing Growth Slows Amidst High Interest Rates

German Factory Orders Slump for Third Consecutive Month, Casting Shadow on Manufacturing Sector

New factory orders in Germany continued their downward trend in March, falling 0.4% month-over-month, according to a report by Moody's Analytics. This marks the third consecutive monthly decline, underscoring the persistent weakness in demand for industrial goods and raising concerns about the outlook for the German manufacturing

European Outflows Dominate Global Gold ETF Market in April

Global gold ETFs saw continued outflows in April, wiping out early gains driven by a strengthening gold price, according to a note published by the World Gold Council (WGC) on Wednesday. While Asian funds led global inflows and North American funds saw modest demand, these were dwarfed by significant outflows