Making Sense

The 10-year Treasury has reached its highest level since 2007, putting the bond market back at the center of the economic outlook. With inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and economic growth remaining resilient, investors are watching whether interest rates and Treasury yields could move even higher. This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, examines the eco...

• Fed raises rates: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point, bringing the upper end of the policy rate to 4%, while signaling that additional hikes are likely ahead. • Treasury yields climb: The 10-year Treasury yield moved above 5%, its highest level since 2007, reflecting more than just the fed funds rate. • Fed commentary in focus: With at least 10 Fed speaking events sched...

This week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, discusses the upcoming Federal Reserve (FOMC) meeting following recent inflation data. Investors are watching for the Fed's interest rate decision and signals on the path of monetary policy, while also assessing consumer spending trends and geopolitical developments. FOMC rate decision: Will the Federal Reserve raise interest rate...

This shortened holiday week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps the market's reaction to rising tensions in the Middle East and a stronger-than-expected employment report. Looking ahead, investors will focus on key inflation data that could help shape the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision, while continuing to monitor geopolitical developments and energy pri...

With attention shifting from Jackson Hole and earnings season back to the economy, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, explains why investors are focused on the labor market, inflation pressures, and what higher interest rates mean for growth. Last week • Investors digested Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's debut at the Jackson Hole symposium and the final wave of major Q2 earnings reports....

What are markets telling investors about the road ahead? In this episode of Making Sense Market Update, Brent Ciliano and Phillip Neuhart examine the forces shaping today's investment environment, including persistent inflation, rising Treasury yields, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, and the unprecedented wave of AI-driven investment. They also discuss corporate earnings, market trends, and...

In this week's episode, Phil Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps a volatile week in the bond market and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. With Treasury yields remaining elevated, attention turns to the Fed's Jackson Hole symposium, the latest inflation data, and a final round of closely watched big tech earnings. Last week • The 10-year Treasury...

This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to softer inflation data and previews the key themes investors should watch in the week ahead. With earnings season winding down and economic data light, the focus shifts to geopolitics, energy prices, and what the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes could reveal about the path of monetary policy. Last W...

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps a volatile week for markets and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead. From rising bond yields and renewed inflation concerns to continued scrutiny of AI spending, Blake discusses forces shaping markets as investors focus on jobs data, Fed commentary, and earnings season. Last Week The Fed...

This week, Phillip Neuhart recaps financial markets' reactions to rising geopolitical tensions and previews what investors should watch in the week ahead. With a Federal Reserve meeting, major technology earnings, and second-quarter GDP data on deck, investors will be looking for clues on the economy, inflation, and the outlook for AI-driven investment. Last Week • Tensions in the Middle East cont...

How are geopolitical developments, inflation trends and the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence shaping the economy and financial markets? In our July Market Update, Head of Market and Economic Research Phillip Neuhart and Market and Economic Research Analyst Blake Taylor examine the key forces affecting markets today. This month's discussion explores inflation expectations, Federal Reserve...

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps last week for markets and highlights the key themes investors should watch in the days ahead. Earnings season is off to a strong start, and geopolitical risks are reemerging. Blake discusses what's driving markets and where investors should focus their attention. Last Week Equity markets remained near all-time highs...

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to renewed tensions in the Middle East and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead. Last Week • Rising hostilities in the Middle East pushed oil prices 5%–10% higher • Markets largely looked through geopolitical developments and stayed focused on economic fundamentals T...

In this week’s episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, recaps the latest market-moving data and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. He discusses last week’s softer employment report and what it signals for the economy, then looks ahead to the ISM Services Index, the release of the June FOMC minutes, and the start of earnings season. With inflat...

Blake Taylor breaks down a volatile week across bonds, oil, and tech—explaining falling yields, shifting inflation signals, and what AI-driven earnings mean for consumers. Plus, what to watch in key labor data and the Fed as markets head into the holiday week. Key Takeaways • Bond yields declined, but inflation and economic resilience remain • Oil prices dropped back near pre-war levels • Strong A...

This month, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor discuss where markets and the economy stand midway through 2026. The US economy has shown notable resilience despite a volatile first half, marked by geopolitical shocks, rising energy prices and new leadership at the Federal Reserve. The outlook is similar to where the year began, with one key exception: inflation has moved higher. Chairman Kevin Warsh...

Markets are adjusting to a more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve after new Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled a clear commitment to price stability. In this episode, Blake Taylor, Market & Economic Research Analyst, discusses the evolving macro backdrop, including shifting Fed policy expectations, upcoming inflation data, and what key economic releases may reveal about consumer strength and ov...

Markets saw increased volatility last week as pressures from interest rates, inflation, and geopolitics weighed on sentiment, even as broader equity performance remains solid year to date. In this episode, Blake Taylor, Market & Economic Research Analyst discusses the evolving macro environment, including Federal Reserve policy expectations under new leadership, persistent inflation dynamics,...

In this episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research and Thomas O’Keefe, Managing Director of Portfolio Strategy, are joined by Market and Economic Research Analyst Blake Taylor to discuss the Federal Reserve’s evolving policy outlook. With a new Fed Chair stepping in at a pivotal moment, the conversation places today’s policy environment in historical context while also examinin...

In this week’s episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, breaks down recent moves in equity markets, including reactions to U.S.–Iran developments, strength in AI-related stocks, and stronger-than-expected May employment data. Looking ahead, Phil focuses on key economic releases—Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), existing home sales, and consumer sentimen...

In this week's episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, analyzes the latest trends driving the US stock market as equities reach new all-time highs and Treasury yields pull back. He explores mixed economic data, including weaker personal income and a downward revision to first-quarter GDP. Looking ahead, we previews key events shaping the economic outlook, including the May...

On May 27, 2026, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor provided this month's Market Update. For more information, visit https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-may-market-update Markets in May 2026 reflected a complex mix of geopolitical risk, inflation uncertainty, and shifting Federal Reserve expectations. War in the Middle East continued to disrupt global oil supply, wh...

Interest rates are moving higher, with long-term Treasury yields reaching multi-decade highs as markets reassess inflation and Federal Reserve policy. In this episode, we explore shifting expectations toward a more hawkish Fed, what to watch in the upcoming PCE inflation report, and how housing trends could influence the broader inflation outlook. We also touch on ongoing geopolitical risks and th...

Markets continue to climb, with equities reaching new highs alongside strong earnings growth—but rising inflation, higher interest rates, and energy risks are also in focus. In this episode, we cover the latest market momentum, what to watch in upcoming Federal Reserve communications, and the megacap tech earnings rally. We also highlight the importance of global oil flows and evolving geopolitica...