Thoughts on the Market

Last week, the Fed rattled markets by laying the groundwork for tapering its asset purchase program. But is this taper talk? Or just talking about talking about tapering?

Although the Fed’s surprise hawkish turn in its latest policy decision caught markets off-guard, the monetary tightening process may actually have begun months ago.

Original release on May 21st, 2021: Consumer spending should drive strong business investment in the months ahead, driving global GDP above its pre-COVID-19 path. But inflation may be a risk to watch.

Although investors often look to the past to assess current market conditions (such as a post-pandemic recovery or rising inflation), one year in particular may serve as an interesting guidepost.

Will negotiations on a U.S. infrastructure deal lead to a bipartisan bill or a Democrats-only bill? The answer matters quite a bit for fixed-income investors.

Over the past few weeks, European equity flows have been at the highest levels in three years. Could a period of consolidation be ahead?

While the outlook for growth and inflation looks strong through next year, both may disappoint lofty investor expectations—and bring consequences for some stock sectors.

This month’s U.S. consumer price inflation data showed a 5% rise versus a year ago, yet markets seemed unconcerned. A look at why markets could be looking past rising inflation readings.

The European Central Bank may soon announce the trial launch of a digital euro. Reza Moghadam, Morgan Stanley's Chief Economic Advisor, digs into potential risks and innovations.

With tensions not abating, investors should prepare for a world where these major economies are significantly less integrated. Michael Zezas explains.

Chief Cross-Asset Strategist Andrew Sheets and Head of Fixed Income Strategy Vishy Tirupattur cover a key topic on the minds of many investors: where to invest now? Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO) Principal is returned on a monthly basis over the life of the security. Principal prepayment can significantly affect the monthly income stream and the matu...

New macro data on employment and consumer prices are unlikely to settle market uncertainties about inflation and course of the recovery. Mike Wilson explains.

The pillars that have supported extraordinary action by the Federal Reserve are now starting to shift. That means support could be withdrawn. The question is, when?

Commodities prices have seen big moves over the last several months, but could a potentially stronger dollar and the mechanics of supply and demand cool the rally?

Although the Biden administration has been slightly less vocal with respect to China, investors shouldn’t sleep on the possibly of renewed U.S.-China tensions.

Why China’s ambitious blueprint to shape tech standards may have significant impact on the future of tech. Insight from Shawn Kim, Head of Asia Technology Research.

Despite some inflation and labor market risks, the outlook for the rest of the year anticipates strong growth in the U.S. economy. Chief U.S. Economist Ellen Zentner discusses with Andrew Sheets. 

Concern has been rising that potentially higher inflation could make Congress lose its nerve on a multi-trillion dollar "Build Back Better" plan. Here’s our analysis.

Where and how consumers buy their groceries may be forever changed post-pandemic. We deliver some key takeaways on the food retail industry.

Fresh off of last week’s mid-year outlook, Chief Investment Officer Mike Wilson details investor reaction to some of the more out-of-consensus views.

Consumer spending should drive strong business investment in the months ahead, driving global GDP above its pre-COVID-19 path. But inflation may be a risk to watch.

While robust global growth is a positive for markets, it may also bring higher prices, tighter policy and higher interest rates. A look at some possible twists and turns ahead.

All indications suggest that Congress is serious about passing an infrastructure bill, but here’s why investors may want to consider all possible outcomes.

Graham Secker, Head of Morgan Stanley's European and UK equity strategy team, shares why Europe may be set to outperform global equity markets this year.

Chief Investment Officer Mike Wilson explains why sector and style preferences—along with selective stock picking—may be the key to success for the rest of 2021.