Through nearly three quarters, market conditions have been unappealing at best this year.
August proved even worse:
• Mortgage rates, just shy of 6%, are now the highest they’ve been since 2008’s subprime lending meltdown.
• From the peak of its summertime bear market bounce on Aug. 16, the S&P 500 is down 7.84%.
• Adjusted for inflation, real yields for Treasury bonds are producing negative returns for investors.
• The Federal Reserve has hinted that it intends to continue hiking the benchmark interest rate, and another market-rattling 75-basis-point increase is expected later this month.
• And major commodities — like gasoline, silver, iron ore, rubber, lead, tin and zinc — are all down double-digits over the past month.
If you’re having trouble figuring out where to safely and profitably put your money to work, you’re not alone.
But our team of editors and analysts are here to provide clarity. Here are this week’s top stories from your favorite Weiss Ratings experts.
Profit From America’s Entertainment Obsession
American spending on leisure and entertainment exceeds Canada’s entire gross domestic product. This week, Senior Editor Tony Sagami reports on how these companies offer a way to cash in on all the fun.
VIDEO: Capitalize on the Strength of U.S. Currency
The U.S. dollar stands near its highest level in decades and is likely to remain strong into 2023. In this video segment, Financial News Anchor Jessica Borg interviews Senior Analyst Mike Larson about how to make safe, profitable investments that support the dollar’s strength.
Your Alternative Route to Profits
Bloomberg reported that in August, cross-asset investors — those who tried to diversify away risk by investing in other assets besides stocks — had the worst monthly performance since 1981. Editorial Director Dawn Pennington discusses how these alternative investments minimize risk while broadening portfolio exposure.
Find Opportunity Despite Fed Policy
The Federal Reserve is determined to slow or reverse inflation, and that’s taking the form of market-shocking interest rate hikes and quantitative tightening. Senior Editor Sean Brodrick reports on one high-dividend fund that can soften the blow.
VIDEO: Market Minute With Kenny Polcari
With Labor Day in the rearview mirror, Kenny Polcari, host of Wealth & Wisdom, provides his weekly macroeconomic breakdown as we approach the close of the third quarter.
August Was Awful. What About the Rest of 2022?
This year hasn’t been great for broad investments. August was no exception. The S&P 500 tanked over 400 points in just two weeks last month, and virtually every major asset class — including bonds, precious metals and commodities — did the same. Senior Analyst Mike Larson tells investors how they can avoid the pain with ‘Safe Money’ strategies.
This Chipmaker’s Huge Opportunity
The electric vehicle revolution is here, and it's being bolstered by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. As Senior Analyst and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Jon D. Markman explains, it's a huge opportunity for astute investors.
Until next time,
Jordan Chussler
Managing Editor
Weiss Ratings Daily
