Category Archives: Bank of Japan

Central bank liquidity keeps everyone dancing

Posted on August 7, 2016 by VMcCarthy

While the Bank of England (BOE) surprised markets by holding interest rates steady in July, the Bank announced an aggressive package of measures at their meeting on Thursday that had financial markets salivating once again. This package, intended to lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Monetary Policy, Thoughts, US Federal Reserve | Comments Off on Central bank liquidity keeps everyone dancing

Weekly Market Update: May 3rd 2016

Posted on May 3, 2016 by VMcCarthy

Market Recap Global equity markets were back in the red last week, after ending on a sour note Friday. Concerns over the global economy have not gone away, while earnings season has so far been mixed, most notably for some … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of Japan, Financial Markets, Football Related & LFC, Gold, Market Recap | Comments Off on Weekly Market Update: May 3rd 2016

US Fed Policy: A Much More ‘Gradual’ Path

Posted on February 7, 2016 by VMcCarthy

Global equity markets sold off sharply last week, as weak economic data outweighed the recent positivity generated by the prospect of more easing from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Much of the focus was … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Bond Markets, European Central Bank, Financial Markets, Monetary Policy, Thoughts, US Federal Reserve, Volatility | Comments Off on US Fed Policy: A Much More ‘Gradual’ Path

Weekly Market Update: February 1st 2016

Posted on February 1, 2016 by VMcCarthy

Market Recap Global equity markets enjoyed another positive week, buoyed by further support from the major Central Banks, this time the Bank of Japan (BOJ) with the introduction of negative interest rates. As well, speculation of a possible production cut … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of Japan, Economy, Equity Markets, Financial Markets, Market Recap, Monetary Policy | Comments Off on Weekly Market Update: February 1st 2016

Weekly Market Update: January 25th 2016

Posted on January 25, 2016 by VMcCarthy

Market Recap After a difficult start to the week, most of the major equity indices ended the week in positive territory. As expected, ‘Super Mario’ Draghi came to the rescue for markets with reassuring comments that fuelled hope of more … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of Japan, China, Currency Markets, Equity Markets, European Central Bank, Financial Markets, Market Recap | Comments Off on Weekly Market Update: January 25th 2016

Has the world gone mad, or is it me?

Posted on April 12, 2015 by VMcCarthy

These words from Ben Howard, the immensely talented singer-songwriter, ring in my head when I think about how much financial markets have been conditioned to respond to monetary stimulus. While central banks have engineered risk free rates on cash to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Bond Markets, European Central Bank, Monetary Policy, Risk, Thoughts, US Federal Reserve | Comments Off on Has the world gone mad, or is it me?

Equity Markets: Valuation is in the Eye of the Beholder

Posted on May 27, 2013 by VMcCarthy

With many of the major equity indices at or near record highs it is natural to ask whether equity markets are overvalued. First of all valuations differ dramatically by geographical region and second, one’s estimate of fair valuation is to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Equity Markets, European Central Bank, Forecasting, Monetary Policy, Thoughts, US Federal Reserve, Valuation | Comments Off on Equity Markets: Valuation is in the Eye of the Beholder

Central Bank Policy and Portfolio Construction

Posted on May 1, 2013 by VMcCarthy

CFA Institute Magazine May/June 2013 Issue CFA Institute Magazine – Central Bank Policy and Portfolio Construction

Posted in Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Bond Markets, Books & Articles, European Central Bank, Monetary Policy | Comments Off on Central Bank Policy and Portfolio Construction