It’s the data, stupid!

Just like October of 2023 or April of 2024, there is a lot of confusion over why rates have risen so much. And just like those times, the answer lies in the economic data and their extrapolation. All the other explanations (bond market vigilantes, foreign…

Not a new paradigm & new index

Because interest rates have risen in recent months, financial commentators are getting carried away with a “new paradigm” narrative suggesting that interest rates will be higher indefinitely. They cite trade policy, “green” investment, AI, war, deficit spending, and “friend-shoring” to suggest the U.S. (if not…

Recent economic data has weakened

As I’ve been writing, interest rates have risen since January from stronger economic data (real and inflation data.) In recent days, the biggest challenge to that theme has appeared. The balance of economic data released in April was stronger than expected but a few data…