Powell On The Hot Seat
US equity markets steadied this past week while bond markets rallied as investors parsed a surprisingly solid slate of economic data and a decent start to corporate earnings season. Early week gains were pared following comments from Fed Chair Powell regarding the inflationary impact of tariffs and the reluctance of the Fed to step in to support markets. The hawkish comments sparked a series of blistering critiques by President Trump, accusing the Fed Chair of "playing politics" and posting that his "termination cannot come fast enough."
AGG: Dollar Recycling System Halt May Trigger Largest Ever Bond Market Crash
The recent crash in AGG and other bonds and a declining US dollar suggest a significant repricing for debt monetization risk. Foreign selling of US Treasuries, particularly by countries like China, is potentially driving this shift, indicating a potential long-term collapse of the US dollar recycling system. The correlation shifts between AGG, the US dollar, and equities highlight foreign activity's critical role in the bond market's changes, ending AGG's historically inverse correlation to stocks.
Look to This ETF Income Suite Amid Volatile Markets
Market volatility remains pronounced as of midday trading on Friday as investors digest rapidly shifting global trade dynamics. Advisors and investors looking to potentially harness volatility for income would do well to consider the NEOS options-based ETF suite this year.
AGG: De-Risking With Investment Grade Bonds
Trump tariffs likely to disrupt trade, hit employment, and prompt the Fed to cut interest rates, benefiting bonds over equities in the short to medium term. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF offers diversified exposure to US investment grade bonds, with low expense ratio and strong risk-adjusted returns. AGG's holdings include US Treasuries, Mortgage Backed Securities, and corporate credit, making it a stable choice amidst market volatility.
Countdown To Tariff Day
Ahead of the April 2nd tariff unveiling, US equity markets were under renewed pressure this week on downbeat data showing a further dip in consumer confidence and hotter-than-expected PCE inflation. As a turbulent first quarter wraps up, the updated GDPNow - the Atlanta Fed's closely watched GDP tracking model - forecasts growth of -2.8% overall and -0.5% on a "gold-adjusted basis." Posting weekly declines for the seventh time in the past nine weeks, the S&P 500 finished lower by 1.5% - extending its drawdown to 9.3% from its record-highs.
ETF Prime: Murphy Highlights 5 ETF Categories Benefiting in Market Turmoil
On this week's episode of ETF Prime, host Nate Geraci and VettaFi Investment Strategist Cinthia Murphy explore five ETF categories potentially benefiting from recent market turmoil. Later, Geraci welcomes industry veteran Tom Lydon to discuss the current ETF landscape.
Investors Bought These 5 U.S. Fixed Income ETFs in February
U.S. fixed income ETFs garnered strong flows in February, uncovering insights into investor behavior and risk appetite in 2025. The $1.6 trillion U.S. fixed income ETF segment took in $31 billion in net flows in February, bringing year-to-date flows to $59 billion as of the end of the month.
It's Time to Play Defense. Here Are Safe Havens for Trump's Trade War.
Some sectors of the stock market have fared well amid mounting tariff worries.
AGG vs BND: Which Bond ETF Is a Better One to Buy?
Investors don't have to accumulate stocks to generate returns. Bonds can provide stable income and less volatility than equities. These financial assets typically retain their value until maturity and pay coupons along the way.
5% Yield Bonds Vs. REITs - Here's Why One Crushes The Other Long Term
Interest rates are historically high. Bonds often offer higher yields than REITs. Yet, REITs crush them over the long run. Here's why.
Active-bond ETFs see record demand. Did Vanguard's fee cuts include such funds?
Investors have upped their interest in actively managed bond ETFs, pouring record capital into them in January as some paid up in hopes of stronger returns.
Retirees: 5 Low-Volatility ETFs to Own If You Don't Want to See Your Nest Egg Crash
Aspiring retirees spend many years saving up money so they have a large enough nest egg for retirement.
