Geopolitics Shape Markets, Fed Watch
Geopolitical headlines continue to materially impact market sentiment, and the latest news flow has been constructive. Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ten-day ceasefire that appears to be holding, and the larger conflict between the US and Iran is also de-escalating. Although the statements from the US administration point to an imminent deal between the […]
War, Inflation, and Markets Collide
Market volatility this week was driven by updates on the war with Iran along with key data releases providing some insight into the war’s impact on inflation and the US consumer. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil topped $117/barrel prior to Tuesday’s temporary ceasefire announcement and is trading at around $98/barrel as of this writing. […]
Whitepaper: Understanding Repurchase Agreements
Local government investment pools (LGIPs) are one of the most common investment products utilized by state and local governments nationwide. Because public funds must be protected while remaining liquid, LGIPs typically invest in low-risk, short-term instruments. One of the most common investments utilized in LGIPs are repurchase agreements, or “repo(s).” Repos are widely used in […]
March 2026 Monthly Bond Market Review
February economic data continued to reflect the measured disinflationary progression that has characterized conditions throughout the post-pandemic normalization cycle, with price pressures maintaining a trajectory toward the Federal Reserve longer-run objective while remaining modestly above the 2.0% target. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%, remaining in a historically lower range and affirming that the […]
Tensions in Middle East Intensify Market Volatility
This week, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East further intensified volatility across global capital markets. The conflict with Iran continued to weigh on financial markets as diplomatic efforts showed little progress. Iran rejected a 15 point proposal from the United States, instead submitting conditions that included authority over the Strait of Hormuz, while President […]
Whitepaper: Why Real Estate Drives California’s Fiscal Health
It has been stated time and again: Buying a home is the single largest investment most people make; home ownership is a key path to building wealth. For many, it is the American dream. But beyond the individual, what is real estate’s broader impact on the economy, communities, and society? Economy The real estate market […]
Fed Holds; Inflation Pressures Persist
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% on Wednesday in an 11 to 1 vote, with Governor Stephen Miran dissenting in favor of a quarter point cut. The accompanying Summary of Economic Projections raised growth forecasts to 2.4% for 2026, lifted headline and core inflation projections to […]
Oil Spike, Fed Meeting Ahead
The conflict with Iran remained the primary driver of market sentiment this week. Oil prices spiked as global supplies remained disrupted with the Strait of Hormuz remaining essentially closed. Against this geopolitical backdrop, a significant downward revision to fourth quarter gross domestic product (GDP), and firm inflation and employment data added to the complex set […]
February 2026 Monthly Bond Market Review
Recent economic data point to moderating inflation and a continued rebalancing in labor market conditions. Although price pressures remain modestly above the Federal Reserve’s longer-run target, the unemployment rate has declined to 4.3%. As the data flow stabilizes, the Chandler team expects further yield curve steepening as the Federal Reserve gradually guides the policy rate […]
Inflation Eases While Consumers Slow Down
The market received some key economic datapoints this week as some reports have been delayed due to the government shutdowns. The long-awaited advance retail sales reading from December was flat on a month-over-month basis, much lower than expected following a strong November print, indicating that holiday spending was pulled forward. Control group sales, which feeds […]