Research & News
Bi-Weekly Geopolitical Report – Growing Fragility in the US Bloc (April 7, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA | PDF We at Confluence have written extensively on the end of post-Cold War globalization and the fracturing of the world into various geopolitical and economic blocs. We’ve noted that the large, rich bloc led by the United States is an attractive place for investors, but fractured supply chains and rising… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 7, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Our Comment today opens with the very latest on the Trump administration’s new tariff policies. We next review several other international and US developments with the potential to affect the financial markets today, including potential policy responses to the tariffs from countries… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 4, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Good morning! Markets are digesting the latest jobs data while reacting to new tariffs from China. In sports, Chattanooga defeated UC Irvine to win the NIT Championship. Today’s Comment will analyze whether the tariff impact will be temporary or long lasting, examine… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 3, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Good morning! Markets are analyzing the implications of the latest tariff measures, while in sports news, Shohei Ohtani’s powerful home run last night propelled the LA Dodgers to their eighth consecutive victory. Today’s Comment will focus on the economic impact of the… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 2, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Good morning. The market is currently focused on tariffs and jobs data. In sports, Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey final after a narrow victory over Real Sociedad. Today’s Comment will analyze the potential impact of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, provide… Read More »
Daily Comment (April 1, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Our Comment today opens with the latest on President Trump’s new tariffs, where it now appears that he will announce 20% duties tomorrow on virtually all US trading partners. We next review several other international and US developments with the potential to… Read More »
Daily Comment (March 31, 2025)
by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez, CFA, and Thomas Wash [Posted: 9:30 AM ET] | PDF Our Comment today opens with the latest U-turn in President Trump’s tariff policies, based on reports that he is now mulling applying his “reciprocal” tariffs to virtually all US trade partners, and at very high rates. We next review several other international… Read More »
Asset Allocation Bi-Weekly – Managing an Economic Slowdown (March 31, 2025)
by Thomas Wash | PDF Six months into his presidency, Reagan backed restrictive monetary policy to combat inflation. While the move initially drew criticism for its short-term economic pain, many viewed it as a necessary step toward long-term stability and growth. This optimism was ultimately vindicated, paving the way for Reagan’s landslide reelection in 1984.… Read More »