News & Insights

Last year, as the Federal Reserve altered their path of tightening monetary conditions, we noted that overall visibility had become “muddled.” During the second quarter, improving economic data has provided investors with levels of visibility not experienced in some time. It wasn’t immediate since concerns over regional bank stability were still top of mind.

In the original Top Gun film, Tom Cruise's character, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, used our title's phrase (though in the singular form) when explaining how he had specific intelligence after his audacious encounter with a MIG 28. The tense scene ended with a memorable moment as Maverick's upside-down F-14 TOMCAT flew a couple meters above the MIG, while his co-pilot snapped a Polaroid.

Everything Everywhere All at Once For investors, 2022 was all about rising interest rates and the impact on financial markets. In late 2021, the Federal Reserve ("the Fed") was still purchasing treasuries and mortgage-backed securities, which was part of their policy response during the pandemic.

Fishing for Confidence at Jackson Hole. In our October 3rd update, we mentioned disappointment and uncertainty being recent key themes. The factors contributing to present conditions are well-known: high inflation, central bank tightening, and possible escalation in the Ukraine war.

Breaking? Or Just Breaking Bad? As inflation remains an issue around the world, central banks have ramped up their hawkish rhetoric. Will they be able to get inflation under control?

Stop the Madness! Please do not be alarmed! West Financial is not calling for an end to the NCAA basketball tournaments, despite the fact it would save us from time spent on bracket predictions that are busted the first weekend.

Looking back over last year, individuals yearned for the post-pandemic environment. The vaccine roll-out had everyone hoping for a return to their old routines. During that time, governments and central banks continued to provide stimulus to ensure a durable economic recovery from the worst pandemic since 1918. While the recovery has gained strength, growth has been uneven.

Ground Control to Chairman Powell… Over the past 18 months, we suggested that the Federal Reserve’s (“the Fed”) policy response to the global pandemic has been a success, acknowledging in the last quarterly letter that it may be about time to end emergency funding policies.

Don’t Stop Believin’ - Do you remember the song “Don’t Stop Believin’” by the band Journey? Chairman Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) does and he is telling us that inflation is transitory."

Too Hot in the Hot Tub! Spring is upon us, and temperatures outside are rising. Investors are noticing that the weather is not the only thing heating up. Economic indicators illustrate that growth in the U.S. economy is accelerating as states continue to relax COVID-related restrictions.