Charts & Chat - February 1, 2026

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses:

1. Economic growth estimates for the 4th quarter lower, but numbers still expected to be good.

2. Leading indicators, port container volume down; factory orders slightly higher; retail sales slight uptick

3. comments on housing supply, significant shifts in the rental market, prices likely to continue to show slower growth

4. productivity higher likely due to AI; still risks of inflation, though, due to prices paid by producers

5. dollar remains weak, metals sell-off Friday in part due to new Fed chair nominee; money market inflows still robust despite interest rate decreases

6. quarterly earnings surprises lower; description of what to expect when earnings and economic growth are both positive

7. credit issuance going to be high, followed by refinancing of 1/3rd of all Treasury paper outstanding this coming year.