Three Things to Watch
- The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) is front and center this week with a meeting on interest rates scheduled to conclude Wednesday with an announcement at 2 p.m. ET. The futures markets are currently priced for a less than 10% chance the Fed raises rates, but still pricing an additional 50-75 basis points in hikes over the next 12 months. Fed Chairman Warsh will follow the announcement with a press conference.
- Big tech and artificial intelligence will remain in focus with earnings reports from Alphabet and Microsoft on Wednesday, followed by Amazon on Thursday.
- On the data front, third-quarter gross domestic product is expected at 3.2%; other economic reports include new home sales, consumer confidence and durable goods orders.
Three Things to Know
- The average cost of a family’s annual health insurance premium in the United States is up $1,303 year over year, or 5%, to a record $28,303. This marks the fourth consecutive annual increase of at least $1,300. Over this period, the average annual premium for family coverage has surged $5,884, or 26%. To put this into perspective, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation has risen 13% over the same period, or half as much. Since 1999, the average health insurance premium for a family has soared $22,494, or 387%. This represents an average annual growth rate of 6.1%, well above CPI inflation at 2.6% over the same period. (Source: The Kobeissi Letter)
- Bitcoin (-7.3%) and gold (-7.5%) are the two worst-performing major assets so far in 2026. This is something we haven’t seen before in any calendar year. (Source: Charlie Bilello)
- An often overlooked aspect of the Dot Com crash is that stocks not tied to the Internet and mobile buildout did quite well for a long stretch. From the end of 1999 to the end of 2001, the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index not only didn’t fall but was up 5%. (Source: Bespoke)
The above information reflects the current opinion of the author. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward-looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security mentioned.
6055742 – EXP: 10/31/2029