If Japan represents what the debt and demographic future looks like for many countries, then the future for investors in a world of negative bond yields may lead to more stock market exposure.

If rate cuts aren’t seen as enough to address slowing growth and policymakers turn to direct currency intervention, the resulting currency war could be bad news for investors.

Another round of trade tariffs is an additional hit to manufacturing, potentially deepening the global slowdown into a recession, despite the efforts of the Fed and other central banks.

Economic indicators don’t have to be complicated to work. We look at four alternative indicators for the main driver of the global economy and assess how interest rate cuts might impact them.

Valuations suggest international stocks may produce above average, double-digit annualized total returns over the next 10 years, in contrast to below average, mid-single digit returns for U.S. stocks.

U.S. imports from China have plunged this year, offset by import gains for other emerging markets not subject to U.S. tariffs.

History suggests that the stock market rally since the last Fed rate hike on December 19, 2018 may be on borrowed time.

Recent developments have caused markets to focus on geopolitical risk, with more to come in the month of May.

Stock markets around the world have posted steady double-digit gains this year on a rebound of valuations. However, volatility may return without support from earnings growth.