What’s Up With Global Markets? And Q&A With Larry

Here’s a quick, executive summary of stories from this past trading week, with a link to the full articles online.

Global Markets Hitting All-Time Highs

While the U.S. stock market continues a 6-month-long struggle to poke its head above water, most overseas stocks are sailing into new-high territory. Martin D. Weiss takes a look at some emerging markets and the investment possibilities. Get his conclusions by clicking here.

Consumer Credit Trouble Looms

The slowdown in retail sales growth has been a big surprise this spring, as lower gasoline pump prices were expected to boost spending. What’s going on? Jon Markman looks at the numbers and explains how it affects you. Click here to read more.

Important Q&A With Larry!

Larry Edelson is devoting this week’s column to answering some of the most important questions he has received in recent days. Click here to read the questions and Larry’s answers.

The Fed … and Other Central Banks

The Federal Reserve can’t wait to start raising interest rates, as confirmed by the Fed again this past week. Meanwhile, central bankers in emerging markets can’t cut rates quickly enough to avoid deflation. What’s going on? Mike Burnick takes a look — click here to read more.

Less Good Here, Less Bad There

It’s the simplest, clearest way to understand why markets are trading the way they are. And if you keep it in mind, you can make serious money! Get Mike’s take on it by clicking here.

The Week’s Hot News

Money and Markets columnist Mike Larson takes a look at key financial and political events around the globe after the market close. Here are the week’s highlights:

Greasing the Gears?

Is Greece greasing the gears for a deal with its European creditors? As the week began, Mike took a look at what’s happening with the negotiations over a bailout for that troubled EU country. Click here to read more.

Will Peace Return … and Cooler Heads Prevail?

In a step away from the financial markets, Mike takes a look at an important challenge facing America — racial and economic equality. Given the latest troubles in Baltimore, it’s clear there are no simple answers. Read Mike’s take on the situation by clicking here.

Exports fell 7.2 percent in the first quarter, courtesy of the strong dollar.

GDP Stinks, and the Dollar Wobbles

Well, that settles it. The U.S. economy is officially “less good”! Just look at what we learned from the first-quarter Gross Domestic Product report this week. Mike takes a look at the global economic situation. Read his views by clicking here.

Short of a Lifetime!

That’s what well-known bond fund manager Bill Gross of Janus Capital called it a few days ago. And it’s paying off. Mike Larson takes a look at what it is — click here to read more.

Best wishes,

The Money and Markets Team