Why this spot-on consumer-confidence measure should concern stock-market bulls

What current consumer-sentiment readings really mean for stocks.

Topics

The stock market is luring investors with promises. Here’s why they should be nervous.

The S&P 500’s false upside breakouts should give stock buyers pause.
MarketWatch - 1d
Consumer confidence plunged in February amid rising economic concerns

Sharp drop in closely watched consumer sentiment gauge marks the biggest monthly decline in confidence in more than four years.
CBS News - 3d
US stocks dip amid concerns over tariffs and consumer belt-tightening

All three major stock indexes moved decisively lower, extending sell-off in wake of dour economic reports. US stocks tumbled on Friday, extending a sell-off in the wake of dour economic reports and ...
The Guardian - Feb. 21
The stock market is trying to break out — but the bulls can’t catch a break

S&P 500 is stuck in a trading range.
MarketWatch - 6d
US stocks fall as consumer confidence sinks most in four years

Oil prices drop while government bonds climb on worries Donald Trump’s tariffs will hit economy
Financial Times - 3d
Why Trump has gone quiet on the stock market

The mood in markets has darkened and the central narrative around trades based on the president’s policies has soured
Financial Times - 8h
The Fed’s job is not to boost the stock market. Here’s what it should be doing.

Getting inflation down to 2% should be the Fed’s No. 1 concern.
MarketWatch - 6d
Stagflation is a new threat to the stock-market rally. What investors should know.

Worries about an unwelcome mix of inflation and stagnating economic growth are back, only this time such fears are becoming harder for investors to shake off.
MarketWatch - 4d
The stock market is expensive. But there’s still one bull case not priced in, says Bank of America.

Bank of America says heavily regulated sectors have yet to fully rally
MarketWatch - Feb. 21

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Zelensky says Ukraine still ‘ready’ for minerals deal with U.S. after Oval Office blowup with Trump

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Trump’s ‘World War III’ warning to Zelensky rattled stocks. Why they quickly recovered.

Markets are reacting like it’s “theater” and a Ukraine-Russia peace deal can still move forward, strategist says.
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Worried about Social Security staff cuts? Put money aside now, the agency’s former director says.

Martin O’Malley said DOGE’s involvement in Social Security will hurt beneficiaries. Brace for delays in service — and even benefits.
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I’m 50, earn $172K a year and married, yet I’m still living paycheck-to-paycheck. My family want me to return home. What should I do?

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Zelensky says Ukraine still ‘ready’ for minerals deal with U.S. after Oval Office blowup with Trump

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Trump cuts short Zelenskyy meeting after fiery White House clash

US president says Ukrainian leader is ‘gambling with world war three’
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