Investors Are Having Trouble Parsing Rhetoric, Abbot Downing's Schleif Says

The video discusses how markets have been focusing on fundamentals while ignoring trade war noise, but recent days have seen an escalation in rhetoric. Despite this, growth bias remains a key strategy for investors. The complexity of global supply chains makes it difficult to trade on current implications. The bull market is analyzed, with its true start in mid-2016, and the role of regulations and tax changes in growth. The video also covers the importance of monitoring both soft and hard data to gauge economic confidence, with the Fed closely watching business decisions.

What has been the recent change in market behavior according to the video?

• Rise in unknowns for investors

• Increased focus on trade wars

• Shift towards growth bias

• Decline in technology stocks

Why is it challenging to trade based on current global supply chain implications?

• Lack of foreign manufacturers

• Complexity and interwoven nature of supply chains

• Absence of US parts in foreign markets

• Immediate clarity on trade negotiations

When did the bull market actually begin according to the video?

• November 2016

• January 2017

• Mid 2016

• March 2009

What economic indicators are being closely monitored to assess market confidence?

• Stock market volatility

• Unemployment rates

• Business and consumer optimism

• Interest rates and inflation

What role does soft data play in economic assessments?

• It is less reliable than hard data

• It offers insights into future economic trends

• It provides immediate market reactions

• It is not considered by the Fed