• July 8, 2024

What's behind record office sector vacancy rates: Economist

According to a Moody's report, office sector vacancy rates have set a new record at over 20% in the second quarter. The author behind the report and Moody's head of CRE economics, Tom LaSalvia, joins Market Domination to give insight into the report and detail what's behind these record numbers. LaSalvia elaborates on the shift of office space use: "The way we're thinking about this as obsolescence, that there is a good 10 to 20% of office buildings out there that really just will not be able to compete in this new era, this era of remote work, this era of new offices, this era of new, let's say, centers of power in terms of where office-centric locations are, right? You're getting migration into the Sunbelt. You're seeing even within metropolitan areas like New York, certain submarkets doing much better than others. And so what you're left with is 10 to 20% of obsolete offices that are going to have to find some new life in this new era." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Market Domination. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • July 8, 2024

US Stock Market Likely to Experience a Setback, Says Morgan Stanley Strategist

According to Odaily, Morgan Stanley strategist Mike Wilson has warned traders to prepare for a potential setback in the US stock market. This comes amidst increasing uncertainties surrounding the US presidential election, corporate earnings reports, and Federal Reserve policies. 'I think there's a high probability of a 10% pullback from now until some point during the US election,' Wilson stated in an interview on Monday. He also predicted that the third quarter would be rather turbulent, with companies losing their pricing power and needing to cut interest rates.Goldman Sachs' Scott Rubner echoed Wilson's sentiments on Monday, stating that if corporate performance falls short of expectations, he anticipates the stock market will endure a painful two-week period starting in August. Andrew Tyler from JPMorgan's trading department expressed a bullish outlook, but recent weak economic data has slightly dampened his confidence. Citigroup's Scott Chronert also issued a warning about a potential pullback.Despite the looming setback, Wilson is not overly concerned. Instead, he believes this could create opportunities for investors. After the S&P 500 Index achieved double-digit gains this year, he described the current valuation as 'lacklustre.' He suggested that the best way to invest in the stock market at present is through individual stocks, rather than indices.

  • July 8, 2024

Futu Securities Receives Upgraded License From Hong Kong Regulator

According to PANews, Futu Securities, an internet-based brokerage, has received an upgraded license for its first class regulated activity (securities trading) from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. This allows the firm to offer virtual asset trading services to both professional and retail investors in Hong Kong.Futu launched a new 'comprehensive account' feature last Saturday (6th), which allows investors to trade investment products in multiple markets such as Hong Kong stocks, US stocks, A-shares, and Japanese stocks through a single account. The company has also announced plans to gradually introduce Singapore stocks, Australian stocks, and Canadian stocks, although no specific timeline has been disclosed.

  • July 7, 2024

North Carolina Governor Rejects Bill Banning Implementation of Federal CBDC

According to Foresight News, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill that would have prohibited the state from implementing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the Federal Reserve. In his statement, he explained that House Bill 690 was too immature, vague, and reactionary to be signed into law.Mitchell Askew, Chief Analyst at Blockware Solutions, expressed his disappointment with the governor's decision. He stated that the veto does not represent the will of the people of North Carolina, and it's unfortunate that the governor is unwilling to put partisan politics aside in favor of a law that would benefit all residents of North Carolina.