Research and market data updated: August 19, 2026. Ray Dalio’s warning that the United States is past a fiscal “point of no return” sounds like another dramatic prediction—until it is compared with the bond market. Since Dalio made the statement in a June 3 interview with Bloomberg’s Dani Burger, the long end of the U.S. Treasury curve has moved further above short-term rates. … [Read more...] about Ray Dalio’s “Point of No Return”: Is U.S. Debt Now Controlling the Markets?
Stagflation
What Is Stagflation? Why It Hurts the Economy and Financial Markets
Stagflation is the uncomfortable combination of persistent inflation, weak or stagnant economic growth and a deteriorating labor market. Prices remain under pressure even though the economy is losing momentum. That makes stagflation especially difficult for households, companies, investors and central banks. Stagflation in One Minute The word combines stagnation and … [Read more...] about What Is Stagflation? Why It Hurts the Economy and Financial Markets
Fed Rate Pause or Hike? July CPI, Jobs, PPI and Oil Risks Point to a Better Policy Path
Weak payrolls and stagnant real wages argue against another interest-rate increase, while oil, producer prices and geopolitical risk prevent the Federal Reserve from declaring victory over inflation. The most credible policy is a disciplined pause—not a return to Bernanke-era quantitative easing. Research and forecast information updated August 13, 2026, before the July … [Read more...] about Fed Rate Pause or Hike? July CPI, Jobs, PPI and Oil Risks Point to a Better Policy Path