Wall Street Focuses on Banks Ahead of Fed Decision
Jul 18, 2023
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Walter Todd and Alison Williams analyze earnings from Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. Sean O’Kane and Scott Painter discuss the impact of Tesla cutting car prices. Tom McGee shares insights on June retail sales data. Joel Weber and Peter Robison talk about bacteria-tainted eyedrops. Also, market rally and investment strategies are discussed.
The FDA's oversight of over-the-counter medicines is lacking, leading to risks to public health and the need for robust regulatory oversight.
BlackRock's appointment of the CEO of Saudi Aramco to its board raises questions about the compatibility of ESG principles and financial interests, highlighting the tension between divestment from fossil fuels and the global economy's reliance on these industries.
Deep dives
Unchecked Bacteria-Tainted Eye Drops Causes Blindness and Death in the US
An investigation reveals how the FDA's oversight of over-the-counter medicines falls short when it comes to ensuring their safety. A case study involving bacteria-contaminated eye drops, which blinded and caused deaths, highlights the risks of relying on an outdated system for regulating OTC products. The story exposes the lack of scrutiny and testing that occurs before these products reach store shelves, particularly those manufactured abroad. The alarming revelation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust and vigilant regulatory oversight to protect public health.
The Role of Fossil Fuels and BlackRock's Controversial Appointment
The decision by BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, to appoint the CEO of Saudi Aramco to its board has reignited the debate about the role of fossil fuels in investing. This move raises questions about the relationship between ESG principles and financial interests, as BlackRock's inclusion of a major oil producer on its board challenges its stated commitment to sustainability. The story underscores the ongoing tension between divestment from fossil fuels and the reality that these industries still play a significant role in the global economy and energy markets.
Opportunistic Market Rally and the Need for Rebalancing
The current market rally fueled by growth stocks and financials presents opportunities for investors, but also necessitates a strategic rebalancing approach. The Bloomberg Economic Surprise Index points to a shift in sentiment from negative to positive, indicating a potentially attractive entry point into equities. However, caution should be exercised as gains are locked in to mitigate potential risks and volatility. Diversification is key, and bonds, particularly those with longer durations, present a compelling option for capital allocation amid interest rate uncertainties.
The Appeal and Risks of Private Credit Investments
Private credit is gaining popularity as investors seek alternatives to traditional fixed income and bank credit market offerings. The tightening of bank credit and the availability of attractive spreads in private credit highlight the investment potential in this space. Selecting experienced advisors and established funds is crucial in navigating potential credit quality concerns and ensuring transparency. Despite these risks, private credit offers strong growth potential and attractive returns, positioning it as an appealing investment opportunity.
Walter Todd, CIO at Greenwood Capital and Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Global Banks Analyst Alison Williams dig into earnings from Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. Bloomberg News EV Reporter Sean O’Kane and Scott Painter, CEO of Autonomy, talk about how Scott's auto subscription startup has been hampered by Tesla cutting car prices. Tom McGee, President of ICSC, shares his thoughts on June retail sales data and the state of retail stores. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Projects and Investigations Reporter Peter Robison provide the details of Peter's Businessweek Magazine story Untested, Bacteria-Tainted Eyedrops Blinded and Killed Americans. And we Drive to the Close with Mace McCain, Chief Investment Officer at Frost Investment Advisors. Hosts: Carol Massar and Matt Miller. Producer: Paul Brennan.