
The Macro Minute with Darius Dale Why are risk assets correcting?
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Nov 18, 2025 Risk assets are facing increasing pressure, primarily due to the Fed lagging behind on interest rates and liquidity measures. Home Depot's warning about consumer spending highlights growing caution among buyers, particularly for big-ticket items. Weak labor market signals raise further concerns, especially within the construction sector. With positioning becoming crowded and cash levels low, the potential for a market downturn looms large. Darius presents approaches to manage risks effectively, urging investors to focus on long-term strategies rather than chasing short-term trends.
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Fed Lag Tightens Market Conditions
- The Fed is falling behind the interest-rate and repo liquidity curves, which pressures risk assets.
- Home Depot's warning about paused big-ticket spending highlighted consumer pullback and tightened market sentiment.
Big-Ticket Pause Hits Retailers
- Home Depot cut guidance and warned consumers are pausing financed big-ticket home projects.
- Consumers shifted to small, non-financed projects, slowing sales for home-improvement companies.
Labor And Construction Flash Warnings
- The employment index reading of -8.6 was the weakest since Feb 2021 and signals labor-market softening.
- Weak construction impulses, like data center slowdown, add concerning negative signals for equities.
