

Stocks Edge Higher; Japan's Inflation Remains Elevated
Jul 18, 2025
Brian Vendig, Chief Investment Officer at MJP Wealth Advisors, shares valuable insights on the recent rally in Asian stocks, driven by positive US economic data. He discusses the bullish outlook for tech stocks, particularly following strong earnings from Netflix and Taiwan Semiconductor. The conversation also touches on Japan's inflation, which remains above target, putting pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of elections. Vendig highlights the impact of rising input prices on consumer spending and the cautious optimism surrounding market dynamics.
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US Retail Sales Boost Market Confidence
- Strong retail sales data indicates the US consumer remains healthy despite tariff concerns.
- Earnings above expectations support optimism for economic growth and higher profits.
Bull Market Resilience Observed
- Recent bull market strength defies typical early pullback expectations.
- Market returns three to six months after initial gains tend to be quite favorable.
Fed Divisions Shape Policy Caution
- Fed officials are divided between concerns over labor market weakness and tariff-driven inflation.
- This divide supports a cautious "wait and see" approach to interest rate cuts.