CORNYVERSE

FOMC rate decisions have an outsized impact on global financial markets. Many investors are laser-focused on the next announcement. In this post, using the latest FOMC outcome, we’ll explain—in four key angles—how hikes or cuts affect our portfolios and what the rate outlook might be.   🎯 Key Takeaways ✅ What this post covers (3-line preview) ✅ How FOMC rate moves affect equities, bonds, and the dollar ✅ Why rates were held recently—and what’s next With the latest FOMC decision to hold the policy rate, uncertainty has increased. Investors hoping for cuts were disappointed. Higher rates raise corporate financing costs and can pressure stocks; lower rates can revive sentiment. Because the decision also moves bonds and the dollar, it’s crucial to anticipate the path ahead. 🔍 Why the Market’s Watching & Why the Hold At the July 2025 FOMC meeting, the target range was kept a...

The summer heat has faded; a cool September breeze is here. Yet a chill of tension hangs over global markets. September has often been volatile, and this year three powerful waves are rolling toward markets.   Key Takeaways ☑ Three wildcards : geopolitical conflict, major-country political shifts, and rising trade barriers ☑ Core impact : unresolved conflicts can stoke commodity prices, while political uncertainty may weigh on specific industries ☑ What to watch : go beyond headlines—trace how these macro forces link to real company earnings and your portfolio This post breaks the three September market risks into four layers, with a deep dive on what to guard against—and how to prepare. 🌋 Geopolitics in the Fog: Embers of Unfinished Conflicts First up is geopolitical risk. Like a massive whirlpool beneath a calm surface, seemingly quiet confl...

While gold has rocketed back toward record highs, long-dated Treasuries—long treated as the “safest asset”—have turned volatile. As of 2025, the safe-haven seat appears to be rotating toward gold, cash-like assets, and short-term bonds . Here’s why the shift is happening—backed by the key data.  📌 Read this first For the record-high breakout in early September and a checklist on the Fed, USD, and ETFs, see the previous post .   🎯 Key Takeaways ✅ #1 driver of the gold surge: sustained central-bank buying + renewed investor demand via ETFs ✅ The bond dilemma: with inflation and fiscal supply in play, long duration can behave more like “volatility” than “safety” at times ✅ Portfolio implication: strengthen the roles of gold, cash-like assets, and short-term bonds; approach long duration conditionally Details follow in the sections below. ...

In early September, gold broke above $3,500 per ounce, extending its strong year-to-date rally. A weaker dollar, expectations of Fed rate cuts, and steady buying by central banks and ETFs all kicked in at the same time. 👉 Next post For a follow-up that frames bonds and safe-haven assets after the gold surge, check the sequel post .   🎯 Key Takeaways ✅ In early September, gold printed fresh all-time highs (in the $3,500s/oz) and is up roughly +30% YTD. ✅ Drivers: weaker USD + expectations for Fed cuts + expanded buying by central banks & ETFs, plus geopolitical/policy uncertainty. ✅ What to watch: the Fed’s September meeting, USD trend, ETF holdings, and whether major central banks remain net buyers. 🔥 Why Gold—Again—Right Now Recently, gold broke above the $3,500 line and set a new all-time high. This isn’t just a short-term blip; it aligns with a trend rally that has pus...

Right after Korea unveiled its 2025 tax proposals, KOSPI and KOSDAQ dropped sharply. Foreign and institutional flows turned risk-off, while retail investors stepped in as dip-buyers. Below is a four-part breakdown of what matters for U.S. investors —whether you hold EWY, ADRs, or global funds with Korea exposure. 🎯 Key Takeaways (U.S. lens) ✅ Major-shareholder threshold to fall from ₩5B to ₩1B per stock (≈ ~$3.6M → ~$0.7M), likely amplifying year-end supply as holders de-risk. ✅ Higher trading taxes & corporate rate (STT up; corporate tax back to 25%) trim after-tax returns and raise the policy-risk premium. ✅ Separate dividend taxation could support select high-payout names, but eligibility looks narrow. ✅ Not final yet: political pushback and public petitions mean the package could change during National Assembly debate. 📉 Why the selloff ...