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Reading the Compass - Data Points, Diplomatic Moves & Market Momentum
During the week, US economic data confirmed solid performance, albeit with signs of moderation towards 2026. The highlight was the upward revision of third-quarter GDP, which reached an annualized growth rate of 4.4%, the strongest since 2023 and higher than the initial estimate. This progress was supported by robust private consumption, higher exports, and increased public spending, while the negative effect of inventories was less than expected. At the same time, inflation
Ballestas Group
7 days ago1 min read
Plotting the Course After an Awaited Data Surge
During the week, the United States combined trade policy announcements with a barrage of relevant economic data. On the political-trade front, the White House described the imposition of 25% tariffs on certain advanced semiconductors for national security reasons as "phase one," leaving the door open for further measures. At the same time, Donald Trump's administration applied a similar tax to some artificial intelligence chips, including products from Nvidia and AMD. Washing
Ballestas Group
Jan 211 min read
Charting New Waters - The First Waves of 2026
The main political event of the week was the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US military forces, following an operation carried out on January 3 on Venezuelan territory. The operation included armed actions in Caracas and resulted in Maduro being transferred to New York to face criminal charges. Following the event, the Supreme Court appointed Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, amid strong internal divisions, protests, and regional and international diplo
Ballestas Group
Jan 121 min read
The Market Sets its 2026 Bearings - Balanced Winds, Shifting Charts
During the last week of the year, US economic indicators showed mixed signals, with a gradual slowdown in manufacturing activity and greater clarity on the direction of monetary policy. The manufacturing PMI publishedbyS&PGlobalwas confirmed at 51.8 points in December, down from November's figure, marking weaker expansion within the current growth cycle. In line with this moderation, the Chicago PMI surprised on the upside, rising to 43.5 points, although it remained in contr
Ballestas Group
Jan 51 min read
The Last 2025 Recap - Holding the Line as the Year Winds Down
During the week, economic news in the United States was dominated by strong growth performance and mixed signals in other indicators. GDP grew at an annualized rate of 4.3% in the third quarter, the highest in two years, far exceeding expectations of 3.3%, driven by resilient consumption, strong investment in data centers, and a lower trade deficit. However, a slowdown to 1.8% is expected in the fourth quarter, partly due to the federal government shutdown. In activity data,
Ballestas Group
Dec 29, 20251 min read
Year-End Watch - Calm Waters Mask Underlying Friction
The week in the United States was marked by a series of economic data that showed mixed signals about the pulse of the economy. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index was revised downward in December to 52.9 points, reflecting a deterioration in both perceptions of current conditions and expectations. At the same time, one-year inflation expectations were adjusted slightly upward to 4.2%, although they remain close to the lowest levels of the last year, while the
Ballestas Group
Dec 22, 20251 min read
Quiet Waters, Clearer Skies - Signals for 2026 Begin to Surface
The week in the United States left a mixed economic outlook, but consistent with a gradual slowdown and no signs of stress. The most relevant data was the sharp reduction in the trade deficit, which fell to $52.8 billion, its lowest level since 2020, driven by a rebound in exports and a moderate increase in imports. At the same time, fiscal accounts showed a significant improvement: the budget deficit in November fell by $16 billion compared to the previous year, and in the f
Ballestas Group
Dec 15, 20251 min read
New Bearings Headed into 2026 - Consumption Strong, Rates Ready to Pivot
The week in the United States brought a slew of economic data confirming moderate expansion. The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 48.2, deepening its contraction due to weakness in new orders and employment, while the ISM services index rose to 52.6, showing that tertiary activity continues to be the main driver of growth. The labor market once again showed a mixed picture: the ADP report recorded a reduction of 32,000 private jobs in November, driven by a drop of 120,000 jobs i
Ballestas Group
Dec 8, 20251 min read
Anchored but Agile - Markets Adapt as Rate Expectations Shift
This was a short week in the United States due to the Thanksgiving holiday, but it still left several relevant signals in economic, market, and political matters. Macro data continued to show moderate activity and slowing inflation. Retail sales rose only 0.2% in September, while pending home sales fell 0.4% year-on-year in October, reflecting consumers and the real estate market still under pressure from high interest rates. In industry, orders for durable goods rose 0.5% an
Ballestas Group
Dec 1, 20251 min read
Drifting Less, Steering More - November’s Data Finds Direction
The week brought economic, market, and political developments that point to moderate growth and greater uncertainty. On the economic front, the FOMC minutes revealed a divided committee: although most members see room for future rate cuts, several are hesitant about cutting in December due to persistent inflation. This caution is compounded by signs of a cooling labor market: in September, 119,000 jobs were created, more than double the expected number, but unemployment rose
Ballestas Group
Nov 24, 20251 min read
Sailing Ahead - Growth Outlook Brightens Post-Shutdown
The United States experienced a week marked by a combination of economic, market, and political events, presenting a complex landscape for investors. On the economic front, the end of the historic 43-day government shutdown brought relief, but also highlighted the impact on official statistics: although October's non-farm payrolls will be released next week, authorities have warned that it will not be possible to calculate the unemployment rate due to the lack of data collect
Ballestas Group
Nov 17, 20252 min read
Steady Underway - Markets Chart a Resilient Course
The week left a mixed picture for the United States, with conflicting signals in the economy, a positive tone in corporate markets, and significant developments in politics and trade. On the economic front, concerns grew in the labor market after it was revealed that corporate layoffs reached their highest level in 22 years in October, with more than 153,000 job cuts linked to post-pandemic adjustments and increasing automation associated with advances in artificial intellige
Ballestas Group
Nov 10, 20251 min read
New Winds, Same Compass - Markets Stay on Track
The United States experienced a week full of economic, political, and market developments, with particular attention focused on trade relations with China, the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, the progress of the corporate earnings season, and the prolonged government shutdown. On the geopolitical front, the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Busan concluded with a one-year extension of the trade truce between the two countries. The agreement
Ballestas Group
Nov 3, 20252 min read
Resilient Growth and Strategic Diplomacy Drive Markets
The week in the United States was marked by an intense economic, trade, and political agenda with global impact. On the diplomatic front, Washington and Canberra signed an $8.5 billion strategic agreement focused on the supply of critical minerals, especially rare earths, to reduce dependence on China in the technology and defense sectors. In addition, the White House confirmed that President Trump will meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the upcoming APEC sum
Ballestas Group
Oct 27, 20251 min read
Earnings Remain Strong as Policy and Trade Evolve
During the week, US markets were influenced by rising geopolitical tensions, fiscal uncertainty, and the initial progress of the corporate earnings season. However, the week closed with the main S&P and Nasdaq stock indices rising by 1.71% and 2.41%. President Donald Trump toughened his rhetoric toward China, warning of a possible "trade war" and threatening to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese exports starting November 1. However, in a subsequent interview, he described these t
Ballestas Group
Oct 20, 20251 min read
Gold Shines, AI Advances, and Central Banks Steady the Course
The week in the United States was dominated by renewed trade tensions, mixed signals on monetary policy, and growing political uncertainty due to the federal government shutdown. On the economic front, President Donald Trump threatened a "massive increase in tariffs" on Chinese imports in response to Beijing's plans to restrict rare earth exports and suggested he might cancel his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping. The statements reignited fears of a new trade war and
Ballestas Group
Oct 14, 20251 min read
Markets Hold Steady through Policy Shifts and Government Shutdown
The week in the United States was marked by a complex interplay between political tensions, signs of an economic slowdown, and surprising...
Ballestas Group
Oct 8, 20251 min read
Resilient Consumption and Housing Strength Highlight the Week
The week in the United States was dominated by a series of economic, market, and political news stories that paint a complex picture as...
Ballestas Group
Sep 29, 20252 min read
Markets React to Fed’s First Rate Cut Since 2024
The week in the United States was marked by a shift in monetary policy, mixed economic data, and high-profile diplomatic moves. The...
Ballestas Group
Sep 24, 20252 min read
Rate Cut Expectations Rise as U.S. Data Softens
This week, the focus was on the labor market, where weekly unemployment claims rose to 263,000, the highest level since October 2021....
Ballestas Group
Sep 15, 20251 min read
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