Let’s dig into some of the Q4 bank earnings that came out last week. First up Bank of America which posted its largest full year profit in history $28.15 billion. (WSJ) So how did they accomplish such a feat, well let’s just see what their interest rate differential was, i.e. what are they paying depositors compared to the risk-free rate they earn off those deposits.

Last week we touched upon the importance of the Federal Reserve and their waffling in regards to staying consistent with their rate hiking plans. The FED is supposed to be independent of political influence but it seems that POTUS and his constant remarks have taken their toll as Powell seems to be tight roping his options right now. 

Its kind of amazing how at certain points in time, things happen and they tend to be a wake up call – that is if we just open our ears and listen. We have talked at length about our disdain for the likes of the big investment houses and their pitching of zero fee fund management products. 

Last week we saw the technology laden NASDAQ market drop over 10% from its prior week high, hitting 6906 down from a high of 7728 a week earlier. We have spoken at length over the last few letters how insiders and institutions have been selling out of technology positions but retail seems to be picking up what they are putting down. This kind of action where the weak hands are buying from the strong hands is a notorious set up for a market set back and last week did not disappoint. 

First of all, we would like to take a minute to remember all those that lost their lives some 17 years ago today. We will remember that day for quite some time, in fact it was on this day, a sunny crisp Tuesday morning that our phone lines went down to our trading partners inside One World Trade Center at Cantor Fitzgerald. We knew right there and then that something was up and we watched it unfold right before our eyes. Being on the floor of the CBOT, we evacuated and left the city for fear that we might be targeted next. We will never forget those and their families that were so tragically affected that fateful day and we will acknowledge their memorial this time every year for as long as we can.