US Production Recovery is well in hand as the last of the big refineries (Motiva) come back on line with remaining units in early October though there are still a few in Houston and Beaumont / Port Arthur area that are recovering.  There are also a few facilities that folded…

The last 12 to 24 months have exhibited low stock market volatility.  As the bull market recovery started in 2009, the S&P500 has risen steadily higher each year achieving a compounded rate of return of nearly 18%. The strong growth in the market, coupled with extremely low interest rates, has…

Macro: Americas The US Forges Ahead as Q2 GDP growth was revised up from +2.6% to +3.0% on better consumer spending and non-residential (i.e., business software and factory) investment.  Q3 GDP growth is currently projected at +2.6% by the Atlanta Fed lower than a month ago but still decent.  The…

Weather Risk Reintroduced as hurricane Harvey swept through the key refining zones of Texas and western Louisiana during the last week of August.  The market concerns were not centered on oil production (though 98 oil and gas extraction rigs were evacuated of the 737 manned platforms in the Gulf), but…