Bloomberg:
- Goldman(GS) Sees Crypto, Credit Shadowing Robust 2018 U.S. Economy. Hatzius has already made some predictions for the new year: four Federal Reserve rate hikes, real U.S. gross-domestic product growth quickening to an average of 2.6 percent, the jobless rate dropping to about 3.5 percent, and the yield curve not inverting. In a new report, Hatzius reiterated his expectation for overall economic strength, while flagging some concerns. Goldman isn’t the only firm to send up a warning flag about cryptocurrencies. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon labeled bitcoin a “fraud.” Fed Chair Janet Yellen has said it is a “highly speculative asset,” and Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said it’s being used for speculation.
- As Oil Rises, Shale Drillers With Few or No Hedges Stand to Gain. OPEC Wins Over Hedge Funds to Make 2017 Oil's Most Bullish Year. The signs that the group is winning its tug of war with shale are compelling, and money managers have taken note: Their combined bets on rising prices for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude reached record levels in December.
Wall Street Journal:
- Iranians Protest Over Economic Malaise. Dozens arrested in two days of protests across country over unemployment and inflation.
- Coptic Christian Church Near Cairo Attacked. At least 9 were killed in shooting, the latest in a string against Egypt’s Christian minority.
- Money in 2018: The Managers and Executives to Watch. Active investing held its own in 2017, but the new year holds new risks and opportunities for these four leaders in the sector.
- In Sign of Resistance, Chinese Balk at Using Apps to Snitch on Neighbors. New technology rewards citizens for notifying authorities about illegal activity, domestic disputes and other problems, but people are wary of using it.
- U.S. Steelmakers Raise Their Bets on Energy, Construction. Steel prices are up, but some say expansion is risky given continuing flood of cheap imports.
- Bank Stocks Extend Their Winning Streak. Tax and regulatory changes are giving banks a potent antidote to persistently low long-term interest rates.
Barron's:
- Had bullish commentary on (XLB), (GLW), (GSK), (DIS), (HD), (TJX), (WMT), (FIVE), (AAPL) and (CVX).
- Had bearish commentary on (SHLD), (PIR), (WSM) and (ANF).
MarketWatch.com:
CNBC:
Zero Hedge:
Business Insider:
