Washington Casts a Shadow on the Stock Market

Thursday, March 3, 2022 11:00 AM EST | 8:00 AM PST | 4:00 PM GMT

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CFRA's distinguished panel of experts moderated by Ken Leon, Director of Equity Research, and featuring Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist, Ryan Schoen, President and CEO, Washington Analysis*, and Joe Lieber, Director of Research and Political Analysis, Washington Analysis* present Washington Casts a Shadow on the Stock Market.

As financial professionals navigate the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies, we examine the implications of these actions on the markets.

As we look ahead in 2022, investors have a lot to think about how Washington policymakers may impact their portfolios. Whether it be fiscal spending from Congress, how the Fed plays its hand on monetary policy, new appointees at federal agencies, or sanctions on Russia, the dust has not settled as to what this means for the U.S. economy or the capital markets.

Year to date, we have also seen increased market volatility that is shaking the bulls with the Fed's expected shift to a rate rise regime. Inflation is the number one issue that is top of mind for U.S. households and businesses on what this means for them. Finally, we are less than a year away from the critical November mid-term elections. 

During this session, we discussed:

  • What does stock market history tell us to expect from 2022 midterm elections potentially?

  • Initial repercussions of the Russian invasion on the market and economic trajectory considering foreign military conflict

  • Rising rates may (or may not) be a negative for the stock market looking at frequency and magnitude

  • Navigate geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions enacted by the U.S. and its allies How will the stock market respond to unexpectedly prolonged inflation?

  • Is there any life left for Congress's Build Back Better (BBB)?

  • Deeper dive on Congressional midterm elections, both the House and the Senate

  • Federal Reserve Board politics and outlook for confirmations – independence? 

 

*On October 2, 2021, CFRA announced the acquisition of Washington Analysis, LLC, a leading research firm that offers unique and in-depth research specializing in identifying risks and opportunities across asset classes from U.S. Courts, Congress, and regulators, both state and federal levels. Read the Press Release.

Speakers

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Ken Leon, Moderator

Director of Equity Research

Ken Leon is Director of Equity Research at CFRA. He is responsible for analytical research as well as client servicing. As a subject matter expert, his research industries include Diversified Banks and the Housing Market, with coverage of Homebuilding, Home Improvement Retail, Home Furnishings and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Ken is a thought leader that provides ongoing in-depth research and communications to key customer segments. He is active with most media networks and leading print media, and is sought for his investment views on the large banks and housing market trends. Ken holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA from New York University. He was also licensed in the State of New Jersey as a Certified Public Accountant.

Sam Stovall

Chief Investment Strategist

As Chief Investment Strategist, Sam Stovall serves as analyst, publisher, and communicator of CFRA’s outlooks for the economy, market, and sectors.  He is the author of The Seven Rules of Wall Street and The S&P Guide to Sector Investing. He also writes weekly “Sector Watch” and “Investment Policy” reports on CFRA’s MarketScope Advisor platform, and maintains the Industry Momentum and Seasonal Rotation portfolios. His work is also found in CFRA’s flagship weekly newsletter The Outlook. 

Ryan Schoen

President and CEO; Financial Service Analyst

Ryan is President and CEO of Washington Analysis, in addition to being a Senior Financial Services and Housing Analyst. He joined Washington Analysis in 2007 from Cassidy & Associates, a leading government relations firm in Washington, DC, where he focused on legislation and regulation across several sectors, including financial services. He also spent time at several research organizations in Washington, including the Brookings Institution. He completed all coursework and comprehensive examinations toward completion of a Ph.D. in political science and econometrics at George Washington University, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a dual degree in political science and philosophy.

Joe Lieber

Director of Research and Political Analyst

Joe Lieber is Director of Research and Senior Political Analyst at Washington Analysis.  In this capacity Mr. Lieber analyzes political and legislative issues originating in Washington, D.C. that have the potential to impact overall sentiment in the financial markets.  Mr. Lieber also handicaps national elections, and has direct policy analyst responsibility for matters involving budget, taxes, transportation, gaming, and other one-off issues as they come up.

Mr. Lieber joined Washington Analysis as a Political Analyst in 1995. Prior to joining the firm, he began his career in 1991 with GOPAC as Deputy Political Director.  From late 1991-1995 Mr. Lieber was employed in the US Senate as Policy Analyst for Sen. Don Nickles at the Senate Republican Policy Committee (RPC).

Mr. Lieber received his B.A. in Economics and Political Science in 1990 from the University of Oklahoma, and earned a M.A. in International Transactions in 1994 from the George Mason University.  Mr. Lieber appears from time-to-time on CNBC, Bloomberg TV and other business outlets.

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