FXN News and Press, First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund From 03/03/22

The most recent sanctions are wreaking havoc on global financial markets. The Russian ruble is also plunging, and the Russian economy is being squeezed. Most global equities are also down since the start of the war, and with investors on edge, volatility is spiking. The effects of thi...

While nominal asset classes such as equities and fixed income have had a negative response to inflation surprises, real assets such as commodities have historically tended to be effective as inflation hedges. Over the past year, pandemic-induced supply shortages and demand spikes have...

The significant volatility seen in the stock market recently from the Russian war/invasion of Ukraine is further evidence of how this fear dynamic can create short-term panics. Russia is more than a rounding error because the country accounts for about 11% of global energy production....

A battery of global sanctions is likely to cripple the Russian economy. European equities are underperforming this week. Market psychology is pessimistic. For further details see: Ukraine Crisis Puts Pressure On Energy Markets; The Fed Responds

The SWIFT ban applies to about 70% of Russia’s banking activities. Notably, oil and natural gas payments are excluded. Russia is a major supplier of base metals to Europe, and these have seen price rises to levels not seen in a decade. Plus, the rise in natural gas prices will ...

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions which have followed have led to a significant change in the oil outlook. Whilst current sanctions are not targeting Russian energy exports, the risk of further escalation means the potential for large disruptions to oil flows. ...

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the biggest conventional military attack in Europe since World War II, has wide-ranging implications for economies and markets around the world. Disruptions from this war and the higher energy prices that result could significantly dampen Europe&#x...

At the moment, some variables are beginning to align that might be a sign of a recession on the horizon. Up until the Russian invasion into Ukraine, the market was nearly unanimous in thinking the Federal Reserve would increase the Fed Funds Rate by at least .25%, if not .50%. The...

Russia imports large amounts of consumer goods, from cars and consumer electronics to food, and a ruble collapse guarantees a massive spike in consumer price inflation for people who earn their living in rubles. A major disruption of Russia’s exports of crude oil, natural gas, ...

As a result of Putin’s folly, we will see energy price inflation from Russian supplies being cut off and food inflation from Ukraine’s “Breadbasket of Europe” being mired in a defensive war with Russia. Economic sanctions will be increased, but Russia also ...