Jim Awad Interest Quotations

The productivity and labor costs reports abated pressures (over) rising interest rates from the Fed, which is giving a kick to the market. Also, the storm in the East wasn't so bad, so oil pressure isn't bad.

Everybody was waiting for the Bank of Japan's decision, and since they decided to postpone raising interest rates, that is taking the pressure off U.S. Treasuries and giving a lift to stocks.

Both consumer confidence and housing starts were stronger than expected. Treasuries are getting killed, so people are worried interest rates will go even higher than expected.

You started the day with some negative influences. The market was spooked by interest rates worldwide, and there was a very mixed reaction to Texas Instruments.

In terms of the Fed, the most favorable move from the market's point of view is if they raise interest rates by 25 basis points and keep the same language. If they raise 25 basis points and sound worried about inflation the market may get demoralized.