VIEWPOINTS

“The oil and gas portfolio remains under significant stress due to low prices and excess leverage in this industry.” – Wells Fargo’s Chief Risk Officer Mike Loughlin “It is important to remember the level of inflation. Zero is not indicative of a healthy economy.” – Alasdair Cavalla, senior economist at the Centre for Economics and Business Research “I remain very critical of its shortcomings, from its lack of democratic accountability to the institutional pressure to deregulate or privatize public services. So Europe needs to change. But that change can only come from working with our allies in the European Union.” – Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, United Kingdom “The conclusion is a simple one: there’s no urgency for rate hikes if there’s no inflation.” – Guy LeBas, fixed income strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott “Another month of inflation picking up would surely support the argument for another rate hike before the end of the year, which the market is currently pricing in.” – Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA “We have more people with health insurance (now), and that could be a reason we’re having more uptake in brand-name drug use.” – Murray Aitken, the IMS Health’s executive director “There is an air of disbelief from all parts of the market. Many are having to remind themselves that the S&P 500 and Dow Jones are just 2.4 percent from taking out the 19 May 2015 all-time high. Throw in an improving China picture and signs that monetary easing and fiscal policy are having an effect results in a daily chart that look like a breakout trader’s dream on many markets.” – Chris Weston of IG “We are swimming in corn, soybeans . all of these commodities, and the U.S. dollar is so strong that nobody (overseas) can afford them.” – Ross Bishop, a beef cattle and crops farmer in Washington County, Wisconsin “The No. 1 rule in the dairy industry is you never cut back, especially in a down period. It’s going to be a skinny year. We aren’t going to be buying new tractors or upgrading equipment.” – Gordon Speirs, a dairy farmer in Wisconsin “Every new aquarium that’s been built in the last 10 years has come through to look at these (new artificial reef sections). So there’s lots of interest. Our divers are ecstatic with the new corals because they’re easier to clean. And our visitors are, too.” – Stewart Clark, vice president and general manager of Discovery Cove in Orlando