The Week Ahead 2026.02.01

Bob Elliott · Nonconsensus · February 01, 2026 at 23:06 · ⏱ 2 min read  | Read on Substack ↗
Summary
=== SUMMARY ===
  • The author identifies a relative value opportunity in US stocks, which have lagged the broader rally in financial assets despite strengthening US economic data.
  • A core thematic view of "debasement" remains in play, supported by profitable long gold and short US dollar positions in January.
  • The upcoming Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting is a key short-term catalyst, with the author expecting the first rate hike of the cycle, signaling a significant policy shift.
Summary
The author recaps a volatile week in financial markets, which saw a surge to all-time highs followed by a sharp reversal. The focus for the upcoming week is expected to shift to the real economy, with a series of data releases and policy news leading up to the Friday jobs report.
  • Financial assets experienced a wild ride last week, surging to all-time highs before a sharp reversal.
  • The upcoming week will bring the real economy back into focus.
  • Key economic data and policy news are expected, culminating in the jobs report on Friday.
Read time 2 min
Length 2,882 chars
Category finance
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