Bigworld, >> A bear market cometh. They often start at or just after a first Fed Rate cut <<
That's true, but usually the Fed begins cutting rates way too late when the recession is already underway. This time it looks like a relatively 'soft landing' is likely, or at worst a mild recession in 2025. At least that's the current perception, and with only a few months to the election, perceptions are what matters.
Anyway, In the near term I figure Powell & Co want the markets relatively buoyant to help the incumbent Party. The main Deep State faction that wants Trump elected would be the Neocons, and they aren't currently in power. So if the broader Deep State have their way, the market stays in kumbaya mode until Nov.
After that the political uncertainty will be over, so the market might see a big rally after the election (?) But lots of landmines, Middle East, Ukraine, etc, so who knows. Because we don't know, I figure it makes sense to have all bases covered via the asset allocation model.
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