After a weak of equity and bond markets being whipsawed by positioning, economic narratives, and Fed expectations, it is helpful to take a step back, “cut through the noise” (as Bloomberg’s Tom Keene would say) and focus on the fundamentals.

Investors were reminded of a valuable lesson this week: falling interest rates can be good for risk assets but only up to a point and only for the right reasons.

U.S. politics has been delivering more twists and turns lately than even the most melodramatic arc on The West Wing. And yet, diversified investors have come through the chaotic headlines mostly intact.