About the Author
L. Thomas Block – Washington Policy Strategist
L. Thomas Block is the Washington Policy Strategist at Fundstrat, and also President of Tom Block Consults, a public policy consulting firm. Prior to starting his firm, Tom had a 21-year career at JP Morgan Chase, where he served as Global Head of Government Relations and created a Washington Research product for the firm. For 17 years he served as the senior lobbyist responsible for managing political relationships with the U.S. government, state and local governments, and the EU and its member states. He created the bank’s EU Government Relations program. Prior to joining JP Morgan Chase in 1987, Tom was a vice president at Irving Trust Company where he started the Government Relations program for one of the nation’s 20 largest banks.He has also worked on political campaigns both as a strategist and speechwriter.
Our Approach
Legislative Updates
- Timely insights into recent legislative actions and their potential market impact
- Analysis of congressional moves and what they signify for investors
- Deciphering complex policy shifts and translating them into actionable insights
Regulatory Environment
- Comprehensive reviews of regulatory changes and their implications on various sectors
- Expert analysis of major policy decisions from agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and more
- Forecasts on how new regulations might shape the future financial landscape
Economic Policy Insights
- Deep dives into fiscal and monetary policies and their market ramifications
- Explorations on tax reforms, government spending, and monetary policy adjustments
- Assessments on how U.S. economic strategies affect global financial dynamics
Trade Policy & International Relations
- Assessments on U.S. trade policy changes and their effects on international markets
- Insights into U.S. international relations dynamics and potential market outcomes
- Analysis of treaties, agreements, and geopolitical shifts impacting investments
Elections & Political Climate
- Analytical reviews on upcoming elections and potential market reactions
- Deep dives into political party agendas and their potential financial implications
- Insights on the broader political climate and its effect on stability and market growth
Research and Coverage
Reports
U.S. Policy
We offer an in-depth analysis of current U.S. policies and their potential ramifications for the financial landscape, ensuring you are well-informed to make strategic decisions.
Tariffs and Debt Ceiling
With President Donald Trump’s tariff date of April 2 just days away, there is a great deal of attention to what exactly the administration will announce on Tuesday. This week, the administration moved early on auto tariffs making a big pitch to...
⚡️FlashInsights
Our flash insights provide quick, digestible updates on the latest changes and developments in U.S. policy, helping you understand their potential impact on financial markets.
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistBefore Chair Powell speaks Friday, Wednesday the Fed releases minutes from July FOMC rate decision meeting. Lots of input goes into minutes and they may provide clues of policy direction before the important Jackson Hole speech.
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistGood PPI number but DC/ political policy world focuses on CPI which is released tomorrow at 8:30am. The number becomes a big story line for reporters and all news outlets.
Weekly Roadmap
End your week with our "Weekly Roadmap", a summary that encapsulates our expert views and closing remarks for the week. This digest is crafted to bring all market happenings and our insights into one coherent context, ensuring you're well-informed and ready for the week ahead.
V-Shaped Recovery Feasible Despite Stock Decline
Last week's rally extended into the early part of this week before sputtering out midweek, dragged by auto tariffs and a slide in consumer confidence. The declines accelerated Friday after the release of weakened consumer sentiment data. Though...
Fundstrat Team
Media
Market update webinar
Our webinars bring you face-to-face with our experts as they share the latest market trends and technical analysis, offering an opportunity to clarify your queries in real-time.
Archives
Appearances Media Archives
Our researchers frequently appear across various media outlets, sharing their technical analysis and market insights. Our extensive archive ensures you have access to these valuable resources at your fingertips.
Tom Block Quoted: The Midterms Are Almost Here. What’s at Stake for the Economy.
2 years ago
Sample Reports
Big week in DC: Powell testifies, Super Tuesday, State of the Union (SOTU), Shutdown
Tuesday is the biggest day on the Presidential primary calendar – Super Tuesday. Voters in 15 states will cast their votes in Republican Presidential primaries. Nearly a third of all delegates will be chosen with delegate-heavy states of...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistCongress faces budget deadline, Israel funding and Fed decides
The November 17 deadline for Congress to act and pass government funding bills to avoid a government shutdown is quickly approaching. The central issue is how newly elected Speaker Johnson threads the needle to get a bill passed...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistLatest Publications
Tariffs and Debt Ceiling
With President Donald Trump’s tariff date of April 2 just days away, there is a great deal of attention to what exactly the administration will announce on Tuesday. This week, the administration moved early on auto tariffs making...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistTariffs Approach, Congress Looks to Budget
On April 2, President Donald Trump’s tariff deadline will arrive. As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said at his post FOMC press conference last week, the new administration’s tariff policy has created a level of uncertainty for consumers,...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistFed, Tariffs, Congress next steps
The Federal Reserve met this past week and kept rates steady. At his post-meeting press conference Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) expects two rate cuts this year, and that there is...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistReconciliation Becomes a Focus in Washington
Last week, the House and Senate acted on a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) that allowed the government to avoid a shutdown Friday at midnight. The result was not without some tension as some Senate Democrats threatened to filibuster...
L. Thomas Block
Washington Policy StrategistBook a Meeting
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