Economic Update 01-06-2020 Economic data for the turn of the New Year included mixed results in manufacturing, yet stronger construction and housing data, as well as continued strength in labor featured by low jobless claims. U.S. and foreign equity markets ended the week flat to downward, on the heels of geopolitical turmoil in the Middle […]
Economic Update 10-29-2018 Economic data for the week was highlighted by GDP results for the third quarter that came a bit better than expected, strong durable goods orders and jobless claims, as well as mixed housing and sentiment results. Global equity markets fell sharply again, coupled with higher levels of volatility. Bonds fared well, as […]
It’s easy to get caught up in complacency when conditions are good, the sun is shining and the market is rising without interruption. But, as we know intuitively (but often still forget), such parabolic conditions aren’t realistic or even desirable. In theory, markets that moved upward without any risk of an occasional downward slide […]
The FOMC decided to raise short-term interest rates by another quarter-percent—the third hike this year—bringing the fed funds target range to 2.00-2.25%. This was largely as expected, with formal probabilities of such a move being pegged at around 95% based on futures markets. There were no dissents. The official statement noted a continued strengthening […]
Economic Update 8-1-2018. The FOMC concluded their monetary policy meeting today, which, as expected, resulted in no change to the fed funds rate—currently targeted to a range of 1.75-2.00%. There were no dissenting votes. The formal narrative again was positive in its assessment of overall conditions, with both economic activity and labor market descriptions being […]
