Looking Back at July Worldwide economies have not been as robust in recent months as the United States economy. During the month of July, the U.S. economy was very strong, and the market reflected this with the S&P hitting all-time highs, passing the previous 2950 mark. This discrepancy between the U. S. economy and the…
Looking Back at March Thinking that the United States and China might be close to a trade deal caused the market to be relatively quiet in March – until the last week when the yield curve inverted. Essentially this means shorter term interest rates became higher than longer term rate. This yield curve inversion caused…
Looking Back at November November was perhaps the most volatile month in 2018. Two major conditions that influenced the market: The fear that the Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) would continue to raise interest rates in December (and several more times in 2019) and the uncertainty of trade with the possibility of increased tariffs. Both conditions “spooked” the…
Looking Back at August The second quarter growth rate for our gross national product was reported at 4.3%. This and other indicators imply that our economy is growing, our labor market is strong and wages have risen slightly. Despite some “noise” about jitters, the economy is growing and consumer spending and sentiment are very strong.…
Looking Back at May As expected the market volatility has continued throughout this month. Some positives for the market were: Oil prices have receded from their highs, the ten-year treasury bill has temporally dropped below 3%, and a new law was signed into effect which should give the smaller banks a less stringent regulatory environment.…
A Trade War is conflict between two or more countries using tariffs (similar to a tax) to help each country create a positive import/export balance. Trade Wars may begin when one country places a tariff (like a tax) on a good that is imported into the country at a lower price than the same domestically…