29 Jan 2010

Posted at 15:03h in The Friday Brief by
Approaching President Obama’s Wednesday state of the union address, many expected he would steer a new direction, away from a decidedly liberal agenda toward the center. He obliged with more than a few promises on how he would do just that. He took a clearly more populist/centrist tone, berating bankers, rebuking congressmen and senators for partisan bickering, reminding critics of his many “tax cuts,” and doing it all in his own version of “I feel your pain.” He even nodded to the right on initiatives such as nuclear power and offshore drilling. He urged Congress to pass a new jobs bill, called for the extension of a big business tax break, and the creation of a small business tax credit. In a follow-through today, it is reported that the president plans to propose tripling loan guarantees for new nuclear reactors to more than $54 billion.

15 Jan 2010

Posted at 15:17h in The Friday Brief by
We will get to the economic data shortly, but a good self-evaluation is appropriate every so often, particularly at the first of a new year. When you consider your investments do you make your most significant decisions according to a plan which looks well into the future, or do you tend to let the daily price, data, and tongue wiggles wag those decisions? Consider carefully, because the answer could well impact the quality of your lifestyle.

08 Jan 2010

Posted at 15:28h in The Friday Brief by

“If pro is opposite of con, then what is the opposite of progress? Congress!” Found in the US House of Representatives restroom

The critical number for our economy is in; unemployment remains at 10%. While the headline number shows signs of topping, a significant rebound in job growth remains frustratingly elusive for the economy and for an administration that could use a boost. The economy lost an unexpected 85,000 jobs in December after showing the first increase in payrolls in almost two years. Economists fear that this recovery will be jobless just like the prior two.

18 Dec 2009

Posted at 15:41h in The Friday Brief by
Last week we discussed the possibility of a “W”-shaped recovery/recession. In such a scenario the economy rallies for a few quarters (two or three) then falls back into recession lacking sufficient momentum for recovery. Our economy started its growth trajectory surging 2.8% during the third quarter and is expected to continue growing for several months. The Conference Board released its index of leading economic indicators showing steady economic growth continuing into the new year. But the recovery is saddled with issues that will not quickly dissipate.