01 Dec 2006

Posted at 15:49h in The Friday Brief by
The government revised its estimate of how fast theUSeconomy grew in the third quarter from 1.6% to 2.2%. Stocks did very well mid week as investors were cheered by faster growth in the economy which drives corporate profits higher. Bonds on the other hand slid on the news as stronger economies can mean higher inflation. 

10 Nov 2006

Posted at 16:00h in The Friday Brief by
The polls tell us that the Republicans lost the election over the Iraqi War and scandals. But, scandals are a part of the political fabric and largely accepted. It’s obvious that the Bush’s administration’s handling of the war is the major reason for the Republicans’ historic defeat. Even at the outset, the war was fraught with political risk. The world was not behind it nor was a significant minority (at that time) of the country. Wars are never as quick or efficient as hoped. In time and with daily reports of increasing chaos, support at home quickly diminished. The no-war minority grew more vocal, and with the help of opportunistic politicians and an Administration deaf to outside voices, an unstoppable groundswell began.

03 Nov 2006

Posted at 16:05h in The Friday Brief by
This economy continues to surprise analysts with its resilience in the face of circumstances that have crushed previous expansions. The government announced today that the unemployment rate fell to 4.4%, its lowest level since May 2001. The report also showed that service sector activity accelerated as housing declined.

27 Oct 2006

Posted at 16:07h in The Friday Brief by
Just before landing an airplane, the pilot flares back, slowing its speed by transitioning into a stall attitude. After slowing down, he changes pitch into a landing attitude shortly before touching down. The stall essentially drops the plane onto the runway. Stall too early and you get quite a bump. Contents in the overhead bins most definitely shift, if not fall. Stall just right and the plane gently touches the runway, its speed no longer sufficient to keep it aloft. Airline captains get applause when they land a plane like that.