05 Feb 2010

Posted at 14:58h in The Friday Brief by
Stocks around the world took a turn for the worse yesterday as debt concerns from the Euro–zone mounted and first-time unemployment insurance claims came in considerably higher than expected. Today’s good news on the overall unemployment rate slowed the market’s decline, but hasn’t stopped it. The S&P is now down 7.6% from its January 19th peak; however prices remain nearly 60% above their lows of March 2009. Alternatively, US Treasuries are rising. They gained yesterday as investors fled to quality amid uncertainty in Greece, Spain and Portugal. Three to seven-year Treasuries were up .6% to .8% and 7-10 year Treasuries were up .8% to 1%. Gold fell the most since 2008, with April futures losing 4.1% to $1,066.60 an ounce in New York. The metal is down 26% from its high in early December as inflation has failed to materialize. 

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.

11 Dec 2009

Posted at 15:44h in The Friday Brief by
This week’s economic reports brought further evidence of economic recovery. The Commerce Department reported today that retailers saw a 1.3% increase in November sales. And it was privately reported that hiring by US discount, grocery, restaurant, and specialty chains in November rose to the highest level in 2009, signaling that retailers may be anticipating a gradual recovery in consumer spending. Consumers are still buying autos without government incentives. And manufacturers are especially optimistic as they look forward to 2010 sales growing by 5.74%, as reported by the Institute for Supply Management.