Quarterly reviews
January 2019
Putting on the Brakes
The fourth quarter of 2018 was one of volatility and change. Underlying the volatility was a change in the economic outlook for future growth and a change in control of the House of Representatives from Republican to Democrat. The election in November of 2018 changed the Congressional balance of power. In 2019, Congress will be split with the Democrats as the majority in the House of Representative and the Republicans as the majority in the Senate. This congressional split is likely to
October 2018
It’s Only Just Begun
The U.S. economy continued to expand in the second quarter of 2018 at an increased rate of 4.2%. The growth was significantly greater than most economists had forecasted. The U.S. economy is now operating at close to peak levels when compared to past economic expansions. Unemployment is at a low 3.9% of the work force, while retail sales have begun to…
July 2018
Full Steam Ahead
U.S. economic growth is accelerating. This is long awaited and welcome news. Economists are expecting the second quarter to report almost 4% GDP growth. Unemployment is approaching historic lows and consumer spending continues to increase. Companies have used the new tax cuts to invest in…
April 2018
Uncertainty Creates Opportunity
The first quarter of 2018 has reminded investors that volatility remains alive and well across the investment landscape. Although the quarter was a bumpy ride for stocks, bond prices increased in line with our expectations. U.S. GDP growth accelerated, up 2.5% in 2017 from 1.8% in 2016, providing evidence of an improving U.S. economy. This stronger rate of economic growth gave
support for the Federal Reserve’s anticipated three interest rate hikes this year…