Hello, August! As we begin a new week and a new month, it seems like each day brings the question, "is it a recession, or isn't it?!" Our Peek of the Week reexamines last week's analysis about economic growth in the United States and how it's slowed for two consecutive quarters. We discuss how the GDP (gross domestic product) is measured and how it's contributing to our current inflation and our potential recession.
Read MoreThe stock market has been dropping, but it's important to know the stock market isn't very accurate when it comes to predicting recessions. And it sure seems like that's the word being thrown around these days: recession. The fact is, bear markets in stocks lead to recessions only about 53 percent of the time. In other words, the stock market has about the same predictive value for recessions as a simple coin toss. Let that sink in!
Read MoreThe three major U.S. stock market indices moved higher last week... for the first time in weeks. Prior to the increase, we saw investors reassess their approach and predictions. Today's Peek of the Week explains how strong corporate profits, more attractive share prices and the Fed's potential slowdown of rate hikes have brought us a stock market rally. And we appreciate it!
Read MoreToday's Peek of the Week "checks in" on the Federal Reserve and many other things. The Federal Reserve has been asked by Congress to promote price stability and maximize employment. Inflation continued to increase to 6.4 percent last week (with food and energy included) and the Fed's target rate for inflation is all the way down at 2 percent. Yikes. Today's blog will explain some potential next moves for balancing out financial complications.
Read MoreThe Fed's minutes from their December meeting were released last week and investors found themselves surprised by "the change in tone" for future outlooks. Our Peek of the Week tells the story of the Federal Reserve and how 2020 forced our country to make adjustments to avoid a deep recession or depression, and how we continue to pivot going forward.
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