Contrary to a negative picture inferred from recent market volatility, the economy begins the new year in good health after a robust fourth quarter. This strength comes despite conspicuous headwinds such as a new Covid strain, disfunction in Washington, Russian threats, and
Briefly put, the economic expansion continues, but at a disappointing rate. Early in the third quarter a resurgence of Covid-19 infections brought on by the delta variant fostered renewed restrictions, delayed openings, and reductions in consumer expenditures. In addition, some of the
Briefly put, the economic expansion continues, but at a disappointing rate. Early in the third quarter a resurgence of Covid-19 infections brought on by the delta variant fostered renewed restrictions, delayed openings, and reductions in consumer expenditures. In addition, some of the
Just over halfway through 2021, it is clear we are witnessing growth and change perhaps most comparable to 1946, just after the end of World War II. While the massive shifts back then were generally in one direction, from war-time production and
Helping the markets, during the first quarter gross domestic product expanded a robust 6.4%. The pace of activity is well above pre-Covid levels, which is stunning considering that there are 5.4 million fewer full-time workers and 2.7 million fewer part-time workers now
Helping the markets, during the first quarter gross domestic product expanded a robust 6.4%. The pace of activity is well above pre-Covid levels, which is stunning considering that there are 5.4 million fewer full-time workers and 2.7 million fewer part-time workers now
First, the bad news: Gross Domestic Product fell by $2.15 trillion during the second quarter. The 34.3% annualized drop was the worst ever. The good news, or at least the driver for a more positive perspective, is that this contraction was on
Not surprisingly, the first part of the year had two distinct phases. For instance, industrial production was flat at first – down half a percent in January and up half a percent in February. But in March it fell 4.5% and in
Hard to believe, but economic growth is and has been more stable than might have been imagined decades ago. Since 2010, trailing 12-month expansion of gross domestic product (GDP) peaked at 3.8% and troughed at 1.2%; a difference of only 2.6%. Last
S&P 500 Stock Market Returns During Presidential Election Years Year Candidates Return Republican Wins Demorat Wins No Incumbent on Ballot Incumbent on Ballot 1928 Hoover vs. Smith 43.60% 43.60% 43.60% 1932 Roosevelt vs. Hoover -8.20% -8.20% -8.20% 1936 Roosevelt vs. Landon 33.90%