Here are a few bullet points that are creating both fear and hope in our current markets. It’s also worth noting that the very same economic scenario that creates fear and uncertainty today can be a cause of hope and fiscal strength tomorrow. No wonder analysts have such a difficult time predicting the direction of the markets. Renewed fears of …
Macro Overview – May 2018
Here are a few more thoughts to consider as we attempt to understand the crazy market of 2018 thus far. Markets persisted on a capricious course in April following announcements regarding tariffs, rising rates, and geopolitical tensions, yet some economists and analysts expect that a tax cut driven rebound is possible. The 10-year Treasury bond yield reached 3% for the …
Stocks Enter a Trading Range – Equity Markets Update
It is hard to make sense of the recent stock market volatility. Here are some important thoughts to consider. Markets rebounded in April as fundamental factors drove prices higher. Among the factors influencing the markets were global expansion, positive domestic activity, increasing earnings, and capital spending increases. Stocks traded sideways, with the S&P 500 temporarily trading below its 200-day moving …
Trucks Delivering More – Economic Dynamics
A shout out to all clients involved in the trucking industry and the crucial role they play in our economy. A critical component of the economy proving fluid movement between companies and consumers are logistics and shipping services provided by the trucking industry. Trucks provide some of the most ample delivery logistics in the country, delivering packages and goods from …
Macro Overview – April 2018
Although the market is always climbing a wall of worry, consider these points as we try to make sense of recent market fluctuations. Markets were rattled in March as a looming trade war between China and the U.S. enhanced market instability. The administration announced $60 billion in tariffs for Chinese imports, with a detailed list of products which will be …
What a Tariff on Steel and Aluminum Means
April 2018 Much has been made in the media recently about steel and aluminum tariffs. Most of the news has been aimed at criticizing the President for something that would add to consumer costs of goods and services but there is more to the story. The Department of Commerce released a report in February prompting the President to enact tariffs …
Macro Overview – February 2018
Last month gave us reason to think we may start to see a pause in stock market growth for a few months as valuations catch up but, also, lots of reason to believe that our economy will continue to grow. Rising interest rates weighed on equity momentum as the expectation of increased borrowing costs and inflation accelerated market volatility. Markets …
Consumer Spending Growing Faster Than GDP – Consumer Economics
The past four years have seen consumer spending exceeding GDP. Various factors drive consumer spending, including sentiment, optimism, wages, and demographics. GDP grew at a 2.6% annual rate in the fourth quarter, while consumer spending grew at a 3.8% annual rate. Historically, periods where consumer spending has grown faster than economic growth, as measured by GDP, inflation has evolved. Consumer …
Year–End 2017 Economic Update
January 22, 2018 Dear Friends, Clients and Associates, Market Recap We are running out of superlatives to describe the U.S. stock market, but put simply, 2017 was a truly remarkable year. Stocks rose each and every month (the first year ever that has happened) along with a 9th consecutive year of positive returns for the S&P 500 Index (21.7%) tying …
Congratulations, Max!
December 2017 Join us extending our heartfelt congratulations to Max Smith on his recent decision to retire! Max has been a part of Hillspring Financial as the original founder in 1993. Those of us here at Hillspring wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for his legacy of integrity and the culture of client service that he helped create right …