The Federal Trade Commission has acknowledged that there were 143 million consumers affected by the Equifax breach in which Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and driver’s licenses were stolen between mid-May and the end of July. The Equifax website, www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, allows you to enter your last name and last six digits of your Social Security number upon selecting “Am …
Macro Overview
It’s been said that the market is always climbing a wall of worry. Here is a brief statement and status of those worries that the market is dealing with at the moment. The aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria are expected to have uncertain affects on government data and continued ambiguity on economic activity. The hurricanes will distort economic …
Euro Getting Stronger, Dollar Getting Weaker – Currency Update
A strong dollar is a positive when traveling abroad as your purchasing power is increased. A weaker dollar does have its advantages, however, as our exports will usually increase creating a stronger economy. Though currently valued at 1.17, the euro jumped above 1.20 in August for the first time in 2 1/2 years as weaker than expected U.S. economic data …
Shorter Settlement for Stocks & Bonds
As of September 5, 2017, the settlement period for most security transactions has been shortened to two days, from three days. The two-day settlement date applies to most security transactions, including stocks, bonds, municipal securities, mutual funds traded through a brokerage firm, and limited partnerships that trade on an exchange. Government securities and stock options will continue to settle on …
More Americans Working Past 70
Although some potential retirees choose to remain in the work force well past the social security designated retirement age, others are finding it a necessity. Workers who were either poor savers or who perhaps experienced a dramatic life crisis are finding themselves short on funds in their retirement years. Some workers who did plan accordingly, didn’t plan to live as …
Weak Dollar Helps Emerging Countries – International Update
August 2017 For the first time in a decade the world’s major economies are growing in sync. All 45 countries tracked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are on track to grow this year, much of the help coming from a lingering low interest rate stimulus from Central Banks. A weakening dollar is providing a boost for U.S. …
Economic Update – 2nd Quarter 2017
The past quarter and first half of the year were characterized by historically low stock market volatility, the strong performance of both stocks and bonds, and the reversal of several market trends. In this quarter’s commentary, we attempt to explain these phenomena, some of which may seem contradictory. Investment Environment The S&P 500’s actual realized volatility has fallen to among …
The Evolution of Bitcoin – Market Fact
Bitcoin, essentially virtual money traded by digital exchange, has received tremendous media coverage this past month. This “currency” emerged on the market in 2008 designed by a programmer or group of programmers under the name of Nakamoto, whose real identity remains unknown. Bitcoins exist as software, not physical currency, and are not regulated by any country or banking authority. Mined …
National Parks Contribute Over $34 Billion To Economy – Federal Programs
With the summer months upon us, the National Parks are a destination for tourists all over the United States. National Parks are part of the National Park Service, which was established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. Beginning with Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming, there are 417 parks today covering 84 million acres. On a recent visit to …
A Brief History of Tax Cuts – Historical Note
With so much effort right now by the current administration to lower taxes, an historical look at previous efforts seems appropriate. For nearly a hundred years, tax cuts have been a centerpiece of political strife among politicians, with both parties at times lobbying for lower tax rates. An accepted belief has been that lower taxes widen the Federal deficit and …