Shutdown Update: What About Economic Stats?
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Shutdown Update: What About Economic Stats?
When the government shuts down, so do several agencies that put out the economic reports the Fed looks at when setting interest rates. In fact, the delayed September Consumer Price Index report, which was released on October 24, was the first major federal economic report since the shutdown began on October 1. But as Underdog […]
Market Pullbacks & Your Portfolio
It’s been a busy few weeks as all the mixed economic signals have unsettled Wall Street—and market volatility is never comfortable for investors. Here’s a short recap, so grab some popcorn. We’re going to cover a lot of ground quickly! Inflation eased in February but is still a concern for some investors while… Job creation slowed in […]
Social Security 2025 COLA: Projected 2.5% Increase
More than 71 million Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2025, based on the Q3 inflation data so far. In other words, the COLA will raise the average benefit by $48 to $1,968 a month. This is a welcomed increase for some, given inflation during the past […]
It’s Feeling Like a Goldilocks Moment
Economists describe a Goldilocks economy as one that’s not too hot and not too cold; it’s just right. And 2024 is starting to feel just right. When the Fed started to raise short-term interest rates in early 2022 to rein in inflation, Chairman Powell’s top priority was to manage consumer prices by slowing economic growth […]
IRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start thinking ahead. Overall, more than 60 provisions have changed. Here are a few of the most critical tax bracket […]
September is National Preparedness Month
It’s been a rough year for many Americans, with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) chalking up more than 20 “billion-dollar” natural disasters and counting.1 Costly incidents have struck nearly every region, from firestorms to hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and hail. With the El Nino cycle in full swing and hurricane season lasting until November 30th, […]
Why August Can Be a Volatile Month
Why is August a volatile month? One simple reason: many people are on vacation. And when people are out of the office, the financial markets often see less trading, which can cause big price swings following news events. The Fitch Ratings news was a great example. When the news started to circulate that the rating […]
Why the Drop in Inflation Was Such a Big Deal
Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I decided to include an image of the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to help put inflation in better perspective: Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose just 0.16 percent for the month, the lowest reading in more than two years and a […]
Now That the Debt Ceiling is Over, What’s Next?
Now that the debt ceiling negotiations are behind us and President Biden has signed the measure, what will Wall Street’s wandering eye focus on next? Inflation? Interest rates? Recession? Artificial intelligence? More than likely, headlines will quickly turn to the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, which ends on June 14. As you can see from the […]