Markets go up and markets go down, so maybe it’s not surprising that January’s stock market performance has less exuberance to it than the performance to which we’ve become accustomed.…
Some Recovery
The government’s stimulus programs are not working and neither are a growing number of Americans. In October, we noted that the number of Americans not working exceeded 101 million, setting…
Bully for 2013 … But What About 2014?
2013 markets were full of bull. The economy continued to sputter along, growing at about 2%, unemployment remained high and corporate profits were mediocre. Yet the S&P 500 index rose…
Century Old Fed Has Inflationary History
With the Federal Reserve Board celebrating its 100th birthday, it’s a good time to look back on the past century to see how The Fed has fared. We’ve been critical…
Paper Taper
So the taper begins in January. Big deal. That was the market’s initial reaction anyway. In fact, the market viewed this week’s announcement as a positive, setting yet another record. …
Getting Your Bond Portfolio in Shape for 2014
It’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. It’s an American tradition to resolve to lose weight, exercise regularly, be nicer, work harder and give up everything you enjoy.…
When Common Sense Is Senseless
What was I thinking? Over the past couple of years, I’ve preached caution. Corporate profits were down and unemployment was up. The economy wasn’t growing, but the federal debt was. …
Giving Thanks
Given our general grumpiness and Chicken Little attitude about current economic policies, you might think we’re not big on giving thanks. Not true. We love Thanksgiving. This uniquely American holiday…
Taperphobia Hits Wall Street
A taperphobia epidemic has Wall Street in a panic yet again. “Taperphobia” is an irrational fear of common sense. Symptoms include a falling stock market, soaring bond yields and ongoing…
Breaking China
If the United States relies on China as its main lender, what happens when China is having difficulties with its debt? We may soon find out. As the Financial Times…