Markets and Economy, Page 3
Anton's Weekly UPdate on markets, the consumer, jobs, housing, and the Fed
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Markets and EconomyImports and Exports Costs DecliningLast week, we reviewed the changes in prices from manufacturers and producers. Based on the reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual increase of the Producer Price Index (PPI) declined in August to 2.6%Markets and EconomyInflation is Down and Tariffs are UpTo determine the future costs of consumer goods, one needs to monitor the costs to producers. If producer costs go up, then it is only a matter of time until your costs increase at the retail level.Markets and EconomyThe Stagnant Housing Market of 2025After the Federal Reserve raised its discount rate 500% in 2022 and 2023, taking mortgage rates up with it, housing activity has hit a brick wall. Since mid-2023, prospective home buyers have remained on the sidelines, hMarkets and EconomyPerception vs RealityThere is a widening range of sentiments between individuals and business owners. The question is who is right, and is perception reality?Markets and EconomyCPI Flat While Costs are SoaringPrior to the release of the CPI report this morning, I had breakfast with a friend, and the modest breakfast with coffee for both of us was $54, including tip (tips are now tax-free for our hostess 😊). Returning to the oMarkets and EconomyAre Turbulent Times Ahead?My grandson, Anton the 5th, and I flew our Piper Cherokee laterally across the country from southern Texas to the Annual AirVenture aviation event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, earlier this month. This is the largest aviation eMarkets and EconomyAI Coming to a Job Near YouAI has exploded onto the scene, led by supercomputing chips from Nvidia (NVDA). Initially, CEOs and CTOs (Chief Technology Officer) were evaluating the potential of this new, highly advanced self-learning technology. WheMarkets and EconomyCost of Goods Annual Increases are Finally SlowingToday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of June had increased to 322.56 points or 0.3%. On an annual basis, the annual inflation rate has increased to 2.7% which isMarkets and EconomyAre Interest Rates the Only Issue for Housing?If you have been trying to sell your home or residential rental property, you are very aware of the small smattering of buyers. This past April had the fewest homes sold in April since 2008. Persistent high mortgage inteRetirement PlanningCan You Really Retire?Almost every day we have conversations with clients and friends about their concerns about having enough money to enjoy retirement. I mean truly enjoying all the years after retiring without watching budgets and constantMarkets and EconomyInflation and the Future of PricesIn 2022, the Federal Reserve was hyper-focused on the rapidly rising costs of goods and services. After trillions of dollars were floated into the economy in the years following 2020 to augment the impact of government pMarkets and EconomyRiding Through Roller Coaster MarketsProgress with tariff negotiations has calmed institutional investors who have been slowly adding to their stock portfolios since the stock market bottomed on April 8. After Trump’s April 2 Rose Garden announcement of proMarkets and EconomyDisparity Widens of Optimism Between Executives and HouseholdsIn the complex and extensive ecosystem of the US economy, the fundamental core of its sustainability and continued growth largely depends on the consumer. That’s you and me and how we spend and save our money. As investoRetirement PlanningRetirement During Volatile MarketsMany of our retired clients had successful careers and are now enjoying their retirement years. Stock market volatility is difficult to navigate for investors and even more challenging for those already retired. The diffMarkets and EconomyWhen Great is Not Good EnoughSince the inauguration of President Trump, investors have been very nervous about his administration’s aggressive policy changes and process. He and his administration seem to be keeping Wall Street and Main Street on a Markets and EconomyTrump Is Not the EconomyInstitutional investors have once again become headline-driven. Institutional traders seem to base their daily trading strategy on Trump tweets panicking about this announcement or another. Most interesting is their littMarkets and EconomyA Historical Look at Returning Volatility and What It Means Now“The VIX gets clicks.” It’s an old saying in the financial media world, dating back to when publications first started selling display ads online. The VIX–better known as the “fear index”-- is what most investors watch tMarkets and EconomyUncertainty and UnpredictabilityThese two words have been repeated in almost every news article these past couple of months as it relates to the stock market and new policies rolling out seemingly daily from Washington. However, there are far more wellMarkets and EconomyUncertainty During a Growing EconomyThe current stock market is selling off on tariff concerns while corporate America continues to grow its profits. This year the stock market selloff is like 2022 when investors’ fears of pending policies have prompted a Markets and EconomyIt’s Not Over YetGeorge Foreman affectionately known as “Big George” died this week on March 21 at the young age of 76. He has many accolades to be remembered including his boxing career, business successes, father, Christian faith, and
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