Today's release of the NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey for March showed the index fell 2.4 points to 93.2. In the survey, 31% of small businesses cited…
The worst kept secret in the first quarter was the Federal Reserve embarking on a tighter monetary policy. The Fed increased the Fed Funds rate by 0.25% or 25…
Earlier this past week S&P Dow Jones Indices (.xls) reported dividend and buyback activity for the S&P 500 Index through the end of the 2021 calendar year and…
One factor likely having an outsized influence on the Federal Reserve’s interest policy is the current level of inflation. The latest reading on inflation…
Year to date through March 11, 2022, the price only return for the S&P 500 Index shows it down 11.29%, however, the index remains up 6.73% on a one year basis…
Although Tuesday's release of the NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey was conducted in February, and before the recent oil price spike, inflation issues are…
The supposed recession that took place during the COVID/pandemic shutdown in 2020 caught nearly everyone by surprise. Fortunately, the economy and investment…
With each passing day it seems inflation continues to remain stubbornly elevated. The war in Ukraine is contributing to the inflationary pressure as sanctions…
Ukraine/Russia Situation A Near Term Market Headwind
The Ukraine/Russia development over the weekend is not a new event for these two countries. Russia invaded and annexed Crimea back in February 2014 and began…
It is no secret the Federal Reserve is near certain to raise the Fed Funds rate at the conclusion of the committee's March 15-16 meeting. The bond market has…
Higher Inflation Leading To Weaker Consumer Sentiment
The consumer accounts for nearly 70% of the economy (GDP) and understanding what is driving their sentiment can provide valuable insight into future economic…
Declining Oil Inventory Contributing To Higher Oil Prices
The Weekly Petroleum Status Report released by the EIA on Wednesday showed crude inventory, excluding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), fell 4.8 million…
