Sticky Inflation

Sticky Inflation

The monthly numbers are out, and while the rate of inflation is well off the 2022 peak, price hikes remain uncomfortably high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the core CPI, which excludes food and energy, both rose...
Job Growth and Economic Growth

Job Growth and Economic Growth

On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payrolls rose by 227,000 in November, which came in just above the consensus forecast of 214,000 (CNBC). The unemployment rate, measured by a different BLS survey, ticked up to 4.2% from 4.1%....

Another Strong Earnings Season

Our discussions have included Fed policy, the economy, and the surge in inflation since the pandemic. Why? In large part, they are all a part of the stock market pricing equation. Yet, so are corporate profits, and profits for the largest U.S.-based companies are...
Does a Republican Sweep Matter for Investors?

Does a Republican Sweep Matter for Investors?

Tables and graphics such as the one below typically surface every four years. While they are interesting, they do not provide much insight, except for the idea that stocks tend to perform well regardless of who occupies the White House and Congress.   As the table...