Insights

Economic Overview 

Our theme for the first quarter was: “Things are Slowing Down” which turned out to be the case.  Many economic indicators in Europe have pointed to a slowdown this year. The Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) peaked in the Eurozone in December 2017 and had fallen below 50...

Economic Overview - What a Difference a Quarter Makes! 

We entered the fourth quarter of 2018 with solid economic growth, interest rates near a multi-year peak and an equity market that was trading near record highs.  But things changed.  Expectations that the economy will slow...

Economic Overview  

The economy is growing at a remarkable pace.  Second quarter GDP increased 4.2% and the 3rd quarter may also exceed 4.0%.  It seems likely 4th quarter GDP will be between 3.0% and 3.5%.  Up to this point, the Fed seems to have gotten both...

Trade Issues Take Center Stage

The Fed concluded its scheduled two-day meeting on June 13th and the new Fed Chairman announced a 2nd rate hike that was widely expected.  The U.S. economy slowed slightly in the 1st quarter but is accelerating once again.  Inflation remains...