Understanding Yield Curves: Inversion Doesn’t Guarantee a Recession

2024-08-02

Economist Claudia Sahm developed the “Sahm Rule,” which states that the economy is in recession when the unemployment rate’s three-month average is a half percentage point above its 12-month low. As shown, the latest employment report has triggered that indicator.

So, does this mean a recession is imminent? Maybe. However, we can now add this indicator to the long list of other recessionary indicators, also flashing warning signs.

As discussed in “Conference Board Scraps Its Recession Call,” the Leading Economic Index (LEI) has a long history of accurately predicting recession outcomes. As we showed, each previous decline in the 6-month rate of change in the LEI from the Conference Board has aligned with a recession. We are currently in one of the most extended periods on record

2024-07-30

Earnings season continues with 39% of S&P reporting this week; by week’s end, 79% of companies will have shared results…and the buy back window opens anew. The Fed meeting begins today, with a slim chance for a surprise rate cut; a more dovish tone will encourage markets, however, and anticipate rate cut by September. Commentary on markets’ 3% correction & Japanese Yen carry trade effects. Addressing the correct response to correction: Average returns are not the norm; risk on/off behaviors. Anchoring life events: What’s the best anchoring for portfolios? Lance and Jon discuss a common mistake investors make when evaluating their portfolio performance, and explains why comparing your returns to the overall market is not always the best approach: The worst thing investors do is compare

2024-07-26

Rich & Danny recap Danny’s recent accident; Rich’s market summary includes a preview of today’s PCE release. Markets are awaiting confirmation of a trend. Dealing with the election fallout on your money; markets have already priced-in everything you know. PCE will move markets today; there is still $500-billion in unspent government funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Dealing with data breaches. Retirees’ biggest worry is about income: What is the biggest source of income for most Americans? Their house & home equity…and SS, a forced pension. Benefits of a HELOC–get one early, and don’t touch it. The best use of "buffer assets." Thinking of HELOC’s and reverse mortgages as "unfreezing" liquidity in the frozen asset of your home. Retiremnent is about depleting assets; you’re no

2024-07-22

Lance discusses the markets’ potential reaction to Biden’s exit from Presidential race, and whether markets’ rotation out of mega-cap stocks is sustainable; a rewind to February market conditions compared to now: A correction is expected before the election. Commentary on keeping market corrections into context; the mega-cap rotation and fewer medium- and small-cap companies from which to choose: 40% of these are unprofitable companies. As companies complete their quarterly reports, buy back will again be enabled, and that activity will add to market volume. Lance explores the potential impact of a Kamala Harris presidency. What sectors could benefit from her leadership and policies? An overview of Harris’s potential presidency and expected policy focus areas; implications for clean