In this week’s discussion, Larry shares some insight into the slight decline in the U.S. GDP, talks about the recovery of the Euro and looks at American consumer spending. He also shares some fascinating details about Saudi Arabia’s cutback on crude oil and his perspective on France’s recession. As usual, this week is well worth a listen and is sure to generate some interesting conversation.
Economy
Inside the Economy with SH&J: April 27, 2015
Our discussion this week covers a lot of ground. Larry starts off with an overview of the economy and moves around the globe from the U.S. to the Eurozone to China and Japan. Coming back to the U.S., Larry discusses California’s drought concerns and how it will play or not play into their economy as well as shares his thoughts on employment, oil and household liabilities. Full of interesting information, this week’s discussion is a must-listen.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: April 13, 2015
This week Larry gives us an overview of a flat Q1, provides commentary on the drop in the trade deficit, gives us good news about the strengthening U.S. dollar, and revisits the Eurozone and Greece dilemma. We also enjoy a flashback to The Economist’s 1999 thoughts on Germany and hear some of Larry’s predictions on global growth. Listen in and share your comments and questions with us now.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: March 30, 2015
We’re back from our brief hiatus and have some interesting topics in this week’s discussion. Listen in to hear some insights into Japan’s economy, the good news for Americans and their savings as well as an update on the Eurozone and Greece. We look forward to hearing your comments and questions in the comments section below!
Inside the Economy with SH&J
Our economic discussions are on a temporary hiatus this month which gives you some time to catch up! You can view the whole library of discussions on our website.
While we are on hiatus, we would still love to hear from you.
What questions do you have about our discussions? Is there anything specific you would like us to touch on in future discussions? Please share your comments below!
Thanks for continuing to tune in. We will be back with a new discussion the week of April 13th.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: March 2, 2015
As we head into the Spring, Larry brings us up to speed on energy and the economy, including a fascinating look at the new Harriet Jet Turbine by GE. We also get an overview on various types of loans, population and it’s relation to economics, as well as an update regarding the European Central Bank’s decision on Greece.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: February 16, 2015
In this week’s economic discussion, Larry takes us through more details about the Eurozone and Greece, looks at deficits and surpluses from the Congressional Budget Office, gives us some education on U.S. Fiscal Multipliers and ends with a picture of natural gas consumption in Europe. As usual, it is an enlightening discussion and an excellent way to learn about the economy.
Stock Market Recap with Joel Javer, CFP®
Volatility is increasing in the U.S. markets making it more difficult to determine what direction your investments should take in 2015. When Oil slid from $100 to $50/barrel, the U.S. stock market rallied in anticipation that lower gasoline prices would allow consumers to spend this windfall somewhere more interesting than the pump, but that hasn’t happened yet. So far, all we’ve seen are layoffs in the oil patch and more price swings in the S&P 500. Europe is justifiably concerned about Greece and its willingness to resolve its debt crises. They keep talking and positioning as well as negotiating via the media with the Germans, but nothing significant has happened yet. So far this year, international markets have had some gains even slightly more than the U.S., but the structural problems outside the U.S. make us remain cautious. Over the past 6 years, the best place to invest your money has been the S&P 500. This index is likely a bit overvalued right now, and perhaps the international markets are a bit undervalued, but no one knows when the trend will change. It appears that the U.S. dollar will maintain the dominant currency for the foreseeable future making our exports more expensive. This does however, allow foreign companies to increase their sales to the U.S., likely making them more profitable. The U.S. has seen substantial job growth but minimal wage growth over the past year, which is encouraging news for corporate profits. We have yet to see consumer spending rebound to its pre great recession levels, but as more people get reemployed and old debts are repaid, the outlook for the U.S. appears to be the brightest around. How does this translate into your portfolio design? A large part of your portfolio will remain invested in the U.S. with some allocations hedged to the U.S. dollar in International stocks and bonds. Bond positions will remain primarily in U.S. corporations with some international exposure, but the U.S. looks like the place to be right now.
Sharkey, Howes & Javer is a Denver-based financial planning and investment management firm. For additional market updates and financial news, please follow our LinkedIn page. If you are interested in setting up a complimentary consultation with one of our Certified Financial Planners™, please call 303.639.5100 or visit shwj.com.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: February 2, 2015
Continuing in our economic discussion series, Larry Howes discusses the U.S. and Global economy. This week he shows us our first hint of the 4th Quarter U.S. GDP, shares some interesting insight into the Colorado energy industry and talks about troubles in Japan, plus much more. Just 10 minutes this week and highly educational! We would love to hear your comments and questions in the comment section below.
Inside the Economy with SH&J: January 19, 2015
On Monday, January 19, we had our second economic discussion of the New Year. We covered many interesting facets of the economy including oil, global unemployment, China and more. Listen in and share with your family and friends. We would love to hear your comments and questions in the comment section below.
Sharkey, Howes & Javer Blog 