Fed doesn’t see inflation as an immediate threat
On April 7th, 2010, the Los Angeles Times reported that the minutes of the most recent meeting of a central bank committee show that it doesn’t plan to raise short-term interest rates any time soon but suggests it could quickly change course. Members such as Janet Yellen, the president of the San Francisco Fed who Read more ➝
For muni bonds, some financial advisors look outside California
On Saturday, March 6th, 2010, the Los Angeles Times ran a provocative article that discussed the merits and risks of owning California municipal bonds. They argued that a portfolio that is too concentrated in California municipal bonds may be put in jeopardy if a catastrophic economic event or a natural disaster occurred. To view the entire article, please click Read more ➝
Fed Begins Tightening Process
On Thursday the Federal Reserve took it’s first step toward withdrawing some of the stimulus rolled out during the recession by increasing the so-called discount rate from 0.5% to 0.75%. The discount rate is the rate banks pay when borrowing funds directly from the Federal Reserve. To view the entire story from the February 19th, Read more ➝
Economy grows at 5.7% pace, fastest since 2003
The economy grew for a second straight quarter from October through December, posting a better-than-expected 5.7 percent annual rate, the fastest quarterly pace since 2003. The two straight quarters of growth followed a record four quarters of decline. Click the photo to the right to view the entire January 30th, 2010 Los Angeles Times Article
Southern California home prices and sales improve in November
The Los Angeles Times reported today that the number of homes sold in Southern Californa and the Median home price of homes sold in Southern California rose in November. Click the graphic to the left to view the entire December 16th, 2009 Los Angeles Times article.
Latin America ready to rebound
A United Nations commission predicts solid economic growth for Brazil and the rest of the Latin American region in 2010. Click the photo to the left to read the entire December 11th, 2009, Los Angeles Times article.
Productivity surges, job growth should follow
The Labor Department said on Thursday that productivity surged at a 9.5 percent annual rate, the quickest pace since the third quarter of 2003, as companies squeezed more output from a smaller pool of labor to hold the line on costs. “We expect the pace of efficiency gains will soon begin to fade,” said Michelle Read more ➝
Insider Sell-Offs
The October 26th, 2009 issue of Business Week reports of an increase in insider selling of stock. “We’ve never seen a market bottom when there weren’t significant levels of insider buys, and we’ve never seen a top without significant selling”. Click the photo to the left to view the entire article on businessweek.com.
Home prices in major cities continue to climb
Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index rises 1% in August from July in its third consecutive monthly gain. Click photo to read the entire October 28, 2009 Los Angeles Times article.
