The American consumer is proving more resilient than predicted according to the Los Angles Times.  “Its a shift away from vacations.  Its a shift away from dining out.  Its a shift away from apparel purchases.  Its those dollars that you may have invested in those things that now you’re spending on your home and in some cases out of necessity like trying to create a more functional environment” according to Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s Chief Executive.   To read the full article in the Los Angeles Times CLICK HERE.

The economy took the elevator down, but may take the stairs back up.  At least that’s the opiniion of Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin.  With more than 90% of global economies set to experience a recession in 2020, it’s easy to see why he feels this way.  Add to that an IMF prediction of a global contraction of nearly 5% and one can deduce that caution could be the prudent investors friend.

Want to learn more?  CLICK HERE to view the entire article on Bloomberg or give us a call.  We’d be glad to share with you our opinion.

Sagent Wealth Management, Experience, Wisdom, Judgement

On Friday the Labor Department reported that the U.S. economy added 75,000 Jobs in May, one of the weakest monthly increases since the recession ended in mid-2009.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, “The employment figures add to other data depicting an economy that is still growing, but is losing momentum after the first quarter of 2019 and last year. ”

Although many suggest that this and other economic data lends credence to the theory that the Federal Reserve will be forced to lower the Fed Funds rate later this year, the bigger question is if the Feds were to take such action would it stave off a recession?  Something I am somewhat skeptical of.

Interested in more on this subject and how it may affect your investment portfolio.  Contact us HERE.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported a decline in Southern California home prices for the first time in 7 years.  This taken together with a significant drop off in the number of homes sold and a drop in national home prices, as reported by the United States Census Bureau, suggests we may be seeing a turn in the residential real estate market. If true, this could lead to a significant drag on the U.S. economy.  How all of this might affect your investment portfolio, is something worth considering.

Contact us today if this is a topic that you would like to discuss further.

To view the entire Los Angels Times article please Click Here.