National Economic News

The Fed Meeting Minutes last week definitely rattled both stock and bond investors. Here’s why— Several members are concerned that inflation may exceed their 2% target rate for a period of time. A few members noted that the economy is stronger this year than they expected it to be. It’s amazing what tax cuts can…

Last Wednesday’s 10 year Treasury Note Auction did not go well (not enough demand) which caused the stock market to drop nearly 3%. Treasury auction watchers were hopeful beforehand that the higher yields from the previous week would create stronger demand for new debt issues from the Treasury. But, that didn’t happen. Then, the very…

This was the headline in a first page story in the Denver Post on Saturday as interest rates rose another ¼% last week to 5.25% according to Jerry Kaplan EVP at Cherry Creek Mortgage. However, many consumers still think rates are about 4.75% and that’s not true anymore. I know our rates are up ½%…

The Fed has expected raised short-term rates, the Fed Funds Rate, by ¼% last week to 2.25%. The Prime Rate which affects home equity loans, car loans, and credit cards is now 5.25%. Fed Chair Powell said, “Inflation is low and stable. We don’t see any surprises to the upside.  We don’t see that, it’s…

Federal data shows that the average worker in 2000 received 27% of the compensation in benefits which include bonuses, paid leave, and contributions to health insurance and retirement accounts. As of the 2nd quarter this year, employees now receive 32% of their compensation in benefits. And this data does not include nonmonetary benefits like flexible…