Summary and Outlook The growth rate of the US economy and corporate earnings declined in 2012, as consumers’ continue to battle low income growth and high debt levels. At 63%, workforce participation is at its lowest level since 1979, and four years into the recovery, short term indicators remain weak. Implementation of the tax increases [...]

Summary and Outlook President Obama was reelected by a wide margin in electoral votes, yet the margin of victory by popular vote was a slim 4%. Republicans retained control of the house, Democrats retained control of the Senate and congressional leadership has been reaffirmed by both parties. If the difficulty in reaching compromise on the [...]

Summary and Outlook Developed nations throughout the world are in a slump. Our economy is stumbling along at 1.3% growth as consumers use surplus cash to reduce debt, and a strong US dollar has reduced the competitiveness of our products throughout the world. Japan’s annual growth rate has been below 1% since the 1990’s as [...]

Summary and Outlook A sharp decline in business spending slowed economic growth last quarter. Despite strong contributions from auto sales and residential real estate, real GDP growth dropped from 3% to 1.9%. Productivity gains have evaporated and US companies seeking lower labor costs are using a strong US dollar to build offshore capacity. Corporate earnings [...]

Summary and Outlook Our economy grew 1.7%, before inflation during 2011 compared to 3% in 2010 and headline inflation was up 2.9% versus 2.2%. Corporate profits were up 7.9% in 2011, compared to 32% in 2010 with the strongest gains in manufacturing and information technology. With a budget deficit equal to 8.6% of GDP and [...]