Insights

1/4/13 8:45 AM – Time to Sell Bonds?

Every once in a while, I am prompted to ask the question, "How long can this go on?" I asked that in 1987 when interest rates went up 40% yet the stock market, which was also up 40%+ was still going up; I asked it in 1999 during the tech bubble when valuations seemed...

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1/3/12 4:15 PM – Fiscal Cliff Hangover, Gold

Well, today markets around the world seemed to have a bit of a hangover from celebrating not going over the Fiscal Cliff. Stocks were down a fraction today after 2.5% - 3% gains yesterday. Gold and natural gas were down over 1% today. The latter is getting back into...

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1/2/13 11:24 AM – Details of Tax Increases in Cliff Bill

Here is a brief rundown of the tax changes in the new tax bill. First, the positives Finally, the income at which the dreaded Alternative Minimum Tax kicks in is indexed for inflation and will not need to be annually "fixed" The severe cut in Medicare payments to...

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1/2/13 8:44 AM – I’m Back to Posting Again

Thanks for bearing with me while I cut back some during December and did not post very much, especially the last two weeks. You should see posts from me on most days. Over the next few days, there will probably be more than one post a day so keep checking back. There...

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12/20/2012 10:22 AM – Higher Estimate for Q3 US Growth

Today we got the 3rd estimate from the Commerce Dept. on how fast the US economy grew last quarter. The last estimate was 2.7%. This estimate was 3.1%. That's a pretty decent number and is much better than any country in Europe and much higher than Japan. Excluding...

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12/19/12 3:32 PM – No Progress on Fiscal Cliff?

Rep. Boehner said today that the negotiations over the so-called Fiscal Cliff are stalled. I doubt that behind the scenes they are completely stalled and still expect a last-minute deal before New Year's. That will make it tough on the IRS, who needs to print and mail...

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12/11/12 9:42 AM – Year-End Sale on Selected Stocks

A quick look at a chart of the US stock market compared to Europe and emerging markets will tell you that the foreign markets have continued on an upward path this 4th quarter while the U.S. has been down. Now, the U.S. market hit its low for this quarter exactly at...

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