Weather or not, economy still improving
Originally published in the Reno Gazette Journal’s website, http://www.rgj.com/story/money/business/2015/02/20/weather-economy-still-improving/23742909/ In my last column, I talked about the negative media spin on January’s data, perhaps contributing to January’s equity market decline. In February, despite the fact that the equity markets have moved to new records, negative spin continues. I continue to see hand wringing over some […]
What is up with the Yield Curve?
Originally published on Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15174122-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-what-is-up-with-the-yield-curve The Yield Curve walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey, you’re really getting into shape!” The Yield Curve replies, “Yep. I believe the Expectations Hypothesis is working on my slope!” The bartender inquires, “Are you sure?” To which the yield curve responds, “I’m positive.” I can’t […]
Possible retirement account changes on tap
Originally published in Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/opinion/15083209-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-possible-retirement-account-changes-on-tap Estimating future events is part of the financial planning process. Planners estimate things like life expectancy, inflation, stock market returns and interest rates. We don’t know exactly where any of these factors will be in the future. Another uncertainty are the rules that we follow as we […]
Financial media fixated on threat of deflation
Originally published on Reno Gazette Journal’s website, http://www.rgj.com/story/money/business/2015/02/06/financial-media-fixated-threat-deflation/23010819/ As a financial markets economist, my job is to survey the economic landscape and identify trends and issues that might have a significant impact on economic activity (and then to worry about what those trends and issues mean for client portfolios). Normally, over the intermediate time horizon, […]
What type of IRA account is right for you?
Originally published on Tahoe Daily Tribune’s website, http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/14995245-113/tahoe-truckee-market-beat-what-type-of-ira-account-is-right If you’re thinking about funding an IRA this year, you have until April 15, or the day you file your taxes, whichever is earlier, unless you file an extension. Which type of IRA you should establish depends on several factors, and there are calculators available online to […]
How to decide on a Roth or traditional IRA
Originally published on Marketwatch.com’s website http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-decide-on-a-roth-or-traditional-ira-2015-02-09 It’s getting to be that time of the year when people start thinking about their taxes. One decision many taxpayers will face is whether it makes sense to fund an IRA. If you don’t have an IRA established yet, you need to be aware that there are two types, […]