I grew up in the Midwest and in January and February lakes and ponds would freeze over and allow ice skating since the ice was thick. As spring approached (never fast enough as I got older), the ice was thinner and skaters had to be careful. The worst sound a...
Bifurcation is inherently unstable since it creates a tension between sections of a whole and by definition shows that everyone isn’t pulling in the same direction. It’s difficult to solve challenging and complex problems even when everyone is seeking a common solution,...
At one time the phrase “ A watched pot never boils” meant time seems to pass more slowly when one is waiting for something to happen. The time waiting also allows expectations to grow and I remember when the event I had been waiting for finally...
After each FOMC member expresses their assessment of the economy, inflation, the labor market, and the appropriate level for the Funds rate during a FOMC meeting, Federal Reserve Chairs have attempted to build a consensus. During Ben Bernanke’s term as Chair (February 1, 2006...
Federal Reserve Governors vote at every FOMC meeting as does the President of the New York Federal Reserve. Being a Governor carries more weight in affecting policy changes than being one of the other 11 Federal Reserve district presidents. Four of the 11 district...
Housing contributes roughly 16% to GDP with 3% to 5% coming from spending on new single family homes, apartment buildings, and remodeling. Another 12% to 13% is spent on housing services which includes rent, utilities, insurance, an internet connection through cable, and...
In the last three months tariff news has whipped financial markets around remarkably in response to President Trump’s ever changing tariff policies. The most pronounced reactions were concentrated in the US stock market. When President Trump increased tariffs on China...
After the end of World War II there was great uncertainty about how the US economy would handle the return of 12 million soldiers, the transition from manufacturing war ships, tanks, bombers, and military weapons to consumer goods, and whether inflation would soar...
After the election the prospect of tariffs resulted in changes in behavior by businesses and consumers. Those companies directly impacted by the coming higher cost of goods from tariffs responded by buying goods they would need later, but decided to make...
