Markets & Economy Stay on Track
November 17, 2017
The American Economy continues to show signs of improvement and the growth picture has improved. As a result the equity markets have moved significantly in the first half of the fourth quarter. Economic results showing the health of the consumer, industrial sector, and globe have trended higher throughout Q4. This along with strong corporate earnings announcements since the end of Q3, have provided fuel for higher equity market prices. While many thought the leadership in the market was due for a change toward value, this has not occurred, and better earnings continue to drive the growth markets higher.Read moreGrowth Picture Improves
October 1, 2017
Despite a flattening in consumer confidence in the US, growth in the American economy improved in the third quarter of 2017. GDP for the second quarter was revised upward from 2.2% to 3.1%. Corporate earnings accelerated in the third quarter for the S&P 500 to over 17%. Consumer confidence which hit a 17 year high in March 2017, has since eased back modestly. The change in trend for consumer confidence is difficult to quantify but it is likely due to politics in Washington and the country’s inability to come together since the election.Read moreGrowth Remains a Mixed Picture
July 1, 2017
The growth in the equity markets has been far greater than the growth in our economy since President Trump was elected. The S&P 500 logged another quarter of growth with the index advancing 3.1% in the quarter and advancing 9.3% year to date. MACM's dynamic growth portfolio also logged another good quarter of growth advancing 4.4% in the quarter and 13.5% year-to-date. This is not unusual as markets seem to perform the best during periods of slow growth with low inflation and friendly monetary policy. While this is true, we must note that the equity market rally paused in 2014 and 2015 when corporate America fell into an earnings recession and slow growth was replaced by no growth.Read moreTrump – Great Medicine for the Economy & Markets
April 1, 2017
Whether you look at financial market performance, consumer confidence, the purchasing manager survey, or unemployment data, it is clear that Trump has been great medicine for the globe’s economies and financial markets. The election of Donald Trump has brought higher confidence to consumers, investors, and unemployed Americans. The Trump effect has also played out in international economies. The globe is now in full expansion mode according to the latest purchasing manager index readings.Read moreRising Consumer Confidence Leads Equity Markets Higher
January 11, 2017
2016 was a volatile year for the global economy and the world’s financial markets. The year began with the markets and the economy drowning in pessimism, but ended with consumer confidence at a 15 year high and the DJIA knocking on the door of 20,000. One might say that investors have blind optimism in pushing the DJIA to all-time highs given the fact that significant obstacles remain in the path of our economy. Mr. Trump is likely a big part of the reason for this optimism. His campaign identified and shouted from the mountaintop the problems that have handcuffed the globe’s economic superpower for the last decade.Read more