Consumer News

Economic Update – Fall 2019 Edition The US Economy – Safe as Houses In the movie Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, the evil Professor Moriarty sends some thugs to kill John Watson and his new bride Mary as they travel by train en route to their honeymoon. While the train speeds over a bridge,… Read More

Economic Outlook – Spring 2019 Edition Hope Springs Eternal The deep freeze of winter is finally over in the Midwest (we hope) and spring is in the air. There seems to be a renewed sense of optimism after a winter that dampened both moods and economic growth. The US Stock market rebounded from its big… Read More

Economic Outlook – Winter 2019 Edition The 4th quarter of 2018 reintroduced investors to the volatility that can suddenly hit the stock market.  The S&P 500 reached all-time highs in September before dropping 13.5% over the next three months.  Since the stock market is more predictive than reactive many observers were wondering if this sharp… Read More

Economic Update – Fall 2018 Edition Leaves are falling, the NFL season is in full swing, and stores are already decorating for Christmas.  It is hard to believe we are closing in on the end of the year.  This year has felt like it has flown by.  As I come up on my one year… Read More

Economic Update – Summer 2018 Edition Summer in the Midwest this year has come with two flavors – either scorching heat or epic downpour.  There have not been many days in between.  The U.S. economy, meanwhile, continues to move ahead steadily.  Despite challenging weather, risks of trade wars, and tightening labor markets, corporate earnings are… Read More

Economic Update – Spring 2018 Edition The early days of Spring are upon us and the overall economic gauge is much like the weather – things are starting to feel better.  The truth is, things have been improving since we started recovering from the depths of the financial crisis 10 years ago.  It’s just that… Read More