Refine Search

Search Results

Results 1,801–1,804 of 1,804 found.

Excessive Fiscal Tightening ? A Major Worry
by Scott Brown of Raymond James, 6/21/10
Studies of past recessions show that downturns associated with financial crises tend to be more severe and longer-lasting, and have gradual recoveries. Studies also point to a common error made in these recoveries - that is, policy is often tightened too soon. Chairman Bernanke is a student of the Great Depression, so the Federal Reserve seems unlikely to make that mistake. However, there is a growing public mood to do 'something' about the federal budget deficit. While well-intentioned, excessive fiscal tightening is bad economics.

Inflation Expectations
by Scott Brown of Raymond James, 6/14/10
The Federal Open Market Committee's expectation that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate "for an extended period" is conditional on three things: low rates of resource utilization, subdued inflation trends and stable inflation expectations. Economic growth is not expected to be strong enough to push the unemployment rate down significantly, the trend in inflation is likely to remain benign, and despite some worries about accommodative Fed policy and large federal budget deficits, inflation expectations are also likely to remain low.

Be Water, My Friend!
by Jeffrey Saut of Raymond James, 6/2/10
As the old sailor's axiom states, you can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust the sails. Clearly, the stock market's 'winds' have been in a downdraft. Last month was the worst May for the S&P 500 since 1962. Granted, the May Melt could have been worse if the SPX had stayed at last Tuesday's low of 1040.78, but most oversold indicators are about as compressed as they ever get. This week markets will have to deal with yet another disappointment after BP's failed top-kill operation in the Gulf. The best strategy now is thus defense, until the 'sell signal' reverses.

The Recovery Marches On...
by Scott Brown of Raymond James, 5/28/10
Real GDP rose at a 3.0% annual rate in the revised estimate for Q1, down from 3.2% in the advance estimate, although the story didn't change much. This was the third consecutive quarterly increase in real GDP. More importantly, the economy appears to be transitioning to a more sustainable recovery, less reliant on the shift in inventories and the government's fiscal stimulus, and supported more by consumer and business demand. Job growth, a key element in a sustainable economic recovery, has returned. Unfortunately, the economy still faces a number of headwinds in the near term.
Results 1,801–1,804 of 1,804 found.