News about the economy usually highlights Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measurement familiar to even the most casual follower of economic news. Most of us know that one of the traditional benchmarks for a recession is two straight quarters of negative GDP. The latest GDP estimate says the economy contracted the equivalent of 0.6% per Read more
The Span of SPACs: What to Know
You may have seen the term SPAC in the news in announcements about new businesses backed by athletes, entertainers, and political figures (as well as in recent stories about SPACs suddenly cooling off as a hot investment). While they may seem to be a relatively recent development, SPACs have been around for decades. The acronym Read more
The Recession Mystery: Mid-Year Economic Report
The U.S. economy is following an unusual trajectory, with weakening output but strong job gains. Gross domestic product (GDP), a broad measure of the goods and services produced across the economy, fell at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 0.6% in the second quarter, following a contraction of 1.6% in the first quarter of 2022. Read more
Home Economics: Budgeting in a Time of Inflation
As inflation hits home and prices continue to rise, budgets must be adjusted. Whether in good times or bad, keeping track of your money is always a smart move. Everyone needs a budget. Although the belt-tightening may be uncomfortable, it doesn’t have to be painful. Sometimes, the best advice on spending habits is just common Read more
Landing Zone: The Fed, Inflation, and Market Volatility
On June 15, 2022, amid efforts to regain control over soaring consumer prices, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters (0.75) of a percentage point, the largest interest rate increase in 28 years. The move followed a quarter-point (0.25) increase in March 2022 and a half-point (0.50) jump in May 2022. This Read more
Reclamation Projects: How Stock Buybacks Work
As the stock market reels amid concerns over inflation, stagflation, the Federal Reserve’s raising interest rates, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and a surge in commodity prices that could stall the economy, corporate stock buybacks are on a record pace in 2022. Stock buybacks, also known as share buybacks or share repurchase programs, involve a public company Read more