As the Federal Reserve considers the monetary policy methods it will use to bolster an economic recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Fed chair Jerome Powell told the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on June 16, 2020, that “we are committed to using our full range of tools to support the economy in this challenging time.” Read more
Bowen Reports
These Taxing Times Are a Good Time to Select a Tax Pro
Though tax filing is generally done at the end of the fiscal year, extended filing deadlines in this year of the COVID-19 virus have given a breather to those filing tax returns, and perhaps more time to hire and/or change accountants. It is always good to examine gains and off-setting losses in your portfolio and Read more
An Ill Wind Blows Through First Quarter: Could Virus Slam Banks?
It should come as no surprise that the U.S. economy, largely locked down by the global coronavirus pandemic, turned in its worst performance in more than a decade in the first quarter of 2020. Worse, that dismal showing likely offers just an inkling of the damage yet to come as this plagued year continues. Gross Read more
Side Effects: How the CARES Act Changes Access to Retirement Funds
The CARES Act, a $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law on March 27, provides unique access to retirement savings that typically would be subject to early withdrawal penalties. This access applies to qualified individuals affected by the COVID-19 virus either directly (through contracting the illness or having an ill spouse or dependent) or Read more
How Hard Has COVID-19 Hit the U.S. Housing Market?
Like just about everything else during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. housing industry is on lockdown. New-construction sales centers are empty. In most states, real estate agents can’t show houses. Inspectors won’t inspect. Appraisers can’t appraise. Even cash buyers willing to waive contingencies can’t get an appointment with Realtors. Closings for homes that went Read more
Shocks to the System: Monetary and Fiscal Policy
That the global COVID-19 outbreak has affected all aspects of daily life for everyone will be news to nobody. Some effects, such as social distancing, and facemasks, are evident just by looking. But other effects, such as those on monetary and fiscal policy, require more of an in-depth analysis—though these results will also affect us Read more