global economy

The "Yeah, but..." Recovery

The "Yeah, but..." Recovery

Maybe it’s human nature, news coverage or it’s just a self-preservation mechanism, but I’ve decided to start calling this the “yeah, but….” recovery. “The global economy is going to boom in the second half of the year,” say the economists. And then comes, “Yeah, but…’

The (U.S.) Consumer Keeps Coming Up Roses

The (U.S.) Consumer Keeps Coming Up Roses

The U.S. consumer continues to be the sweetheart of the global economy. Personal consumption represents approximately 70 percent of U.S. GDP and this morning’s University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index release suggests the consumer remains both confident and resilient.

High Hopes and Low Expectations

High Hopes and Low Expectations

Someone once told me that the secret to a happy life is low expectations. While a melancholy motto, it aptly captures the mood of the current earnings season. The S&P 500 has rallied from the depths of January, and is now positive for the year - this despite earnings estimates dropping rather precipitously