Now that full-year GDP numbers are out let’s review the major economic indicators for 2024. The employment situation remained stable with the economy gaining 2.2 million jobs (up 1.4% year-over-year). Those numbers are slightly lower than 2023’s but are still solid. The unemployment rate actually increased slightly to 4.1% as more people reentered the workforce.
Plan By Numbers Blog
Financial Planning simply illustrated by numbers, at our companion blog written by Denis Smirnov.
Tucson Monsoon – 2024 Update
This monsoon season was almost exactly average with 5.8 inches of rain
2023 Review: Economy Edition
Now that full-year GDP numbers are out I can finish the 2023 year-in-review series by taking a look at major economic indicators.
2023 Review: Sectors, Stocks & International
Homebuilders led the market in 2023 with 69% return, including 30% in the fourth quarter alone. Is housing market a total mess, you might wonder? Why, yes, it is, but homebuilder played it right last year keeping inventory low, pricing high and offering buydowns on all-important mortgage rates. Semiconductors and other tech stocks weren’t far behind largely driven by AI mania (Nvdia’s 240% return being case in point).
2023 Review: Significant Events and Major Asset Classes
Reviewing 2023’s major events and asset class performance
Tucson Monsoon – 2023 Update
After two big outliers in a row (2021 was 3rd wettest monsoon, 2020 was 2nd driest on record), 2023 followed last year as a comfortably “normal”.
2023 Mid-Year Review
Reviewing 2023 Mid-Year results for various markets
FDIC – KEEPING YOUR CASH SAFE
As a follow up to Denis’ article about cash, and in light of the recent news involving bank failures, we thought it would be prudent to review how the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) works and what it covers. The FDIC is an independent agency that was established by Congress with the goal of “maintaining […]
Why Not Just Stay Safe In Cash at 5%?
With minimal effort, we can get you a 4.5% in a money market fund or 5% on a 3 month CD. Where things get trickier is when people ask “why don’t I dump all my stocks/bonds and sit in cash at 5% until the market feels safe”?
2022 Review: Economy Edition
In 2022 employment remained tight, inflation was sky high, economy grew moderately and housing took a turn for the worse.