Last month, the Federal Reserve reduced its target federal funds rate 0.25% as a preemptive strike because it fears the weakening of the economy. Economic growth has slowed, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing where the impact of tariffs hit the hardest. Real gross domestic product (RGDP), the most common measure of economic growth, slowed from 3.1% in the first quarter to 2.1% in the second quarter, causing concern among businesses and investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has recently fallen over 1,000 points. However, it is likely the economy’s expansion will persist because consumers continue to spend, people are still being added to payrolls and inflation remains low. More

The May economic reports indicate that the US economy continues to thrive, although some economists fear the expansion is near its peak and threatened by the trade wars. Many of this group believe expansionary monetary policy is appropriate to prolong the expansion. Access ten reports and read my summary and analysis. More

During the first quarter of 2019, the United States economy grew 3.2%, which is remarkable given the economy is nearly a decade into its most recent expansion. Employment is strong and workers continue to be added to payrolls. Inflation has been so tame that the Federal Reserve chose to discontinue its policy of tightening. Yet, as always, there are a few concerns. Review my summary of these important government reports and read my analysis at the end of this blog. More

Many of the world's most valued companies have relatively few tangible assets when compared to 50 years ago. Why? And what are the implications for investors and the rest of the economy? Mr. Sharples writes about the book Capitalism without Capital by Haskel and Westlake. More