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

The US economy continues to grow, but it is showing some signs of nearing the peak of its near record expansion as the pace of the economic growth slows. Recent economic data seem conflicting. Unemployment decreased to a near record low, but the number of people added to payrolls fell to 20,000 from 311,000. Inflation remains tame, but workers have seen their paychecks increase more than the inflation rate. Recent economic data are summarized below. My analysis is provided at the end of the blog More

2018 was a very prosperous year for most people living and working in the United States. Economic growth after adjusting for inflation accelerated in 2018, rising 2.9% from 2.7% in 2017. More people were added to payrolls (2.6 million) than in any year since 2015. Unemployment dropped to some of the lowest rates in 50 years. Wages increased more than inflation, meaning workers were better off. All of this despite being late into a business cycle, slowing global economies, a partial government sh More