Sharkey, Howes & Javer

August 15, 2016 -- Inside the Economy with SH&J

The combination of improved earnings, strong U.S. economic data, and the prospects for continued low interest rates are likely indicators that propelled the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq indices into all-time highs this month. Listen in to hear more on this and about U.S. consumer spending, debt levels and savings.

August 1, 2016 -- Inside the Economy with SH&J

July wrapped up with a nice rally in the U.S. markets, proving that summer can be a productive season in your investment portfolio. Today’s discussion brings our attention to U.S. GDP, the bond markets, and the emerging markets. Listen in to find out which two emerging market countries are projected to be the fastest growing in 2016!

July 18, 2016 -- Inside The Economy with SH&J

As the frenzy surrounding the Brexit vote calms down, we shift our focus to the U.S. economy where we are rapidly approaching full employment and continue to be perceived as an attractive investment. While a third of the world has negative sovereign debt rates, the U.S. offers better yields, a sense of security and liquidity to domestic and foreign investors. Inflation remains low and we are starting to see real estate slow down to historical trends in many regions. This week, we also touch on the progress of Abenomics along with a possible constitutional change in Japan - listen in to hear what that change may be!

June 27, 2016 -- Inside The Economy With SH&J: Special Edition

Today we bring you a special edition of Inside the Economy with SH&J. As many are now aware, last Friday, 52% of voters elected for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union after a 43 year partnership. While it is not a legally binding referendum, the UK will begin a 2 year clock negotiating the terms of their exit. As a result of the vote, the global markets fell approximately 12% and the U.S. markets fell around 5%.

The jury will be deliberating this unprecedented event for several months or longer but one thing is for sure, markets hate uncertainty and increased volatility is expected over the short term. Although we have been assessing the investment ramifications of a Brexit for some time (knowing that the polls showed the vote would be very close), we don’t necessarily feel it will have any significant impact on the U.S. economy. The correction of the U.S. markets in particular over the past two days, in our opinion, is primarily based on fear of change and has little to do with U.S. economic reality. The same cannot be said for England.

Additionally, our investment process is designed to minimize the financial effects of singular headline events such as this, and we see no reason to make any major changes to the asset allocation of diversified portfolios at this time. We will be reevaluating our international investments to make sure they are properly positioned.

Our own Independence Day celebrations will occur next week and perhaps by the time the fireworks are over, the world markets will be a little calmer although the repercussions of this historic vote will probably have as long lasting an effect as ours did in 1776-only this time "The British are leaving, The British are leaving”.

To hear more on the Brexit, please tune into a special edition of "Inside the Economy with SH&J” below:

June 20, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

As the summer heat rises, the economic news slows down. This week’s Inside the Economy with SH&J focuses on Thursday’s Brexit vote as well as newly released U.S. consumer debt figures. Listen in to find out which U.S. state has risen to the #6 seat in the world’s largest economies and why we likely won’t be seeing interest rate increases this summer.

June 6, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

This week’s Inside the Economy with SH&J provides updates on the jobs report released last week and the effect it had on the bond market as well as the likelihood for the Federal Reserve to raise rates in June. An increase in average hourly earnings has created a concern about increased automation leading to elimination of some minimum wage jobs or jobs going to more highly educated individuals. Listen in to hear more on the continued inflow of new money into the U.S. from overseas in search of safety and liquidity.

May 23, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

As we transition into summertime, the news is slowing and the economic committee reviews macroeconomic trends including a look at the Federal debt level and increased subprime lending (mostly in auto loans) as well as China’s continued investment in U.S. real estate. Additionally, hear what information about Saudi Arabia has been kept a secret for more than four decades and how much of the focus around the world is on treasuries and confidence. Post your questions one the blog and we will answer them during our next Inside the Economy with SH&J in two weeks!

May 9, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

While our last discussion highlighted segments of the U.S. economy, this week’s discussion highlights segments of China’s economy. Gain insight on China’s debt bubble and the potential effect (or lack thereof) on the U.S. consumer, as well as a comparison of Corporate China today to Corporate America in 2005. This discussion also addresses the latest on U.S. consumer debt, auto sales and the labor markets. Listen in to hear about these issues and more, including updates on the U.S. energy bankruptcies.

April 25, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

This week’s discussion highlights segments of the U.S. economy. The U.S. job market remains strong as layoffs within the energy sector remain low and individuals who leave their current positions are moving on to better jobs. In the housing market, U.S. home prices are up 10% on average and even higher in the Mountain and Pacific areas. The municipal bond market, with the exception of Illinois and New Jersey, has done well as state and local finances continue to improve. Listen in to hear more on these issues as well as GDP for the first quarter and anticipated bad press for Freddie Mac.

April 11, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

This week’s Inside the Economy with SH&J highlights an update on the global economy. Germany appears to be a bright spot within the European Union with a budget surplus in 2015 despite global trade trending down, particularly in China. After recording a trade deficit with China for 2015, Germany is now seeking to make the United States their primary trading partner. Japan is also seeing a downturn in output and could be in recession by this summer. Listen in to hear more on the ECB’s continued quantitative easing, the flood of refugees into Germany, and comments on Emerging Market debt.