Sharkey, Howes & Javer

March 28, 2016 -- Inside the Economy with SH&J

This week’s Inside the Economy with SH&J continues the discussion on oil and the challenges hindering the much anticipated boost in production from Iran. Meanwhile, Europe’s banking system is under pressure to keep its zero-interest and negative-interest rate policies in place for the foreseeable future. Listen in for commentary on the aftermath of the Brussels and Paris attacks and how it is affecting tourism and putting further pressure on the European banking system. We discuss how the first quarter is wrapping up and the outlook for the remainder of 2016.

March 14, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

This week’s Inside the Economy with SH&J includes explanation of how the price of oil has largely contributed to the recent S&P 500 recovery, yet earnings will likely be the primary factor influencing S&P 500 growth in the near future. The U.S. is seeing the start of a manufacturing rebound as well as the beginning signs of full employment. Inventory buildup is decreasing as consumption picks up and the labor participation rate is on the rise. Core inflation has slowly increased and appears to be sustainable, giving the Fed rationale for a rate increase this year. Listen in to hear more on these issues as well as commentary on nuclear energy worldwide and the Federal Budget.

February 1, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

As the year begins with volatile markets, investor sentiment is a bit shaken and all eyes are on China as the media’s darling. However, China is not the only country with rising debt issues as emerging market nations (in general) are facing rising debt as well. Currency is flooding out of China’s borders in anticipation of the inevitable devaluation of the Chinese yuan. Yet, this could bolster foreign spending, specifically in real estate outside of China. There are additional bright spots as well; the U.S. seems poised for growth (albeit slow) but growth nonetheless, and Japan has implemented negative interest rates in an attempt to discourage savings (believe it or not) and encourage spending to boost their respective economies. Listen in as Larry puts perspective on all these issues and more.

January 18, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

As media headlines announce “plunging markets” and “warning signs of recession”, Larry Howes gives us the underlying details of the economy we are facing in 2016 and guides our expectations. He comments on the shrinking Federal deficit, consumer debt, and S&P 500 earnings. Why are Americans, on average, continuing to pay down debt, buy new cars, and increase personal savings? How has the interest rate increase affected the markets and consumers? Listen in and find out!

*Please note that during the commentary section, Larry mentions the $1.3 billion student loan market, which in reality is $1.3 trillion. Also, within the slide titled “The Fed trims its Bond-buying” Larry refers to liquidating $4.3 billion of the bond market when he meant to say $4.3 trillion.

January 4, 2016 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

Larry Howes kicks off the New Year with his outlook on the economy in 2016. How did the interest rate increase in December affect mortgages? Will U.S. inflation reach the Fed’s target rate of 2%? What is expected from the U.S. economy and markets this year? What will happen to the U.S. dollar? What can we expect to see in Europe this year? Listen in as Larry addresses these questions and more!

December 17, 2015 -- Inside the Economy with SH&J: Special Edition

This week, we bring you a special edition of Inside the Economy with SH&J. As many of you are aware, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since 2008. While the increase was a small one, only a quarter of a percentage point, it has caused media frenzy. In less than five minutes, Larry addresses the primary reasons behind this rate increase, what it could mean for inflation, mortgage rates, credit card interest, the housing market, Americans’ wallets, and more. Overall, Larry says the effects of this increase will be mostly positive. We will cover more on this topic during our next discussion on January 4th. Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to reuniting with you in 2016!

December 7, 2015 -- Inside the Economy with SH&J

Larry covers a lot of ground in our last discussion before the holidays: those in their 30’s may experience an upcoming economic event for the first time in their adult lives; an in-depth discussion on oil; and a look at Colorado’s hemp business. Larry also notes, “The longer the dollar stays up, the more it’s going to hurt the Chinese economy.” This discussion is full of interesting economic information. Listen in! Our Economic Discussions will return on January 4th. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

November 23, 2015 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

The Federal Reserve shows a textbook yield curve in anticipation of a raise of rates, inflation continues to be an important economic indicator and new housing starts are slowing all in this week’s edition of Inside the Economy with SH&J. Larry also covers consumer spending and comments, “Those who are betting on a huge Christmas, well, I wouldn’t bet the farm.” A shorter discussion than normal this week, but an informative one which will give you some Thanksgiving table talking points. Listen in!

November 9, 2015 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

Larry Howes covered a gamut of information this week including the possibility of a Federal Reserve rate increase, consumer confidence, real estate, and oil’s slow recovery. His commentary led to many investigative questions from the team on everything from unemployment to Mexico’s supposed recovery and especially China. Larry discussed China’s “fundamental flaw” and went into depth on their unrealistic drive to become a consumer economy saying, “China wants to become a consuming economy, but you need income to be a consuming economy.” Don’t miss one of the best economic discussions the SH&J team has had in some time. Listen in!

October 12, 2015 -- Inside the Economy With SH&J

The SH&J team kept Larry on his toes this week with a lot of interesting questions. Discussions arose over the stock markets, the dollar and CBO’s ten year Treasury outlook. Larry covered a lot of additional ground including minimum wage and upper-end staffing, the S&P 500, the dollar, and the TPP (Trans-Pacific-Partnership) which “kind-of passed this week.” It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the economy and Larry covered many important bases. Listen in to catch up on where the U.S. and global economy has been and where they might be headed.