Financial Sense

Six Issues for the Last Week of 2014
Marc Chandler's picture

The recent string of US economic data showed not only an upward revision in Q3 GDP to 5%, but also strong consumption data, rising confidence and continued improvement in the labor market (weekly initial jobless claims).


We Just Enjoyed the Last Christmas in America
Charles Hugh Smith's picture

As unemployment topped 10%, the January 1975 cover of Ramparts magazine blared: The End of Affluence: The Last Christmas in America (TLCIA). The government responded to the high unemployment, rampant inflation and rising budget deficits...


As Good as It Gets?
Matthew Kerkhoff's picture

US GDP growth reaching 5% in Q3 raises lots of questions. Are things finally getting better? Is the economy reaching breakout speed? Is Fed tightening now on our doorstep? Is this the beginning of a sustained upward trend or the apex of our economy...


Low Oil Prices Lead to U.S. Refining Boom
Oil Price's picture

While consumers may rejoice at gasoline prices dropping for 88 days consecutively to $2.394 at the pump, the lowest in five years, one sector of the oil and gas industry is also seeing the benefits of low oil prices.


New Jobless Claims Again Better Than Expected
Doug Short's picture

In the week ending December 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 280,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 289,000. The 4-week moving average was 290,250, a decrease of 8,500 from the previous week's unrevised average of 298,750.


If Everyone Agrees, What Could Go Wrong?
Marc Chandler's picture

The divergence investment theme is based on positive developments in the US and not-so-positive developments elsewhere. If the consensus ends up being wrong, the US narrative may be the most susceptible to disappointment. There seems to be three different ways that could unfold.


Santa Has Already Arrived
Patrick O'Hare's picture

The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 18,000 — and closed above 18,000 — for the first time ever on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 tacked on a little more than three points and is sitting a snowball's throw away from 2,100. Yep, jingle bells are ringing alright on Wall Street.


Ralph Acampora: US Economy Stronger Than People Think; No Bubble in Stocks
FS Staff's picture

In last week’s Technician podcast, Financial Sense Newshour spoke with the well-known “Godfather of Technical Analysis,” Ralph Acampora. Ralph is a pioneer in the development of market analytics and has a global reputation as a market historian and a technical analyst.


Do Falling Oil Prices Raise the Threat of Deflation?
Oil Price's picture

The spectacular drop in oil prices means that inflation is going to fall even further below the Fed’s 2% target. Does that raise any new risks for the economy? I say no, and here’s why.


Gasoline Volume Sales, Demographics and Our Changing Culture
Doug Short's picture

From an official standpoint, the Great Recession ended 60 months before the most recent gasoline sales monthly data point. But if we want a simple confirmation that the economy is in recovery, gasoline sales continues to be the wrong place to look.


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