Sharkey, Howes & Javer Sharkey, Howes and Javer

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we monitor the increased consumer spending in tandem with rising delinquencies on mortgages. Is the Federal Reserve going to consider any rate hike movement before year-end? Consumers are still flooding into the stock market, alongside money flowing into money market bond funds. U.S. goods imported have remained steady or on the rise for most countries. What country is on the downward trend? 
 
Key Takeaways:
S. Head CPI at 3.5 (YOY)
Crude Oil at $83.71
Credit Card account revolving balances exceed $600B

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss the good news for consumers and bad news for the Federal Reserve. Spending on new manufacturing construction projects has increased. Does this emulate a contracting or expanding economy? How will the Federal Reserve react to the ISM Survey and Manufacturing data? Home prices are at a stabilization point and still have a negative year-over-year percent change. Will the consumer start flooding back in the market? Tune in to learn more!
 
Key Takeaways:
ISM Survey at 50.3
Durable Goods increased to 1.4
Core PCE inflation rate slowed to 2.8% (YOY)

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we explore where the economic slowdown is coming and where it is not. Household credit card debt has increased over the past few years. The outstanding interest payments for non-mortgage debt even caught up with mortgage interest payments. Does this emulate a struggling consumer? Have consumers gone delinquent? Mortgage debt is steady at 50% of GDP. What is the foreclosure inventory as a comparison?
 
Key Takeaways:
Core CPI at 3.8
Job openings fell to 8.9 million in January
S. Foreign workforce increased 5% (YOY)

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we assess household net worth and assets, commercial real estate, and the Dollar. The U.S. consumer has a strong balance sheet; specifically, with checking and savings. What does that mean for overall market exposure? The trade-weighted dollar continues to drive upwards and proving to still be a strong dollar. What does a strong dollar mean on the global scale? Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
10-year bond rate is steady at 4.25%
S. GDP at 3.2% in Q4 of 2023
S. Fed Trade-Weighted Broad Dollar Index at 121

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we evaluate the various levels of Consumer debt and trends in the Market. Recent news has shown the appearance of layoffs in the market, but overall layoff numbers continue at 1%. Are we in crisis mode in the labor market? U.S. Household Debt has risen; however, most is held in Mortgage debt. Is the increased consumer debt an issue according to household liabilities and category of debt? Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
S. Household Debt at $19 Trillion
Bank Deposits equal $17.5 Trillion
S&P 500 reached a 1.6% year over year Growth Rate

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss labor, debt and where the strain is starting to show. The U.S. debt levels are trending lower after recent infusions during the pandemic and reaching pre Covid levels relative to GDP. Should debt levels be a top priority? Unemployment continues to stay in the 3% range. Will unemployment claims increase with a changing marketplace? Tune in to learn more!
Key Takeaways:
Core PCE Inflation under 3%
ISM Manufacturing index nearing 50
4th Quarter U.S. GDP grew at a 3.3% annual rate