Economic Commentary

Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data. Investor optimism remained strong in the first day of trading 2020, but news that the US. Military had assassinated an Iranian general sent share prices lower. The price of oil rose and bond yields fell in response to heightened uncertainty. The ISM Manufacturing Index fell to […]

A year ago, the baseline scenario for the economy was moderate growth, but with an elevated level on uncertainty, with risks skewed to the downside. Trade policy uncertainty and slower global growth were dampening factors, but Fed policy was supportive. Investors were willing to look beyond the uncertainty. This year, trade policy is still uncertain, […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY December 20, 2019 Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist Stock market participants remained optimistic, despite impeachment. The economic data were mixed, but consistent with moderate growth in the overall economy. The House approved (largely along party line) two articles of impeachment against President Trump. There is wide expectation that […]

Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses current economic conditions. We’re still missing a lot of information on the fourth quarter, but recent reports paint a picture of moderate growth in the overall economy. That picture will become clearer as December data arrive next month. The economy was mixed in 2019, and should remain mixed into the […]