Economic Commentary

Economy & Policy August 09, 2024   Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions. When the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut rates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mortgage rates fell below 3% in 2021 and many households refinanced or obtained new loans. Today, ~40% of homeowners own their home outright while 60% of […]

Economy & Policy August 02, 2024   Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions. The relative weakness in July’s nonfarm payroll employment number and the increase in the rate of unemployment from 4.1% in June to 4.3% in July, triggering the Sahm Rule is a reminder of the difficult tasks ahead for the […]

Economy & Policy July 26, 2024   Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions. The Federal Reserve (Fed) doesn’t like to spook markets, that is the reason why it has crafted its communication on monetary policy to give indications way in advance and nothing has been pointing to a change of heart that […]

MARKETS & INVESTING July 22, 2024   Managing Director, Washington Policy Analyst Ed Mills and team look at the potential path forward for the Democratic party following President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race. While President Joseph Biden’s decision on July 21 not to seek reelection will reverberate through the Democratic party […]