INSIGHTS

The US stands at a critical juncture concerning the future use of the deficit. It can support popular social programs that add less direct productivity to the economy or invest in projects that can create immediate jobs.

In an effort to make sound decisions, investors need to be mindful of certain key shifts in the investment landscape which relate to the rise in SPAC popularity.

Increasing consumption and investment are trends when confidence is usually strong, and we have observed a positive sentiment shift recently in these areas. However, a shift to increased currency demand will put upward pressure on interest rates when the supply of that currency is fixed. Therefore, the latest interest rate increases may actually serve as an expansionary sign for the economy and a monetary system that is operating as intended.

The GameStop situation illustrates not only the unique risks associated with investing in a single company, but also the manufactured risks that can result from the activity of traders and investor behavior.

Despite the challenges that were unveiled in 2020, there are reasons for celebration. This was a year of massive scientific discovery and technological advance. In an extremely compressed time frame, the scientific community was able to produce a vaccine for COVID.

Positive developments around a COVID-19 vaccine were recently released which bolstered stocks and steepened the curve of government yields. A highly effective vaccine is expected to restore confidence and improve nominal growth.

Almost every component of GDP fired on all cylinders in the third quarter. Expenditures grew in consumer spending, housing, and in businesses as inventories and investments were rebuilt.

Investors are being pulled into stocks, which is good and can help retool the economy. This allows companies to access cheap capital through equity markets and make investments in labor and assets.

Some of the US stock indexes have gone on to meet new all-time highs in what was a surprisingly fast recovery. That is a pretty good leading indicator that the economy is moving in the right direction.

Despite the recent economic challenges, global equities have rebounded tremendously off of the deep lows experienced in March.