FOMC

Like the first crisp breeze that signals summer’s end, the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower the overnight interest rate on Wednesday suggests a chill in the economic air, one marked by growing concern over the labor market. 

Every August since 1982, the Kansas City Branch of the Federal Reserve System hosts an event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It’s like an economic summer camp, although they probably forego the sticky fingers that come with s’mores.  The idea is to foster open discussions about the economy, exchanging ideas and probably a few barbs.  Typically, the event centers around a s

The Federal Reserve heavily influences the American economy.  Every six weeks the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) gathers to determine the correct course for monetary policy; they do this by setting the Fed Funds Rate (the amount charged for overnight loans between banks).  In short, they are trying to strike a balance between controlling inflation and supporting the labor market

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell addressed the press Wednesday following the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to keep the overnight interest rate unchanged.  During the Q&A, he offered an assessment of the economic outlook in light of recent tariff increases.  Powell emphasized that while the U.S.

Jury duty is a civic responsibility where citizens are randomly selected to serve as jurors in legal trials.  Having served as a jury foreman about a decade ago, I can attest to the deliberative process Americans are fortunate to have when considering the facts of important moments in the lives of the parties involved in a case.  As of this writing, I just finished my day of jury duty

On Wednesday, America’s central bank made its first downward adjustment to its Federal Funds Rate since the pandemic was just getting started back in March 2020.  This interest rate is what banks charge each other for overnight loans when their cash reserves aren’t adequate to meet weekly regulatory requirements.  While it does not impact other rates directly, the Fed Fund

American cuisine is complicated.  The nation doesn’t exactly have a uniform palette.  Instead we have regional differences.  Take marinades for instance.  In the Northeast, a common marinade is made with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, garlic, and herbs.  In the South, a traditional marinade is made with buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and onion powder.

Employment data have been rather consistent during the past year or so and could be setting up the Federal Reserve for a period of difficulty.  Growing payrolls have been the trend every month since December 2020.  The year-over-year statistic has been above zero since April 2021.  Although, it has also been decelerating since then (see the chart above), partly due to the law of

The Odyssey is an epic poem written by Homer, telling the story of Odysseus, a Greek warrior embarking on a long journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus faces many adventures and must battle monsters, gods, and the sea itself. He eventually makes it home, but not before enduring a series of obstacles and tasks set by the gods.

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. is the first album released by Simon and Garfunkel.  The Sound of Silence is the last track on side one.  This hit song is about the inability of people to communicate and all the difficulties that accompany it.  America is facing such an episode now with our central bank.