Executive Summary For almost forty years mortgage interest rates were trending down (see first graph), until 2022 when the Federal Reserve Bank started raising the Fed Funds rate to fight inflation. In 2021 home prices skyrocketed (2nd graph) in part due to low rates and Federal COVID [...]

Executive Summary While it is normal to have rallies during bear markets, volatility caused by options trading currently appears to be having a more profound effect. Options give the purchaser the right to buy or sell an underlying stock at a specific price. The use of shorter-term [...]

Executive Summary In this week’s Update, I share thoughts from Dennis M. Kelleher, Cofounder, President and CEO  of Better Markets, “An independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes the  public interest in financial reform, financial markets and the economy.” Since I have shared  numerous thoughts on the Fed’s [...]

Executive Summary The first graph below illustrates the massive increase in the national debt, which now totals over $31.5 trillion. With interest rates rising, the cost of carrying the U.S. debt skyrocketed 40% (see second graph). By ignoring the future costs of uncontrollable Federal debt, policymakers are [...]