Developers eager to fill the demand for senior housing created by an aging U.S. population are facing a new and unexpected challenge in the form of rapidly advancing technologies that allow seniors to stay in their homes longer. … READ MORE >
Blog
Looking to 2020: Consumer is king amid slowing growth
The American economy will continue to slow toward a growth rate of 1.5% in 2020, below its long-term average of 1.8%, as sturdy consumer spending compensates for financial volatility and erratic trade policy. That consumption, though, increasingly depends on rising asset prices that help boost confidence, and solid job growth. … READ MORE >
U.S. industrial production falls a sharp 0.8% in October
While auto production will undoubtedly rebound in November, the problems at Boeing surrounding the 737 Max and the uncertainty tax imposed on firms caused by the trade conflict with China have knocked the air out of domestic industrial production. … READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales grew at a healthy 0.3% in October
With the critical holiday shopping season fast approaching, American consumers continued to open their wallets in October, though at a decelerating pace. The October increase of 0.3% in top-line domestic retail sales and the control estimate that feeds into the calculation of domestic gross domestic product reaffirm that the consumer remains on a solid footing. … READ MORE >
As large ETF sponsors capture more of a surging industry, can the middle market keep up?
Competition to offer low-cost products will continue to make it challenging for middle market players. New products that do not quickly scale to the critical mass needed to defray operating costs and establish market recognition often fail to survive. Nonetheless, middle market participants can still compete in this market. … READ MORE >
Buzz on pot legislation fades as focus turns to vaping
In addition to shielding banks and credit unions, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act is also designed to make it easier for cannabis-related enterprises, like dispensaries and growers, as well as business that serve them, like law firms and real estate companies, to access the banking system with funds derived from cannabis products. … READ MORE >
RSM Brexit Stress Index eases on speculation of trade deal
Stress in the British financial markets eased during the week, as domestic political events took a back seat to global market pressure. The RSM Brexit Stress Index closed the week lower, at 0.67 standard deviations above normal levels of implied risk, down 0.14 from last week’s close at 0.81 standard deviations. … READ MORE >
The Fed walked a tightrope in cutting rates, and succeeded
The Fed’s careful balancing act of making insurance cuts to guard against global economic headwinds and normalize the yield curve without committing to extended cuts seems to have now gained acceptance with the markets. The entire yield curve has shifted lower since the July meeting because of the three rate cuts made this year. … READ MORE >
How middle market retailers can compete with free delivery
In a recent survey from the National Retail Federation, free shipping and shipping promotions ranked fourth on the list of factors that consumers said would affect their choice of retailer. … READ MORE >
RSM Brexit Stress Index ends tumultuous week slightly higher
The financial markets priced in a bit more volatility and risk to the enduring Brexit saga. … READ MORE >