Financial News and commentary

Blog Category: Economic Update

December Stock Market Update: Four Small Wins

At a Glance Small Win #1: The Economy Bounced Back in Q3 U.S. economic growth made a comeback last quarter – the economy grew 2.6% after shrinking in the first half of 2022. That's good news because it means we're not in a recession (yet).1 But, there are a couple of caveats we should pay […]

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November Stock Market Update: Market Lessons Everyone Should Learn

At a Glance Introduction The most recent inflation data shows that inflation continues to persist near recent highs.1  We are seeing cracks form particularly in the housing markets and goods markets.  We expect to see prices flatten or fall in the next 12 months as the Fed continues on its crusade to slay the inflation dragon.  […]

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October Stock Market Update: What Happens Next?

At a Glance Introduction With markets caught in a volatile pattern of selloffs and rallies, I thought I'd do a quick round-up of what we know (very little) and don't (a whole lot).  Before I begin, I should say: if you're looking for perfect clarity, you won't find it here. From where I stand, the crystal […]

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September Stock Market Update: We're In Bear Country

At a Glance: Introduction We knew that markets were going to continue their wild ride, and here we are. Stocks slid into bear market territory after a bad May inflation report showed that prices rose at the fastest pace since 1981.1 It's clear that the Federal Reserve's efforts to cool inflation haven't borne fruit yet, […]

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Are Things Better or Worse

At a Glance: Average housing prices slide, sells slow, and mortgages cool.  Recessions are normal and needed Are things better or worse? Housing: New home sales collapsed 8.1% in June to a 590k annualized unit rate missing the expected 655k consensus number.  In addition, cancelled sells in May came in at 54,000.  Talk about cold […]

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Independence and Inventors

At a Glance Enjoy the 4th of July America has a history of resilience and rebuilding Consumer sentiment and balance sheets are down in the dumps Bear market rallies are to be rented not owned Freedom We want to wish you all a happy 4th of July weekend.  We hope it is filled with fun and reflection.  […]

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June: Fed Raises Interest Rates

At a Glance William Boomer joins White Cloud Wealth Management The federal reserve has the tools to start and end recessions The case for bonds and the history of bonds Here Comes The Boom We are excited to announce William Boomer has joined the service team here at White Cloud Wealth Management.  William has a […]

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May: Markets Are Cyclical

At a Glance 12 year old raises $325,000 for Ukrainian kids Markets are cyclical not linear, setting up peaks and troughs Interest rates are on the rise affecting stock, bond, and real estate markets Analysts are forecasting a high probability of a US recession in the coming 4 to 8 quarters Seeing The Good In […]

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April: The Fed Threatens to Raise Rates

At a Glance Russia and Ukraine are making progress in peace talks. Covid is quietly subsiding.     Stock markets are searching for direction The Feds are threatening 50 basis point rate hikes Consumer sentiment is at decade lows and not a good sign Try a little Kenny G In The News Russia and Ukraine have begun […]

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March: Stock Market Continues To Slide

At a Glance Ukraine, a case of courage Stock markets continue to slide, the pandemic has brought on new technology Commodities are rising and 50 year highs in multifamily housing.  Consumer sentiment is at decade lows and not a good sign Ukraine When I was a little lad, my shower curtain was a world map.  […]

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