US Yield Curve Inversions since 1966

US Yield Curve Inversions since 1966 Currently, investors are concerned about yield curve inversions, because they have been a indicator of a coming recession. But not all inversions are the same. If the yield curve inversion is due to 10-year falling, then it is a “risk-off” trade, and not an economic cycle turn. This great chart…

Is the U.S. Expansion Waning?

Is the U.S. Expansion Waning? Despite strong US GDP growth in April 2019, this chart shows that U.S. growth is not bouncing back in this late business cycle. Image: Goldman Sachs Investment Research

Recession Indicator to Watch: Net Domestic Investment to GDP

Recession Indicator to Watch: Net Domestic Investment to GDP Net Domestic Investment to GDP is in a long-term downtrend since 1950. It is not a timing indicator for predicting the end of business cycles. But historicammy, before recessions, it tends to peak (red arrow) and then decline (black arrow). Currently, Net Domestic Investment to GDP has a…

Increased Productivity Boosts Profits Margins

Increased Productivity Boosts Profits Margins When a company increases productivity, it makes more products without increasing costs. Higher productivity can improve the company’s profit margin and total profits. During this business cycle, productivity has increased at an average rate of 1.3% year-over-year. But productivity has been cut in half since the previous business cycle. You…

S&P 500 Index – Number of 5% Corrections Per Year

S&P 500 Index – Number of 5% Corrections Per Year Since 1990, there has been an average of 3.3 separate 5% declines for the S&P 500 per year. In a late business cycle, volatility increases. This is why, in 2019, we could see several drops of 5%. Image: LPL Research

Is Residential Investment a Drag Since the Great Recession?

Is Residential Investment a Drag Since the Great Recession? Indeed, it is very low compared to other business cycles. And because housing is already in a slump relative to other economic cycles, it shouldn’t cause a recession. Image: Blackrock

Since 1990, No Recessions Without 4% Wage Growth

Since 1990, No Recessions Without 4% Wage Growth Since the beginning of the Great Recession, wage growth has been slow in this business cycle. But keep in mind that since 1990, no recessions without 4% wage growth. So, a recession is probably not imminent. Image: Blackrock

How Have Real Personal Consumption Expenditures Declined Ahead Of Every Recession?

How Have Real Personal Consumption Expenditures Declined Ahead Of Every Recession? Consumer spending drives the US economy. Historically, Real Personal Consumption Expenditures, which accounts for about 70% of GDP, decline before a recession. That’s not the case today. So, a recession may not be imminent in this late-cycle expansion.