Sharkey, Howes & Javer

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we focus on the consumer and corporate profits. The labor force participation rate is climbing and has almost returned to pre-pandemic lows. Mortgage rates are rising, up almost to 5% on a 30-year fixed. Will this impact household spending? How about savings? Corporate profit margins turned in another good quarter. Tune in to learn about this and more! Key Takeaways: Oil stays around $100 per barrel Mortgage payment to income ratio climbs Major indices have started to rebound from recent lows.

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss the Federal Reserve and energy prices. As the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, how will that effect inflation and where do we think interest rates will be by the end of the year? Energy prices are sitting at elevated levels, but how long will this persist and what does supply look like going forward? Tune in to learn about this and more! Key Takeaways: Oil stays above $100 Equity markets rebound on earnings outlook 30-year mortgage rates up to 4% Retail sales up 8% from pre pandemic levels Unemployment under 4%

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss the tragedy in Ukraine and the economic impacts it may have on a global scale. Oil prices have been rapidly increasing, will this continue? Is the real estate market a bubble or far from it? In other news, legal immigration gets back on trend after the pandemic. Tune in to learn why this is a good thing and more! Key Takeaways: Oil climbs above $120 per barrel 30-year mortgage rates slide to 3.76 Russia holds very little U.S. Treasury securities

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss the expected Fed rate hikes and spending within the economy. There is a lot of discussion on the potential for the Fed to begin raising rates starting in March 2022, but how much will they hike and what does that mean for the economy and the stock market? We are continuing to see all-time highs in retail sales. At what point does the supply finally catch up to the demand? Tune in to learn about all this and more! Key Takeaways: Mortgage rates cross over 4% Core inflation comes in at 6% (YOY) 10 Year Treasury rises above 2% U.S. petroleum consumption continues to decline

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we gear up to follow and monitor holiday sales. Will this be a record year for sales? The stock market has seen some recent volatility due to a variety of headlines including corporate earnings revisions. Is this pull back healthy for the stock market long term? What is the annual wage of Chinese factory workers and what is the significance? Tune in to learn about all this and more!   Key Takeaways: 30 year mortgages rise to around 3% Household cash and cash-equivalents continue to climb Grain prices begin to pull back

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we discuss Inflation and the continued economic recovery. With inflation on everyone’s mind, we discuss where it sits currently, why it’s hanging around 3.6, and what makes us think those levels won’t be here to stay. In regards to the continued economic recovery, we are seeing continued strength in equity markets, increasing rent prices in both apartment and single-family homes, and jobless claims continuing to decrease. Tune in to learn about all this and more!   Key Takeaways: The yield curve flattens a touch over the past week Crude Oil prices stay above 70 Steady increases in both Employee Compensation and Gov’t Social Benefits