Atlanta Constitution column-May 4, 2005

When I wrote last week’s column to make publication for the early weekend editions, President Bush had not yet made his Saturday radio address.  In that address, Bush outlined a program that would substantially reduce the imbalance between promises and funding in the social security system. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-April 28, 2005

According to a column written for the Wall Street Journal by Arthur Leavitt, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, reducing guaranteed benefits in social security to fund individual retirement accounts is too risky for most individuals. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-April 20, 2005

As amazing as it seems, the stock market broke above 10,000 on the Dow for the first time in 1999.  This week, six years later, the market has had difficulty staying above that same level. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-April 13, 2005

We have just completed another painful tax cycle.  Personally, it was the most difficult filing I ever encountered. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-April 4, 2005

Have you wondered why analysts are arguing about bubbles?  Of course, we lived through a speculative equity bubble only a few years ago.  Even the young turks on Wall Street can remember that one. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-March 31, 2005

Lost in the concerns about the dollar, oil prices, and inflationary fears has been the spectacular performance of corporate profits during this economic rebound.  The fourth quarter revision to GDP showed no change in the inflation adjusted growth of the economy, but a modest gain in price increases. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-March 17, 2005

Surging commodity prices, led by oil, a plunging dollar, and the woes of
U.S. manufacturing that are reflected in General Motor’s sharp downward revision of earnings all would make ample topics for this column this week.  But you must excuse me for putting those issues on hold while I discuss implications from the conviction of Bernie Ebbers. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-March 10, 2005

Apparently, almost all forecasters are raising their estimates for
U.S. economic growth for this quarter and this year.  My own estimates show growth of 4.1 percent for this quarter.  The year should average a 3.8 percent gain. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-March 3, 2005

Do the financial markets reflect economic conditions, or do they cause them?  That question again is being raised as oil prices and inventories both rise sharply as the heating season is in its final weeks. 

 

Atlanta Constitution column-February 23, 2005

According to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, declining interest rates on longer term maturities when short term interest rates are beginning to rise is a “conundrum.”  (that means “riddle” or “puzzle” for those who have not studied recently for their college boards.)