– Forty-four percent of Americans say the political environment in Washington is the biggest threat to the U.S. economy over the next six months, according to a new Bankrate.com report. This is more than three times the amount who cite terrorism or political/economic developments overseas, the next most popular choices (both 14%). Other perceived economic risks include a decline in the stock market (11%), interest rate decisions (8%) and something else (2%).

The propensity to point to politics in Washington is greatest amongst Republicans (49% vs. 45% of Democrats and 42% of Independents), and increases with age, income and education level: 40% of Millennials (ages 23-38) cite politics as their chief economic concern, compared to 51% of those who are ages 55 and older. 52% of those who make at least $50K per year single out Washington, compared to 40% who make less than that.
54% of those with a college degree name the political environment in Washington, versus 32% who have no more than a high school diploma.

While nearly all Americans (93%) can point to some factor as being a potential threat to the economy over the next six months, the majority are not taking appropriate measures to prepare for a downturn. Just one-quarter of those who identified a threat to the economy are spending less as a result, 25% say they are paying down more debt and only 23% are saving more. “With the economic expansion set to become a decade-old this summer, more Americans should be focused on paying down debt and saving more both for retirement and for emergencies,” said Bankrate.com senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick. “Savings rates are the highest we’ve seen in some time (https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/rates/), and there are generous balance transfer offers on the market (https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/balance-transfer/) to help knock down high-interest credit card debt. Take advantage while things are going well, otherwise, when the inevitable downturn does occur, individuals risk having failed to improve their finances when the proverbial sun was still shining.”

While the political environment in Washington was the most commonly cited economic threat, worries about a stock market decline are most prevalent amongst Millennials, especially younger Millennials (ages 23-29), and those who make less than $50K per year. Terrorism is more of a concern for those with lower income and education levels, while interest rates worry Millennials and Gen Xers (ages 39-54) more than their elders. Fears about international politics or economic developments are highest amongst younger Baby Boomers (ages 55-64).

Direct download: Dee_Carter_01.May.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EDT

US Stock markets led by the S&P and NASDAQ hit record highs during April. Canadian markets up and emerging markets up as well. Dollar up, Euro flat, Bitcoin up to 5248, 10 year treasury yield up to 2.54. Silver and gold got hit again. Platinum looks like it's bottomed and Palladium was flat after last month's huge decline. Copper down a paltry 1.3%. WTI up another 6.3% and Brent up 7.7% for the month. Natgas continued its slide down another 4.8%. Uranium stabilized at 25.13. Gold/silver ratio almost at 86. Plat to AU at .69, Plat to Pal up a bit to .65. That's it for April, check back next month for May's performance. 

DJIA 04/30/19            26593 2.60%
S&P 500 04/30/19              2946 4.00%
NASDAQ 04/30/19              8095 4.70%
RUS 2000 04/30/19 1591 3.30%
TSX 04/30/19 16581 3.00%
TSX.V 04/30/19 611 -2.60%
MCSI 04/30/19 1079 2.00%
VIX 04/30/19 14.51  
DXY 04/30/19 97.55 0.40%
EURO 04/30/19 112.00 0.00%
10 Year 04/30/19 2.54 5.40%
Bitcoin 04/30/19 5248 28.80%
Au 04/30/19 1283 -0.70%
Ag 04/30/19 14.93 -1.10%
Pt 04/30/19 886 4.60%
Pd 04/30/19 1366 0.10%
Cu 04/30/19 2.91 -1.30%
WTI 04/30/19 63.91 6.30%
Brent 04/30/19 72.80 7.70%
Henry Hub 04/30/19 2.58 -4.80%
U308 04/30/19 25.13 1.00%
Direct download: Miceky_Fulp_01.May.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:38pm EDT

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