Miss Austin Peay 2021 Noelle Thompson receives Congressional Award Gold Medal
September 30, 2020
Clarksville, TN – Noelle Thompson, Miss Austin Peay 2021, received a Congressional Award Gold Medal on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at the Austin Peay State University (APSU) Morgan Student University Center Ballroom for spending more than 1,800 hours serving the community through the Break Through 4 a Buddy program.
Miss Austin Peay Noelle Thompson and Tennessee State Senator Bill Powers. (APSU)
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of February 13th, 2017
February 13, 2017
Clarksville, TN – The economic data calendar was thin. December trade figures were roughly in line with expectations. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell in the mid-February estimate.
Stock market investors were encouraged by the prospect for tax cuts following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump. In contrast, the bond market, recognizing that the process for cutting taxes will be contentious and lengthy, is less fearful of a large boost to the federal budget deficit (hence, bond yields have backed down over the past month).
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of February 8th, 2017
February 8, 2017
Clarksville, TN – The Federal Open Market Committee left short-term interest rates unchanged, as expected, and tweaked the wording of the policy statement slightly. There were no solid clues as to the timing of the next increase in short-term interest rates, but officials noted the improvement in consumer and business sentiment and seemed a little more confident that inflation “will” increase to the 2% goal.
While January numbers are often suspect due to the magnitude of the seasonal adjustment, the economic data continued to paint a picture of the economy that is in good shape.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of January 15th, 2017
January 15, 2017
Clarksville, TN – The economic calendar was relatively thin. Small business optimism rose sharply in December. Growth in retail sales was concentrated in autos and gasoline – mixed and generally flat otherwise (with unusual softness in food) – but it was still a relatively good quarter overall.
Department store sales were weak, but that is a long-term trend (not necessarily a sign of consumer weakness). The PPI was largely in line with expectations, reflecting moderate pipeline inflationary pressures (consistent with further Fed rate hikes in the months ahead).
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 11th, 2016
December 11, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Italy voted “no” on its constitutional referendum and Prime Minister Renzi resigned. South Korea’s president was impeached. The European Central Bank extended its asset purchase program to the end of 2017, but will reduce the monthly pace of purchases in April.
None of that disturbed U.S. equity market investors who continued to enjoy the Trump sizzle. After showing some signs of stability, bond yields again moved higher.
Frazier Allen
Austin Peay State University professor Jack Deibert publishes book on historic 1868 survey of Wyoming
September 2, 2016
Clarksville, TN – In 1871, geologist Ferdinand Hayden led the first federally funded geological survey into the Yellowstone region of northwestern Wyoming.
His findings, along with the work of his survey team, were instrumental in convincing Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first U.S. National Park, but a new book by Dr. Jack Deibert, Austin Peay State University professor of geology, sheds light on the historical significance of Hayden’s earlier journey into this region.
APSU professor Dr. Jack Deibert
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of June 12th, 2016
June 12, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Fed Chair Janet Yellen said she was “cautiously optimistic” in her speech on the economy and monetary policy. She expects that further gradual increases in the federal funds target rate will be warranted, but she also stressed a number of near-term uncertainties.
This week, the mid-month economic data releases will be important, especially Tuesday’s retail sales figures, but the focus will be on the Fed.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of June 5th, 2016
June 5, 2016
Clarksville, TN – The economic data reports were mixed, but mostly on the soft side of expectations. The ISM Manufacturing Index surprised (modestly) to the upside, boosted by a lengthening in supplier delivery times (anecdotally, many firms had trimmed inventories in anticipation of softer demand, but sales surprised and they are now scrambling a bit to restock).
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slid. Unit auto sales were strong, but were supported by an increase in fleet sales (rental cars, etc.). The ADP estimate of private-sector payrolls was moderate strong, with continued hiring at small and medium-sized firms.
Frazier Allen
Frazier Allen: The new Social Security claiming rules
May 18, 2016
Clarksville, TN – Growing up, many of us viewed Social Security as a continuation of our work income, something we’d automatically receive upon retirement. Then reality struck, and we learned there’s more to claiming and receiving Social Security benefits.
So much more. And the strategies to maximize this important source of retirement income can be complicated.
One strategy, known as “file and suspend,” became popular among married couples. The higher earning spouse would file for Social Security benefits once he or she reached full retirement age (FRA) – and immediately suspend them.
Goodbye, File and Suspend. Now What? New rules eliminated this Social Security claiming strategy, but there are other options.
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of September 27th, 2015
September 27, 2015
Clarksville, TN – In Janet Yellen’s first public speech after the recent FOMC meeting, the Fed chair downplayed concerns about the rest of the world and placed herself among the majority of Fed officials expecting to raise short-term interest rates by the end of the year. In a scary moment for investors, Yellen struggled to finish her speech.
She repeatedly lost her place, paused for long periods, and looked generally unwell. She received medical treatment. A Fed spokesperson said that she was dehydrated and that she felt fine later. While stock market participants have been worried about Fed tightening, they seemed to have been more encouraged by Yellen’s expressed confidence in the U.S. economy.
Frazier Allen
