Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 4th, 2015
October 4, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The economic data were mixed, but consistent with the theme of global softness and domestic strength. Unit auto sales improved further in September – and, combined with the August data on personal income and spending, suggest that inflation-adjusted consumer spending (70% of GDP) is on track to have expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% to 4.0% in 3Q15.
The trade deficit in goods widened sharply in August, with that split evenly between stronger imports (despite lower oil prices) and weaker exports. Net exports and an inventory correction are expected to subtract significantly from 3Q15 GDP growth, but underlying domestic demand appears to have remained strong.
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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.
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Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 13th, 2013
October 13, 2013
Clarksville, TN – The partial government shutdown and brinksmanship over the debt ceiling continued. However, financial market participants were encouraged by signs that the two sides were at least willing to talk to each other.
House Republicans appear to have abandoned demands for a repeal or delay of the Affordable Care Act, but it hasn’t been clear what they want instead. Note that a temporary (six-week or three-month) extension of the debt ceiling does not remove uncertainty completely, but it would sidestep a near-term financial catastrophe.
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Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 8th, 2013
October 8, 2013
Clarksville, TN – Due to a lapse in appropriations, the government entered a partial shutdown. Some 800,000 federal workers were furloughed and about two million others continued to work but without getting paid. The economic impact of the shutdown will depend on how long it lasts.
A few days would not be a big deal, but a prolonged shutdown would result in a larger disruption of worker income (and corresponding restraint in consumer spending). In addition, the uncertainty may lead businesses to delay new hiring or capital expenditures. During the 1995-96 government shutdown, about 20% of private contracts with the government were affected.
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APSU creates military tuition assistance scholarship to help students impacted by Federal Government shutdown
October 8, 2013
Clarksville, TN – Last Friday, Austin Peay State University officials distributed an email to their active duty military students, letting them know plans were being put in place to keep them in school regardless of the temporary shutdown of Tuition Assistance (TA), a benefit provided by the military to cover tuition expenses incurred by active duty military pursuing college credit.
On Monday, after notification was sent stating the federal budget had not passed, APSU president Tim Hall initiated an effort to implement a scholarship to offset the shutdown of TA. [Read more]
