Category: Economy

Artificial intelligence is unlikely to replace plain old human intelligence any time soon, but you might be surprised at how many programs are now using it to make our lives easier. If you thought that having a human-like interaction with ChatGPT and DALL-E was the beginning and end of today’s AI, then you’re missing a … Continue reading “AI Everywhere”

By all accounts, the U.S. economy is humming along on all cylinders. Inflation is down (but not out), unemployment is still low by historical standards and GDP growth is healthy. Worker wages continue to rise. What should Middle-Class Millionaires be concerned about? If you feel the need to worry, then consider consumer debt. Since the … Continue reading “Debt Rising, Consumption Falling?”

Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too. Calling them “missteps” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Either way, becoming aware of these potential pitfalls may Middle-Class Millionaires … Continue reading “Navigating Retirement Pitfalls”

Did you know that last year, roughly 1.66 million new homes were constructed? This includes single-family homes (975 million), 2-4 unit residences (54.8 million), and buildings with 5 or more family units (635 million). This total number is actually down from the 1.73 million new homes built in 2021, and 2023 is on pace for … Continue reading “Housing Starts in Decline”

A combined measure of 10-year government bond yields from a basket of major economies has fallen below a similar basket of 1-3 year government bonds—in other words, you can get a (slightly) higher coupon payment if you go short than if you make a longer-term bond investment.  That, of course, is the definition of an … Continue reading “Inverted Yield Curve: Recession Coming?”

One lesser-known indicator is called the Baltic Dry Index. We know our middle-class millionaire clients see it in prices at the grocery store and the gas station and feel it in their monthly budget. So why don’t the financial markets seem too concerned about inflation? Remember, financial markets are considered “discounting mechanisms,” meaning they are … Continue reading “Is Inflation Peaking?”