ISM Manufacturing Index vs. Average S&P 500 Index Returns

ISM Manufacturing Index vs. Average S&P 500 Index Returns An interesting chart showing the ISM Manufacturing Index and the S&P 500 Index forward 12-month return.Low returns when the ISM Manufacturing Index is above 60 and high returns when the ISM Manufacturing Index is below 40. Image: Jeroen Blokland

Stages of the Business Cycle as of April 30, 2019

Stages of the Business Cycle as of April 30, 2019 Although global growth remains positive, this chart suggests that most major economies are entering the late business cycle phase. Image: Fidelity Investments

Should Investors Be Concerned About Rising Oil Prices?

Should Investors Be Concerned About Rising Oil Prices? Because the U.S. becomes entirely self-sufficient, it helps to contain oil prices in the long-term. Cheap oil is good for global economic growth, business and consumers. Image: J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Is the US Expansion Fizzling Out?

Is the US Expansion Fizzling Out? This chart shows that business investment and consumer expenditure decline in the United States. Image: Deutsche Bank Global Research

“You Need to Divorce your Mind from the Crowd…” –Warren Buffett

“You Need to Divorce your Mind from the Crowd…” –Warren Buffett Quote of the day: “You need to divorce your mind from the crowd. The herd mentality causes all these IQ’s to become paralyzed. I don’t think investors are now acting more intelligently, despite the intelligence. Smart doesn’t always equal rational. To be a successful…

Recession Indicator to Watch: Net Domestic Investment to GDP

Recession Indicator to Watch: Net Domestic Investment to GDP Net Domestic Investment to GDP is in a long-term downtrend since 1950. It is not a timing indicator for predicting the end of business cycles. But historicammy, before recessions, it tends to peak (red arrow) and then decline (black arrow). Currently, Net Domestic Investment to GDP has a…

One of the Best Indicators to Monitor for Signs a U.S. Recession Is Over

One of the Best Indicators to Monitor for Signs a U.S. Recession Is Over The probability of being unemployed in a given month in the United States, by dividing the average initial claims for unemployment insurance by the total number of people working, is one of the best indicators to monitor for signs a U.S.…