The ISM Manufacturing Index is projected to decline to 50.1 (slightly above a neutral 50.0 reading) in Monday’s update for May, based on The Capital Spectator’s average econometric forecast. The estimate reflects a marginal decline from the previously reported 50.7 for April. The Capital Spectator’s average projection is moderately below a consensus forecast that’s based on a survey of economists.
Daily Archives: May 31, 2013
April Was A Rough Month For Spending & Income
Consumer spending and disposable personal income declined last month, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That’s a worrisome sign because the annual rate of growth for both indicators has been trending lower for two years. The margin of comfort, in other words, is wearing thin, and today’s report doesn’t offer much in the way of encouraging signals for expecting a bullish change in the weather.
Checking In On Mr. Market’s Equity Asset Allocation
Several months ago I reviewed the relative market caps for stock markets around the world. It’s an academic exercise, but one that offers some useful perspective for designing portfolios and evaluating existing asset allocation strategies. As a benchmark, Mr. Market’s choices have obvious appeal. Indeed, if you’re overweight or underweight a given market, you have a good starting point for analyzing risk.