Topic: Bonds

Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of February 20th, 2013

By Frazier Allen | February 20, 2013 |

Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama proposed various efforts to boost manufacturing jobs, universal pre-K education and an increase in the minimum wage. However, there’s little chance that any of these proposals will make it to the floor of the House.

The economic data were mixed. Retail sales rose a modest 0.1% in January. Industrial production slipped 0.1%, but figures for November and December were revised higher. The New York Fed’s Empire State Manufacturing Index and the mid-February reading on consumer sentiment surprised to the upside. «Read the rest of this article»

Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of February 10th, 2013

By Frazier Allen | February 10, 2013 |

Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist

Federal Reserve Governor Jeremy Stein fell short of declaring that credit markets are overheating, but suggested that an extended period of low interest rates could lead to the taking on of greater duration of credit risks, or to employment of greater leverage in a “reach for yield.” He said that the Fed must monitor the financial markets closely and could address signs of excessive risk-taking through regulatory efforts or through monetary policy.

Next week, President Barack Obama will deliver his State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening (which is also Mardi Gras). Most likely, the President will ask that Congress postpone the sequester through the end of the year. Note that it’s not costless to do so – there has to be an offsetting increase in revenues (possibly closed loopholes) or reduction in other types of spending (say, reduced farm subsidies). The reports on retail sales and industrial production have some market-moving potential, but seasonal adjustment could exaggerate what would otherwise be minor shifts in the data. «Read the rest of this article»

IRS says Don’t Overlook the Benefits of Miscellaneous Deductions

October 22, 2012 |

Washington, D.C. – If you are able to itemize your deductions on your tax return instead of claiming the standard deduction, you may be able to claim certain miscellaneous deductions. A tax deduction reduces the amount of your taxable income and generally reduces the amount of taxes you may have to pay.

Here are some things you should know about miscellaneous tax deductions:

«Read the rest of this article»

State of Tennessee Completes Record Bond Sale

October 22, 2011 |

Nashville, TN – The State of Tennessee entered the capital markets and sold $546,655,000 worth of bonds this week – the largest sale in the state’s history. Demand for the state’s bonds was high among investors, a reflection of the state’s strong credit ratings.

Earlier this month, Fitch and Moody’s Investor Services, two of the country’s major bond rating agencies, reaffirmed the state’s AAA credit rating, which is the highest available. Standard and Poor’s, the third major rating agency, reaffirmed the state’s AA+ rating, which is the second highest rating available.  The state’s high ratings reflect its debt level, which is one of the lowest in the country. «Read the rest of this article»

Update on U.S Debt Ceiling and Possible Credit Downgrades

By Frazier Allen | July 25, 2011 |

Chances are you’ve heard about the ongoing debate surrounding raising the U.S. debt ceiling and even more recently about Moody’s announcement that it could potentially downgrade its credit rating for U.S. Treasuries and other institutions linked to the U.S. government.

On top of that, Standard & Poor’s placed the U.S. on “CreditWatch Negative” based on the rising risk of a policy stalemate. The agencies themselves believe the risk of any payment default by the U.S. government is low, but increasing slightly. «Read the rest of this article»

Securities cautions Retail Investors about Exchange-Traded Funds

July 3, 2011 |

Certain ETFs may not be appropriate for long-term investors
 
Nashville, TN – Exchange–traded funds (ETFs) have grown increasingly popular with retail investors during the last decade. Securities regulators are concerned that investors may not understand how these complex investment products work or the potential risks they may face.

Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities Division today cautioned investors to make sure they understand ETFs before they invest and consider whether these investments are right for them. TDCI’s ETF advisory is available at www.tn.gov/commerce/securities/.  «Read the rest of this article»

Our view: The updated redevelopment plan still has major flaws

March 5, 2008 |

We took an in-depth look at the proposed modifications to the blight ordinance and redevelopment plan, and discovered the new plan has the exact same issues which made the old plan so objectionable. We have included it in full below, and have highlighted in red items that we feel should be of concern to the average citizen, and especially to the property owners in the affected areas. We feel that you will agree it is a lot of red.

It’s also of some concern that they are now also looking at implementing plans along the “Madison corridor” and Riverside drive in addition to the massive downtown plan. We have serious doubts that city and the developer interests which are behind them, will be interested in stopping with just those sections of Clarksville.

Here’s Mayor Piper talking about his modifications to the Redevelopment plan…

Yes, our city needs conduct some targeted redevelopment, but they should not attempt to accomplish it in this capricious manner. «Read the rest of this article»

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