By Gary C. Sanger, Ph.D., CFA Happy 250th Birthday, America! The U.S. and Iran signed a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding in June, creating a temporary pause in hostilities following several months of conflict. That all recently ended as a result of Iran’s continuing attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has…
By Gary C. Sanger, Ph.D., CFA The lead story here is the US-Israeli attack on Iran. The conflict began February 28, and it continues to date. The Trump administration’s stated goal is to end the war within weeks. So far, despite oil prices rising above $100 per barrel, the global economic effects have been quite…
By Gary C. Sanger, Ph.D., CFA Welcome to 2026! The Federal government shutdown underway at the end of last quarter ended on November 12, lasting a record 43 days. However, funding for most of government was only extended until January 30 under a temporary resolution, so another shutdown is possible. According to the Bureau of…
By Gary C. Sanger, Ph.D., CFA Overall economic conditions have continued to improve this quarter. The new Trump administration brings hope for US economic growth and improved efficiency in government. However, new tariffs, if actually enacted, could raise prices and slow growth. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, US real annualized GDP rose by…