Jeff Christian, managing partner of CPM Group and a veteran commodities analyst, is arguing that the U.S. economy is showing multiple signs of decline.Speaking in a February 5 interview with David Lin, Christian singled out the weakening labor market, persistent inflation pressure, and growing political uncertainty as setting the stage for heightened volatility across financial markets in 2026.The discussion also touched on the fact that declining interest rates typically support equities, but the analyst a ...

Norfolk, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virginia’s economy is facing increasing headwinds and growth in Hampton Roads is projected to slow according to the 2026 Annual Economic Forecast presented by economists from the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy in the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University on January 28.  More than 350 of the region’s business and community leaders gathered in Chartway Arena to hear how Bob McNab, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Economi ...

Key Points Some of these ETFs are heavily invested in defensive sectors. When combined, these ETFs offer instant diversification. Some of these ETFs invest in companies that have increased dividends year over year. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money Although recessions are normal parts of the business cycle, anyone who has lived through one can tell you it could be financially devastating. These are periods associated with economic decline, rise in unem ...

Core Message - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for patience regarding the administration's tariffs, asserting that they will eventually lead to the re-industrialization of the U.S. economy [1][6] Economic Impact - The short-term economic outlook depends on whether tariffs minimally impact inflation and effectively promote U.S. manufacturing [2] - Since the implementation of tariffs, the U.S. has lost 72,000 manufacturing jobs, indicating that the tariffs have not yet achieved the desired manufacturing revival [4] - Despite the job losses, the economy has shown resilience, with growth continuing and inflation remaining above 2% without surging, contrary to initial recession predictions [5] Manufacturing Response - Bessent reported that numerous factories have begun construction in response to the tariffs, which aim to favor domestic manufacturing over imports, although these factories will take time to become operational [3][6] - Business leaders have expressed concerns about hiring and expansion due to tariff-related uncertainties, with many manufacturers reporting that import taxes have complicated long-term planning [5]

A whopping 80% of Americans are worried to some degree about a potential recession, according to a 2025 survey from financial association MDRT. While nobody can predict the future, downturns are a natural part of the market cycle. It's uncertain when the next slump will begin, but it's inevitable that we'll face one at some point. And when that happens, there are two powerhouse Vanguard ETFs I'll personally be stocking up on. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they belie ...

U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in January, sinking to its lowest level since 2014 as worries about personal finances and the broader economy intensified, per Associated Press, as quoted on Yahoo Finance.Confidence Index CratersThe Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index plunged 9.7 points to 84.5 in January. All five components of the index deteriorated during the month. Consumers’ assessment of present economic conditions declined 9.9 points to 113.7.Expectations Signal Recessio ...

Core Thesis - The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged in the latest meeting, raising questions about whether this decision could be a mistake [1] Economic Outlook - The economy appears to be performing well at present, but there are concerns that this situation could change rapidly [1]

Economic Outlook - The U.S. economy is projected to grow again in 2026, avoiding recession, with AI spending becoming a key driver of GDP growth, contributing over 1% of GDP through various sectors [3][7] - Despite rising unemployment and inflation, the overall economic landscape remains diverse and has significant growth potential, with the U.S. economy valued at approximately $30 trillion [7] Labor Market Dynamics - The U.S. unemployment rate has increased to 4.4% from 4% a year ago, with over 1.2 million job losses reported in 2025, marking it as the 7th worst year for layoffs since 1989 [5] - The labor market is characterized by "low hiring, low firing," which is negatively impacting consumer sentiment [1] Consumer Confidence - Consumer confidence has sharply declined, reaching its lowest level since March 2014, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties and economic conditions [6] - The Conference Board consumer confidence index fell significantly, reflecting deteriorating expectations and current situation perceptions among consumers [6] Inflation and Economic Disparities - Consumer Price Inflation has risen to 2.7% from 2.3% in April, exacerbated by tariff-driven inflation [5] - The economy exhibits a K-shaped recovery, where high-income households are faring better than lower-middle-class households amid increasing layoffs [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investment potential of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund (ASG), highlighting its current discount to net asset value (NAV) and the strong performance of its underlying portfolio, suggesting it is a compelling buy opportunity in the current market environment [1]. Group 1: Market Performance and Economic Indicators - The S&P 500 is expected to yield around 12% returns in 2026, with a notable 13.4% return over the past 12 months, outperforming its long-term average of 10.6% [1]. - The US GDP rose by 4.4% in the third quarter, with projections indicating over 5% growth for Q4, significantly above the average annual growth rate of 3% [1]. - The influence of AI on productivity is noted as a contributing factor to the market's performance, suggesting that the current market conditions do not support the notion of a bubble [1]. Group 2: Liberty All-Star Growth Fund (ASG) Analysis - ASG is currently trading at a 9.8% discount to its NAV, which is the largest discount in three years, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1]. - The fund's NAV has appreciated by 11.5% annually over the past decade, indicating strong long-term performance [1]. - ASG's management aims to pay dividends based on NAV, targeting an annual payout of 8% of NAV, which has remained stable due to the fund's strong performance [1]. Group 3: Investment Strategy and Outlook - The article suggests that the persistent strong gains in ASG's NAV over the last three years, which totaled about 12%, indicate that the current discount is likely to narrow, presenting a buying opportunity [1]. - The fund's portfolio includes high-quality US blue chips such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Apple, as well as midcap stocks, enhancing its attractiveness [1]. - The article emphasizes that the current market conditions and ASG's performance metrics suggest a favorable environment for investment in the fund [1].

Core Insights - U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since 2014, dropping 9.7 points to 84.5 in January, below pandemic-era lows [1][2] Group 1: Consumer Confidence Index - The January reading of 84.5 is the lowest since May 2014, when the index was at 82.2, and it has fallen below the worst levels recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic [2] - All five components of the consumer confidence index deteriorated, indicating a broad decline in consumer sentiment [3][8] Group 2: Present Situation and Expectations - The present situation index decreased by 9.9 points to 113.7, reflecting worsened perceptions of current business and labor market conditions [5] - The expectations index fell by 9.5 points to 65.1, significantly below the 80 threshold that typically signals an impending recession [5][6] Group 3: Demographic Insights - The decline in consumer confidence was widespread across political affiliations, with the sharpest drop observed among Independents [8] - Confidence levels varied by age and income, with consumers under 35 showing more optimism compared to older groups, while those earning less than $15,000 remained the least optimistic [9] Group 4: Financial Outlook - Consumers' views on their current financial situation improved slightly in January, but expectations for future financial conditions declined [12] - The proportion of consumers believing a recession is "very likely" in the next year increased, while those who think a recession is "not likely" decreased [13][14]