INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
What is Moving the Dollar?
Over the past year, President Trump has repeatedly blamed the Federal Reserve for setting rates too high and strengthening the US dollar.
by Laura Fox
PMA Securities Ranked #1 in Wisconsin for Top Financial Advisors, First Half of 2019
Milwaukee, Wis. – October 18, 2019- The Public Finance Group of PMA Securities, LLC has been ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin for “Top Financial Advisors, First Half of 2019,” by The Bond Buyer. The Wisconsin Public Finance Group completed bond issues in the aggregate amount of $581.2 million during this time period.
by Laura Fox
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
Consumers Feeling Headwinds
Consumer spending has trended down since March and Consumer Confidence declined in September for the second consecutive month.
by Laura Fox
Recent News
U.S., China Escalate Trade War
In August, President Trump announced a new 15% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese goods set to go into effect in September and December of 2019.
by Laura Fox
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
Bond Market Volatility
The U.S. Treasury market experienced a surge in volatility in August as displayed by the Merrill Lynch MOVE Index. Despite this volatility, corporate spreads widened only modestly.
by Laura Fox
ICBA and PMA Funding Extend Preferred Service Provider Agreement
Washington, D.C. – August 20, 2019 –The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced it has extended its ICBA Preferred Service Provider agreement with PMA Funding (PMA), continuing a long relationship that provides community banks with a valuable service to manage their liquidity needs through stable, flexible funding alternatives.
by Laura Fox
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
Inflation Expectations in Focus
Inflation expectations increased following the June Fed meeting as the Fed signalized a more dovish stance. However, 5-year and 10-year inflation breakeven rates began declining in advance of the Fed’s July meeting as global growth concerns rose.
by Laura Fox
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
Stocks and Treasuries Diverge
Stock and bond markets are expressing divergent views of the future. Typically, stock prices and bond yields rise together. Bond yields began to decline in the 4th quarter of 2018 and stocks declined as expected. However, stocks recovered in late December while bond yields have continued to fall.
by Laura Fox
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES: FEATURED MARKET DATA
Personal Income & Spending Surprise to Upside
The recent Personal Income and Spending report showed that consumers, who represent over half of the U.S. economy, exceeded forecasts for income and spending in April. This healthy increase followed strong spending in March, which was the best monthly increase since 2009.
by Laura Fox
Recent News
Fed Issues Warning About Leveraged Lending
In May, the Federal Reserve released a report that identified rising sales of leveraged loans as a top vulnerability facing the U.S. financial system.
by Laura Fox 