Blog

U.S. productivity is usually shorthand for labor productivity: real output produced per hour worked, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics focusing on the nonfarm business sector because it captures most of the private economy. On the latest official data, nonfarm business labor productivity rose at a 1.8% annualized rate in

Securities-based lending (SBL) has its roots in private banking and margin lending practices that date back decades, but it began to take shape as a distinct wealth management strategy in the late 20th century. Initially, borrowing against a portfolio was largely confined to institutional investors and hedge funds using margin

Yesterday (Mon 3/23), the White House said it would hold off on striking Iranian power plants for five days, pointing to “productive conversations” about ending the war. Stocks jumped and oil prices fell on the news. Iran says no formal talks are happening, but the delay replaced a deadline that

Oil prices have a way of capturing attention particularly when they move sharply or are tied to geopolitical events. When that happens, it is natural to ask whether something more significant is unfolding beneath the surface. The more important question, however, is not what oil is doing today but whether

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its March 18, 2026 meeting by holding the federal funds rate steady at a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, a decision that was widely anticipated by financial markets. The vote was nearly unanimous, with only one dissenting member advocating for a modest rate

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a snapshot of the markets and the state of the economy. Economic Overview Market Returns Asset Class Valuations – Rebalancing Rationale Key Risk Factors We Are Watching Disclaimer The views expressed herein are those of Asset Consulting Group (ACG).

The latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report for January 2026 reinforces a theme that has defined much of the past year: steady but uneven economic momentum, with services-driven inflation remaining the dominant force. Headline PCE rose 0.3% month-over-month and 2.8% year-over-year, while core PCE came in at 0.4% monthly and

Inflation has played a defining role in shaping the U.S. economic landscape throughout history. From the early days of the republic to the modern global economy, changes in the price level have influenced policy decisions, financial markets, and household finances. While often discussed in the context of monthly data releases,

When analyzing the job market data, assessing the health of the labor market requires looking beyond the headline job numbers. Three key factors—employment growth, hours worked, and real wage growth—together provide a clearer picture of how income and labor demand are evolving. Jobs reflect the size of the workforce, hours

Oil has long been one of the most geopolitically sensitive commodities in global markets. From the oil shocks of the 1970s to more recent supply disruptions, political developments have frequently introduced periods of heightened volatility in crude prices. However, history also shows that many of these episodes produce sharp but