Author Archives: Jim Sutliff

Payroll Tax Cut Extension –

Posted on 17. December 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Senate passed a two month extension of the payroll tax cut.  On Saturday, the measure passed the Senate with a vote of 89-10.  The payroll tax cut amounts to a two percent drop from 6.2% to 4.2%.   An increase in fees … Continue reading →

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Budget Deal –

Posted on 12. December 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Republican and Democratic officials have agreed on a spending bill through October 1st 2012.  Specific details of the agreement are expected to be released on Tuesday.  The measure still requires approval of the Senate and the House of Representatives.  The current spending bill … Continue reading →

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Payroll Tax Bill Blocked By Senate –

Posted on 8. December 2011 by Jim Sutliff

A measure supported by the Democrats that would cut the payroll tax was blocked in the Senate.  The bill only received 50 votes and needed 60 votes to move forward.  The payroll tax on the first $110,100 would have fallen to 3.1% from … Continue reading →

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Barney Frank To Retire –

Posted on 28. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Congressman Barney Frank has announced that he will not seek another term. Frank has been in Congress for 16 terms and was expected to retire in 2014. Redistricting played a role in his decision to retire in 2012. Newly drawn congressional maps shifted his district … Continue reading →

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Belgium Downgraded –

Posted on 25. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Standard and Poor’s downgraded Belguim debt to AA.  The downgrade forced the 10 year yield to 5.832% in Friday trading.  Belgium debt started the week trading at 4.817%. To read a related Reuters article, please click here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/25/us-belgium-sp-idUSTRE7AO1F220111125 James Sutliff

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Italy Set To Vote On Budget –

Posted on 11. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Italy is set to vote on debt reduction measures to lower their debt level and increase investor confidence.  Currently, Italy has $2.6 trillion in debt and has a bond yield near 7%.  Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is expected to step … Continue reading →

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ECB Italian Bond Purchases –

Posted on 5. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The European Central Bank is discussing the possibility of halting Italian bond purchases.  European Central Bank officials are determining if the Italian government is following through with the changes it promised the European Union.  The bond buying program by the ECB has … Continue reading →

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Greek Referendum Plan –

Posted on 1. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Prime Minister of Greece surprised the financial markets by calling for a referendum on the bailout plan.  Prime Minister George Papandreou has suffered a loss of some support in his party.  The call for a referendum has sent the Euro and … Continue reading →

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Consumer Spending Increases –

Posted on 28. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

According to the Commerce Department, consumer spending rose 0.6% in September.  The increase came after a slight 0.2% gain in August.  Strong fourth quarter numbers would be more indicative of economic growth. To read a related Reuters article, please click here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/28/us-usa-economy-idUSTRE79O4A620111028 … Continue reading →

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Nevada Debate –

Posted on 20. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Nevada GOP debate was the 8th meeting since May 5th for the Republican candidates.  The candidates tax plans took center stage with the Cain 9-9-9 plan coming under fire.  Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that he will be releasing his tax plan which is … Continue reading →

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Europe Plan Gains Support –

Posted on 16. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Global finance chiefs are showing support for a plan to address the European sovereign debt crisis.  A more complete plan may be presented by the October 23rd summit in Brussels. The plan is expected to include writing down as much as 50% … Continue reading →

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Iowa GOP Caucus-

Posted on 9. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Iowa Republican caucuses are expected to be moved to January 3rd 2012.  The date of the Iowa GOP caucus was moved after Florida set their primary date at January 31st.   The Nevada caucuses are scheduled for January 14th and the South Carolina … Continue reading →

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Moody’s Downgrades Italian Debt –

Posted on 4. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Moody’s downgraded Italian government debt from Aa2 to A2 with a negative outlook.  Moody’s cited the increase in long-term funding risks for Euro nations with high levels of debt.  Also, the weak global economic outlook was part of the rationale for … Continue reading →

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Florida Moves Republican Primary –

Posted on 2. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Florida Republicans haved moved the Republican Presidential primary to January 31st.  The move is expected to cost Florida Republicans half of their delegates.  Several other states are considering moving their Republican primaries earlier in the nominating process.  The earlier primary date … Continue reading →

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Senate Avoids Shutdown –

Posted on 28. September 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The U.S. Senate voted 79-16 in support of legislation to finance the government.  The legislation also includes $2.65 billion in disaster assistance.  The measure will finance the government through November 18th.  The House is expected to vote on the legislation on … Continue reading →

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