Author Archives: Jim Sutliff

Government Shutdown Showdown –

Posted on 25. September 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Senate voted 59-36 against a House spending bill.  The Republican bill in the House was designed to cut $1 billion in spending to pay for disaster relief.  Senate Democrats are expected to move for a vote on an alternative … Continue reading →

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Treasury Yields Fall –

Posted on 21. September 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Treasury yields for 30 year bonds fell below 3% for the first time since 2009.  The Federal Reserve announced that it will purchase long term debt and sell shorter term debt in an attempt to spur economic growth.  It is expected … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Economy, General, Regulatory, Treasury | Leave a comment

Senate Increases Debt Ceiling –

Posted on 10. September 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Senate voted 52-45 to increase the debt limit by $500 billion.  The vote came on Thursday night after the jobs speech by Obama and before the NFL season opener.  Democratic Senator Ben Nelson voted with the Republicans and Republican Senators Corker … Continue reading →

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Job Growth Stalls –

Posted on 2. September 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Labor Department released employment figures for the month of August and job growth remained flat.  The data sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average down almost 200 points in afternoon trading.  Another round of stimulus could be discussed at the next meeting of … Continue reading →

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Treasuries Gain In August –

Posted on 31. August 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Treasuries posted their biggest monthly gains since December 2008.  Investors looked towards the safety of US Treasuries even as Standard & Poor’s downgraded US debt.  The yield on a 10 year note fell 60 basis points in the month of August as compared … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrative, Budget, Business, Economy, Federal Reserve, General, Treasury | Leave a comment

Stocks Gain –

Posted on 22. August 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Stocks are trading above the 10,900 mark on Monday as traders speculate on more Fed action.  Also, the possibility that the Federal Reserve will announce another quantitative easing program to counter recessionary concerns have kept Treasury yields at record lows. … Continue reading →

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Bachmann Wins Straw Poll –

Posted on 14. August 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Michelle Bachmann won the Ames straw poll with 4,823 votes.  Ron Paul  came in second with 4,671 votes and Pawlenty finished third with 2,293 votes.  Rick Perry received 718 write-in ballots and is considered a top tier Republican candidate.  Perry announced … Continue reading →

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Munis Downgraded –

Posted on 9. August 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Standard and Poor’s downgraded over 11,000 municipal bonds that are closely tied to the federal government.  The downgrades in the muni market were expected after Standard and Poor’s downgraded U.S debt last Friday.  The munis will now have the AA+ … Continue reading →

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Senate Supports Debt Plan –

Posted on 2. August 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The Senate voted 74-26 in support of the debt plan.  The plan was supported by 46 Democrats and 28 Republicans.  The plan is expected to cut spending by $2.4 trillion and raise the debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion.  However, most of … Continue reading →

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Moody’s Lowers Credit Rating For Greece –

Posted on 25. July 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Moody’s lowered the credit rating for Greece and indicated that they will likely be in default.  After the debt exchange of the EU rescue package, Moody’s may raise the credit rating.  Standard & Poor’s and Fitch rate Greece similarly to … Continue reading →

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Boehner Predicts Compromise –

Posted on 21. July 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Republican John Boehner predicted that the GOP will compromise on raising the debt ceiling.  The House Speaker expects a majority of the Republicans will approve a modified plan proposed by the Senate even without a balanced budget amendment.  According to Democratic … Continue reading →

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Republican McConnell Offers Debt Plan –

Posted on 12. July 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has a backup debt plan in the event that a broader compromise isn’t reached.  The McConnell debt plan would raise the debt ceiling in three increments over the next 18 months.  The plan is a backup … Continue reading →

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Republicans Talk Taxes –

Posted on 6. July 2011 by Jim Sutliff

Republican Representative Eric Cantor indicated that there could be a compromise on tax loopholes.  Republicans and Democrats have been in talks about raising the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling and have been negotiating tax loopholes, tax increases, and spending cuts.  The … Continue reading →

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GOP Gains In North Carolina Redistricting –

Posted on 1. July 2011 by Jim Sutliff

The draft map for redistricting in North Carolina strongly favors Republicans.  The new districts solidify current Republican seats and place four Democratic seats into Republican leaning districts.  The four Democrats that are in danger of losing are Brad Miller, Heath … Continue reading →

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U.S. Firms Head For Tax Havens –

Posted on 24. June 2011 by Jim Sutliff

U.S. firms are heading to tax havens in greater numbers than in the past.  Increased regulations and tax burdens are factors considered by companies that are going public or relocating.  Bermuda and the Caymen Islands are two popular locations for … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrative, Business, Economy, General, International, Regulatory, Tax, Trade | Leave a comment