Sharkey, Howes & Javer

This week on “Inside the Economy”, we examine the state of inflation and the future of the bond market. The yield curve continues to normalize as long-term interest rates slowly creep up. Overall inflation has stayed low, but there are sectors that have seen major price inflation. We are still in the midst of a bull market; how do the last 11 months compare to previous bull markets? Investment-grade bonds were a place of comfort during a volatile year, but has that changed in 2021? Tune in to learn more! Key Take-aways: - Textbooks and college tuition led price inflation from 1996-2006 - As industrial and manufacturing production return to pre-pandemic levels, so does U.S. imports and exports - The current bull market is up 75% from the low in March, the second largest bull market return - Leveraged loans and high-yield debt start the year off strong - Paying off all student debt would cost $1.5 trillion