Earnings & GDP Revisions

Earnings season is always a tenuous time, made more so this quarter because a host of important economic data comes out today and government statisticians will make benchmark GDP revisions. Weeks with lots of data are always interesting; but this one has the potential to be more wild than most. Because of the revisions data will change, in some cases all the way back to 1929. The biggest change is treating R&D spending as a form of investment, just like buying equipment. The theory is that it expands the stock of knowledge, which is then used to discover or develop new products. A similar change is being made for art that lasts more than a year - like movies, books, or hit TV shows. The net effect of these revisions will be to boost the level of GDP by about 3%. So with the top-line level of real GDP revised up, get ready because some portion of those who don’t like the president will claim this is part of a conspiracy to make the economy look better than it actually is. Whether or not you are a fan of many recent policy actions, I suggest you tune out the conspiracy-mongers. The changes have been considered for many years and just as easily could have been made under a republican President…except then it would be different people claiming conspiracy. Generally strong corporate earnings have aided the broader US markets. According to Bloomberg data, of the 305 companies in the S&P 500 that had posted quarterly results through Tuesday, 72% had exceeded analysts’ estimates for profit and 55% have topped their respective sales projections. Certainly the month was not without the typical earnings-related setbacks, evidenced by the hit to many of the Agribusiness names yesterday (Tuesday). Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through NBC Securities, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Investment products 1) are not FDIC insured, 2) not guaranteed by any bank and 3) may lose value including a possible loss of principal invested. NBC Securities does not provide legal or tax advice. Recipients should consult with their own legal or tax professional prior to making any decision with a legal or tax consequence. This is not an offer to sell or buy any securities products, nor should it be construed as investment advice or investment recommendations.

77% The earnings premium of a US college graduate compared to a High School grad

A century ago multiple children were a godsend; today large families would be ruinous for most. Until the 19th century big families were not in vogue they were necessary. Children were needed to provide income and security for their parents often as non-compensated labor on the family farm. That dynamic continued into the renaissance of industrialization, as families moved into the cities and kids were employed at a very low wage, in the factories. Since then, children have become less “valuable”. Decades of Federal and state mandated education increased the cost of raising children while child labor laws reduced their income potential. Today many offspring attend pricey pre-schools, followed by private schools as expensive as many universities and then attend college, often staying into their mid-twenties – without contributing a dime of income to the family’s bottom line. College Counts, Alabama’s 529 Plan, is an attractive option for AL residents interested in funding their children’s, or grand children’s, education. Assets are not gifted – they are controlled by the donor. On top of tax deferral on the growth of the assets, Alabama is providing a $5,000 state income tax deduction per 529 account established with College Counts - with a maximum deduction of $10,000 for joint filers for the year in which assets are deposited. Additionally, AL residents do not incur state income taxes on withdrawals, regardless of where the child attends school. For more information shoot me an e-mail. Facts & web sites: • The four-year grad rate for state schools is 31.3% vs. 52.5% at private schools. • Net pricing info for all four-year schools may be found at www.collegeabacus.com • Assistance interpreting college aid letters may also be found at www.collegeabacus.com • To view overall grad rates www.collegecompletionchronicle.com Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through NBC Securities, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Investment products 1) are not FDIC insured, 2) not guaranteed by any bank and 3) may lose value including a possible loss of principal invested. NBC Securities does not provide legal or tax advice. Recipients should consult with their own legal or tax professional prior to making any decision with a legal or tax consequence. This is not an offer to sell or buy any securities products, nor should it be construed as investment advice or investment recommendations.