FUN with Numbers
THE BEST PERFORMING MONTHS: 67% of the HOW ABOUT US?: The auto industry is hoping to
total return for the S&P 500 generated over the last 18 convince Congress to authorize $50 billion in low-cost
years (1990-2007) has occurred during the 4-months from loans this month before Congress adjourns in anticipation
October-January. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of of the November elections. The funds would be used to
500 widely held stocks that is generally considered repre- upgrade old auto assembly plants and develop the tech-
sentative of the US stock market (source: BTN Research). nology to meet the new higher fuel standards required for
autos (source: The Detroit News).
DEPENDS: An individual with $1 million invested 100%
in the S&P 500 as of 1/01/73 withdrawing an inflation-ad- BANKING PROBLEMS: 1 out of every 36 mortgage
justed $100,000 at the beginning of each year would have loans was in the foreclosure process nationwide as of
been out of money in 9 years. An individual withdraw- 6/30/08. 1 out of every 71 mortgage loans was in the fore-
ing an inflation-adjusted $100,000 beginning on 1/01/82 closure process nationwide as of 6/30/07 (source: MBA).
would have an accumulation of $4.5 million still remain-
EURO DOWN, DOLLAR UP: 2 months ago today
ing after 26 years (i.e., as of 12/31/07). This calculation
(7/15/08), the euro reached an intraday all-time record
ignores the ultimate impact of taxes on the account which
high of $1.6038, i.e., $1 = 0.6235 euros. As trading begins
are due upon withdrawal, is for illustrative purposes only
today, the euro has fallen to $1.4227, i.e., the value of $1
and is not intended to reflect any specific investment or
has risen to 0.7029 euros or a gain of +13% for the US dol-
performance. Actual results will fluctuate with market
lar. The rising dollar value may make it difficult for US ex-
conditions and will vary (source: BTN Research).
porters to compete in the future as it theoretically makes
CHANGE STREAK: The S&P 500 had back-to-back the cost of our exports higher (source: BTN Research).
trading days last week where the index’s closing value
BEN’S FED: The Fed’s 6th of 8 scheduled meetings for
was either up or down at least 2% from the previous day’s
calendar year 2008 will take place tomorrow (9/16/08).
close. In the last 50 years, the longest streak of “trading
The Fed also held 1 unscheduled meeting this year on
days with at least a 2% change” was 7 straight days dur-
1/22/08. The vote taken at the end of the last 8 Fed meet-
ing the month of October 1987 (source: BTN Research).
ings has resulted in at least 1 dissenting vote from a com-
BIG TAKEOVER: The US government established a mittee member. Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher has
conservatorship last week for mortgage giants Fannie voted against the majority opinion at each of the last 5
Mae and Freddie Mac, i.e., the control and oversight of meetings (source: Federal Reserve).
both companies is now the responsibility of the govern-
FROM SENATE TO WHITE HOUSE: Either Senator
ment for an unlimited period of time. As much as $200
Barack Obama (IL) or Senator John McCain (AZ) will be-
billion of tax dollars may be required to keep the 2 com-
come the 44th President of the United States following our
panies in business. By comparison, the bailout of the
nationwide 11/04/08 election. Since 1960 when Senator
savings and loan industry that began in 1986 cost US tax-
John F. Kennedy (MA) won the presidential election, every
payers $280 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars (source:
US president has either been a governor or the vice presi-
Treasury Department, Wall Street Journal).
dent before becoming president (source: White House).
72
www.coloradohomeownermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87