FOURTH QUARTER REVIEW…
The Federal Reserve pulled the trigger. At the December Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the Fed finally acted, tightening monetary policy by raising the funds rate from 0.25 percent to 0.50 percent. It’s important to remember the Fed doesn’t actually set interest rates. It takes actions designed to influence financial behaviors. The Fed has given rates a push, it remains to be seen whether its efforts will bear fruit.
The European Central Bank (ECB) acted, too. Although, its monetary policy moved in a different direction, offering additional stimulus measures to support European economies. Investors were enthusiastic when the ECB announced its intentions; however, markets were underwhelmed when the economic measures delivered were less stimulative than many had expected.
China’s currency gained status. The International Monetary Fund decided to add the Chinese yuan (a.k.a. the renminbi) to its Special Drawing Rights basket, effective October 1, 2016. After the renminbi is added, the U.S. dollar will comprise 42 percent of the basket, the euro will be 31 percent, the renminbi will be 11 percent, the Japanese yen will be 8 percent, and the British pound will also be 8 percent.
Congress tweaked Social Security. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA) averted a U.S. default and deferred further discussion of U.S. debt and spending levels until after 2016’s presidential and congressional elections. It also did away with two popular social security claiming strategies. The restricted application strategy was discontinued at the end of 2015, and file and suspend strategies will be unavailable after May 1, 2016.
Medicare premiums go up, but not for everyone. The BBA also limited increases in Medicare premiums. About 14 percent of Medicare beneficiaries will pay higher premiums in 2016. The new premium will be $121.80, up from $104.90 in 2015. Original proposals suggested the premium amount increase to $159.30.
Weekly Focus – Think About It
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
–Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher
Source:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-idUSKBN0TY2EX20151218
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/43f6507c-9f68-11e5-beba-5e33e2b79e46.html#axzz3uA9sho6V (Markets tabs, select Capital Mkts)
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2015/NEW120115A.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-social-security-and-medicare-just-got-stronger/
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laotzu121075.html?src=t_change
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