A bitcoin could be purchased for $1,000 on January 1st, 2017 and sold for $14,377 on December 31st, yielding over a 1,338% return. The currency took a dip at the end of the year. Had an investor sold at its peak of $20,089 on December 17th, her return would equal 1,909%! Bitcoin is a digital currency that has an electronic payment system. It was created in 2009 and has sparked increasing interest as more retailers choose to accept bitcoin for payment. More

I love Christmas. I enjoy spending more than one day with my family, attending parties, reading Christmas cards, and of course the tradition of exchanging gifts – both the giving and receiving. But for our family gift giving has gone a little over the top! This year we hope to emphasize being together and enjoying each other’s presence. That doesn’t mean More

Improvements in the U.S. economy have boosted consumer confidence to a 17 year high. The Conference Board released its Consumer Confidence Survey on November 29th. Economic growth exceeds 3% per quarter. Unemployment has fallen to its lowest level since 2000. Personal incomes are increasing. Inflation remains low. But economists are beginning to see signs we are nearing the end of the economy’s record expansion. Labor markets are getting tighter. This quarter the economy passed the Congressional More

President Trump nominated Jerome Powell as the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve on November 2nd. On Tuesday he testified before the Senate Banking Commission. It is very likely he will be confirmed by the Senate and replace Janet Yellen in February. Who is Mr. Powell? Why did President Trump choose him? Will his leadership change recent monetary policy? What challenges will he face? More