All Eyes Are On The Fed In 2015

ELK GROVE, Calif. - Jan. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- At this moment every eye is on oil and major U.S. indexes which are in their second day in the deep red sea. Oil has dropped at the fastest pace in years and has now seemed to pass from a benefit to the consumer to a clear and present danger for the stock market.

Two Areas of Concern

The U.S. economy, namely job growth and lending are going to be in focus. Improvements in commercial and consumer lending could signal a stronger economy and lead to further economic growth as well as give strength to the argument that the economy is self sufficient now.

Fed decisions on what percentage to increase rates throughout the year. Analysts peg the number about 1.15% but more are beginning to argue for about .50%. This could be a game changer or back breaker depending on which side of the scale the Fed leans.

This leads to the question, "How do I participate in bonds while minimizing my risk?" If the fed raises rates just slightly high quality and interest rate-sensitive debt will be more impacted than lower-quality debt. The global investor is hunting for growth, yield, and currency stability which could benefit U.S. based investments in certain sectors such as fixed income, convertible bonds, and high yield.

It seems this uncertainty surrounding interest rate policy is having a minimal impact on lending for the moment. Commercial loans grew at nearly 12% through November of 2014 which is far above the 7% growth seen in 2013. Consumer loans also grew hitting 5% and real estate lending hit the positive side after years of declines.

Consumers should base portfolio moves rooted in their risk tolerance. Those with higher risk tolerance may want securities offering higher income and tied to economic conditions rather that interest rate policy. Those more conservative may want to focus on U.S. positions with shorter maturities.


More about Matt:

Matt Golab was recruited to write a chapter in Tom Hopkins recent book, Victory which became a National Best Seller. Matt also received the Editors Choice Award for his contribution to Victory, not every contributor is selected for this high honor.

Matt is an authority on creating innovative tax and investment solutions to help his clients succeed in their retirement years.  The strategies Matt Golab has established and passed on through successful financial planning with hundreds of clients over the years has launched him into the national spotlight.

He is often featured in Retirement Advisor Magazine, a publication which attracts the top financial planners in the country. Matt has been featured in newspapers around the country passing on the principals for a successful retirement. Golab is often asked by national websites that focus on the education of consumers to present his knowledge on the areas of retirement and retirement income plans.

Matt is frequently featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, MSN Money, The San Francisco Chronicle, Newsweek, TheSmartRetiree, Burlington County Times and appeared nationwide on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC as well as USA Today.

Matt has a weekly radio show where he discusses all aspects of retirement planning, total wealth management, and estate strategies. Through his relationship with Retirement Radio Network experts such as David Walker former Comptroller General of the United States, Harry Dent of the H.S. Dent Foundation, John Bogle of the Vanguard Funds and many more have been heard on his show Income Forever.

Golab is the Author of The Consumer's Guide to Planning Your Retirement: Your Guide to Mental Peace and Financial Well Being. Matt Golab continues to expand the geographic reach of his audience and desires to bring his expertise to a nationwide television audience. Matt emphatically states his mission, “I want to change the way Americans view their retirement. They can succeed (stay retired) regardless of what happens in the market".

Contact information for Matt is available at his website, http://www.aaronmatthewsfinancial.com/

Investment Advisory Services offered through Global Financial Private Capital, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.