Income Inequality – during the first 70 years of the 20th century the ‘top 1%’ share of income dropped below 10% of the total pie. Over the previous 50 years it has rocketed back up to 20%. Alarmingly, a similar trend is absent in Western Europe. Rather than focus on tax-code redistribution of wealth, Europe has focused on strengthening workers bargaining power and minimum wages. Broad access to education and healthcare is also common place. For more information see this conference.
Rates – and the 10 year treasury fluctuated this week in response to trade talks with China going back and forth. The upward trend from early October continues.
Jobs – the BLS Jobs report for November was another strong one. Average weekly earnings increased significantly from 2.7% to 3.1% year over year.
Appreciation – Corelogic backed of their 5.6% year-over-year appreciation forecast from last month adjusting down slightly to 5.4%. If that forecast played out a home worth $350,000 today would be worth $368,900 in 12 months.