Common Cents & Probable Case Scenarios on July 31, 2020

July 31, 2020, by John Norris

Despite this week’s dreadful economic data, the sun came up this morning. It seems a sharp reduction in US economy activity over a 3-month time frame doesn’t have much of an impact on the Earth’s rotation. I would submit it doesn’t have any impact, but I am not a planetary scientist, astronomer, or what have you. Heck, I don’t even read my horoscope. Maybe I should in order to make sense the historic 32.9% (annualized)...

Trading Perspectives #99: The Price of Precious Metals

July 29, 2020, by Sara McPherson

The Price of Precious Metals The prices of silver and gold have spiked recently. Gold and silver have historically been methods of exchange and currency. It has really only been within the past several decades that the US dollar has not been backed by silver or gold. Is this recent rally caused by the weakening of the US dollar or investor’s need for store value? Listen here: http://tradingperspectives.libsyn.com/ Don’t have an iOS device? ...

Trading Perspectives #98: Suburban vs Urban Living

July 28, 2020, by Sara McPherson

Suburban vs Urban Living Many residents across the country are leaving city centers and moving to suburban areas of town. Generally, the attraction to living in downtown areas is the cultural amenities. Access to restaurants, theaters, and various social attractions. What happens when the cultural amenities dry up or are not as accessible? It seems the attractiveness begins to fade. Was it the pandemic or the protests that made suburban life attractive again? Will a...

Common Cents & Wearing a Mask on July 24, 2020

July 24, 2020, by John Norris

I think it safe to say people are ‘coming around’ to the idea the economic recovery probably won’t be V-shaped. We might not be talking about a recovery, at all, without another round of some sort of Federal intervention. Further, until there is some sort of readily available vaccine or effective treatment, we are likely going to stumble from outbreak to outbreak, and potential lockdown to potential lockdown. It is all very tiresome, wouldn’t you...

We’re Upgrading!

July 21, 2020, by Lindsey Owens Krausen

In an effort to better serve our clients, our systems will be upgraded. While most of the changes will happen behind the scenes, there will be a period of time when the services you use will be affected. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for our clients. Friday, July 24th through Sunday, July 26th, 2020 Online Banking and Mobile App: The changes will begin on Friday, July 24th at 5:00...

Common Cents & Opening Schools on July 17, 2020

July 17, 2020, by John Norris

Last night, as I was finishing the second section of Robert A. Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, the commentators on the television began discussing the reopening of schools. As I mentioned last week, my wife and I have gotten into something of a routine during the pandemic: I read on my end of the couch and she watches the news on the other. Fortunately, I have the ability to block out ambient (or...

Trading Perspectives #97: Tesla

July 15, 2020, by Sara McPherson

Tesla: What's the Difference? Tesla stock has been performing exceptionally well since the middle of last year. It is now is up over 40% in less than 2 weeks. The immediate thought is, what changed? But it doesn’t seem a lot has changed with Tesla over the past year, so why is their stock performing so well? When you look at the market capitalization of Tesla and compare it to other automobile manufacturers, the difference...

Common Cents & Routines on July 10, 2020

July 10, 2020, by John Norris

My wife and I have settled into a little routine since the start of the pandemic. After work, I read a book on one end of the couch and she watches CNN from the other. Unless the volume on the television is too loud, and it almost never is when she is in charge of the remote, I can normally block out Erin, Anderson, and Chris pretty easily. We never make it all the way...

3rd Quarter 2020 Outlook & Overview

July 9, 2020, by Sara McPherson

At the start of the 2nd Quarter, Oakworth’s Investment Committee made a number of predictions for the quarter. Here are a few of them: Analysts and investors will have a hard time putting a comfortable valuation on the markets because the economic downturn has been so swift and so complete. Although they will be nerve wracking at times, the markets probably won’t experience the same level of panic selling they did during the 1st Quarter....

Trading Perspectives #96: Reshaping the College Experience

July 9, 2020, by Sara McPherson

Reshaping the College Experience Harvard recently announced that all classes will remain online for the fall semester, yet tuition is staying the same. Given Harvard’s reputation, it is almost certain that other colleges will follow suit. How will this change the college experience for students? Will a zoom environment and the ability to record lectures change the way professors teach classes? Lastly, will an adjustment like this effect the value of the college degree? ...