BY: MARSHALL BARTLETT
Senior Vice President / Portfolio Manager
(615) 591-0611 mbartlett@argenttrust.com
Announced this morning, the Consumer Price Index increased 0.1% for September and has grown 2.3% on an annual basis, a bit less than expected. The core rate, which excludes food and energy, also increased 0.1% for September and 2.2% on an annual basis, also both below forecasts. Despite the concern for higher inflation, this measure remains in check, a bit lower than expected, and only slightly higher than the 2% target for core stated by the Federal Reserve. Hopefully inflation measures will stay this way, allowing the Federal Reserve to be flexible with the speed of interest rate increases. Meanwhile, markets were volatile yesterday as investors digest increasing interest rates, Federal Reserve policy, and a continuing trade skirmish with China. While painful,
pullbacks can be healthy and highlight the importance of a diversified portfolio focused on the long‐term. In all, equity futures, while lower, have improved from levels seen earlier in the morning as we head into the market open.
This information has been prepared by Argent Trust to highlight issues which may be of interest to the recipient and is not intended as legal, investment or tax advice. You are urged to seek legal, tax and accounting counsel for your particular situation before acting on topics discussed here. At Argent Trust, we assist our clients in managing and enhancing their wealth. Please call us at 615.591.0044 with questions or to schedule a meeting. © 2018 Argent Financial.