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HomeMy WebLinkAbout70888 (2)2014 City of Palm Desert �)� , � eJXE'Q,'fX!/'ff!' �.1 �_jllUf'��>IlE'Ilf ��C�l�l ECONOMIC COMMENTARY On March 19, Federal Open Market Committee Chair Yellen stated that the Fed would probably raise short-term interest rates six months after its bond-buying program ends. Yellen's comments implied that a rate increase might come as early as April 2015 (investors were expecting late 2015). The resuit was a change in the yield curve, with yields on two- and three-year Treasuries rising, and yields on 30-year Treasuries falling. This reflected market perceptions of higher short-term interest rates, and lower inflation risks. Two weeks later, Yellen sought to reassure markets that the Fed would continue to keep short-term interest rates low in order to support a weak job market. The Fed is doing a delicate balancing act between supporting the economic recovery and triggering another financiai bubble or inflation. According to Wells Fargo Securities, the Fed's quantitative easings have boosted asset prices (housing and stocks) more than they have the economy's underlying fundamentals. Asset price increases are intended to encourage consumer spending through a perceived "wealth effect." The U.S. economy does not receive the full benefit of such spending, however, since most of the goods being purchased are made in foreign countries (the U.S. is a net importer). Fed minutes show that the Fed remains concerned about persistently low levels of inflation. Tepid inflation is associated with low wage gains, excess business capacity, and weak global demand. This restrains investment and hiring. .r�s ��, e.e..�c��: � City Treasurer "` Certified California Municipal Treasurer Thousands of Dollars Month-End Book Value $ Month-End Market Value $ Paper Gain (Loss) $ Prior Year Book Variance $ Interest Earnings (W/O Cash $ Yield-To-Maturity Weighted Maturity (Days) Effective Duration PORTFOLIO STATISTICS 217,385 $ 220,165 $ 213,310 $ 217,385 $ 220,165 $ 213,310 $ - $ - $ - $ 19,442 $ 18,825 $ 15,125 $ 53 $ 46 $ 48 $ 0.31 % 0.29% 0.29% 1 1 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 All data as of March 31, 2014 208,660 208,660 16,574 47 0.28% 1 0.00 ��. �.i�.��<� Markets Team City Treasurer Paul S. Gibson, C.C.M.T. Deputy City Treasurer Thomas W. Jeffrey, J.D., M.B.A. Investment Obiectives The treasurer shall invest all public monies in a manner that ensures safety of principal; sufficient liquidity to finance the City's expenditures; and the highest yield possible after the previous two objectives have been met. $ 201,302 $ 202,645 $ 201,302 $ 202,645 $ - $ - $ 6,521 $ 7,589 $ 49 $ 53 0.30% 0.31 % 1 1 0.00 0.00