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HomeMy WebLinkAbout71143 (2)2014 ECONOMIC COMMENTARY City of Palm Desert / Q� �`) >'cGl,1'�l/l'�>' � c_/ l7I�P��II1 �%7� � �C� 1'I �Z. / �,i�XLI The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met on April 30, and cut another $10 billion from its bond buying program, reducing bond purchases to $45 billion per month. The FOMC also reaffirmed that short-term interest rates would remain near zero for a considerable time after the Fed ends its bond buying program in late 2014. Global bond rates plunged as skeptical investors sought refuge from sluggish U.S. and European economies. The yield on a 10-year U.S. Treasury Note fell to 2.52% -- the lowest levei this year. Despite years of monetary stimulus, the U.S. housing market remains relatively depressed; hiring has not picked up; and inflation is well below expectations. First quarter U.S. economic growth was worse than expected. Although originally estimated at 0.1 %, many economists believe that this figure will be lowered to show a contraction in economic activity. Business investment, government spending, and exports continue to lag. Higher home prices, higher interest rates, and tighter lending standards have led to a slowdown in housing. Wells Fargo Securities reports that homeownership has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years. Stagnant wage and job growth play a key role in this. Finally, a new study from the Brookings Institute suggests that the U.S. economy is less entrepreneurial than at any point in the last 30 years, with businesses being destroyed at a faster rate than they are being created. ✓au�S. l�'r�c�c, C'.C'.✓1�1.✓`' �` Ciry Treasurer " Cerfified 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 218,499 218,499 18,738 50 0.29% 1 0.00 Markets Team City Treasurer Paul S. Gibson, C.C.M.T. Deputy City Treasurer Thomas W. Jeffrey, J.D., M.B.A. Investment The treasurer shall invest ali 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. PORTFOLIO STATISTICS . $ 217,385 $ 220,165 $ 213,310 $ 208,660 $ $ 217,385 $ 220,165 $ 213,310 $ 208,660 $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ $ 19,442 $ 18,825 $ 15,125 $ 16,574 $ $ 53 $ 46 $ 48 $ 47 $ 0.31 % 0.29% 0.29% 0.28% 1 1 1 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 All data as of April 30, 2014 201,302 201,302 6,521 49 0.30% 1 0.00