05/30/2006

Hello:

Consumer confidence data for April came in slightly higher than expected, but still lower than in March. Rising oil was partly to blame for the falling consumer confidence. The market reacted negatively in early trading.

It appears that the Fed will collect inflation data until the FOMC meeting on June 28th, and so the Fed will not be able to give any early hints as to whether they plan to raise interest rates. It will be important to watch for employment data in June.

Are your donors assets properly titled? Summer is a good time of year for them to review their assets and to see if the titles need updating to reflect a new trust, a new family member or a new interest in philanthropy!

Terri G. Millson, CIMA, CIMC President

Ray Dicius, CSA, GEPC LPL Branch Manager