10/18/2004

Stuck in Neutral

Hello:

The economy appears stuck in neutral; unable to decide if the glass is half full or half empty. On the half full side, retail sales figures surprised to the upside primarily due to strong auto sales. On the half empty side, job growth figures are still coming in below average for a post WWII recovery. The markets appear to be reflecting these figures by remaining stuck in their current trading range.

Are your donors concerned that rising mortgage rates will affect the value of their real estate holdings? Maybe now is a good time for them to talk with their trusted advisors about funding a CRT with their "non-primary residence" properties and create a potential income stream.

Terri G. Millson, CIMC President

Ray Dicius, GEPC LPL Branch Manager