As Thanksgiving 2008 arrived, there seemed little to be thankful for this year. However, regardless of circumstances, there is always much to be thankful for each day and this day gives us a chance to reflect on the positive.
Let's just take one change we can all celebrate. I'm speaking, of course, about gas and oil prices. They are down dramatically. Gas prices for regular are now under $1.99 a gallon in Pittsfield, cheaper elsewhere in Massachusetts. That's more than a 50 % drop since July. A barrel of oil now goes for under $60, far from the $147 barrel high. And diesel prices are down substantially as well. (See our sidebars on AAA Gas Prices and Locators to determine prices in your area.)
The bleak consumer situation in July for oil and gas has been substantially relieved. Will it continue? Who would dare predict? All bets are off! Still we are Thankful for this relief this Thanksgiving. More money is in the pocket of the consumer and the small business. People are reluctant to spend; credit is tight; people are worried. City and State governments are worried about what 2009 will bring.
So while gas prices are declining, let us rejoice for that. Reports are spreading that with gas prices down, automotive sales may be increasing even for SUVs, which have been languishing on dealer lots.
Be worried; be careful; be thankful; get prepared for 2009.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November 2008 - A Time of Transition
November was a time of transition for the U.S. economy.
Throughout the month the economy took a continuing downward trend into Recession and some proclaimed the worst trends since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The housing and automotive markets have continued to slide. The Treasury Department and Congress has said no for the time being to a bailout of the automotive industry. Detroit's big three wants an additional $25 billion to help with debtors. Congress has told Detroit, it will need a concrete plan on how monies will help to be presented in December.
The stock market continued to decine, half of what it was a year ago. Major banks such as Citigroup have had their stock values slide to all time lows, below $5 a share. Citigroup applied for $20 billion more and received it from the Treasury in return for preferred stock and promise of repayment. Still even with this infusion, Citigroup is only trading at$8.29 a share at the time of this writing. This does reflect doubling since the Monday announcement of the $20 billion.
While there is some optimism with respect to Citigroup, the housing loan credit default swaps that got it into trouble have not and will not go away. There is a very long way to go. But as with AIG, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, Citigroup is "too big to let fail.
On other fronts the long political campaign saw the Democratic Party continue to reverse the Republican Party's hold majority representation. Barack Obama handily defeated John McCain as millions voted for a change in direction. President elect Obama has quickly moved to appoint a transitional team and cabinet that reflects recruitment from the last 3 adminstrations. Obama clearly sees economic recovery as central to his administration. Small and large businesses will be looking closely at the Obama appointments and programs as will labor and countless unrepresented populations, which will be vieing for attention.
That the economy has been turbulent and volatile is an understatement. All are looking for positive signs. The last week of November has seen some restoration in the market. But credit and loans is still a problem. There were bleak forecasts for retail but the post Thanksgiving retail market held steady over the weekend. Time will tell where it will go.
December will continue to represent this transitional phase. Which way for 2009 is the big question?
Throughout the month the economy took a continuing downward trend into Recession and some proclaimed the worst trends since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The housing and automotive markets have continued to slide. The Treasury Department and Congress has said no for the time being to a bailout of the automotive industry. Detroit's big three wants an additional $25 billion to help with debtors. Congress has told Detroit, it will need a concrete plan on how monies will help to be presented in December.
The stock market continued to decine, half of what it was a year ago. Major banks such as Citigroup have had their stock values slide to all time lows, below $5 a share. Citigroup applied for $20 billion more and received it from the Treasury in return for preferred stock and promise of repayment. Still even with this infusion, Citigroup is only trading at$8.29 a share at the time of this writing. This does reflect doubling since the Monday announcement of the $20 billion.
While there is some optimism with respect to Citigroup, the housing loan credit default swaps that got it into trouble have not and will not go away. There is a very long way to go. But as with AIG, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, Citigroup is "too big to let fail.
On other fronts the long political campaign saw the Democratic Party continue to reverse the Republican Party's hold majority representation. Barack Obama handily defeated John McCain as millions voted for a change in direction. President elect Obama has quickly moved to appoint a transitional team and cabinet that reflects recruitment from the last 3 adminstrations. Obama clearly sees economic recovery as central to his administration. Small and large businesses will be looking closely at the Obama appointments and programs as will labor and countless unrepresented populations, which will be vieing for attention.
That the economy has been turbulent and volatile is an understatement. All are looking for positive signs. The last week of November has seen some restoration in the market. But credit and loans is still a problem. There were bleak forecasts for retail but the post Thanksgiving retail market held steady over the weekend. Time will tell where it will go.
December will continue to represent this transitional phase. Which way for 2009 is the big question?
Berkshire Bank Applies For Bailout Money
November saw continued effects of the economic crisis, only this time it is Pittsfield's own Berkshire Bank.
In an article, Berkshire Bank has applied for $40 million from U.S. financial bailout, dated November 21, in the Berkshire Eagle, Tony Dobrowolski reported that President and CEO, Michael Daly said that "funding from the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP is available only to banks that are financially strong. Berkshire Bank had $333 million in capital during the third quarter and has posted record earnings this year...The idea of TARP has been to find the strongest banks they can to access additional capital. The stronger banks (then) can use their capital reserves to help weaker banks that may be looking for lending partners."
Dobrowolski also reported Daly's intentions should the federal application be accepted. The bank will invest the money while looking for loan opportunities.
According to Berkshire Bank's website, the bank has $2.5 billion dollars total assets, $781 million in assets under management, and 38 branches, and that it is the largest bank headquartered in Western Massachusetts. It is also heavily involved in business and communitiy activities in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
To date this is the only western Massachusetts bank to take advantage of the Federal $700 billion bailout.
In an article, Berkshire Bank has applied for $40 million from U.S. financial bailout, dated November 21, in the Berkshire Eagle, Tony Dobrowolski reported that President and CEO, Michael Daly said that "funding from the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP is available only to banks that are financially strong. Berkshire Bank had $333 million in capital during the third quarter and has posted record earnings this year...The idea of TARP has been to find the strongest banks they can to access additional capital. The stronger banks (then) can use their capital reserves to help weaker banks that may be looking for lending partners."
Dobrowolski also reported Daly's intentions should the federal application be accepted. The bank will invest the money while looking for loan opportunities.
According to Berkshire Bank's website, the bank has $2.5 billion dollars total assets, $781 million in assets under management, and 38 branches, and that it is the largest bank headquartered in Western Massachusetts. It is also heavily involved in business and communitiy activities in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
To date this is the only western Massachusetts bank to take advantage of the Federal $700 billion bailout.
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