Slope of Hope Blog Posts

Slope initially began as a blog, so this is where most of the website’s content resides. Here we have tens of thousands of posts dating back over a decade. These are listed in reverse chronological order. Click on any category icon below to see posts tagged with that particular subject, or click on a word in the category cloud on the right side of the screen for more specific choices.

Friday’s Advance GDP Projections and Gold

By -

The Advance GDP q/q estimate for Q1 of 2013 is forecast at 3.0%, as shown on the graph below…up from the 0.4% revised data reported for Q4 of 2012…and it is being released on Friday, April 26 at 8:30 am EST.

As you can see, the GDP numbers have been in a downtrend from January of 2010. If such a rise were to occur as forecast, it would penetrate above this trend, but would still lie within the 3-year range. It would take a higher number for the next quarterly report (for Q2) to confirm that the current downtrend has, in fact, been broken. (more…)

Money Flow for April Week Three

By -

Volatility, profit-taking, mayhem, and tragedy…this is how I’d summarize the events that took place in world markets, as well as on American soil, this past week. My deepest sympathies go out to those law enforcement, fire fighting, and civilian victims who died or were injured in connection with the Boston marathon bombings and the Texas fertilizer plant explosions, and to all their friends and families. My thoughts and prayers are with you…may we all find answers to these terrible tragedies, and, may all those who are responsible, be brought to justice. (more…)

BOC Maintains Interest Rate & Lowers 2013 Forecast

By -

The Bank of Canada maintained its overnight interest rate at 1% today (Wednesday), cut its 2013 economic growth forecast to 1.5% from 2%, and raised its 2014 economic growth forecast to 2.8% from 2.7%.

As I write this at 10:30 am EST, most of the commodities in my list are down and Canada’s TSX Index is down 103.21 from yesterday’s close. Most world market indices are also down. (more…)