Brentwood TN Real Estate and Homes

This week's economic data is chock full of important reports that could give us hints on whether the economy is slipping into a recession or starting to turn the corner...and the action really heats up in the second half of the week:

• There will be a double dose of inflation news, beginning Wednesday with the Producer Price Index (which measures inflation at the wholesale level) and then Thursday with the Consumer Price Index. CPI measures changes in the price level of consumer goods and services purchased by households, and this report will tell us if there has been a pick up in prices. If any inflationary signs appear, it could put a dent in Bond prices and home loan rates.
• Retail Sales for August will also be reported on Wednesday. This gives the investor a gauge on how consumer spending is holding up in these tough times.
• Thursday brings a double dose of news about the manufacturing sector, with Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization and the Philadelphia Fed Index.
• Also on Thursday, we'll see another Weekly Initial Jobless Claims Report. Last week's claims equaled 414,000, above that important 400,000 level which indicates real improvement in the labor market.
• Ending the week, Consumer Sentiment will be delivered on Friday-and after the previous reading, any gain will be met with open arms.

Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.

As you can see in the chart below, Bonds and Home loan rates were able to end the week above an important technical level due to continued problems in Europe. If you're wondering if you can take advantage of this situation, now is a great time to call or email me and learn more.

Stop Kidding Yourself…
And Start Managing Your Stress

Just about everyone experiences stress and anxiety on some level. High-pressure jobs, relationship issues, and financial worries are just some of the causes of chronic stress. But the real issue is whether you're managing it correctly. The following information can help you do just that!

What Is Stress?

First, let’s define what we’re talking about. Stress is the body's way of coping with immediate danger. When confronted by immediate danger, nearly every system in our body modifies itself for the sake of survival. The brain releases hormones that have control over organs, including the heart and lungs, as well as functions such as circulation and digestion.

Why Does it Matter?

The reality is, when you’re facing a short-term crisis, acute stress can actually benefit you. By having a heart that's capable of beating faster and lungs that can take in more oxygen, the human body is able to react in a fight or flight manner during an emergency. Problems occur, however, when stress is experienced over a long duration—which can wreak havoc on your mind and body.

5 Tips for Reducing Stress

If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress, it is important that you make a commitment to changing certain aspects of your life. Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Identify the Source – Identify your daily sources of stress along with your sources of comfort. If they don't readily come to mind, keeping a journal may help. Take special note of any events that consistently put a strain on your energy and time, especially those that elicit a negative physical response like a headache. After several weeks, you should have a pretty good idea of what's causing your stress.

2. Watch What You Eat – It may sound silly, but a diet that consists of lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables has been shown to help reduce stress. It's a good idea to limit foods containing high amounts of caffeine, sugar, and fat, as well as your consumption of alcohol. You should also reduce your intake of overly processed meals and fast foods.

3. Increase Daily Exercise – Exercise strengthens the heart and circulatory system as well as muscles and joints, all of which are negatively affected by chronic stress.

4. Learn to Relax – Relaxation techniques can be as simple as deep breathing and as complex as transcendental meditation. Seek out whatever interests you and learn how to relax. Maybe Yoga or Tai Chi works for you. Maybe it’s just a brisk walk, a short nap, or reading a book during a short break in the day. Or maybe, if your budget permits, you’ll want to try an occasional therapeutic massage.

5. Find Support – If the tips above don’t seem to help, it may be time to seek some help and support. Consult your health plan to see if it covers therapy of this nature. If not, use the Internet to find a support group in your area. Sometimes, just knowing you're not the only one with stress is enough to create a positive change.

As we work through challenges in the markets and the financial sector, make sure you’re taking time to take care of yourself. Use the tips above to find a healthy balance of work and play in your life!

Economic Calendar for the Week of September 12 - September 16