Optimus-masthead
News & Views 
Halloween Edition 
 

October 31 , 2014

Greetings!

I hope all is well.  In this edition of News & Views, I will discuss the end of QE and the power of tax deferral.  As always, please contact me with any questions or suggestions you may have.

The End of Quantitative Easing
Trick or Treat?
 
Bernanke Buzz
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve ended its historic and controversial economic stimulus program of purchasing bonds known as Quantitative Easing (QE).  Since 2008, the Fed has purchased more than $3.7 trillion (yes, trillion with a 't') in assets swelling its balance sheet to over $4.5 trillion.  This money printing by the Fed was intended to stimulate economic activity, lower interest rates, and lower unemployment.  Let's examine how they did.

Stimulate Economic Activity: Since the middle of 2009, U.S. economic activity as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has remained mostly positive.  Some of that growth can be attributed to the normal recovery phase our economy historically enters after recessions, and some of that growth can be attributed to an additional $6 trillion in debt (spending) by our federal government.

Lower Interest Rates: Interest rates have remained historically low during QE as the Fed has become the largest buyer of U.S. treasuries.  Low rates are great for borrowers, but they are not so great for savers, particularly seniors who tend to have more money invested in CDs and savings accounts.

Lower Unemployment: The unemployment rate peaked in the fall of 2009 at 10.0% and now stands at 5.9%.  While on the surface that seems like QE accomplished its goal by lowering the unemployment rate, the labor force participation rate (percentage of adults either working or looking for work) has dropped from 66% to below 63% accounting for nearly all the "reduction" in unemployment.
 
The Power of Tax-Deferred Growth
Big Benefits Over the Long Term

There can be a significant advantage over time to investing in a tax-deferred investment such as an IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), or 403(b) plan.  The graph below illustrates that potential advantage.  Assuming an investment return of 8% (net of all fees and expenses) and a tax rate of 37% (28% federal tax plus 9% state tax), a taxable investment of $50,000 will accumulate to $133,679 at the end of 20 years.  A tax-deferred investment of the same amount will accumulate to $233,048.

 

 

 

 

Sincerely,
 

Paul Hewitt
 
 
(949) 727-4734 x1