Weekly Economic Update

WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE December 4, 2017 CONSUMERS ACT ON THEIR CONFIDENCE

A new factoid points out just how well the economy is doing: the federal government just upgraded its estimate of thirdquarter growth to 3.3%. New data on consumer spending and confidence hints at fourth-quarter strength. Personal spending improved 0.3% in October following the 0.9% leap in September, and household wages were up 0.4% in October for a second straight month. At a mark of 129.5, the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index reached a YTD peak in November, having soared 9.1 points in two months.

TWO VERY POSITIVE HOUSING SIGNALS New homes are selling strongly. October saw a 6.2% advance for new home buying according to the Commerce Department, with sales up 30% in the Northeast; the annualized rate of new home purchases was the best in a decade. In addition, the National Association of Realtors announced a 3.5% gain in its pending home sales index for October, a turnaround from the 0.4% September decline.

MANUFACTURING SECTOR MAINTAINS A HECTIC PACE The Institute for Supply Management’s October factory sector purchasing manager index came in at 58.2 last week – a sign of significant expansion. That was half a point below its September reading, but still far above the 50.0 dividing line between sector growth and contraction. THIS WEEK: On Tuesday, AutoZone, Bank of Montreal, Land’s End, and Toll Brothers each report earnings. Wednesday, ADP issues its November payrolls report; investors also review earnings from American Eagle Outfitters, Analogic, H&R Block, Broadcom, and Lululemon Athletica. Thursday brings us a new weekly initial claims report, and earnings from Dell Technologies, Dollar General, and Toro. Wall Street considers the Department of Labor’s November employment report Friday along with the initial University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for December.

VALUE AS OF 12/01/17

VALUE AS OF 12/31/16

S&P 500 INDEX DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL NASDAQ AVERAGECOMPOSITE INDEX MSCI EAFE INDEX BARCLAYS AGGREGATE BOND FED FUNDS TARGET INDEX 6-MONTH US TREASURY YIELD 2-YR US TREASURY YIELD 10-YR TREASURY YIELD CRUDE OIL ($/BARREL)

2,642.22 24,231.59 6,847.59 2,003.72 103.19 1.25% 1.45% 1.78% 2.37% $58.36

2,238.83 19,762.60 5,383.12 1,684.00 102.70 0.75% 0.62% 1.20% 2.45% $53.72

GOLD ($/OZ.)

$1,282.30

$1,151.70

BENCHMARKS

ONE WEEK TOTAL RETURN 1.60% 3.00% -0.60% -0.94% -0.03%

YTD TOTAL RETURN 20.25% 25.49% 27.20% 22.06% 3.36%

1-YEAR TOTAL RETURN 22.96% 29.21% 30.27% 26.01% 3.89%

WEEKLY TIP Has your emergency fund or checking account taken a hit lately? Consider setting up a monthly automatic transfer to help you replenish it. DID YOU KNOW? There are more possible iterations of a game of chess than there are atoms in the known universe.

W. Kelly Montgomery, AIF®, APMA®, Vice President / Senior Portfolio Manager

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This material was prepared by the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Company, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.