The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI)

The LEI for the United States increased 0.9 percent in October following a 0.7 percent increase in September.

The LEI rose sharply in October with all components gaining over the previous six months, despite negative contribution from stock prices in October and minimal contributions from new orders for consumer goods and average workweek in manufacturing, the LEI suggests the US expansion continues to be strong.”

Ataman Ozildirim, Economist at the Conference Board

The upward trend in the LEI points to continued economic growth through the holiday season and into early 2015. This is consistent with our outlook for relatively good, but not great, consumer demand over the near term. Going forward there are continued concerns about slow business investment and lackluster income growth.”

Ken Goldstein, Economist at the Conference Board

President Barack Obama announced Thursday that millions of illegal immigrants will gain protections from deportation under a plan that would bypass Congress and unleash unpredictable political and economic forces.”

WSJ

November 2014 Empire State Manufacturing Survey

The survey indicates business activity continued to expand for New York manufacturers. The headline general business conditions index climbed four points to 10.2, indicating a pace of growth somewhat faster than last month’s.

Headlines

We are greeted this week with the abhorrent news that ISIS has beheaded another person, this time an American (the THIRD American thus far) and former US Army Ranger. Peter Kassig had volunteered to help the oppressed in Syria and was kidnapped about a year ago. I hear it on the news but I do not see or hear rage, disdain or further plans or calls to utterly destroy this enemy. Have we become hardened to such brutal acts against innocent people? I just don’t get it. We don’t want our troops in a combat role for these unworthy rats. But I’ll tell you what; I would be carpet bombing relentlessly. Screw those pieces of crap.

It was reported this week that the right reverend Al Sharpton owes some $4.5 million in unpaid taxes. He is an advisor and apparently a good friend of President Obama. He should be in jail and all of his assets should be attached and then sold. That’s you and I paying for his thievery as the government will never collect that money.

Remember:

Fast & Furious-providing weapons to criminals leading to a loss of American life. No one held accountable. The president was unaware.
The loss of 4 American lives at our embassy in Benghazi, Libya. No one held accountable. The president was unaware.
The IRS targeting conservative political groups for tax-exempt status. No one held accountable. The president was unaware.
The National Security Administration eavesdropping on the phone calls of American citizens. No one held accountable. The president was unaware.
The software program created for the Affordable Healthcare Act, at a cost of $1 billion (thus far) and 3 ½ years to “perfect”, has been unusable to the American people. No one held accountable. The president was unaware.
Spying on our Allies, specifically Angela Merkel of Germany. No one held accountable. The president was unaware. (Although these things go on knowingly between countries all the time, the fact that our president denies knowledge of this is just another sign of his incompetence as the leader of the most powerful country on the planet).
“If you like your current insurance plan you can keep it. Period” Barack Obama
“If you like your doctor, you can keep him. Period” Barack Obama

Have a great weekend and….

Hug your children and grandchildren, tell them you love them.
Buy American made products whenever you can.
Hire a Veteran: they are patriots, honest, hard working, disciplined, loyal…. and …. They need and deserve our support.

God Bless America