Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Real Value of the Dollar (Musical Tribute)


Click to enlarge.

$1 here we come!

Guns N' Roses - Patience


Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: 3-Month CD Rates
St. Louis Fed: CPI

3 comments:

Stagflationary Mark said...

For what it is worth, I'm a believer in the red trend line long-term.

Mr Slippery said...

Are you calculating an inflation adjusted real return based on 3 month CD rates?

The FDIC has the current rate capped at 0.87%, but none of my banks or credit unions come close to that rate.

I am guessing the current loss in real value is greater than the average -0.46% from the trend line.

Stagflationary Mark said...

Mr Slippery,

Are you calculating an inflation adjusted real return based on 3 month CD rates?

Yes, and I'm also factoring in a 25% tax rate.

I am guessing the current loss in real value is greater than the average -0.46% from the trend line.

On the one hand, an exponential trend line from 2008:Q4 to 2012:Q1 shows a pitiful -2.13% average growth rate. For what it is worth, I planned for a -2% real loss long-term when I turned bearish in 2004. Some might argue that we're already there.

On the other hand, oil has been struggling to stay above $100, the employment reports appear to be deteriorating, and the stock market is looking a bit toppy. Cash has been performing fairly well lately.

I'm thinking both hands are very busy right now. It takes a lot of work to wave smoke and mirrors, lol. Sigh.