Opening Statement from the January 2019 Dividend Gems 

Opening Statement from the January 2019 Dividend Gems 

Originally published on January 20, 2019

Overview

The trend of mild deceleration in global growth continues, with China now at the focus after having recently shown significant signs of a slowdown.

In contrast, the US economy remains solid. Most major economic metrics remain favorable, ensuring continuation of uninterrupted growth through 2019. As well, December’s impressive employment data from the BLS is consistent with the Fed’s bias for two rate hikes in 2019 as it seeks to shift monetary policy to a neutral stance.

The progression of trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing remains