The Economy: The latest numbers appear to support an improving global economic picture. That certainly seems to be the case in the U.S. There are issues with Italian Banks but the ECB is determined to do whatever it takes to preserve the EU regardless of how they have to jigger the numbers. There’s more transparency in the U.S. but conflicting data or opposite interpretations of the same data creates confusion. These conflicting interpretations are not fake news. It appears to be how the data is parsed. We continue to urge that you evaluate your personal and professional situation to properly evaluate how events will impact you. With the flurry of activity from the Trump administration, it’s impossible to know how markets will ultimately react. Caution is advised.

Food for Thought: The Trump agenda continues to quickly unfold. Executive Orders have been announced almost daily. Cabinet officers continue to be approved. All branches of the Federal Government are on notice that budget cuts and profound change is coming. Global governments are struggling to make sense out of the new and developing U.S. foreign policy. The Main Stream Media (MSM) has been and continues to be demonized; officially branded as “The Opposition.” With less than 2-weeks in office, there is greater uncertainty than we’ve ever seen. Some say the deep state is immune to change. I think it’s premature to assume that the leviathan can’t be moved in a new direction. The challenge is to skate to where the puck will be.

Music of the Week: Huey Lewis and The News “Greatest Hits”