Such a long hiatus!

Let's ease back in with some fun facts.

FUN FACT #1

With the February data now in, US consumers have run a negative savings rate for nine months straight -- and the most recent months are the worst since Katrina. No wonder the economy is doing so well.

PERSONAL SAVINGS RATE
2005Q2: -0.24%
2005Q3: -1.59% (Katrina effect)
2005Q4: -0.17%
2006Q1 (so far): -0.51%

FUN FACT #2

The inverted yield curve. For the week of 3/24/06,

6-month treasuries: 4.80
1-year treasuries: 4.77
2-year treasuries: 4.72
10-year treasuries: 4.69

FUN FACT #3

In March the monthly average on the 1-year ARM was 5.42%, the highest level since September 2001. The 15-year FRM was 5.97%, the highest level since June 2002. The 30-year FRM was 6.32%, except for last November (6.33%) the highest level since July 2002.

Enjoy.