January 24, 2012

We touch several bases today. We begin by looking at some recent economic reports which are encouraging. We also preview this Friday's very important first report on 4Q GDP. The pre-report consensus is for a number in the 3-4% range (annual rate), following only 1.8% in the 3Q. Following that discussion, I will bring you the latest estimates from the Blue Chip Economic Indicators, a monthly survey of 50 leading economists and forecasters.

From economics, we shift gears and take a look at income tax policies. I will attempt to explain how some wealthy Americans (think Warren Buffett, Mitt Romney, etc.) can legally pay a lower tax rate than rank-and-file Americans who earn "ordinary" (W-2) income. I will also explain the difference between the "marginal" tax rate and the "effective" tax rate. The two rates are significantly different, yet the media often refer both in the same breath without making the distinction.

Next we look at a recent poll of over 500 millionaires. Believe it or not, 71% said they believe the "rich" should pay higher taxes. But in the same survey, 49% said that the higher tax rate should NOT apply to them but only to super-rich types like Warren Buffett. There are several other interesting insights from this poll of millionaires which I will point out.