Expect Better Growth Worldwide

We look for the global economy to expand at a healthy rate of about 3.7% in 2018 thanks to an improved overall policy, economic, and investment environment across developed and emerging markets [Figure 1]. While accommodative monetary policies have been attributed to propelling both employment and consumption in developed markets, business investment lagged behind. But the length of the expansion should have forced many businesses to increase investment or risk losing market share. In developed markets, where monetary policy has a global impact, fiscal steps can now be taken to spur growth and exten

Breaking down the basics.

Whether your 65^th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions.

Parts A & B: Original Medicare. There are two components. In general, Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility costs, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and some home health care services. One thing to keep in mind is that, while very few beneficiaries must pay Part A premiums out of pocket, annually adjusted standard deductibles still apply.^1,2

Breaking down the enrollment periods and eligibility.

Medicare enrollment is automatic for some. For those receiving Social Security benefits, the coverage starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.¹

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you may be delaying until you reach full retirement age, or until you reach 70. If you’re coming up on 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, SSDI, or benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you can still apply for Medicare coverage. You can visit your local SSA office or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly/ to determine your eligibili

Corporate America delivered another outstanding earnings season. S&P 500 Index earnings are tracking to an 8.2% year-over-year increase for the third quarter with just a handful of companies left to report. Excluding the impact of hurricanes within the insurance group, corporate America produced its third straight quarter of double-digit earnings growth. The amount of upside to earnings estimates was slightly below average in the quarter, but we consider the season a success given the strong upside to revenue forecasts, along with generally upbeat outlooks from corporate management teams.

The consistency with which companies