DID YOU KNOW? American biotech company Novavax has started the first human study of its experimental Coronavirus vaccine and expects initial results on safety and immune responses in July. Last week, Moderna reported positive development on its vaccine trial: all 45 participants had developed coronavirus antibodies. Merck plans to work alongside IAVI, a non-profit scientific research organization, to develop a potential vaccine against the Coronavirus. (CNBC)
DID YOU KNOW? Lumber prices for July delivery are up 46% from a low on April 1 and 15% higher than a year ago, indicating a rebound in construction demand. With trade tensions with China worsening, don't expect construction costs to go down: the exact opposite is possible. (WSJ)
DID YOU KNOW? Current cash levels are above a historical average dating back to 2005. Cash allocations have risen to nearly 14% for Bank of America clients. Over $1 Trillion could enter the markets soon..... the S&P 500 is up more than 35% since March 23. (CNBC)
DID YOU KNOW? French GDP fell 5.8% in the three months to March, while Italy’s GDP contracted by 4.7%. In the previous quarter, their GDP fell by 0.1% and 0.3% respectively. GDP in Germany and the U.K. was down by around 2%, with GDP for the entire European Union shrinking by 3.3%. U.S. GDP fell by 1.2% in the first quarter, compared to 0.5% in the previous quarter. The second quarter could be as bad, if not worse as shutdowns extended. The World Bank has forecast a worldwide GDP contraction of 5% this year.....although I think we should always judge a year at the END of the year! After a big fall.....expect big rises! I am optimistic! (CNBC)
DID YOU KNOW? Mortgage availability has tightened sharply as lenders impose tougher income, credit-score and down-payment conditions and drop some loan types altogether, such as home-equity lines of credit. If you have any clients seeking to buy now or over the next few months, be certain to evaluate their credit scores early and connect them with a 'credit clean-up' consultant ASAP to improve their score.but a strong credit score alone may not be enough, so pre-approving buyers early may be more important now than ever. JP Morgan Chase said it wouldn’t make loans without a 20% down payment or a credit score of 700 or above. Wells Fargo stopped allowing cash-out refinancing loans. (WSJ)
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