It’s -6°F as I write this on January 20th in Denver with about 2” of new snow on my driveway. Those of us who have lived in Denver all our lives call this “Stock Show Weather” – that frigid time during our National Western Stock Show and yes, it’s cold! And yes, it’s a new year and a new president and the 119th Congress already at their desks.
My goal, as always, is to share interesting intel that helps you and your stakeholders – be they customers, clients, shareholders, citizens, suppliers and more – navigate your busy day. And for my regular readers, (thanks by the way), you know that interest rates are never far from my mind.
On January 19th 2024 that benchmark 10 Year Treasury Bill was at 4.15% and that same benchmark closed Friday the 17th at 4.61% an increase of just over 11%. The net result is if you borrowed money at those rates for 10 years and went to buy bread, in ’24 you could afford $9,808 worth of your favorite sandwich fixin’ and today it’s $9,600…
As you can see, there’s a real difference and while my crystal ball is as clear as your local weather forecaster, I believe our loaves of bread will be shrinking in the months – if not years – ahead.

There are not many things you and I can do about this but to prepare. Some of the flour and yeast we use can be bought today and stored over time – that new piece of equipment you’ve been planning for is one example along with those building improvements you’ve been brainstorming. And while debt is both good and bad in that it can leverage your good credit into growth and profitability, it is an obligation you should consider very carefully. The flip side is if inflation were to return, the dollars you will need to repay that debt will be worth less tomorrow than they are today.
Yup, push on the balloon…
..over there!

..over here
.and it comes out
Plan ahead friends – and remember that nothing is forever. As Frank said: “Any change for the good is always subject to cancellation upon the arrival of the next fad”.