Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, left behind a remarkable legacy of public service and humanitarian work. His centennial life not only highlights the increasing longevity we face as a society but also serves as a testament to the impact of lifestyle choices on lifespan.
Carter’s Enduring Impact:
Carter’s presidency (1977-1981) was marked by significant achievements:
• Negotiating the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel
• Establishing diplomatic relations with China
• Creating the Departments of Energy and Education
However, his post-presidential work, including founding the Carter Center and his efforts with Habitat for Humanity, arguably had an even greater global impact
The Longevity Imperative:
Andrew Scott’s book, “The Longevity Imperative,” emphasizes that while genetics account for 20-30% of lifespan variation, our lifestyle choices and decisions influence the remaining 70-80%
This underscores the importance of proactive measures in health, education, and social engagement to maximize our increasing lifespans.
December 2024 NFP Report: Economic Implications
Today’s release of the December Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report is crucial for understanding the current state of the U.S. labor market:
• Expectations: Payroll growth is anticipated to ease to 154,000 jobs, down from November’s unexpected surge of 227,000
• Unemployment Rate: Projected to remain steady at 4.2%
• Average Hourly Earnings: Expected to show a slight cooling in monthly growth while maintaining a robust annual pace
These figures will be closely watched as indicators of economic health and potential Federal Reserve policy directions.
Currency Market Implications:
The Japanese Yen is currently trading around 158 against the U.S. Dollar, approaching its July low of 162. A strong jobs report could push the Yen closer to this level, potentially triggering intervention by Japanese authorities if it surpasses 160