Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for December. It was a great close to 2019, with U.S. markets up more than 20 percent and international markets showing double-digit gains. Job growth was strong, and, for the ninth month in a row, income and spending went up. New home sales were at their highest level since 2007, and home builder confidence was the strongest in 20 years. But risks exist, including politics and the trade war. How greatly will they rattle the markets? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.