Big question: how’s the economy doing? With the year more than half over and markets on a spree, it’s an important question to consider. Let’s dig into the latest data and find out. Inflation continues its downward spiral. The latest data for June shows that inflation fell for the 12th month in a row to an annual rate of 3%.1 That’s a significant improvement from June of last year when inflation soared to 9.1%. It also puts the Federal Reserve in the difficult position of deciding whether or not to raise rates again after pausing in June. The odds are good that the Fed will hike rates again at least once more this year, though if inflation continues to decline, policymakers might choose to hold off.2 The economy continues to shrug off recession worries. Despite concerns about how rising interest rates could eat away at economic growth, it doesn’t look like a recession is imminent. Obviously, that could change. However, a July 10 Federal Reserve model projects that the economy grew 2.3% in Q2.3 The job market is still robust, even in sectors sensitive to high interest rates.4
All told, the economy has added 1.67 million jobs in 2023 so far.5 That’s significantly less than the 2.67 million jobs added in the first half of 2022 but it shows that the labor market still has legs. However, job growth may be cooling in the private sector, which could be a warning sign of a slowing economy.6Market psychology has been trending toward optimism (and greed).7 The stock market generally tends to reflect expectations about the economy and business performance. While economic data seems to support the optimistic view, markets might be a little overheated. That means pullbacks and corrections are likely, even if we’re already in the early stages of a bull market. Here’s some good news: They happen pretty regularly, as the chart below shows.8
You can see by the red dots that even years with strong market performance experienced some pretty big drops. That’s normal and not a reason to worry. So, what happens next in markets? I see the potential for volatility ahead. While the rally seems to have spread beyond tech stocks, sentiment could easily swing the other way. Bottom line: I’m watching markets, I’m reading reports, and I’ll be in touch as needed.
Securities offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc. (SPF), member FINRA/SIPC. Additional advisory services offered through The AmeriFlex® Group, an Independent Registered Investment Advisor. SPF is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of SPF. Insurance is offered independent of SPF. This message and any attachments contain information, which may be confidential and/or privileged, and is intended for use only by the intended recipient. Any review, copying, distribution or use of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, (i) please notify the sender immediately and (ii) destroy all copies of this message.
Risk Disclosure: Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This material is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. For illustrative use only.
https://2rsi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/State-of-the-Economy.jpg8811000Retirement Solutions Inc. Teamhttps://2rsi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RSI_Brand-Identity_RGB_Signature_Full-Color-1030x423.pngRetirement Solutions Inc. Team2023-07-12 14:18:342024-10-04 10:05:54State of the Economy
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